TUCSON — In his first message on the first workout day for the pitchers and catchers, manager Jim Tracy didn’t mince words about a team that many people believe will finish in first place in the National League West.
“I told them we came here to be good,” Tracy said at Hi Corbett Field on Friday. “You don’t want to be an aberration. That’s insulting.”
The players reacted positively to Tracy’s message. It struck a chord for a franchise that has generally soft-pedaled high hopes.
“It made a lot of sense. We are good, so why wouldn’t there be expectations,” pitcher Jeff Francis said.
Added starter Ubaldo Jimenez, “It gives you confidence when your leader feels that way.”
The Rockies won a franchise record 92 games last season, including a 74-42 record under Tracy. They have never won a division title or posted back-to-back 90 win campaigns.
“What we did was good, but we can do even better,” Tracy said. “When we leave here in six weeks, I want guys to know who they are, what they are, and what’s expected of them.”
No left turn.
Francis looked up and asked incredulously, “You aren’t going to talk to me every time I throw are you?” No, just after the first one. Francis impressed coaches and teammates with a side session Friday. He threw low strikes with his fastball and drew praise from catcher Mike McKenry for his curveball.
“It feels like my arm again,” Francis said.
Mound mystery.
Pitching has replaced frustration for Greg Reynolds. After the rhomboid muscle in his back was surgically repaired and reattached to his shoulder blade roughly four months ago, the former first- round pick is finally throwing without pain.
“Before the surgery, it made a popping sound. It was such a weird injury. No one had even heard of it,” Reynolds said. “It definitely took a toll mentally. I am looking forward to competing and getting through spring healthy.”
