SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Some opinions and observations at the halfway mark of Rockies spring training:

• New manager Walt Weiss is a good fit for this team. He’s a low-key guy, but there’s no mistaking his intensity. He’s allowing players to have ownership of the team, but I sense they respect him and will play hard.

• Weiss is already mastering the art of the interview. In other words, he provides good quotes, but tap-dances when he needs to. For example, while he’s praised third-base prospect Nolan Arenado’s talent, he’s been very careful when asked about the kid’s chances to make the big-league club.

• Weiss is not trying to do too much. For instance, he’s relied on bench coach Tom Runnells to organize camp and he’s allowing his coaches to provide a lot of input. It’s a smart move for a rookie manager.

• I know it’s early, but the Rockies’ starting pitching remains the huge, overriding concern. Watching Juan Nicasio has been a roller-coaster ride, and Jorge De La Rosa looks out of synch. De La Rosa’s body language on the mound suggests he’s a very frustrated pitcher.

• As it stands now, I either think Chris Volstad and Danny Rosenbaum have a real shot to make the rotation. I wouldn’t have said that when pitchers and catchers reported to camp on Feb. 10.

• Having said that, I believe the Rockies have to make a deal for another starting pitcher. They have a surplus of talent in the infield and outfield, so there are parts to trade. They owe it to their fans to put a better product on the mound.

• When Todd Helton is bouncing around in the clubhouse like a frat boy, it means he’s feeling good and strong. While not exactly John Belushi in “Animal House,” Helton is loose and goofy. It’s a good sign.

• Carlos Gonzalez, absent from camp for now as he plays for Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic, is a different person this year. Last year, he reported to spring training out of shape and seemed distant from his teammates. This year, CarGo is in great shape, is laughing and interacting with everybody and is playing terrific baseball.

• Arenado is different this spring, too. He’s more confident and looks like he belongs in a big-league clubhouse. That wasn’t the case in 2012. I don’t know if he’ll make the 25-man roster out of spring, but the kid’s got raw power and charisma.

• After watching Wilin Rosario deal with the early-spring wildness from some of the pitchers, I’m convinced he’s become a better defensive catcher. He’s not a polished receiver, but he’s better behind the plate. He’s blocking balls in the dirt, not stabbing at them with his glove.

• I know he still has minor-league options remaining, but I think DJ LeMahieu needs to make this team. He’s a good, consistent fielder and a solid hitter who handles the bat well in any situation. Plus, he can play second, third or short.

• I must admit I was a little skeptical when Weiss hired Dante Bichette as the new hitting coach. But after watching Bichette work with the players, and after hearing what they say about him, I think it was a good move.

• The trade for Alex White that brought late-game reliever Wilton Lopez was a good move. Lopez is a pro and he beefs up what should be a solid bullpen.

• I’m optimistic the Rockies’ lineup will be athletic, productive, talented and entertaining.

• I’m pessimistic about the starting rotation, and in the overall scheme of things, that trumps my aforementioned optimism.

Patrick Saunders: 303-954-1428, psaunders@denverpost.com or twitter.com/psaundersdp



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