TUCSON — There are orange construction signs outside Hi Corbett Field and orange cones in the outfield. The cone position is a less-than-subtle hint to avoid offensive detours.
Using the Power of V, Rockies hitting instructor Don Baylor placed three cones apiece behind second base and shortstop — it forms a V when looking from home plate — to remind players to hit to the big part of the field.
“It creates a visual, reinforces the idea that they need to stay inside the ball,” Baylor said Sunday after several position players hit in an optional workout. “Spring training is a time to be working on fundamentals.”
As good as the Rockies were last year, they had issues at the plate. Only the Arizona Diamondbacks struck out more. And three hitters — Ian Stewart, Clint Barmes and Chris Iannetta — battled lengthy slumps after becoming too pull-conscious.
“We ran into trouble when we tried to hit the ball too far. You need to let the home run happen,” manager Jim Tracy said. “Focus on the power V.”
So committed is Baylor to changing habits, he will keep the cones in place during batting practice in spring training home and away games.
“People will just figure they are out there for conditioning,” Baylor said with a smile.
Consider it mental exercise.
Opening up.
Barmes has taken strides to minimize the prolonged batting slumps that tainted last season. He has returned to an open stance with his left foot pointing slightly toward third base, reminiscent of Garrett Atkins’ approach. Barmes’ closed stance worked last May, but when pitchers began busting him inside, he kept getting jammed and was unable to adjust.
“It’s a work in progress,” Barmes said. “But this should help.”
No leg up.
Reliever Manuel Corpas suffered a slight setback Sunday, unable to perform fundamental drills because of a tweaked right hamstring. He spent the afternoon using the elliptical machine and said he expects to throw his normal side session today.
Reliever Craig Baker also was limited because of a strained side muscle suffered while slug-bunting.
“Aaron Cook told him to take it easy, that we already had a No. 4 hitter,” Tracy said.
Footnotes.
The Las Vegas Hilton, which has the world’s largest sports book, has predicted the Rockies to finish second in the NL West behind the Dodgers. The odds forecast the division to be the most competitive in baseball. . . . Top pitching prospect Christian Friedrich, 22, is enjoying his first big-league camp. “Everything is better here. The food, the shampoo in the showers, you name it,” he said. Friedrich was dominant at Single-A last year and could move quickly through the system. He has been learning more about fastball command by watching Jeff Francis. . . . Young infielder Hector Gomez impressed veterans with his swings Sunday. He has whippy hands and wears no batting gloves, leaving one player to say he reminded him a little of Vladimir Guerrero. . . . Pitcher Greg Smith is stronger and bigger. He has gained back the 15 pounds he lost during two bouts of illness last spring. . . . Todd Helton’s back is not an issue. He was peppering home runs over the right-field wall and swinging full throttle throughout a lively BP session Sunday.
Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post
