Rockies report: Quintanilla staying?

By Tracy Ringolsby, Rocky Mountain News

Published June 18, 2008 at 11:55 p.m.

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Numbers Game

9 players have appeared at second base for the Rockies this year, with Doug Bernier's major league debut Tuesday. That's the most in the majors. Minnesota has used seven players at second base.

He Said It

"It can't hurt if you have a guy who is capable at the same position. They talk (pitchers) times, moves and nuances."

Hurdle, on Willy Taveras benefiting as a base stealer from the presence of Scott Podsednik.

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Q THE ANSWER?

Omar Quintanilla's solid play at second base and shortstop filling in after the injuries to Troy Tulowitzki and Clint Barmes seem to have put him in position to remain on the team as a utility player after Tulowitzki returns on Friday and Barmes on Monday. The fact Quintanilla is a left-handed hitter is an asset.

"He hasn't done anything to hurt his chances," manager Clint Hurdle said. "(A left-handed hitting middle infielder) is a nice option to have available."

HEALING

The Rockies would like another left-hander for the bullpen with the move of Jorge De La Rosa back to the rotation. The hope was Micah Bowie would be ready to come off the disabled list, but he was moved to the 60-day disabled list.

Having originally been disabled April 22, Bowie still could be activated any time after Sunday.

"We're trying to make sure he's 100 percent, can pitch back-to-back nights and is pain free," Hurdle said.

ETC.

Center fielder Dexter Fowler of Double-A Tulsa extended his hitting streak to 12 games with a single in the Drillers' 4-3 win against Northwest Arkansas on Wednesday night. . . . Former Rockies second baseman Mike Lansing, who lives in the Denver area, was a visitor at Coors Field, catching up with Indians manager Eric Wedge. Wedge and Lansing were teammates at Wichita State. . . . The Rockies wives will hold their annual Charity Grab Bag Sale during the games Friday and Saturday. Bags each will have a baseball with a player's autograph and will sell for $40. The proceeds will go to the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association and the Father Ed Judy House. . . . Cleveland designated hitter Travis Hafner got a second opinion on his sore right shoulder from Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala. Hafner, hitting .214 with four home runs, has been bothered by the shoulder since spring training and was placed on the disabled list May 30. . . . Todd Helton went 0-for-3 with a walk, leaving him with two hits in his past 22 at-bats. . . . Grilli not only has worked seven scoreless innings in his past seven appearances, he also has 22 strikeouts in his past 14 appearances, striking out at least one each time.

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