Milwaukee — I was talking with Rockies closer LaTroy Hawkins Monday morning before the Rockies’ 2015 season-opener vs. the Brewers at Miller Park.
“It never gets old,” said the 42-year-old Hawkins, who is entering his 21st year in the majors.
He noted that it’s one of the few times the whole team lines up on the baseline and gets introduced before the game. The other occasions are the All-Star Game, playoffs and World Series.
“It’s a special day,” Hawkins said. “The first person to tell me that was (the late) Kirby Puckett, when I broke in with the Twins. I never forgot that.”
Come Tuesday, the special day turns into a marathon with lot of moving parts and question marks. Here are a few tidbits to know about the Rockies as we await first pitch:
Infielder Daniel Descalso is the Rockies’ Jack of all trades. He can also play outfield in a pinch. (John Leyba, The Denver Post)
* The Rockies broke camp with only four outfielders. leaving them thin. If an emergency outfielder is needed, manager Walt Weiss will go with either Rafael Ynoa or Daniel Descalso.
“I’ve been shagging a few flyballs during batting practice,” Descalso said. “I feel comfortable enough out there, so if they need me, I can get the job done.”
* The starting first baseman is Justin Morneau, with converted catcher Wilin Rosario as his primary backup. The versatile Descalso is third on the first base depth chart.
* On days when Rosario starts at first base, Weiss said he will not hesitate to insert Morneau into the ballgame in the late innings for defensive purposes, especially if the game is close.
* Right-hander Kyle Kendrick is the fourth different Rockies opening-day starter in four years. The last time the Rockies had a pitcher make consecutive opening-day starts was with Ubaldo Jimenez in 2010-11.
Tags: Daniel Descalso, Justin Morneau, LaTroy Hawkins, Rafael Ynoa, Walt Weiss, Wilin Rosario
