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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Perpetual backup Smith aims for roster spot

Associated Press The Spokesman-Review

It seems Seth Smith has been watching and waiting his whole life.

The 25-year-old rookie who helped fuel the Colorado Rockies’ remarkable run to the World Series with his clutch bat off the bench is among four outfielders competing for two backup jobs with the N.L. champions.

Being an understudy is nothing new to Smith, who spent his college football career as Eli Manning’s backup at Ole Miss. So he knows all about biding his time and picking up tips from the stars.

“Backing up Eli definitely helps me with patience,” Smith said. “But at the same time, instead of worrying about when it is going to be my time, you kind of worry about what you can learn from the guy who’s doing it right now.”

Nowadays, his teacher is right fielder Brad Hawpe, although Smith watches others such as Todd Helton and Matt Holliday with a keen eye, too.

“Just all these guys that have been there where I want to be, it’s important for a young guy to look at them, see how they carry themselves, see how they take care of their business and go about their daily routines,” Smith said.

Smith never did displace Manning as the first-string quarterback at Mississippi, where he didn’t take a snap in three seasons. But he went to Oxford to play baseball, and on the diamond he was the star, not the stand-in.

He produced key pinch hits against Philadelphia and Arizona after earning a spot on the playoff roster by going 5 for 8 in his September call-up.

When the season ended, he reclined in disbelief at his .571 batting average against big league pitching.

Smith has his work cut out for him as he tries to beat out last year’s incumbent backup outfielders Cory Sullivan and Ryan Spilborghs, along with free agent Scott Podsednik.

“You cannot overlook what he was able to bring to the table late in the season,” manager Clint Hurdle said. “He has that going for him.”

DeRosa out of hospital

Chicago Cubs second baseman Mark DeRosa was released from the hospital Sunday evening, the team said, one day after complaining of a rapid heartbeat during fielding drills.

Cubs spokesman Peter Chase announced DeRosa’s release shortly after 5 p.m. Sunday. The team initially said DeRosa was released Saturday evening, but later said he was kept overnight at Banner Desert Medical Center in Mesa, Ariz., as a precaution.

DeRosa is expected to be examined by a cardiologist today and could be back on the field by the middle of the week, the Cubs said.

Francona gets extension

After managing the Boston Red Sox to two World Series championships in four seasons, Terry Francona was rewarded with a three-year contract extension that runs through 2011.

The deal includes club options for 2012 and 2013.

Clearing the bases

Free-agent pitcher Byung-Hyun Kim finalized an $850,000, one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates, four days after agreeing to terms. The Pirates also designated infielder Ray Olmedo for assignment. … Shannon Stewart and the Toronto Blue Jays agreed to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. He will compete for playing time in the outfield. … Astros pitcher Brandon Backe suffered a bone bruise on his right foot when he was hit by a hard grounder during batting practice Saturday. His status is day-to-day. … Phillies closer Brad Lidge is scheduled to have arthroscopic surgery on his right knee today and could miss the regular-season opener.