ON THE WAY

4 players, all from Venezuela, ran into delays and were not on hand for the workout Friday. Catchers Yorvit Torrealba, Alvin Colina and Edwin Bellorin, and left-handed pitcher Franklin Morales were delayed because the machine that transposes pictures to the visas in Caracas was broken. The Presidents Day weekend added to difficultly in rearranging flights from Venezuela to Tucson.

Torrealba is expected to join the team today. Colina is schedule to fly out of Caracas today, and Bellorin and Morales are booked on Sunday flights.

THE OLD COLLEGE TRY

At the age of 40, and with an artificial hip, reliever Dave Veres is in camp with the Rockies, hoping to make a comeback. He hasn't pitched in the big leagues since 2003. Veres even has a card in his billfold that he presents to airport security to explain why he sets off the screening device.

"If anybody can overcome this, David is the one to do it,'' Hurdle said. "He has a work ethic second to none. If he makes it, he provides us great experience and veteran leadership."

SHAGGY

"It's the first time in 22 years I haven't gotten a crew cut at least once every three weeks. I decided to let it grow out. My wife likes it, so I'm not going to disagree."

Rockies manager Clint Hurdle, on showing up with longer hair to camp.