GAME DAY

The Rockies lost 6-2 to the Royals, scoring two runs in the ninth. Jeff Baker led off with a long home run to left field, followed by Joe Gaetti's double and singles by Chris Iannetta and Tim Olson. In a "B" game at Tucson Electric Park, Tino Sanchez hit a game-ending grand slam as the Rockies beat the White Sox 10-6.

IN THE MIX

Outfielder/first baseman John Mabry, 36, a left-handed hitter who doubled to left-center field in the fourth, is batting .389 (7-for-18) with one home run and four RBI. Mabry is competing with Alexis Gomez, Ryan Spilborghs and Cory Sullivan for a spot on the bench.

Mabry is healthy this spring training, unlike last year, when he dealt with a sports hernia in his left groin that hampered him all season with the Cubs and led to surgery in October.

"He's got a passion for playing and still has some things he wants to accomplish," manager Clint Hurdle said. "He came in in great shape. He's been a nice addition to our camp, not just the way he's swinging the bat but the attitude he brings to the ballpark every day."

CATCHING ON

Iannetta went 3-for-4 to increase his average to .353 (6-for-17) and threw out Mark Teahan trying to steal second base in the fifth. After joining the Rockies in late August last year, Iannetta initially struggled on offense and defense. Hurdle said it has "been fun to watch" Iannetta, who seems more relaxed this spring training.

"Last year, I was going into a situation where I was handling a pitching staff that had been going all year and were set in their ways and doing what they wanted to do," Iannetta said. "Now I'm coming into a staff that I'm getting in shape as they're getting in shape, so I have the opportunity to be with guys that I can actually be part of that staff instead of being plugged in at the end of the year. So I feel I belong a little bit more."