Adam Ottavino emerged from last season?s four-man rotation experiment with a defined role after a strong first season with the Rockies. A dependable piggyback reliever, Ottavino has decided to build on that in spring training with the Rockies rather than participate in the World Baseball Classic for the Italian team.
?Just too important a year for me,? Ottavino said Friday in a text message. ?I want to put my best foot forward in spring.?
The Rockies claimed Ottavino off waivers from the Cardinals on April 4. He pitched well in Triple-A for the Sky Sox, earning a promotion. He finished 5-1 with a 4.56 ERA in 79 innings, his ERA bloated by a pair of poor outings late in the season. The Rockies will use a five-man rotation this year, but plan on keeping at least two hybrids, as they call them. With Josh Roenicke lost to the Twins on a waiver claims, Ottavino, Josh Outman, Edgmer Escalona and Manny Corpas are among the candidates to fill the role.
The piggyback relievers have designated work days, and, if last year?s model is followed, will be available for up to 50 pitches.
Ottavino, 27, has a powerful fastball, complemented by a swing-and-miss slider. There was some talk of having him compete for a rotation spot at season?s end, but that has been tabled.
Several Rockies plan to participate in the World Baseball Classic including shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, if cleared in a workout next week, and outfielder Carlos Gonzalez, who has done promotional work for the Venezuelan team this offseason.
Source: http://feeds.denverpost.com/~r/dp-blogs-rockies/~3/Loz6bFQVgrk/
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