Minor leagues of the Colorado Rockies

7/24/10
Recalled: RHP Taylor Buchholz
Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Jhoulys Chacin
Placed on 60-day DL: INF Eric Young Jr.

7/23/10
Signed: C Josh Powers (NDFA-Sacramento State)
Released: LHP Steve Junker, OF David Dinatale
Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Andrew Johnston, LHP Christian Friedrich
Reinstated from DL: 1B Jeff Kindel, OF Cole Garner
Placed on temporarily inactive list: LHP Kurt Birkins, LHP Brandon Durden, SS Eider Torres, OF Ryan Harvey
Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Greg Reynolds, LHP Nick Bierbrodt

7/12/10
Signed: LHP Franklin Morales (minor league contract)
Draft pick signed: LHP Kraig Sitton (7)
Recalled: RHP Esmil Rogers, OF Dexter Fowler
Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Franklin Morales, SS Chris Nelson
Placed on 7-day DL: SS Daniel Mayora, OF Cole Garner, OF Brian Rike
Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP Nick Schnaitmann, LHP Nick Bierbrodt, C Paul Phillips
Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Chris Balcom-Miller, RHP Nick Schnaitmann, OF Chris Frey

7/7/10
Recalled: INF Brad Eldred

7/4/10
Signed: LHP Jose Tovar

7/2/10
Draft picks signed: RHP Russell Brewer (31), SS Josh Rutledge (3)
Released: LHP Damian Moss
Removed from 40-man: RHP Juan Rincon (Triple-A)
Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Michael Marbry, RHP Sean Jarrett
Reinstated from DL: OF Brian Rike
Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Sean Jarrett

6/28/10
Draft picks signed: LHP Matt Crocker (12), OF Russell Wilson (4)
Recalled: SS Chris Nelson
Added to 40-man roster: RHP Juan Rincon
Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Will Harris, RHP Josh Sullivan
Placed on 60-day DL: RHP Brad Corley, RHP Trevor Gibson, RHP Aaron Weatherford
Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP Chris Balcom-Miller, RHP Sean Jarrett
Reinstated from inactive list: LHP Kurt Birkins

6/22/10
Draft picks signed: RHP Christian Bergman (24), RHP Chad Bettis (2), RHP Bruce Kern (23), RHP Josh Mueller (13), RHP Juan Perez (18), RHP John Reid (14), LHP Blake Keitzman (27), LHP Kenny Roberts (25), C Ryan Casteel (17), 1B Jordan Ballard (33), 1B Blake McDade (20), 1B Mark Tracy (22), 2B Brett Tanos (10), 3B Jayson Langfels (16), OF McKenzie Dickerson (8), OF Jared Simon (6)
Placed on 7-day DL: 2B Maikol Gonzalez
Reinstated from DL: LHP Greg Smith, 1B Kiel Roling, SS Radames Nazario, OF Mike Mitchell
Placed on temporarily inactive list: LHP Kurt Birkins, OF Chris Frey, OF Cole Garner
Reinstated from inactive list: OF Chris Frey, OF Cole Garner

6/14/10
Reinstated from the 60-day DL, optioned to Double-A: RHP Greg Reynolds

6/12/10
Draft Picks Signed: RHPs Christian Bergman (24), Chad Bettis (2), Bruce Kern (23), Josh Mueller (13), Juan Perez (18), John Reid (14); LHPs Blake Keitzman (27), Kenny Roberts (25); C Ryan Casteel (17); 1B Jordan Ballard (33), Blake McDade (20), Mark Tracy (22); 3Bs Jayson Langfels (16), Brett Tanos (10); OF Corey Dickerson (8), Jared Simon (6)

6/10/10
Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Esmil Rogers
Placed on 7-day DL: LHP Greg Smith, 1B Kiel Roling, OF Kent Matthes, OF Brian Rike
Reinstated from DL: 1B Mike Zuanich, 2B Omar Quintanilla
Placed on temporarily inactive list: OF Chris Frey

6/2/10
Signed: 2B Kazuo Matsui
Released: C Paul Lo Duca, C Nick Valdez
Placed on restricted list: 1B Bo Bowman
Recalled: RHP Matt Daley
Added to 40-man roster: SS Jonathan Herrera
Optioned to Triple-A: OF Dexter Fowler
Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: C Paul Phillips
Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Al Alburquerque, 1B Jeff Kindel
Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Alan Johnson

5/26/10
Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Greg Smith
Released: C Dayton Buller, 3B Kenny Perez
Recalled: C Chris Iannetta
Reinstated from DL: SS Eider Torres
Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP Alan Johnson

5/20/10
Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Matt Daley
Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Craig Baker, SS Radames Nazario
Reinstated from DL: LHP Christian Friedrich, SS Joey Wong

5/14/10
Released: RHP Tim Redding,
Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: RHP Shane Lindsay (claimed by the Yankees)
Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Charles Ruiz, 2B Omar Quintanilla, SS Joey Wong
Reinstated from DL: SS Chris Nelson, SS Helder Velazquez
Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP Ching-Lung Lo
Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Ching-Lung Lo, LHP Josh Muecke

5/5/10
Signed: LHP Josh Muecke (Somerset (Atlantic))
Recalled: RHP Esmil Rogers
Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: RHP Juan Rincon
Added to 40-man roster: RHP Juan Rincon, C Paul Phillips
Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Samuel Deduno, SS Helder Velazquez
Reinstated from DL: 2B Omar Quintanilla, SS Joey Wong
Place on temporarily inactive list: LHP Josh Muecke
Reinstated from inactive list: LHP Kurt Birkins

4/28/10
Recalled: 2B Eric Young Jr.
Placed on 7-day DL: LHP Christian Friedrich, LHP Jimmy Gobble, 1B Mike Zuanich, SS Joey Wong, OF Mike Mitchell
Reinstated from DL: RHP Matt Wilhite, C Paul Lo Duca
Placed on temporarily inactive list: LHP Damian Moss
Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Al Alburquerque, LHP Damian Moss

4/27/10
Optioned Triple-A: C Chris Iannetta
Recalled: RHP Jhoulys Chacin,
Added to 40-man roster: C Paul Phillips, RHP Juan Ricon
Outrighted to Double-A, removed from 40-man: RHP Alberto Alburquerque

4/21/10
Reinstated from DL: LHP Jimmy Gobble

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Baltimore Orioles
Signed: C Austin Rauch

Boston Red Sox
Signed: RHP Ramon A. Ramirez
Recalled: RHP Ramon A. Ramirez

Chicago Cubs
Reinstated from DL: RHP David Patton

Chicago White Sox
Reinstated from DL: RHP Scott Elarton

Florida Marlins
Placed on temporarily inactive list: C Neil Wilson

Kansas City Royals
Placed on temporarily inactive list: C Edwin Bellorin

Washington Nationals
Signed: LHP Ron Villone (re-signed)
Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Robinson Fabian

4/16/10
Optioned Triple-A: RHP Esmil Rogers
Added to 40-man roster: LHP Joe Beimel
Traded: C Robby Hammock to Yankees for future considerations
Voluntarily retired: C Brandon Whitby
Option transferred: RHP Al Alburquerque (Triple-A to Double-A)
Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP Al Alburquerque, LHP Kurt Birkins
Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Matt Wilhite, LHP Jimmy Gobble, C Paul Lo Duca, 2B Omar Quintanilla, SS Hector Gomez, SS Chris Nelson, SS Eider Torres

4/3/10
Recalled: RHP Esmil Rogers
Released: LHP Tommy Baumgardner, LHP Adam Bright, LHP Xavier Cedeno and OF Daniel Carte. Also released were RHP Austin Chambliss, RHP Carlos Luna, RHP Rick Bauer, RHP Chris Gissell, RHP Jose Guevara, RHP Justin Speier, LHP Josh Muecke, 1B Josh Phelps, OF Alex Escobar, OF Kevin Clark, OF Jay Cox, OF Robert Perry and C Chris Vasami.
Reassigned to the minor league camp: RHP Tim Redding

3/31/10
Signed: RHP Samuel Deduno, RHP Esmil Rogers, LHP Joe Beimel (re-signed)
Released: RHP Rod Scurry, LHP David Born, LHP Kyle Walker, C Austin Rauch, 3B Patrick Rose
Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Jhoulys Chacin, RHP Samuel Deduno

3/30/10
Reassigned to the minor league camp: C Paul Lo Duca, C Paul Phillips, OF Cole Garner, OF Matt Miller, OF Jay Payton, INF Omar Quintanilla, LHP Matt Reynolds, 1B Michael Paulk
Optioned to minor league camp: INF Eric Young, Jr.

3/21/10
Optioned to minor league camp: INF Chris Nelson, RHP Esmil Rogers

3/16/10
Reassigned to minor league camp: RHP Al Alburquerque, RHP Craig Baker, RHP Juan Nicasio, RHP Edgmer Escalona, RHP Andrew Johnston, RHP Chaz Roe, RHP Andrew Graham, RHPShane Lindsay, LHP Christian Friedrich, C Jordan Pacheco, C Michael McKenry, C Wilin Rosario. INF Darin Holcomb, INF Hector Gomez, INF Jeff Kindel, OF Chris Frey.

Alburquerque, Nicasio, Escalona, Roe, Lindsay, McKenry and Gomez are on the 40-man roster and have have been optioned to the minor leagues.

The Rockies now have 46 players on the spring training roster, including 13 non-roster invitees. insidetherockies.com, mlb.com

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Chicago Cubs
Optioned to Double-A: RHP David Patton

Chicago White Sox
Outrighted to Triple-A, removed from 40-man: RHP Brandon Hynick

Washington Nationals
Released: LHP Shawn Estes
Optioned to Double-A: RHP Ryan Mattheus

3/10/10
Signed: RHP Rick Bauer (LG (Korea)), LHP Scott Rice (Newark (Atlantic))

3/1/10
Signed: LHP Josh Muecke, 1B Brad Eldred, 3B Travis Metcalf

---
Florida Marlins
Signed: C Neil Wilson (re-signed)

San Francisco Giants
Signed: RHP Byung-Hyun Kim

Washington Nationals
Signed: LHP Ron Villone (re-signed)

2/22/10
Signed: RHP Stuart Pomeranz (New Jersey (Can-Am)), LHP Nick Bierbrodt

2/12/10
Signed: RHP Justin Speier, LHP Adam Bright (re-signed), LHP Jimmy Gobble

---
New York Mets
Signed: RHP Josh Fogg

2/6/10
Signed: 1B Josh Phelps, OF Alex Escobar, OF Bronson Sardinha

FYI...
With the addition of Melvin Mora, the 40-man roster is now at 40.

2/2/10
Signed: RHP Chris Gissell, RHP Carlos Guevara, LHP Damian Moss (re-signed), 3B Kenny Perez (re-signed), C Robby Hammock
--Moss, 33, hasn't pitched in the majors since 2004. He went 8-3 with a 3.30 ERA in 59 appearances (four starts) for Colorado Springs last year. Hammock, 32, played parts of 2003-08 with Arizona, but he spent all of last season with Baltimore's Class AAA Norfolk affiliate, hitting .209.

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Pittsburgh Pirates
Signed: SS Doug Bernier

1/28/10
Signed: RHP Johendi Jiminian

1/27/10
Signed: RHP Tim Redding and OF Jay Payton to minor league contracts

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Houston Astros
Signed: OF Cory Sullivan

Los Angeles Dodgers
Signed: RHP Scott Dohmann (re-signed), RHP Russ Ortiz

Toronto Blue Jays
Signed: RHP Steven Register

FYI...
With the signing of Jason Giambi, the 40 man roster now sits at 39.

1/20/10
Signed: C Paul Lo Duca, SS Eider Torres
Released: 2B Andy Goff
Voluntarily retired: RHP Randall Taylor

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Baltimore Orioles
Signed: OF Jeff Salazar

Boston Red Sox
Signed: 3B Christian Colonel

FYI..
The Rockies promoted two pitching coaches within the organization: Doug Linton will move from high Class A Modesto to Triple-A Colorado Springs, and Darryl Scott will move up from Class A Tri-City to replace Linton in Modesto. MLB.com

--- The 40-man roster is currently at 38.

1/11/10
Signed: RHP Juan Rincon (re-signed), C Anthony Aguilera (NDFA-San Jose State)

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Tampa Bay Rays
Signed: 1B Ryan Shealy

Kansas City Royals
Signed: RHP Matt Herges

1/05/10
-The Rockies will hold a medical minicamp at Coors Field from Jan. 13-22. They run the program in even-numbered years, alternating it with a larger winter development program. The medical minicamp is primarily for players coming off injuries and largely for minor-leaguers.

But RHP Taylor Buchholz, for example, is scheduled to attend. Buchholz, who lives in the Philadelphia area, missed the entire 2009 season, underwent Tommy John surgery in June and is expected to be out until about the middle of next season. Among others attending will be minor league RHPs Casey Weathers, Josh Sullivan and Parker Frazier.

Weathers missed all of 2009 after undergoing Tommy John surgery in October 2008, but he is on track to be ready when minor league spring training begins. So is Sullivan, who missed all of 2009 after undergoing Tommy John surgery in March. Sullivan, 25, also underwent nerve transposition surgery in his elbow in April 2008 and had a labrum repaired in October 2005. He has pitched just 131 professional innings since being drafted in the fifth round out of Auburn in 2005.

"Honestly, there's not a whole lot left probably to work on now (in my arm)," Sullivan said. "So I'm hoping that I just have a new arm and I can kick-start my career. I haven't felt this good since before I ever had an elbow problem after my (shoulder) surgery in '05." baseballweekly.com

12/22/09
Signed: RHP Matt Wilhite (re-signed)

FYI..
Boston Red Sox
Signed: OF Darnell McDonald

Tampa Bay
Signed: 1B Ryan Shealy

Kansas City Royals
Signed: C Edwin Bellorin

Washington Nationals
Signed: RHP Ryan Speier, RHP Joel Peralta

12/12/09
Signed: OF Ryan Harvey (re-signed)

12/4/09
Signed: OF Robert Perry

2/2/09
BA's Rockies top prospect list
1. Tyler Matzek, lhp
2. Christian Friederich, lhp
3. Wilin Rosario, c
4. Jhoulys Chacin, rhp
5. Hector Gomez, ss
6. Eric Young Jr., 2b/of
7. Tim Wheeler, of
8. Rex Brothers, lhp
9. Esmil Rogers, rhp
10. Nolan Arenado, 3B

11/25/09
Signed: INF Daniel Mayora, LHP Kurt Birkins, C Dayton Buller

11/20/09
Granted free agency: C Paul Phillips
Outrighted to Triple-A and removed from 40-man: C Paul Phillips
Signed: C Paul Phillips
Added to 40-man roster: RHP Al Alburquerque, RHP Edgmer Escalona, RHP Juan Nicaslo, RHP Chaz Roe, C Michael McKenry

11/109
Rockies Minor League Free Agents (MLFA):
RHP: Jon George (AA), Scott Munter (AAA), Ryan Speier (AAA), Matt Wilhite (AAA)
LHP: Adam Bright (AA), Damian Moss (AAA)
C: Sal Fasano (AAA)
1B: Daniel Ortmeier (AAA)
2B: Mark Bellhorn (AAA)
3B: Christian Colonel (AAA), Kenny Perez (AAA)
SS: Rex Rundgren (AA), Danny Sandoval (AA)
OF: Ryan Harvey (AA), Paul McAnulty (AAA)

The Rockies had 15 minor league players declare for free agency while the Dodgers had a whopping 34.

FYI..
Roxhead will be divulging its projected minor league rosters starting on Dec. 1st.

Colo Springs.. Dec. 1st
Tulsa.. Dec 15th
Modesto.. Jan 1st
Asheville.. Jan 15th

11/11/09
Signed: RHP Ching-Lung Lo (re-signed)

11/10/09
Designated for assignment: INF Mike McCoy (claimed by the Blue Jays)

-----
According to MiLB.com, the Rockies plan on protecting Chaz Roe by placing him on the 40-man roster.

FYI..
With all the offseason moves, the 40 man roster now sits at 31 players. The Rockies have to protect a bunch of players on the farm but only have so much room. Tough decisions loom, for sure. We'll have a list of those 6th year players soon, hopefully.

11/04/09
Left-hander Matt Reynolds and right-hander Andrew Johnston, two of the Rockies' top relief pitching prospects, will be highlighted in the Arizona Fall League Rising Stars Showcase on Saturday in Surprise, Ariz. mlb.com

10/29/09
Voluntarily retired: OF Shane Lowe
Outrighted to Triple-A and removed from 40-man: RHP Joel Peralta, INF Omar Quintanilla
Granted free agency: RHP Joel Peralta
Assigned to Arizona Fall League: LHP Matt Reynolds

38 players currently on the 40 man roster.

-----
Info on Hector Gomez here.
Hector needs to start getting some time at 2B next season at Tulsa.

10/27/09
We all know the Rockies had a pretty decent draft last June and Baseball America agrees according to insidetherockies.com (read here)

FYI..
Prospect rankings:
Pioneer League (Baseball America):
8. Nolan Arenado, 3b, Casper
9. Chris Balcom-Miller, rhp, Casper

Northwest League (Baseball America):
5. Tim Wheeler, of, Tri-City
15. Rob Scahill, rhp, Tri-City
16. Ben Paulsen, 1b, Tri-City

Sally (Baseball America):
None!

California League (Baseball America):
2. Christian Friedrich, lhp, Modesto

Texas League (Baseball America)
4. Jhoulys Chacin, rhp, Tulsa
7. Esmil Rogers, rhp, Tulsa
14. Michael McKenry, c, Tulsa
20. Samuel Deduno, rhp, Tulsa

PCL (Baseball America)
12. Esmil Rogers, rhp, Colorado Springs

10/16/09
Granted free agency: RHP Adam Eaton
Reinstated from DL: RHP Vianney Mayo

10/12/09
Granted free agency: LHP Glendon Rusch, C Edwin Bellorin
Recalled: RHP Samuel Deduno, RHP Shane Lindsay, SS Hector Gomez
Assigned to Arizona Fall League: RHP Craig Baker, RHP Andrew Johnston, RHP Chaz Roe, LHP Matt Reynolds, C Wilin Rosario, 3B Darin Holcomb, SS Hector Gomez

10/4/09
SIX PLAYERS are being sent to the Arizona Instructional League. Jim Tracy said infielder/outfielder Mike McCoy and outfielder Matt Murton, and pitchers Juan Rincon and Joel Peralta will stay in workout routines in case an injury develops during the post-season.

Tracy also said pitching prospects Jhouyls Chacin and Esmil Rogers will join the AIL team in Tucson. insidetherockies.com

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Arizona Fall League
Opening Day 10/13/2009
AFL Rising Stars Game 11/07/2009
AFL Championship Game 11/21/2009

Mexican Pacific League
Opening Day 10/09/2009
Second half begins 11/20/2009
Regular season ends 12/30/2009

Dominican Winter League
Opening Day 10/16/2009
DWL All Star Game 12/13/2009
Regular season ends 12/21/2009

Venezuelan Winter League
Opening Day 10/09/2009

Puerto Rican League
Opening Day 11/12/2009

Caribbean Series
Begins 02/02/2010
Ends 02/08/2010

9/30/09
Reinstated from DL: RHP Parker Frazier, RHP Jon George, RHP William Harris, RHP Ching-Lung Lo, RHP Josh Sullivan, RHP Casey Weathers, LHP Kurt Birkins, C Johnny Bowden, C Bryce Massanari, C Wilin Rosario, C Chris Vasami, 2B Erik Wetzel, SS Andy Goff, SS Radames Nazario, SS Helder Velazquez
Reinstated from inactive list: LHP Adam Bright

9/18/09
Time to clean up the waves by eliminating prospects or prior prospects who were released or traded last winter:
Wave 1:
Cory Sullivan
Matt Holliday

Wave 2:
Sean Barker
Jayson Nix
Juan Morillo
Darren Clarke

Wave 3:
Justin Nelson

Wave 4:
David Patton

Wave 5:
Everth Cabrera
Zack Murry

Wave 6:
None

9/17/09
Released: RHP Russ Ortiz
Recalled: RHP Jhoulys Chacin, RHP Esmil Rogers, SS Chris Nelson, OF Matt Murton
Added to 40-man roster: RHP Matt Belisle, 2B Mike McCoy
Designated for assignment: RHP Adam Eaton
Outrighted to Triple-A and removed from 40-man: RHP Adam Eaton
Reinstated from DL: SS Chris Nelson

9/10/09
Designated for assignment: C Edwin Bellorin
Outrighted to Triple-A and removed from 40-man: C Edwin Bellorin
Reinstated from DL: RHP Greg Reynolds, RHP Matt Wilhite, LHP Greg Smith, OF Cole Garner, OF Paul McAnulty
Placed on temporarily inactive list: LHP Adam Bright
Reinstated from inactive list: C Michael McKenry, SS Kenny Perez

9/1/09
Traded: RHP Brandon Hynick to White Sox for RHP Jose Contreras
Recalled: RHP Joel Peralta, RHP Greg Reynolds, LHP Randy Flores, LHP Greg Smith
Added to 40-man roster: C Paul Phillips, 1B Jason Giambi
Signed: RHP Russ Ortiz, 1B Jason Giambi
Recalled: 2B Eric Young Jr., OF Matt Murton
Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Adam Eaton, OF Matt Murton
Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Jon George, RHP Ching-Lung Lo, LHP Kurt Birkins, OF Cole Garner, OF Paul McAnulty
Placed on 60-day DL: RHP Vianney Mayo
Reinstated from DL: RHP Jon George, RHP Nick Schnaitmann, OF Brad Corley, OF Juan Crousset, OF Chris Frey, OF Ryan Harvey
Placed on temporarily inactive list: LHP Keith Weiser, C Mike McKenry, 3B Darin Holcomb, SS Kenny Perez
Reinstated from inactive list: LHP Keith Weiser, 3B Darin Holcomb

8/26/09
High Class A catcher Wilin Rosario and shortstop Hector Gomez and Double-A Tulsa third baseman Darin Holcomb will play in the Arizona Fall League for the Scottsdale Scorpions.

In addition to these three position players, the Rockies are considering sending Tulsa pitchers Chaz Roe, left-hander Matt Reynolds and Andrew Johnston, the latter two relievers, and Modesto reliever Craig Baker to play for Scottsdale, Tulsa hitting coach Dave Hajek will serve in that capacity with Scottsdale. insidetherockies.com

8/25/09
Draft pick signed: LHP Tyler Matzek (1)
Added to 40-man roster: RHP Matt Herges
Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Parker Frazier, RHP Jon George, OF Brad Corley, OF Ryan Harvey
Reinstated from DL: LHP Xavier Cedeno, OF Anthony Jackson
Placed on temporarily inactive list: LHP Matt Reynolds
Reinstated from inactive list: LHP Brandon Durden, LHP Matt Reynolds, C Paul Phillips

8/18/09
Released: RHP Juan Rodriguez, RHP Mike Timlin
Added to 40-man roster: RHP Adam Eaton
Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Jhoulys Chacin
Option transferred: RHP Shane Lindsay (low Class A to Double-A)
Placed on 7-day DL: OF Chris Frey
Reinstated from DL: RHP Ryan Speier, C Sal Fasano, 2B Mark Bellhorn
Placed on temporarily inactive list: LHP Brandon Durden, C Paul Phillips

8/10/09
Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Ryan Speier, RHP Matt Wilhite, LHP Xavier Cedeno, C Sal Fasano, 2B Mark Bellhorn
Reinstated from DL: RHP Bruce Billings, RHP Jon George
Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Brandon Hynick

8/4/09
Signed: RHP Mike Timlin
Added to 40-man roster: RHP Jhoulys Chacin
Outrighted to Triple-A and removed from 40-man: RHP Ryan Speier
Option transferred: RHP Shane Lindsay (Double-A to low Class A)
Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Jon George, LHP Greg Smith, C Wilin Rosario, SS Radames Nazario, OF Anthony Jackson
Reinstated from DL: RHP Shane Lindsay, LHP Kurt Birkins, LHP Ben Julianel, C Edwin Bellorin, 2B Patrick Rose, SS Warren Schaeffer, OF Daniel Carte
Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP Adam Eaton, RHP Brandon Hynick
Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Adam Eaton, LHP Keith Weiser

7/31/09
Traded: RHP's Ryan Mattheus and Robinson Fabian to Nats for LHP Joe Beimel.

7/30/09
Traded: RHP Jason Hirsh to Yankees for a Player-to-be-named-later.

7/28/09
Traded: RHP Connor Graham to Indians for RHP Rafael Betancourt
Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Joel Peralta
Outrighted to Triple-A and removed from 40-man: RHP Matt Belisle
Placed on 7-day DL: LHP Ben Julianel, C Edwin Bellorin, SS Andy Goff
Reinstated from DL: RHP Stephen Dodson, RHP Jon George
Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP Brandon Hynick, LHP Keith Weiser
Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Brandon Hynick, LHP Greg Smith

7/22/09
Released: RHP Franklin Nunez
Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Stephen Dodson, SS Warren Schaeffer
Placed on 60-day DL: C Bryce Massanari, C Chris Vasami
Reinstated from DL: RHP Chris Malone, LHP Christian Friedrich, OF Kevin Clark

7/14/09
Asheville was absolutely pathetic in the 1st half of their season but have raced off to a 13-5 smokin' hot start in the 2nd half with virtually the same team.

Go figure..

7/13/09
Recalled: RHP Jason Hirsh, LHP Franklin Morales
Added to 40-man roster: RHP Matt Belisle
Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Randy Flores
Option transferred: RHP Esmil Rodgers (Double-A to Triple-A)
Outrighted to Triple-A and removed from 40-man: RHP Jason Hirsh, C Paul Phillips
Placed on 7-day DL: LHP Kurt Birkins, 2B Patrick Rose
Reinstated from DL: RHP Andrew Johnston, C Dayton Buller, SS Thomas Field
Placed on temporarily inactive list: LHP Greg Smith
Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Franklin Nunez

7/06/09
Draft picks signed: LHP Rex Brothers(1), INF Nolan Arenado (2), 1B Ben Paulsen (3), RHP Tyler Gagnon (15), 1B Jared Clark (12), 2B Joe Scott (42)
Released: RHP Jarrett Grube, RHP Michael Nix
Recalled: LHP Franklin Morales
Added to 40-man roster: RHP Juan Rincon
Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Bruce Billings, LHP Christian Friedrich, OF Kevin Clark
Placed on 60-day DL: RHP Nick Schnaitmann
Reinstated from DL: LHP Greg Smith
Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP Jhoulys Chacin
Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Jhoulys Chacin, LHP Keith Weiser, OF Kevin Clark

7/04/09
The Rockies reportedly signed Dominican shortstop prospect Rosel Herrera. Jorge Arangue of ESPN Deportes reports that Herrera received a $550,000 signing bonus.

The Rockies also are expected to sign right-handed pitcher Johendi Jiminian. Herrera and Jiminian are ranked among the top 20 Latin prospects available to sign by Baseball America. insidetherockies.com

7/02/09
Teams are now free to sign 16-year-old international prospects to contracts.

7/01/09
Brandon Hynick pitched a perfect game in AAA.

6/24/09
Signed: RHP Billy Vopinek (NDFA-Biola (Calif.)), SS Jeremiah Sammy (NDFA-Lamar)
Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Jon George, RHP Chris Malone, RHP Ryan Mattheus, RHP Josh Sullivan, SS Thomas Field, OF Daniel Carte
Reinstated from DL: RHP Andy Graham, RHP Chaz Roe
Placed on temporarily inactive list: LHP Kurt Birkins, LHP Keith Weiser
Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Franklin Nunez, LHP Kurt Birkins, LHP Brandon Durden

----

6/15/09
Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Franklin Morales
Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Samuel Deduno, C Dayton Buller, SS Hector Gomez
Reinstated from DL: C Dayton Buller
Placed on temporarily inactive list: LHP Brandon Durden

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Boston Red Sox
Placed on 7-day DL: LHP Javier Lopez

Los Angeles Dodgers
Placed on 7-day DL: C Danny Ardoin

Seattle Mariners
Outrighted to Triple-A and removed from 40-man: RHP Denny Stark

Tampa Bay Rays
Signed: RHP Jorge Julio

6/9/09
Released: RHP Felito Dominguez
Recalled: OF Carlos Gonzalez
Added to 40-man roster: C Edwin Bellorin
Optioned to Triple-A: OF Matt Murton, C Edwin Bellorin

6/2/09
Signed: RHP Juan Rincon
Added to 40-man roster: RHP Josh Fogg
Outrighted to Triple-A and removed from 40-man: RHP Matt Belisle
Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Andy Graham, LHP Greg Smith, SS Chris Nelson
Reinstated from DL: RHP Scott Munter, LHP Adam Bright
----
Kansas City Royals
Released: LHP Josh Newman
-----
New position player rankings are up.

5/26/09
Signed: RHP Michael Nix, RHP Matt Wilhite, LHP Ben Julianel
Acquired: OF Brad Corley from Pirates for future considerations
Added to 40-man roster: C Paul Phillips
Option transferred: LHP Greg Smith (High A to AAA)
Outrighted to Triple-A and removed from 40-man: LHP Glendon Rusch
Reinstated from DL: 3B Matt Repec
-----
Cincinnati Reds
Recalled: RHP Ramon Ramirez
Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Ramon Ramirez
Kansas City Royals
Placed on 7-day DL: 1B Ryan Shealy

Milwaukee Brewers
Traded: OF Tony Gwynn Jr. to Padres for OF Jody Gerut

Philadelphia Phillies
Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Steven Register

Pittsburgh Pirates
Traded: OF Brad Corley to Rockies for future considerations
Reinstated from DL: C Adam Melhuse

Texas Rangers
Released: OF Joe Gaetti
Reinstated from DL: OF Joe Gaetti

Washington Nationals
Recalled: C Josh Bard

5/18/09
Added to 40-man roster: LHP Randy Flores, RHP Joel Peralta
Designated for assignment: RHP Steven Register
Optioned transferred: RHP Ryan Mattheus (High A to AA), RHP Ryan Mattheus (AA to AAA)
Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Shane Lindsay, RHP Chaz Roe, 2B Erik Wetzel
Reinstated from DL: RHP Edgmer Escalona
Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP Franklin Nunez
----
Oakland Athletics
Signed: LHP Justin Hampson

Pittsburgh Pirates
Placed on 7-day DL: C Adam Melhuse

Texas Rangers
Placed on 7-day DL: OF Joe Gaetti

Washington Nationals
Recalled: C Josh Bard

5/08/09
Released: RHP Andy Groves
Option transferred: RHP Ryan Mattheus (short-season to High-A)
Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Edgmer Escalona, LHP Adam Bright, C Johnny Bowden
---
Houston Astros
Recalled: RHP Alberto Arias

Seattle Mariners
Added to 40-man roster: RHP Denny Stark
Washington Nationals
Added to 40-man roster: LHP Ron Villone

5/03/09
Good piece in the Post about the Latin American scouting and how the Rockies are avoiding all the problems in that area here.

Placed on restricted list: OF Kevin Clark
Recalled: OF Matt Murton
Option transferred: SS Hector Gomez (Short-season to High-A)
Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Scott Munter

4/27/09
Signed: RHP Joel Peralta
Voluntarily retired: 3B Nick Haley
Added to 40-man roster: RHP Matt Daley
Placed on 7-day DL: C Dayton Buller
Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP Jason Hirsh
Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Jason Hirsh

4/24/09
Quick thoughts..
Tulsa's bullpen has issues. Alan Johnson is surprising everyone with an excellent 3-0 start in the Springs. 2008 1st round pick, Christian Friedrich, is bucking for a early promotion. However; 2nd rounder, Charlie Blackmon, won't earn anything until he starts showing some inkling of power in his arsenal.

4/15/09
Released: OF Lino Garcia

4/10/09
Reassigned to minor league camp: RHP Juan Morillo
Update: Morillo was claimed by the Twins on 4/17/09.

4/09/09
Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Franklin Morales

4/5/09
Released: IF Luis Gonzalez, IF Mark Bellhorn, OF Lew Ford, OF Justin Nelson, IF Jeff Dragicevich, OF Travis Becktel, RHP Kenny Ray, 2B Tomas Perez, C Rick Guarno, IF Nick Haley, RHP Jeff Fischer, LHP Brandon Miller, C Brian Aguailar, OF Bret Berglund, OF Scott Podsednik, OF Ruddy Yan
Reassigned to minor league camp: RHP Kyle Hancock, IF Scott Beerer.
Traded: RHP Aneury Rodriguez
Optioned to Class AA: 3B Darin Holcomb
Optioned to high Class A: C Wilin Rosario, OF Charlie Blackmon

4/4/09
Rumors are that Aneury Rodriguez, RoxHeads 8th ranked pitching prospect, will be traded to the Rays for pitcher Jason Hammel. We believe this is an overpayment by the Rockies.

3/31/09
Manager Clint Hurdle announced after today's game that center fielder Dexter Fowler will be on the roster when the Rockies open the season Monday at Arizona. Fowler played at Double-A Tulsa last season and saw limited action with the Rockies in September. Inside the Rockies.com

3/30/09
Signed: OF Ryan Harvey (6th overall pick in the '03 draft by the Cubs)
Reassigned to minor league camp: C Ed Bellorin, C Paul Phillips, LHP Randy Flores
Released: RHP Josh Fogg (accepted minor league assignment), RHP Brandon Dill, RHP Josh Hall, RHP Ethan Katz, RHP Andres Marrero, LHP Cedrick Bowers (signed by the Phillies), LHP Craig Rodriguez, 1B Chad Rothford, SS Derek Kinzler, SS Zack Murry, OF Victor Ferrante, OF Chad Lembeck, OF Kane Simmons
Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Greg Smith, OF Carlos Gonzalez, OF Matt Murton
Optioned to Double-A: RHP Jhoulys Chacin

The Chicago Cubs are looking to keep right-handed reliever David Patton, a winter draft from the Rockies. Ditto San Diego with shortstop Everth Cabrera. Inside the Rockies.com

3/28/09
The Rockies have placed first baseman Joe Koshansky on waivers for the purpose of removing him from their 40-man roster. If no other major-league teams claim Koshansky, he would be outrighted to Triple-A Colorado Springs. The Rockies need at least one spot to add reliever Glendon Rusch, and possibly one for Matt Belisle or Josh Fogg.

Koshansky, 26, has his path blocked in Colorado, stuck behind Todd Helton. He began taking flyballs in the outfield this week and played five innings there in a minor-league game Friday, making a relay throw to nail Arizona's Justin Upton. Koshansky hit .300 with 31 home runs in Triple-A last season. Post

Update: JoKo was claimed by the Rangers on 3/29/09.

Update: JoKo was waived by the Rangers then claimed by the Brewers on 4/3/09.

3/23/09
Signed: RHP Franklin Nunez
Reassigned to minor league camp: RHP Jhoulys Chacin
Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Jason Hirsh, RHP Ryan Mattheus, RHP Steven Register, 2B Eric Young Jr., RHP Greg Reynolds, 1B Joe Koshansky
Optioned to Double-A: RHP Samuel Deduno, RHP Shane Lindsay, SS Chris Nelson
Optioned to high Class A: SS Hector Gomez

3/16/09
The talk is still hot and heavy that stud pitching prospect, Chacin, will start the season in the Springs. However, we'll keep our projection of him being in Tulsa until a confirmation is heard from the front office.

---
RHPs Jason Hirsh, Samuel Deduno, Shane Lindsay, Ryan Mattheus and Steven Register, and infielders Hector Gomez, Chris Nelson and Eric Young, Jr., were optioned to the minor leagues. LHP Cedrick Bowers, RHPs Matt Daley and Brandon Hynick, C Michael McKenry and OF Matt Miller, who were on minor-league contracts but invited to the big-league camp, were reassigned to the minor leagues. Inside the Rockies.com

No surprises here. Just as we predicted.

---
Signed: RHP Ken Ray, LHP Damian Moss, SS Tomas Perez
Voluntarily retired: SS Eduardo Cornejo
Optioned to Double-A: RHP Esmil Rogers

3/13/09
Great article by Jack Etkin on long time Rockies scout Mike Garlatti here.

3/10/09
So far, Dex has been stinking up the big league camp, while 'The Machine' keeps running smooth. Therefore, we are making a switch at the top of our Top 30 list.

Fangraphs has a short synopsis of a few key Rockie minor leaguers here.

3/9/09
Signed: OF Lew Ford

Ford, 32, returns from a year spent with Hanshin of Japan's Central League. He batted .225/.292/.364 in 129 at-bats for the Tigers. BA

3/2/09
Signed: 2B Mark Bellhorn

FYI.. Pitchers and catchers of the Rockies farm system report Friday to Camp Tucson while the position players report March 13.

The first full-squad workout will be on March 15.

2/23/09
Signed: LHP Randy Flores, LHP Glendon Rusch, C Sal Fasano, OF Scott Podsednik
Voluntarily retired: RHP James Burok

2/16/09
Signed: RHP Franklin Nunez, LHP Kurt Birkins
Released: RHP Eric Schaler
Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Kyle Hancock

2/10/09
Pitchers Brandon Hynick and Jhoulys Chacin and catchers Michael McKenry and Wilin Rosario have been invited to spring training. Also added to list were infielder/outfielder Christian Colonel, pitcher Matt Daley, outfielders Chris Frey and Matt Miller.. RMN

2/09/09
Signed: OF Lino Garcia, OF Ruddy Yan

2/4/09
The Rockies' ongoing search for right-handed hitters who can play the corner positions led them Wednesday to acquire outfielder Matt Murton from the Oakland Athletics for speedy minor league infielder-outfielder Corey Wimberly. RMN

FYI.. Despite the loss of two quality 2B prospects this winter, Wimberly and Everth Cabrera, the Farm system is still stocked with some very good middle infield players... Chris Nelson, Hector Gomez, EY jr, Carlos Martinez, Jon Herrera, and Daniel Mayora.

FYI.. Murton has one minor league option remaining. He hit .321 (17-for-53) in 15 games for Caracas with two homers, six RBIs and a .463 on-base percentage.

2/3/09
BA's top 30 Rockie prospects:

1. Dexter Fowler, of
2. Jhoulys Chacin, rhp
3. Christian Friedrich, lhp
4. Wilin Rosario, c
5. Hector Gomez, ss
6. Casey Weathers, rhp
7. Esmil Rogers, rhp
8. Seth Smith, of
9. Michael McKenry, c
10. Charlie Blackmon, of
11. Delta Cleary, of
12. Connor Graham, rhp
13. Chris Nelson, ss
14. Tyler Massey, of
15. Parker Frazier, rhp
16. Aneury Rodriguez, rhp
17. Shane Lindsay, rhp
18. Eric Young Jr., 2b/of
19. Ryan Mattheus, rhp
20. Darin Holcomb, 3b
21. Aaron Weatherford, rhp
22. Brandon Hynick, rhp
23. Juan Morillo, rhp
24. Cory Riordan, rhp
25. Chaz Roe, rhp
26. Cory Wimberly, 2b
27. Jonathan Herrera, 2b
28. Christian Colonel, of/inf
29. Joe Koshansky, 1b
30. Carlos Martinez, ss
-----------
New Gesa Stadium Scoreboard Approved

2/2/09
Signed: RHP Scott Munter

1/20/09
Signed: RHP Josh Hall
Released: C Neil Wilson
Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Scott Beerer, C Neil Wilson

1/18/09
The Asheville projection is up.

Figuring out the Asheville team is always hard because it draws from the two Rookie level clubs, plus holdovers from the previous year. Players who you may think should be here are instead held back in extended spring training in order to hone their skills with more intense instruction and basic drills. For instance, many think that super prospect, Delta Cleary, will certainly start in the Asheville outfield, but that would be wrong. They'll hold him in Tucson and blast him with baseball think for 3 months before sending him off to Tri-City.

More...

1/14/09
The Rox re-signed catcher Edwin Bellorin, and left-hander Cedrick Bowers. Also, they penned right-hander Matt Belisle, who pitched for the Reds for parts of five seasons (2003, 2005-08 -- 16-22, 5.06 ERA in 132 games, 43 starts) and outfielder Dan Ortmeier, who spent the last four seasons with the Giants (.255, six homers, 24 RBIs in 124 games). mlb.com

1/8/09
The best performance this winter by a Colorado position player was catcher Michael McKenry. He hit .369 with 9 homers and 25 RBI. The best pitcher was Franklin Morales. He tossed a whopping 53 innings and gave us all hope that his mechanics are finally in tune again.

1/1/09
Modesto 2009 team projection is up.

The obvious question is where the heck is Everth Cabrera... well, he was lost in a Rule 5 draft. He was a main figure in the Asheville offense last season and will be sorely missed at the top of the order for the Nuts in 2009.

More...

12/15/08
Our team projections for the Tulsa Drillers is up. There is a few extra players on the list in case of unexpected developments. David Patton would have been the closer but he was lost in the rule V draft last Friday. Hector Gomez gets the nod at SS in place of Chris Nelson, who is being groomed for the eventual 2B job for the Rockies in 2010.

More...

12/12/08
The Rockies non-tendered infielder Jonathan Herrera on Friday. He may be re-signed.
update: As we speculated, Herrera was re-signed to a minor-league contract.

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The 40-man roster is now at 39.

12/11/08
The Rockies lost infielder Everth Cabrera to San Diego and RHP David Patton to Cincinnati in the Rule 5 draft. The Reds then sent Patton to the Cubs for cash.

FYI.. the rule 5 draft allows teams to pick up players for $50,000 from other teams who were not protected on the 40-man rosters. The drafted players must stay on the 25-man big league roster through the entire season or be exposed to waivers where the original team can re-claim the player for $25,000.

Teams also have expanded reserve lists of 70 and 100 players. Players not on the 70-man reserve list can be drafted in the AAA phase for $12,000 and players not on the 100-man reserve list can be drafted in a AA phase for $4,000 in those two additional Rule 5 phases. Those players immediately become contractual property of their new teams. Additionally, there is no "offering them back" like there is in the major league phase (no Rockie minor league player was taken in those 2 drafts). RoxHead does not have access to those reserve lists.

12/4/08
If you don't believe there is a general decline of solid prospects in the Rockies farm system, then don't read the next paragraph.

The Rockies only had one player ranked by MiLB.com in their top 50 prospect list and that was Dexter Fowler, who came in 15th. Baseball America voted EY2 as the 20th best prospect in the AFL and had zero Rockie players ranked in the top 20 of the Hawaiian winter league.

The main reason for the lack of prospects is because so many have been moved up to Denver in the past few years, but good systems generally have a pipeline throughout their minor league teams. A string of poor drafts will kill a farm system especially when the highest picks are busts. In 2005 the Rockies nabbed Chaz Roe with their 2nd pick, in 2006 they took Greg Reynolds and David Christensen with their two top picks and in 2007 it was Casey Weathers who was their number 1 choice. None of these players are even close to being major league ready.

However, I think things may improve rather quickly because last years draft was very good and some Latin free agent signings are moving up the system fast.

12/3/08
Our 2009 Sky Sox team is up. There are a couple extra players listed because a few may make the trip north next spring like Carlos Gonzales, Dexter Fowler, Jason Hirsh and/or Q. There is no way Greg Reynolds pitches anywhere but in AAA at this point in his career. Franklin Morales is not listed because we believe he will make the Rockies roster as either a starter or a reliever.

More...

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The players left in the Tulsa Drillers section have either become Minor League Free Agents (MLFA) or are staying at that level to start the 2009 campaign in our opinion.

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Former Rockie prospect, SS Doug Bernier, signed with the Yankees.

11/21/08
Starting the 1st week in Dec., we'll project the lineups for each minor league level.

The first part of Dec we'll have the Sky Sox lineups. The second half of Dec., we'll move onto Tulsa. The 1st part of Jan., Modesto, while finishing up in Asheville in the latter part of the month.

11/20/08
Added to 40-man roster: RHP Samuel Deduno, RHP Shane Lindsay, RHP Ryan Mattheus, 2B/CF Eric Young Jr., INF Hector Gomez, SS/2B Chris Nelson
Removed from 40-man roster: C Edwin Bellorin

The 40-man roster is now full.

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Baseball Intellect's top 15 Rockie prospect's:

1. Dexter Fowler, CF
2. Jhoulys Chacin, RHP
3. Christian Friedrich, LHP
4. Hector Gomez, SS
5. Michael McKenry, C
6. Daniel Mayora, 2b/SS
7. Wilin Rosario, C
8. Aneury Rodriguez, RHP
9. Casey Weathers, RHP
10. Charles Blackmon, CF
11. Chris Nelson, SS
12. Darin Holcomb, 3B
13. Eric Young Jr., 2B/OF
14. Cory Riordan, RHP
15. Connor Graham, RHP

Just Missed: Brandon Hynick, Delta Cleary, Chaz Roe, Shane Lindsey, Brian Rike, Joe Koshanski, Esmil Rogers, Christian Colonel, Everth Cabrera.

----
EY2 wins the batting crown in the ASL.

11/17/08
BP's top 11 Rockie prospect's:
Five-Star Prospects
1. Dexter Fowler, CF
2. Jhoulys Chacin, RHP
Four-Star Prospects
3. Wilin Rosario, C
Three-Star Prospects
4. Christian Friedrich, LHP
5. Casey Weathers, RHP
6. Michael McKenry, C
7. Hector Gomez, SS
8. Connor Graham, RHP
9. Eric Young Jr., 2B/OF
10. Charles Blackmon, CF
Two-Star Prospects
11. Seth Smith, OF

Just Missed: Darin Holcomb, 3B; Chris Nelson, SS; Chaz Roe, RHP

FYI: Seth Smith isn't eligible for a RoxHead ranking because he has too many games at the big league level.

11/12/08
The 40-man roster is at 35 players.

Chris Nelson, EY2 and Michael McKenry continue to play well in Arizona.

11/11/08
Signed: SS Kenny Perez
Released: RHP Yull Silano

Info...
Carlos Gonzalez has too many MLB games (85) to qualify as a prospect.

11/7/08
The Rockies have signed right- handed pitcher Alving Mejias, 16, from Venezuela for $250,000. Mejias has a solid 90-mph fastball, a feel for a changeup with sink, a solid curveball and deception in his mechanics. RMN

info..
Rockies Minor League Free Agents (MLFA) BA:
RHP: Darren Clarke (AA), Simon Ferrer (Hi A), Josh Hall (AA), Zach McClellan (AA), Tomas Santiago (AA), Sean Smith (AAA), Edward Valdez (AAA), Oscar Villarreal (AAA)
C: Humberto Cota (AAA), Brian Esposito (AA), Nelson Robledo (Hi A)
2B: Gary Cates (AA), Mike McCoy (AAA)
3B: Tony Blanco (AA)
SS: Doug Bernier (AAA)
OF: Sean Barker (AAA), Tom Collaro (AA), Lino Garcia (Hi A)
FYI.. All of these players are also eligable for the Rule 5 draft. However, unless they have signed with a team, then its highly unlikely they would be drafted. If they do sign with a team before the draft and are not placed on the 40-man roster, then they could be picked in the Rule 5 draft.

11/03/08
Granted free agency: LHP Cedrick Bowers
Removed from 40-man roster: LHP Cedrick Bowers
-- The 40-man roster is now at 35 players.

10/29/08
McKenry and EY Jr continue to play well in th AFL

Nice articles on Shane Lindsay (here) and (here).

The Machine wins the best pitcher award.

10/23/08
Article on MiLB.com gives us a Colorado AFL player update.

10/21/08
There are a lot of open slots in the rankings in the hope that if/when the Rockies make some big trades this winter, then we have the spots to put the new prospects into.

10/20/08
Signed: RHP Jon George, RHP Ching-Lung Lo
Granted free agency: 2B Jayson Nix

10/17/08
Jose Laurino, a 16-year-old right-handed pitcher from the Dominican Republic, is among three Latin signees by the Rockies in the past year who were singled out by Baseball America. Laurino is 6-foot-3, already hits 91 mph with his fastball and has a solid curveball and changeup. Also mentioned were right-handed pitcher Jefri Hernandez, 17, who has hit 97 mph with his fastball, and third baseman Miguel De Leon, 17, who was signed for around $250,000, has above-average power and advanced hitting instincts. RMN

10/14/08
Granted free agency: LHP Valerio de los Santos
Assigned to Arizona Fall League: RHP Shane Lindsay, RHP Ryan Mattheus, RHP Chaz Roe, RHP Casey Weathers, C Mike McKenry, 2B Eric Young Jr., SS Chris Nelson
Assigned to Hawaii Winter Baseball: RHP Austin Chambliss, RHP Andy Graham, RHP Connor Graham, RHP David Patton, C Lars Davis, 3B Darin Holcomb, OF Mike Mitchell

10/11/08
According to Mike McKenry's blog, Casey Weathers left the 3rd Desert Dogs game in the AFL with "forearm stiffness".
--Update: Weathers will have Tommy John surgery on Oct 31st. A injury to the arm automatically drops him in our rankings.

10/7/08
Fall and winter league performances will affect RoxHead rankings.

10/6/08
Ian Stewart was voted #7 in the BA Poll of the Pacific League. Franklin Morales was voted # 15 while Greg Reynolds, who is possibly the biggest bust in the Rockies draft history, somehow got voted into the 20th spot.

Granted free agency: LHP Mark Redman, OF Cory Sullivan
Recalled: RHP Juan Morillo, RHP Esmil Rogers, LHP Cedrick Bowers, LHP Franklin Morales, 2B Jonathan Herrera

10/2/08
#1 position player prospect, Dexter Fowler, was voted the best Texas League prospect by Baseball America. Casey Weathers was voted 19th. He is RoxHead's 3rd best pitching prospect.

9/24/08
Number 1 ranked RoxHead pitcher is Jhoulys Chacin. He came in 4th in the SALLY League prospect and 5th in the Cal League voting by Baseball America. 3B, Darin Holcomb, came in 17th in the SALLY BA poll. He is Roxhead's 14th ranked minor league position player.

9/22/08
Pitcher, Christian Friedrich, who is RoxHead's 5th ranked pitching prospect was voted as the 3rd best prospect in the Northwest League. Outfielder, Charlie Blackmon, RoxHead's 5th ranked position player was 10th in the NWL. BA

Designated for assignment: RHP Pedro Strop
Strop missed most of the season with a ligament tear and was removed from the 40-man roster to make room for Todd Helton's return.

9/18/08
Catcher and RoxHead's 20th ranked position player prospect, Wilin Rosario, was named the Pioneer League's Prospect of the Year by Baseball America. 36th ranked in RoxHead is outfielder, Delta Cleary. He was the 6th best prospect in the PL according to BA.

9/09/08
Low Single-A Asheville pitcher Connor Graham, catcher Lars Davis, third baseman Darin Holcomb and center fielder Mike Mitchell and high Single-A Modesto pitchers Andy Graham and David Patton will play for the Honolulu Sharks in Hawaii Winter Baseball. Double-A Tulsa manager Stu Cole will manage the Sharks, whose regular season games begin Sept. 27 and end Nov. 15. RMN

9/08/08
Released: 3B Kenny Perez
Recalled: RHP Jason Hirsh, RHP Steven Register, C Edwin Bellorin, C Adam Melhuse, 1B Joe Koshansky, OF Cory Sullivan
Added to 40-man roster: OF Dexter Fowler
Removed from 40-man roster: OF Cory Sullivan
Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Steven Register
Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Robinson Fabian, RHP Andy Graham
Placed on 60-day DL: SS Angelys Nina
Reinstated from DL: LHP Xavier Cedeno
Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP Oscar Villarreal, OF Tom Collaro
Reinstated from inactive list: LHP Craig Bennigson, LHP Christian Friedrich, OF Sean Barker

Info...
Time to clean up the waves. Removed former drafted or signed players are:

Wave 1
P, Alberto Arias (DFA'd)

Wave 2
OF, Jeff Salazar (DFA'd)
1B, Ryan Shealy (traded)
C, Alvin Colina (released)
P, Mike Esposito (released)
P, Justin Hampson (DFA'd)
P, Jim Miller (traded)

Wave 3
OF, Joe Gaetti (released)
P, Marc Kaiser (released)

Wave 4
INF, Dustin Hahn (Released)

9/5/03
I wish the full season minor league playoff series were best-of-five rather than these worthless 3 game, nano second jobbies that are a bit unfair. The playoffs are as much for the fans, who supported the team for 70 home dates, as they are for the players... and to have it end so quickly is just bogus. Perhaps the short series are okay for the two rookies leagues who don't have full schedules but certainly are not for the more advanced leagues.

9/3/08
Tough luck loss for 8th ranked pitching prospect, Conner Graham, and his Asheville Tourists Wednesday evening as they lose the first game in the playoffs 1-0 while giving up only one hit.

9/02/08
Recalled: RHP Steven Register, OF Cory Sullivan
Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Steven Register, C Adam Melhuse
Outrighted off 40-man roster: OF Cory Sullivan
Placed on 7-day DL: RHP William Harris, OF Daniel Carte
Placed on 60-day DL: SS Angelys Nina
Reinstated from DL: RHP Robinson Fabian, RHP Rod Scurry, 2B Corey Wimberly, OF Anthony Jackson
Placed on temporarily inactive list: RHP Brandon Hynick, RHP Esmil Rogers, RHP Oscar Villarreal, LHP Christian Friedrich, 2B James Guerrero, OF Sean Barker
Reinstated from inactive list: RHP Cory Riordan, RHP Esmil Rogers

9/1/08
Pitching rankings posted. Not much changes. Franklin Morales is still number 2 because as soon as he gets his control issues resolved, then he slides right into a future rotation in Denver.

Info...
Final position player rankings are up. A couple explanations are due.. why, you might ask, is Michael McKenry ranked so high? After all, he is hitting a very pedestrian .257 and is at least 2 years away from breathing air a mile high. First and foremost, we got a good look at him in spring training, which showed us his obvious potential. He looked like he was at home in a big league uni with solid mechanics behind the plate by handling pitchers he may have never caught before. Couple that with his production numbers this year at Modesto and you have the kind of progress we like to see at a tough position.

Another player I need to talk about is Casper catcher, Wilin Rosario. Wilin zoomed up the rankings, finishing in 20th, which is the highest rank for any Ghost by far. However, you will see much higher rankings by other "experts". I suspect some sharp criticism will be thrust upon RoxHead by not following suit. First off, even though he is young, he is also repeating a level. He had a terrific season for sure but it was only a few months of success. We certainly need more of a sample size before ranking him with others who have been in the system for a few years and had some success at the higher levels. Its true some lower level players are ranked high by RoxHead but that is generally because they were drafted high and thus we trust the Rockies scouting department with automatic placements. A lower drafted player or free agent signing must prove themselves for a number of years before getting to the top groupings in our rankings. I know that's sucks but that's the way it is.. sorry.

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Two farm teams are heading to the playoffs. Asheville and Modesto.

8/28/08
Pitchers Shane Lindsay, Ryan Mattheus, Chaz Roe and Casey Weathers, along with catcher Mike McKenry and second basemen Chris Nelson and EY Jr will go to the Arizona Fall League on Oct. 7. All seven prospects will play for the Phoenix Desert Dogs, who have won the past four league championships.

8/27/08
Asheville Tourists 3rd baseman and 14th ranked position player prospect, Darin Holcomb, was named the SAL Most Valuable Player and his manager, Joe Mikulik, picked up his 2nd consecutive Manager of the Year award.

8/23/08
The Rockies DSL team finished up their season in 7th place with a 32-38 record.

Pitcher, Edwar Cabrera, started the season very well for the team in the Boca Chica Northern Division. He was then moved up to Casper where he is currently struggling.

Others players of note are:
Pitchers:
Miguel Sanchez, Albert Campos and starter Juan Gonzalez, who went 5-2 in 13 games. Also, closer Felito Dominguez finished with 16 saves. Dominguez is considered a bit old for the league.

Position player of note:
1B, Juan Crousset, who at 18 years old is someone we might have to keep a eye on. Because of his stellar performance he was rewarded with slot in the top 40 in the RoxHead rankings at number 40.

8/22/08
Jhoulys "The Machine" Chacin set a new Rockies organizational record with his 18th win of the 2008 season.

8/19/08
It took awhile but 2008 2nd round draft choice, Charles Blackmon, finally hit his first professional HR.

8/18/08
2008 first round pick pitcher, Christian Friedrich, was promoted from Tri-City to Asheville. This will give him a taste of the playoffs which is never a bad thing for any player.

At this time, RoxHead is still thinking that Christan will start the season next year in Asheville despite the promotion this year.

8/10/08
On reports that Chaz Roe is toping out at 88 mph on his fastball, RoxHead has decided to down grade his rank. (here)

8/7/08
Purple Row/Rocky Mtn News Farm report here.

As recently as about 3 weeks ago the Rockies farm teams were about 36 games over .500.. Now they are a combined 8 games over.

7/23/08
Asheville's Bruce Billings threw a shutout Wednesdat night. See report here.

7/22/08
As Greg Reynolds continues to work his way back to Denver through spotty performance's and some injury's, Jhoulys Chacin continues to shine.. therefore RoxHead has made a switch at the top of the pitching rankings.

We have never had a pitcher from this low of a level ranked number 1.. lets see if he can keep it.

7/19/08
The Rockies designated infielder Jayson Nix for assignment. If he clears waivers, he'll be in line to join Team USA for the Olympics. He has blown two chances now at a regular spot at 2nd. As a result of the DFA, Nix has been removed from the RoxHead rankings. However, that doesn't mean he couldn't reappear sometime in the future especially if he is given another chance and then performs better.

7/13/08
Because of a lack of any semblance of a Major League bat by both Joe Koshansky and Jayson Nix in their second chances with the Rockies, they have both been dropped significantly in the RoxHead prospect rankings.

Click here to see the RoxHead prospect rankings for everyday players.

7/11/08
8th ranked pitching prospect, Josh Newman, was lost in waivers to the Royals while the Rockies kept an inept Cedrick Bowers on the 40 man roster.

That's insane.

7/3/08
Modesto shortstop Hector Gomez underwent Tommy John surgery Monday and is expected to be sidelined six to eight months. RMN

6/28/08
Brandon Hynick was supposed to be the next pitcher pushing for a promotion to the big leagues and a prospect the Rockies were really counting on. He has instead struggled at the AA level and is nowhere close to being moved up anytime soon.

Because of his incredible talent and apparent lack of injury, we'll keep his ranking at number 2 for now, however, if things don't improve soon, then all bets are off and some adjustments must be made.

Jhoulys Chacin finally got his promotion from Low A Asheville to Modesto, the Rockies High A team. This type of move can set him up to be in Denver sometime next year if he continues to develop at the same pace.

6/26/08
Tony Blanco won the home run contest at the Texas League All-Star Game (see here).

Info...
New number one ranked everyday prospect:

Dexter Fowler.

He has stepped into AA and preformed very well after a initial adjustment period. He also didn't embarrass himself in spring training at Camp Tucson this spring which impressed the brass and RoxHead. Look for a September call up this year.

6/23/08
Ian Stewart was sent down to the Springs today to make room for Clint Barmes. However, his RoxHead prospect ranking will not reappear next to his name any longer because he has too much service time in the Majors to be classified.

6/20/08
Because of the struggles throughout the pro careers of Ian Stewart and Chris Nelson, both of whom were drafted out of highschool, the Rockies had a major change in draft philosophy this year. Usually they draft a lot of highschoolers and place them at Casper, yet this year they went for the college age kid.

The Rockies spent a lot of time and money on those two, yet have not been rewarded nearly as well as they were with Matt Holliday, who was also drafted out of HS by a different management group. Stewart can not solve his strike zone issues in Denver while Nelson labored away again this year until being injured.

The good thing about the change in philosophy is the older players are generally easier to project out by the scouts. They know what they're getting.

There's a couple problems though. Generally they don't have the highend ability's beyond the 1st few rounds and your farm system can get clogged up very quickly with mediocre prospects. Which may just happen in a couple years.

6/15/08
Asheville qualified for the playoffs by wining the 1st half of their division!!

Now look for some player promotions to Modesto. Mainly pitcher, and current stud, Jhoulys Chacin, along with 3rd baseman Darin Holcomb.

Chacin would be replaced by 2008 number 1 draft choice, Christian Friedrich, while Holcomb could have 5th rounder, Chris Dominguez, in his spot should he change his mind and go pro, which doesn't appear likely.

6/13/08
Draft picks are getting signed up.

6/6/08
Most of the time minor league hitters have trouble with strikeouts, so when you see a game in which the entire team makes it through a game sans a whiff, then you have to recognize the achievement.

See the box score here.

6/3/08
Five Tourists were named as starters on to the South Atlantic League All-Star Team: pitcher Jhoulys Chacin, second baseman Everth Cabrera, third baseman Darin Holcomb and outfielders Brian Rike and Michael Mitchell.

Pitchers Joey Williamson and Randall Taylor also were named to the bench.

6/1/08
Pitching prospect, Shane Lindsay, who is from Down Under, recently broke a bone in his hand in a parking lot fight.

"Broken bone" is Australian for.. Bar fight.

5/31/08
New pitching rankings are up. Juan Morillo is out of the top 10 and Keith Weiser drops from 5 to seven.

5/30/08
New everyday player rankings are out. No changes in the top ten.

5/16/08
Nice article on the Tulsa Drillers stadium and promotions here.

Mid-month special promotion (from 25 to 17 and will probably move higher at the end of the month) to Modesto starter, Aneury Rodriguez, who has stepped up to a new level and is breaking out this year as a possible top prospect.

5/11/08
Franklin Morales only gave up 1 run in his first start for the Springs Sunday but walked 6 batters while throwing 90 pitches in only five innings.

Not good.

What was good though was the combined no-hitter that Morales was credited with.

Player            IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Morales (W, 1-0) 5.0 0 1 1 6 3 0 1.80
George (H, 2)    1.2 0 0 0 2 2 0 4.79
Daley, M (H, 3) 1.1 0 0 0 1 2 0 3.38
Register         1.0 0 0 0 0 1 0 4.72

Awesome!

See article here.

5/4/08
No wins in two days. 0-8.

4/30/08
New player rankings are up. No change in the top 10.

4/29/08
New pitching rankings are up. Juan Morillo is probably on his way out of the top 10.

Injuries in within the Rockies franchise forced these moves:
1. Tulo's injury allows Q to be promoted from AAA but he'll officially replace Franklin Morales, who was demoted Tuesday, on the Rockies roster until some medical decisions are made on Tulo.

2. EYJr's injury forces Corey Wimberly back to starting at 2B in Tulsa, recently signed Tony Blanco promotion from Modesto to Tulsa and the activation of Nick Haley from the DL in Modesto.

4/28/08
Acquired: RHP Sean Smith from Indians as player to be named in earlier trade of 2B Jamey Carroll

Recalled: LHP Josh Newman

Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Pedro Strop, 2B Nick Haley

Reinstated from DL: LHP Luis Gonzalez

4/27/08
Updated player rankings coming up next week.

4/24/08
The only team currently with a losing record in the farm system is the Sky Sox. This isn't too surprising considering they have nothing but retreads in the rotation except for Reynolds.. and he is struggling to find his rhythm in his first year at the AAA level.

4/22/08
Released: OF Joe Gaetti
Placed on 7-day DL: RHP James Burok, OF Travis Becktel

4/15/08
Ian Stewart, Dexter Fowler and Everth Cabrera have had nice starts to the season at the plate while Casey Weathers, Jhoulys Chacin and Cory Riordan are matching them on the mound.

4/7/08
Signed: RHP Josh Towers
Released: RHP Alec Zumwalt, C David Parrish, 1B Fernando Seguignol, OF Jordan Czarniecki, OF Ruddy Yan
Traded: 2B Matt Kata to Pirates for future considerations
Voluntarily retired: 1B Brandon Reichert
Added to 40-man roster: LHP Micah Bowie, OF Scott Podsednik
Optioned to Triple-A: RHP Ryan Speier, OF Cory Sullivan
Outrighted off 40-man roster: RHP Jose Capellan, RHP Josh Towers
Placed on 7-day DL: RHP Jon George, OF Joe Gaetti

4/6/08.. Rocky
Samuel Deduno, who was scheduled to return to Double-A Tulsa this season, underwent ligament-transplant surgery on his right elbow Wednesday. That procedure, known as Tommy John surgery, will sideine Deduno for about a year.

4/5/08.. Rox Head
It appears as though for some reason the Rockies have given up on Corey Wimberly as a legit prospect. Why else would they have not promoted him to AAA this year?

I don't think they should give up on him yet. Move him up to the Springs and give him 4 starts a week at 2nd. Let Jonathan Herrera and Q move around the infield for their playing time because they are both obviously more suited to the utility role in the majors. As for Corey, even if they have no plans for him here in Denver.. some other team might find him appealing.

4/2/08
Signed: RHP Ryan Speier, C Edwin Bellorin
Released: RHP Mike Esposito, RHP Matt Hirsh, RHP Marc Kaiser, RHP Andrew Kreidermacher, RHP Chris Young, LHP Jesse Hall, C Nate Anderson, C Mike Rose, 2B Marcus Giles, 3B Phillip Cuadrado, 3B Jose Valdez, OF Josh Burrus, OF Lino Garcia
Outrighted off 40-man roster: RHP Jose Capellan
Optioned to Triple-A: LHP Josh Newman, C Edwin Bellorin, 1B Joe Koshansky, 3B Ian Stewart, SS Omar Quintanilla, OF Seth Smith