Rockies farm roundup: Sky Sox score 24; Maine returns
Triple-A Colorado Springs (W, 24-6 vs. Fresno, box)
The Sky Sox exploded with a 13-run fifth inning that included eight hits, four walks and two errors. Among the hits were a grand slam by third baseman Matt Macri, who was 5-for-7, added two doubles and drove in eight runs. First baseman Mike Jacobs was 5-for-7 with three RBI. Left fielder Cole Garner was 3-for-6 with a home run and three RBI. Right fielder Jeff Salazar was 2-for-3 with four walks, three RBI, five runs scored and two stolen bases. Center fielder Charlie Blackmon was 2-for-5 and extended his hitting streak to 17 games. Starting pitcher John Maine returned from shoulder inflammation and allowed four unearned runs in three innings. He allowed five hits, walked one and struck out three. Maine, who had not pitched since May 3, can opt out of his minor league contract with the Rockies on June 1.
Double-A Tulsa (L, 9-3 at Frisco, box)
Designated hitter Darin Holcomb and second baseman Thomas Field each hit solo home runs. Daniel Turpen, who has pitched out of the bullpen since joining the Drillers, made a start for a staff left short-handed by the promotion of Juan Nicasio to the Colorado Rockies.
High Class-A Modesto (W, 14-3 at Inland Empire, box)
Third baseman Nolan Arenado was 3-for-6 with a double and four RBI. First baseman Kiel Roling was 2-for-3 with three walks, a home run, three RBI and four runs scored. Right fielder Kent Matthes and second baseman Angelys Nina drove in two runs each. Starting pitcher Dan Houston allowed three runs in seven innings and picked up his fifth win.
Low Class-A Asheville (L, 4-1 at Greeneville, box)
Left fielder Chandler Laurent had two hits and drove in the Tourists’ only run. Center fielder Rafael Ortega tripled and scored. Starting pitcher Albert Campos allowed four runs in seven innings.
The big league Rockies would have been 1-hit by Fresno.
Steve, where is Ian Stewart playing these days?
Stewart is on the disabled list with a hamstring injury.
It’s good to see Garner back in the box score and doing well. Also, it’s good to see Kiel Roling putting up some good numbers after a bad 2010.
Since John Maine has missed several weeks, what are the thoughts concerning his opting out of his contract?
Steve, considering that Blackmon is really pushing for playing time up here, and OF depth in general seems an organizational strength, is there any rumours you are hearing about a move to trade some of that depth to shore up other areas of the team?
On Maine, I don’t expect he’ll opt of his contract right away, but you never know. Cook’s coming back, Mortensen has pitched as well as you’d expect a No. 5 to pitch and the Rockies want to keep Nicasio around for at least more start after how well he pitched Saturday. If Maine looked at the top of his game right now, he would be a viable option, but I’m not sure where he fits. So maybe he opts out and look for a place with a more obvious opening for a No. 5 or at least a better minor-league situation to prep for a return than Colorado Springs.
No rumors about a trade at the moment. But tough to keep ignoring how well Blackmon has played.