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Sullivan's bat must spit fire

Arrival of Taveras, Finley sends clear message in center

Tracy Ringolsby, Rocky Mountain News

Published February 26, 2007 at midnight

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TUCSON - In December, the Rockies acquired speedy Willy Taveras as part of a package from Houston for right-handed pitcher Jason Jennings, a not-so- subtle message that Cory Sullivan's two-year claim to the center field job was in jeopardy.

Now, the Rockies have signed veteran Steve Finley, like Sullivan a left-handed hitter, a rather emphatic indication that Sullivan faces a battle for a spot on the 25-man roster, much less the starting lineup.

"I don't read too much into any of it," Sullivan said. "I know what I need to do."

In other words, Sullivan knows if he can show this spring that he can be the offensive player the Rockies saw in the final six weeks of the 2005 season, he will have a big-league spot.

If he doesn't do the job with the bat, though, he well could find himself at Triple-A Colorado Springs, a $900,000 salary notwithstanding. His situation is not unlike that of Clint Barmes, the Opening Day shortstop the past two years who is being challenged this spring by rookie Troy Tulowitzki. With the versatility of reserves Jamey Carroll and Jeff Baker, Barmes could find himself at Colorado Springs, too, if he doesn't win the starting job, because the Rockies won't have much playing time for another utility infielder.

"Probably not," manager Clint Hurdle said of keeping a second backup infielder. "But there are so many intangibles in the spring. We have to let things happen. We just need to get guys involved and give them the freedom to play."

More than once in the past week, Hurdle and general manager Dan O'Dowd said the roster decision this spring will be made on who fits best. Economics aren't an issue. And Sullivan does have all three of his options remaining, which makes it unlikely the Rockies would consider releasing him.

Finley, who will turn 42 on March 12, has nearly 18 years of big-league experience, most of it as an everyday player. Finley only hit .246 with San Francisco last year, but he still showed the abilities in the field that allowed him to win five Gold Gloves, and he could provide the Rockies with a veteran influence who has experienced winning. He played in seven postseasons, including being part of Arizona's world championship team in 2001.

"I understand that competition is inherent to this game, but I don't feel any sense of urgency," Finley said. "I am who I am."

Sullivan has proved to be an upper-echelon defensive center fielder. And he has shown offensive potential in stretches. The key is for Sullivan to extend those stretches and minimize his struggles.

"I have been up and down," he said, "but I do feel I've earned the opportunity and chance to be here. Now, I have to take care of business."

Sullivan is in a different situation this spring than he ever has been. Two years ago, he was the surprise of spring training and made the big-league club despite never having played above the Double-A level and despite not playing at all in 2005 because of elbow surgery.

A year ago, he showed up at Hi Corbett Field already entrenched in the Opening Day lineup as the Rockies' center fielder.

Not this year.

This year, Sullivan has to reclaim his big-league status.

And it revolves around his offense. He has a .280 average in two big-league seasons, but he is a top-of-the-lineup hitter who had a .321 on-base percentage last year and struck out 100 times in 386 at-bats.

"I don't feel like I try to do too much, but I do lose focus," Sullivan said. "I need to lock in my frame of mind and stay focused."

Sullivan does feel he is physically sound. After working out in the Phoenix area before last season, he spent this offseason in Denver, putting in regular sessions at Coors Field under the direction of Brad Andress, the Rockies' strength coach.

"I trust Brad," Sullivan said. "He knows me. He knows what I need to do. When I get in the weight room, I need someone to set my routine. If I rely on myself for a strength program, I can get lazy."

And given the challenges Sullivan faces this spring, he knows he needs to be physically at the top of his game.