Raffy's Notebook: Chacin Throwing, Scutaro's Welcome, Nicasio Cruising

Chacin works again

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona - Jhoulys Chacin came into the Rockies clubhouse Saturday morning ready to do his work, and trying to dissipate any doubts regarding his upcoming start Tuesday, after leaving early Thursday.

"You see the blister wasn't a big deal. It's already off," said Chacin, while showing his right index finger. "The only thing that happened is that it made me throw a little different than I usually do. I felt my hand in a different way, it isolated my nerves so the feeling while grabbing the ball was uncommon."

"Out of caution, the coach decided to take me off the mound, but once again, it wasn't a reason for a huge concern. I will be throwing a bullpen session today, and I am going to pitch Tuesday as originally scheduled."

Scutaro feels at home

"Of course it's an excellent opportunity. I feel at home surrounded by many of my fellow countrymen; it has been an excellent welcome for me," infielder Marco Scutaro said Saturday.

It's not a secret for anyone the Rockies feature eight players born in the same country, and Scutaro is one of the new additions to the club. He has felt comfortable without some of the issues that might arise being the new guy in town, thanks to a little help from his friends.

"This is a new start for me, of course with a little more experience. The confidence I've been given throughout my career has helped me a lot in my development as a player. I am now in a new stage, with a great group of guys and that really is important for me," Scutaro said.

Nicasio on the fast track

If you meet Juan Nicasio at this Spring Training without knowing his previous history, you would never realize what he's been gone through.

"I feel amazing," Nicasio said. "It's like nothing ever happened to me before."

But something big happened - a life-threatening issue, if you will. On August 5, he was hit with a line drive, causing him to tumble on the mound and fracturing his C-1 vertebra.

Many thought he would not pitch again, but here he is, looking sharp, with a 1-0 record and a 0.00 ERA after seven innings of work this spring. His demeanor is that of a young man full of vitality.

"I just feel great. Thank God I was able to recover and come back, and in this manner," Nicasio said.