SCOTTSDALE — The grass is emerald green, the sky is desert blue and confidence high as Rockies pitchers and catchers hold their first official spring training workout Wednesday at Salt River Fields.
Bolstered by back-to-back playoff appearances, the Rockies clearly have lofty aspirations. No doubt manager Bud Black and his crew will spout optimistic bromides throughout camp.
But what’s the national perception? It’s not nearly so rosy. Here’s a small sampling:
— USA Today names 11 teams that are “in it to win it.” The Rockies are not included in that group. Rather, they are categorized as one of six teams that “need some breaks.