Francis offers variety during bullpen session

Tidbits from a cool and overcast Tuesday at Hi Corbett Field:

– Rockies left-hander Jeff Francis threw a 25-pitch bullpen session, using curveballs and breaking pitches as well as fastballs. Francis is looking to determine whether to go season-ending surgery on his sore left shoulder.

Here’s the latest.

– Cross two players off the list for the World Baseball Classic. Left-handed pitcher Jorge De La Rosa told Mexico no, saying he wanted to stay in the Rockies’ camp. The Rockies are counting on him being part of their season-opening rotation. Also, catcher Sal Fasano will not play for Team Italy at the behest of the Rockies. Chris Iannetta is set to play for Team USA, so the club needs catching depth in camp.

– Left-handed reliever Randy Flores finished last season with shoulder problems while with the Cardinals, but has been surprisingly healthy in camp. Flores threw a bullpen session on Monday. The Rockies have him on a modified schedule, so his next session is Thursday.