Citizen Staff Writer
JOHN MOREDICH
jmoredich@tucsoncitizen.com
Members of the Colorado Rockies organization talked about every inning and every game meaning more this spring.
But so far the Rockies are winless after dropping a sixth straight game, a 12-3 loss to the Los Angeles Angels on Monday at Hi Corbett Field.
“I’m taking notes and we have an acute eye on what we are doing,” Colorado manager Clint Hurdle said. “We are not going to panic. It’s March 2. We want to make sure we are focused and disciplined on everything we are doing.”
The win/loss record during spring training doesn’t translate to anything that happens once the games count for real, but the Rockies wanted a better start to get in a winning groove.
The team has struggled often in April.
“We have not had bad at-bats,” Hurdle said. “We are just not squaring up enough. I’m not real concerned or worried.”
The Rockies, after getting just four hits Monday, saw their team batting average drop to .219. The Angels are at .329.
If there is huge disappointment, it’s not being shown publicly.
“This is a work in progress. It is a long spring,” Hurdle said. “We’ve got time in front of us. (But) nobody in (the locker room) is happy with where we are.”
Colorado has been outscored 45-19. One reason has been an array of injuries. Star hitter Todd Helton has not played a game after having offseason back surgery.
The Rockies are being cautious with the lifetime .328 hitter. Helton is working extensively in the batting cages.
Colorado has played the last few days without starting right fielder Brad Hawpe (finger) and players fighting for spots such as infielders Ian Stewart (biceps) and Jeff Baker (elbow).
The pitchers haven’t been consistent either.
Franklin Morales, for example, was perfect in two innings in his first spring game last week, but he gave up seven runs and nine hits in three innings against the Angels.
“We talk about pitching down in the zone and quality strikes,” Hurdle said. “Those are two area we have not been consistent with.”
At least there are still plenty of games before the April 6 season opener.
‘We are not going to panic. It is March 2.’
CLINT HURDLE,
Rockies manager