The focus today was on the ABS system as well as an experienced ace and a prospect looking to make it to The Show.
Here’s the latest news from Colorado Rockies spring training.
Pitchers and catchers reported on Tuesday, and today held their first workout. The first full-squad workout will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 18, all in preparation for the Rockies opening spring training game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday, Feb. 21 at 1:10 pm.
The Rockies have a total of 63 players in Major League camp, including 23 non-roster invitees. Of those players, 34 of the 63 played for the Rockies during the 2024 season with 40 originally drafted or signed by Colorado.
We’ll also see another test of the automated balls and strikes (ABS) “challenge” system. This is the first time the technology has been used with Major League players. More than 60% of spring training games this season will be played with ABS including 27 of the Rockies’ Cactus League games. This will be a story to watch over the coming weeks.
Today, the focus was on Bud Black, Germán Marquez, and Chase Dollander.
Bud Black
Black was asked about his thoughts on the new ABS challenge system and his approach to working with young pitchers.
“I like it,” Black said of the ABS system, adding, “I think it adds another element for fan engagement.”
He likened it to replay as an opportunity for fans to get involved in the action of the game and noted that the staff would be learning how to use it. However, Black also sees it as a way to equalize the game for pitchers.
“You truly have to throw strikes,” he said.
Black noted that the system might favor the hitter “a touch,” but he pointed out that usually umpires are correct in their calling of balls and strikes.
Of working, really for the first time, with Chase Dollander and other pitching prospects, Black said, “I want to get to know them, and this is an opportunity to know Chase and other young pitchers that I really haven’t gotten to know.”
Black acknowledged Dollander’s talent and said, “I’m going to let him show it.”
Germán Márquez
For Germán Márquez — coming off Tommy John surgery while in the final year of his contract— it’s a big season.
He acknowledged that 2024 was rough, but for him, that’s in the past.
“I feel good, and I feel ready to go,” Márquez said.
He had a good offseason and only started throwing again in mid-November after going three months without touching a baseball. “But when I got a baseball, I felt good. I felt no pain.”
Surpassing former Rockies pitcher Jorge De La RosaSetting and the record as the Rockies strikeout leader was a high — if fleeting — moment for him in 2024.
“I’m super happy that I could come back and make history and sad that after that, I got hurt again,” he said.
Márquez is also bullish on the Rockies’ chances.
“I feel like we have a good team to compete, and we have a lot of young guys with veteran guys. I like that mix,” Márquez said. And he thinks they’ll be more competitive than many expect.
Márquez acknowledged it’s the last year of his contract. “I don’t want to think about it,” he said. “I just want to do my job and do my best for the team.”
He feels, too, that his stuff is back and that his fastball and curveball are ready to go. “Everything is all there.”
Chase Dollander
“It’s exciting for sure,” Chase Dollander said of attending his first big league camp, “But nothing changes. It’s still baseball. It’s 60’ 6” away. It’s definitely a different atmosphere. You’re around different people, but I wouldn’t that say anything changes. It’s the same game through and through.”
Of his arsenal, Dollander said, “[My] fastball plays at the top of the zone; curveball, slider, changeup — to me all those pitches have gotten a lot better. This offseason, I’ve kind shrunken everything and made them more consistent.”
Despite all the excitement, he’s still just trying to taking things one day at a time: “You can’t think too far ahead. A lot of that stuff’s out of my control,” he said. “The only thing I can control is my effort, my energy, and my execution of my bullpens. If I do that, everything will take care of itself.”
He added, “I’m looking forward to showing these guys what I’ve got.”
What did he hear from fans at Rockies Fest?
“I know they’re really excited for us to get going,” he said. “I’m definitely excited for the season to get going and to show these fans that we are going to compete.”
And of having the number 78?
Dollander laughed, “I’ve never worn 78 before.” But he thinks a number is just a number — though he didn’t rule out claiming one of his minor league numbers (24 and 23, if you’re interested) should they become available.
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Check back tomorrow for more notes from Salt River Fields.
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