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.
Typically a mindless calisthenic, there was genuine interest in how the left-hander’s surgically-repaired shoulder would respond. The verdict?
“You notice that they are there, but we have played in front of 50,000 people so it’s not a big deal,” Francis said. “I kept the ball down, and that was my goal. And I didn’t even think about my shoulder. But I rushed my delivery so that leaves me less than satisfied.”
Francis hasn’t thrown a big league pitch since Sept. 12, 2008, so the road back had to start somewhere. In this case it was a controlled environment with Francis protected by an L 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 recording was available, the fastball was 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 still ironing out wrinkles in his delivery. He draws a line on the mound as guide of where to step his lead foot, and he consistently over shot the mark.
“The ball was coming out of his hand, and it was free and easy. I liked what I saw,” manager Jim Tracy said.
Big attraction
Charlie Monfort surveyed the practice fields, and made an observation echoed by players and executives alike. “I have never seen a crowd this back here,” Monfort said. There were fans at all four practice fields, and they surrounded players for autographs as they switched stations.
Monfort said the team is “very encouraged” by ticket sales through the first month.
Footnotes
Top prospect Christian Friedrich stopped between drills Friday to watch Francis throw a bullpen session. Friedrich, a left-hander, has learned to incorporate tips from Francis into his own delivery.
… The Rockies will play an eight-inning intrasquad 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.
