TUCSON — After two at-bats, Todd Helton was in regular-season form. Not with his swing, but his smirk.
“My swing wasn’t any good. It made me realize I have a lot of work to do,” said Helton after Sunday’s Cactus League debut. “I am ready to get back into the box and feel more comfortable.”
Helton does miserable well. He’s a curmudgeon when it comes to his performance, so his reaction after facing the Mariners was comforting.
“Just to see him out there is a good feeling. He’s the heart of the team,” pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez said.
Helton received a tough draw for his opener. Seattle’s Felix Hernandez is considered the American League’s version of Tim Lincecum. And Hernandez has a new $75 million contract to prove it.
“I would rather start at the top and work my way down,” Helton said. “I hope (easing into the spring) helps me feel a lot better later in the season.”
King vs. the Chief.
Hernandez is known throughout baseball as The King. Jimenez is known by his Rockies’ teammates as The Chief. On a chilly Sunday, the pair warmed up Hi Corbett Field with a barrage of 95 mph heaters.
“The crowd was into it. It felt more like a regular-season game,” said Jimenez, who delivered his strongest performance of the spring (four innings, two strikeouts).
Before the game, Hernandez and Jimenez made a deal — throw the ball down and away to each other. Nothing inside. So much for that.
“He was filthy,” said Jimenez, who struck out bunting.
Added Hernandez, head shaking as he talked about fanning, “He’s really good.”
Footnotes.
Rockies closer Huston Street will throw a one-inning simulated game today against minor-leaguers. Street expects to make his Cactus League debut this week and believes he needs only seven appearances to be ready. . . . Slowed by shoulder tightness, reliever Rafael Betancourt threw a bullpen session. His next step is live BP. . . . Reliever Jimmy Gobble (groin) played long toss but must clear several more hurdles before returning to a game. . . . Bench coach Tom Runnells experienced an anxious moment in the fourth inning as Jimenez scored. “I see the catcher with his knee out, just thinking, I hope (Jimenez) doesn’t get hurt, or I am going to spend the year in Hermosillo.”
Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post
