TUCSON — They gathered around the batting cage Friday for sunshine and an illuminating peek at the future. Owners Dick and Charlie Monfort, president Keli McGregor, general manager Dan O’Dowd and assistant GM Bill Geivett watched intently as Jeff Francis threw live batting practice.
BP is typically a mindless calisthenic, but there was genuine interest in how the left-hander’s surgically repaired shoulder would respond. The verdict?
“I kept the ball down, and that was my goal,” Francis said. “And I didn’t even think about my shoulder. But I rushed my delivery, so that leaves me less than satisfied.”
As for his audience of high-powered Rockies executives, Francis said, “You notice that they are there, but we have played in front of 50,000 people, so it’s not a big deal.”
Francis hasn’t thrown a big-league pitch since Sept. 12, 2008. His road back started with a controlled environment during which Francis threw while protected by a screen. He faced Troy Tulowitzki, Clint Barmes and Dexter Fowler, telling the hitters what pitch was coming.
“I thought he looked really good. I am sure he’s not where he wants to be yet, but he made some really solid pitches,” Barmes said.
Though no radar gun reading was available, the fastball appeared to be jumping out of Francis’ hand. He purposely threw down the middle rather than on the corners. His changeup was his best pitch, fading away from right-handers while drawing praise from catcher Miguel Olivo. His curveball lacked bite.
Francis, who will throw again Sunday, admitted he is ironing out wrinkles in his delivery. He draws a line on the mound as a guide of where to step with his lead foot, and he consistently overshot the mark.
“The ball was coming out of his hand free and easy. I liked what I saw,” manager Jim Tracy said.
Footnotes. Charlie Monfort surveyed the practice fields and made an observation echoed by players and executives alike. “I have never seen a crowd like this back here,” Monfort said. There were fans at all four practice fields Friday, and they surrounded players for autographs as they switched stations. . . . Monfort said the team is “very encouraged” by ticket sales. . . . Top prospect Christian Friedrich stopped between drills Friday to watch Francis throw his bullpen session. The left-hander has learned to incorporate tips from Francis into his own delivery. . . . The Rockies will play an eight-inning intra- squad game Monday at Hi Corbett Field. Only the young pitchers will be used, save for veteran Jimmy Gobble. . . . Tim Redding broke Chris Nelson’s bat with a slider during live BP. “I gotta do something to impress, right?” Redding said with a smile.
