Colorado Rockies: What Bud Black said about the first day of workouts

After the first day of workouts for the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field, manager Bud Black spoke to the media, including Rox Pile.

Colorado Rockies manager Bud Black addressed the media after his team first reassembled for baseball activities at 20th and Blake on Friday. Black was quick to point out that the players were excited to get back on the field.

"“Today, we went through a few things off the field and on the field,” Black said. “Our interaction with the players, the interactions amongst themselves, there was a great deal of excitement. They feel great physically. That’s a good start.”"

Black described the overall shape of his players after weeks of being forced to adjust their baseball routines as, “maybe even a little better than what the coaches and I thought.”

One of the players who was not available on Friday was Charlie Blackmon, who tested positive for COVID-19 in late June. Black said that the All-Star outfielder would not participate in drills tomorrow (Saturday). However, he did believe that Blackmon would be ready for the season opener, which is scheduled for July 23 or 24. Black also told reporters he had not seen the 2020 schedule.

On a related note, pitchers Ryan Castellani and Phillip Diehl, who also were said to have tested positive, will be on the field on Saturday.

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Additionally, Black said that he didn’t get a chance to talk at length with new Rockies outfielder Matt Kemp on Friday. However, his past conversations with Kemp have been very positive.

"“I can tell you that he’s excited to be a Rockie,” Black said. “He’s super pumped to be with this organization and with this group of guys.“We talked a little bit about expectations and his expectations line up with ours, which is great.”"

Black said the Rockies took the field on Friday in three waves, with the pitchers taking the field first.

"“It was a good day’s work on a day that we didn’t know, based on the testing protocols of the last three days whether we were going to be able to do that based on getting the results back,” Black said. “The results came back and we were able to assemble the players in quick fashion and they responded outstanding.”"

The Rockies will return to the field on Saturday and Rox Pile will be at Coors Field to bring you the latest news and information.