By ANDREW GRUMAN
FOXSportsWisconsin.com
MILWAUKEE -- Walt Weiss knew it wasn't going to go over well, but the first-year manager of the Colorado Rockies had planned on getting his bench players in the lineup for Wednesday's series finale against the Brewers.
But that meant Michael Cuddyer had to sit.
"He's probably mad at me," Weiss said prior to Wednesday's game. "I really wrestled with that decision."
Cuddyer's impact is apparent from the moment one steps foot in the Rockies clubhouse. A few players - including Cuddyer - are wearing t-shirts designed by the veteran. On the front the purple shirt reads "Beat their (butts)" while the back says "Not our own."
It's a statement by one of the team's leaders that last year's 98-loss season was unacceptable and an embarrassment.
"We're going to compete, that's first and foremost," Cuddyer said. "We have talent all over the place. If we get pitching performances like we did (this series) we are going to do real well."
This is the second year of a three-year, $31.5 million contract Cuddyer signed with the Rockies following the 2011 season. By signing with Colorado, Cuddyer was leaving the only team he ever knew.
The first 11 years of his career were spent in Minnesota, becoming a fan favorite and a fixture on six playoff teams. In his first year away from the Twins, Cuddyer's averaged dropped 24 points to .260 and he was limited to just 101 games due to an oblique injury.
In the altitude at Coors Field, Cuddyer hit just 16 home runs and drove in 58, not the impact the Rockies were hoping for when they gave him the big contract.
"Transition period is over," Cuddyer said. "I think that ended last year. I feel good here and I'm ready to continue to get better.
"It is a good place to hit, there's no doubt about that. Fans came out and supported us even though we weren't winning. That was nice, too. Hopefully we can go out and win this year.
2013 is off to a better start. Colorado's starting right fielder, Cuddyer hit .333 in the series against the Brewers. He eventually got in Wednesday's game and took Milwaukee's closer John Axford deep for a two-run home run that extended the Rockies' lead to 6-3 in the ninth.
Last season Weiss was coaching high school baseball in Colorado. Now he's tasked with turning around a franchise who had lost its way. That's why he knows he can ill-afford to have Cuddyer on the bench too much, because the veteran presence and leadership he brings is so valuable.
"He's about as good as it gets when you talk about that stuff," Weiss said. "He does everything right and he's a good player. He's a good guy to have."
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