DENVER — Oh say can you see, baseball is back in the Mile-High City.
"I think we realized how much we love baseball, how much we miss it and how fun it is to be with these guys," shortstop Trevor Story said.
"There's a great deal of excitement, they feel great physically, so that's a good start," manager Bud Black said.
On July 4th, the Rockies officially began Spring Training 2.0, where they'll spend the next three weeks preparing for a 60-game season against the N.L. and A.L. West.
"Everyone was in communication, like hey let's go, this is the time to keep going," catcher Tony Wolters said. "This is the end of your off-season, keep working and getting better because no one took any time off."
Minus star outfielder Charlie Blackmon, who's recovering from COVID-19 and should be ready for the start of the season, Colorado is at full strength for these fan-less workouts at Coors Field.
"Everyone is here, we feel good about where everyone is," Black said.
"They're upbeat, it's fun to be back, this is definitely our second extended-family so guys are excited," relief pitcher Scott Oberg said. "Some of the protocols we're still getting used to; guys are doing a good job. Everyone is excited to get back playing the game they love."
Coming off a disappointing 2019 in which the team finished 71-91, Saturday was the first step in what Bud Blacks' team hopes will be a return to Rocktober.
"The beauty of all this is guys will know when our start date is and there's a natural instinct of picking up the intensity when needed," Black said. "It's awesome to hear the players talk about it themselves knowing they have to do it. That is wonderful that they're in that frame of mind."
"It's great to see the guys, feel that comradery, and feel like we're in the middle of a season again," Story said.
The Rockies are still finalizing their schedule but will start the season on July 23rd or 24th.
