A day of fun and names

ATLANTA » Bud Black called Carlos Gonzalez to the middle of the Rockies’ dugout for a look-see. What is that painted on his bat?

“Let me see your bat, bro,” the manager said to his right fielder Friday, before the Rockies took batting practice at SunTrust Park. Emblazoned on the barrel of his 31½-ounce bat was Gonzalez’s face in full color.

“That’s a three-hit night,” Black said. “I hope (the pitcher) hits you in the face. Right?”

“I’m aiming for the nose,” Gonzalez said, pointing to the sweet spot.

The Rockies kicked off a weekend of lackadaisical equipment regulations as Major League Baseball redesigned team uniforms, and let players wear mix-andmatch socks and put nicknames on their backs. Even paint their bats.

Several Rockies used a redwhite-and-blue bat. Pitcher Chad Bettis wore rainbow socks. The Rockies wore V-neck, two-tone jerseys with the purple faded toward lavender.

Trevor Story changed the name on his uniform to “Joe” because, as a minor-leaguer in camp two years ago, first baseman Mark Reynolds didn’t learn Story’s name, so he called him Joe. Reynolds’ jersey had “Sheriff” on it.

Black used an anti-nickname. “Harry” was printed on his jersey.

“Even though it’s my real name,” the manager said, “I’m going to use it as my nickname. It’s sort of fun.”

MLB brainstormed the idea to allow players some fun outside their routine. MLB also did it to promote the game with kids, a kind of anti-authoritarian nod in the opposite direction of other leagues. Some fans and players have tagged the NFL, for example, as the “No Fun League.”

“We have to keep those kids involved in baseball,” Black said. “Because there are kids out there playing other sports. Don’t get me wrong. I like lacrosse, I like soccer. I like other spring sports. I like football and basketball. But let’s get some ballplayers.”

Desmond update.

Outfielder Ian Desmond (strained calf) went 1for-2 at the plate Thursday in his first rehab game with Triple-A Albuquerque.

“The at-bats were good,” Black said. “He came out of it fine. A good first step for Desi. It’s good news. He’s just got to get his stamina back and feel confident about the calf.”

More noteworthy, perhaps, was Desmond’s position. He played first base. On Friday, in his second game, he played left field. After resting Saturday, Desmond will play shortstop Sunday for the Isotopes. The Rockies are solidifying a plan to use Desmond as a utility player around the field when he returns.

Hoffman hit hard.

Right-handed rookie Jeff Hoffman, who was sent down by the Rockies on Aug. 18, made a start for Albuquerque on Thursday that didn’t go well. He allowed six runs, four hits and two walks, posting just two outs. He was pulled in the first inning.