JAMIE MOYER has a few more gray hairs than most of his teammates and he may have lost a step or two. It's hard to tell as his eyes light up when talk turns to baseball and, suddenly, he seems as youthful as 22-year-old Tyler Chatwood, who sits on a nearby locker stool listening to the 49-year-old lefthander.
Moyer last pitched with the Phillies in July 2010. He then had elbow-ligament replacement surgery on his left elbow and many thought his major league career was over.
Moyer, who was in camp yesterday in Scottsdale, Ariz., begs to differ. Calling age a nonfactor, he's looking to resume his career with the Colorado Rockies, one of a few teams that showed interest.
"It's nice to come in and try to compete with kids," Moyer said. "I guess there are guys around here who are half my age. I got myself back into shape and it's time to get a good assessment of where I am."
Moyer wants to join a pitching staff that hopes to make a quick transition from chaos to contention. Jhoulys Chacin remains the only healthy member of a rotation that opened the 2011 season with high expectations. Jorge De La Rosa, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, is expected back as early as May. Jeremy Guthrie was acquired from the Baltimore Orioles to fill another spot.
Moyer thinks he's capable of fitting into the rotation.
"Colorado seemed like it was a pretty good fit and a good opportunity," Moyer said. "I feel my experience will help me. The only thing I've not done through surgery is to pitch competitively. I've always been competitive. I enjoy it and thrive on it. There's an opportunity to get some innings and, hopefully, making the club."
He's already making a difference in the clubhouse. Moyer spent nearly 20 minutes explaining and demonstrating bunting to Chatwood, who pitched for the Los Angeles Angels last year, and Guthrie. The former AL pitchers intently listened.
Moyer brings 24 years and 260 career victories to the lectern.
"When I look back to the early years of my career, guys like Rick Sutcliffe and Scott Sanderson were willing to share and I remember that," Moyer said. "I appreciated it and it is my responsibility to pass the baton, share my experiences. I try to bring something to the clubhouse as an individual, the intangibles.
"It's not a one-way street. I'm always willing to learn and find a way to get better."
