Wilin Rosario working on fixing his 'tell' on defense

The last thing a catcher wants to do at the big-league level is give away what pitch is coming. That's a problem Colorado Rockies backstop Wilin Rosario is working on this offseason, according to MLB.com's Thomas Harding.

Rosario crushed 28 homers last season, a Rockies rookie record and a sign that the team could have a franchise offensive threat at a position most teams would envy. But if he's to stick at catcher, Rosario will have to improve his defense. His 21 passed balls led the majors. Rosario said he's working hard to improve his fundamentals:

"I'm going to put all my emphasis, and I'm going to do everything I can do to be the best behind the plate," Rosario said. "It's a matter of time. Remember that I told you that. You'll see what's going to happen."

One issue coaches would love to fix is how Rosario inadvertently tips pitches. Opposing teams, according to Harding, were noticing that Rosario would widen his stance for breaking pitches and close in his feet for fast balls. His low point came in a Sept. 9 game against the Philadelphia Phillies, in which Rosario lost four passed balls. Rosario said he's motivated to fix his defensive woes:

"Sometimes when I hear people talking about my defense, I feel bad about myself because a lot of things happened during the year," he said. "But I know that next year things are going to be different with my defense. I know how to work. I know what I need. I know now how I can control it. I am motivated."