Bettis looks to learn from highs, lows

DENVER — Rockies right-hander Chad Bettis is refreshing in his self-evaluations. If he makes a key mistake, phrases like “that can’t happen” and words like “inexcusable” flow. However, Bettis has learned the important, subtle difference between honest self-evaluation and self-discredit.

The distinction is vital. The Rockies are depending on Bettis (3-2, 4.56 ERA in eight starts) — who will start Tuesday against the Cardinals in the opener of a three-game series and nine-game road trip — as a leadership figure for a young pitching staff.

Being a leader means setting a positive example. Beating yourself up is not positive. So, those rough evaluations are limited to specific pitches and sequences, not an assessment of himself as a person or a pitcher.

“There’s a lot of negative in this game,” Bettis said. “The way to look at it is to improve on how to learn how to get better each and every day, whether it’s a good start or a bad start.

“I do think honestly that it’s easier to learn from your bad starts or your good. Evaluate yourself honestly. If you know you left it all out there, that’s all your team can ask for.”

It helps to be even-keeled, especially during a period of uneven performances — some of which have almost been sterling.

Down 1-0 in the seventh inning against the Pirates on April 25, a two-out wild …

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