SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado was reveling in the closeness of Team USA's World Baseball Classic-champion squad. But Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford, also back with his club, sent a reminder that they're National League West rivals.
With two down and bases empty in the fifth inning of the Rockies' 6-5 loss, Crawford attempted to bunt toward third. Arenado shot a disapproving look to the batter's box.
"I didn't like that, it made me kinda mad … I'm gonna text him," Arenado said, before a wide smile returned to his face. "But he smiled and said, 'I'm trying to keep you on your toes.' He's the man. I really enjoyed playing with him."
Arenado, who went 1-for-3 with an RBI double against the Giants, had well-documented struggles in the Classic -- a .161 batting average that included six straight strikeouts over the semifinal victory over Japan and the first two plate appearances in the 8-0 title victory over Puerto Rico. But he finished with two singles, both of which set up rallies. 

The numbers, which in the grand scheme of the Rockies' season are as meaningful as Spring Training stats, didn't dampen the value of the passionate atmosphere.
Before the event, Arenado said he hoped it could help prepare him for future playoffs. He'd like to pass some of the deeper lessons to his Rockies teammates.
"Maybe one day if we have a meeting, maybe I'll say something about it," Arenado said. "The thing with that team was, everybody was an All-Star -- star players. But we came together, everybody was pushing each other, and wanting to do their job. Nobody's ego got in the way about playing time, or, 'I want to pitch this inning,' or, 'I want to close.' It was, 'I want to help the team win any way I can.'
"I'd do it again in a heartbeat."

Without his best swing, Arenado found solace in finding a way to do something positive. The at-bat before his hit in the final, he attempted to bunt for a hit or advance a runner. It didn't work, but he stepped outside his power-hitting mindset to attempt a team-oriented play.
"The games we lost, it hurt me more at night because I felt I didn't do my part the way I should have or could have," Arenado said. "But when you win, it takes it all away.
"Those guys, they were awesome. They knew I was grinding. They were picking me up. We were talking hitting. Every one of those guys and the coaches were first-class.
"But it's funny. The last game I got a couple of knocks. That's the only game I remember now."
Worth noting
• Rockies manager Bud Black played left fielder Gerardo Parra at first base against the Giants. Black said he'd like to have that option with Parra, who could spell Mark Reynolds while Ian Desmond is out for at least the first half of April with a broken left hand.
Parra playing occasionally at first could also open some roster possibilities for a utility spot. Lefty-hitting Jordan Patterson and righty-hitting Stephen Cardullo play first base and the corner outfield spots. And with Pat Valaika and Cristhian Adames playing second, third and shortstop, they would not have to play first if Parra does.
• Lefty Chris Rusin threw his second bullpen session in his comeback from an oblique strain, and could face hitters Sunday, and return to game action next week.
• Righty Chad Qualls, who has a right forearm strain, will throw a bullpen session Saturday and possibly could pitch in games next week.
• Outfielder David Dahl, out with a stress reaction in a rib, is increasing upper-body work. If the next bone scans show positive news, he could be swinging a bat in a couple weeks.