Tulowitzki not looking for retaliation

DENVER - Like Chad Billingsley of the Los Angeles Dodgers a year ago, Colorado's Rafael Betancourt did not respond to a knock-down pitch from Brett Myers of the Phillies in a postseason game.

Unlike the Dodgers, the Rockies were happy that Betancourt did not retaliate.

In the eighth inning of Thursday's second game of the National League division series, Myers hit Colorado's Troy Tulowitzki in the right elbow. On the previous pitch, Tulowitzki had what would have been an epic homer hook foul. In April, Tulowitzki homered against Myers.

"I don't know if he was throwing at me or not," Tulowitzki said yesterday. "I'm just trying to get on base. If that's how I do it, fine."

The timing was different.

A year ago, Myers was a starter and brushed back Manny Ramirez in the first inning of a scoreless game. Several Dodgers players have said they were disappointed that Billingsley did not respond.

This time, Myers was working in relief with the Phillies trailing, 5-3. The Rockies wanted no part of a bean-ball battle.

"The environment was intense enough without having to get into wondering if we are going to retaliate," Tracy said. "We're trying to win the series. That [retaliation] distorts the thought process."

Tulowitzki said he felt no ill effects from being hit and expects to play in tonight's scheduled third game.

Jason Giambi has had many identities in his career: all-star, big-ticket free-agent signing by the New York Yankees, admitted steroid user. He has slipped into a new role with Colorado:

Pinch-hitter and father figure.

Released after the all-star break by Oakland, Giambi signed a minor-league deal with Colorado with the understanding that he would be added as a bench player in September. Giambi went 4 for 11 with one homer and six RBIs as a pinch-hitter in the final month with the Rockies.

Giambi also took on responsibility in the clubhouse. He sought out downcast rookie outfielder Dexter Fowler after he played poorly in the opener of the NLDS. Buoyed by the talk with Giambi, Fowler played better in the second game.

Dropped from leadoff to the second spot in the lineup, Fowler drove in two runs with sacrifice flies and set up another score with a sacrifice.

"Dexter was pressing," Giambi said. "You got to understand that he's a kid. I've been there. And I learned the big thing is you have to relax."

Fowler said Giambi's words made him more comfortable in the pressurized situation. Colorado manager Jim Tracy said Fowler played like a veteran in the second game.

"I credit Jason Giambi for that," Tracy said.

Several Rockies expressed sympathy for former teammate Matt Holliday, whose botched fly ball with two outs in the ninth inning on Thursday started the Los Angeles Dodgers' comeback win against St. Louis in an NLDS game. "When he was here, he was improving as a fielder," catcher Yorvit Torrealba said. "Something had to be wrong. The ball hit him in the stomach. When you're in the big leagues, you can catch the ball." . . . Tracy withheld his lineup but is expected to go back to Brad Hawpe in right field. Ryan Spilborghs replaced Hawpe on Thursday against lefthander Cole Hamels. An all-star selection in the first half, Hawpe slumped badly in the second half, hitting just .240. . . . Giambi has 50 career at-bats, and only eight hits, against Phillies starter Pedro Marintez. All other Colorado position players have just 15 career at-bats against Martinez.