Sky Sox face Tucson in season opener

Optimism filled the banquet hall at Security Service Field as the Colorado Springs Sky Sox held their annual season kickoff luncheon Wednesday.

Nearly 100 Sky Sox supporters, staff, fans and players gathered for a two-hour welcome session on the eve of the team’s season opener, and those in attendance were eager for the start of the season.

With a mix of up-and-coming prospects and proven veterans, the Colorado Rockies’ Triple-A affiliate is looking to improve on a 64-79 season.

“I like what we have, as far as chemistry and the way these guys go about their business, but it remains to be seen what they’re able to accomplish once the season starts,” said Sky Sox third-year manager Stu Cole, who played in Colorado Springs from 1993-95.

“We’re going to go out and expect to win every game. With all of us working together, I see no reason why we can’t put together a winning ball club.”

Sky Sox president and general manager Tony Ensor was equally as optimistic, noting that the club is coming off a record season that saw more than 328,000 fans attend home games.

“There is a buzz in the community about Sky Sox baseball,” Ensor said. “We’re excited about the state of our game.”

The Sky Sox open their Pacific Coast League season with an eight-game homestand against the Tucson Padres tonight through Sunday and Reno Aces (Diamondbacks) Monday through Thursday. As with all Triple-A teams, the roster will be in a nearly constant state of change, and that was already evident.

When the Rockies placed ace pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday, they called up Greg Reynolds to take his place. Reynolds was scheduled to start the Sky Sox’s opener, but those duties have fallen on former major leaguer John Maine.

Maine, who has a 41-36 career mark in 105 big-league starts, is on his way back from arthroscopic shoulder surgery in July and says he feels “90 percent” healthy. He’s excited about his progress and is looking forward to getting some quality starts.

“Every start has been better than the last, and my arm feels good,” said Maine, 29, who has pitched for the New York Mets and Baltimore Orioles. “It’s been two years since I’ve pitched competitively while being healthy, so I’m a little rusty. I’m hoping that, after three or four starts, everything will be clicking.”

The Sky Sox hope their season will start clicking Thursday night.