Drew Goodman Reports to Spring Training

February 19, 2008

One of the first things visitors to the Rockies Spring Training home in Tucson will notice that is different from years past is the signage that welcomes them.  Instead of “Home of the Colorado Rockies,” it now rightfully proclaims “Home of the 2007 NL Champion Colorado Rockies.”  It’s a subtle reminder of the frenzied and historic finish that is still fairly fresh in the mind.  The calendar, as Clint Hurdle pointed out, "does not lie," but the winter was unmistakably shorter for players, coaches and the people that cover the team.  It’s a tradeoff for October success that is welcome every year.

Clint met with the media for about twenty minutes after the second official workout of the spring (pitchers and catchers only, though virtually every position player is already in camp and working out on a less formal basis).  There were two noteworthy comments for me.  One spoke to the new status of the club and the other to Hurdle's sense of humor and his understanding of personal priorities.  He unequivocally stated that the Rockies are looking to produce "four more wins" in 2008.  This is a contrast to years past where team goals were more understated, even intrinsic, with frequent mentions of making strides “in the process.”  Enough strides have been made that thoughts and desires to be the last one standing in the autumn can be declared with a straight face, and received by the media gathering without raised eyebrows.  The other thought from the Rockies witty manager that drew laughter was when he was asked if he was going to relax the rest of the day.  "Some people need a caffeine shot to start their day.  I need two Red Bulls when I go home to keep up with Maddy and Christian!"  I think all parents can relate...

On the field, I did notice that Jeff Baker looked comfortable, nimble and very athletic, working a couple of double play drills with the other second basemen.  Baker worked diligently on footwork in the winter to help him compete at a position he's never played before.

There is always a freshness to the spring, a focus among the players that is somewhat veiled by the relaxed atmosphere of February and March - a contrast to the marathon of 162 games.  There are the genuine smiles, the rookie hazing during stretching, and the affection on display among a group that is close knit and enjoying the fraternity of a locker room once again.  It is fact that this is a time of year that spawns optimistic statements from every camp in the game - some with merit, many others made for the simple reason that optimism is easy in the midst of palm trees when it’s winter everywhere else.  But in the Rockies case, they run their foul poles and pick groundballs with the knowledge that they are one of six teams to win 90 games or more last year, and one of two that was still playing as the leaves departed the trees.  And did I mention that Tuesday in Tucson was a cloudless, beautiful spring day?