Left-handed pitcher Greg Smith, who began the 2010 season as the Colorado Rockies No. 2 starter, was among the players released at the end of minor league spring training, a list that also includes reliever Craig Baker.
The Colorado Rockies made their first cuts Sunday, reassigning 14 players — mostly pitchers — to their minor league camp. The most successful among the group this spring has been outfielder Cole Carner, who hit .375 with three doubles in 12 spring games.
Esmil Rogers allowed three runs on six hits in the first four innings’ of the Rockies’ 9-8 win Thursday against the Milwaukee Brewers. Rogers, possibly the front-runner to be the Rockies’ fifth starter when the season opens, gave up all three runs on a Ryan Braun home run.
On paper at least, the Colorado Rockies have what could be one of the better bullpens in baseball. But if injuries and heavy workloads in 2010 have a hangover effect in 2011, the bullpen could quickly lose some of its promise.
If the Colorado Rockies’ anticipated rotation can account for the vast majority of the team’s starts, the Rockies could be in line for a season more like 2009 than 2010. But what happens if the rotation is again hit with injuries?
With two anchors, two free agents and two others coming disappointing seasons, the Colorado Rockies have nearly as many possible answers as they do questions for the 2011 starting rotation.
The move essentially eliminates any chance the left-hander had of returning to the Colorado Rockies when the rosters expand in September.
Rosters will expand to 40 players early next week, and with the recent spate of injuries in the Colorado Rockies bullpen, the team is certain to add a few players. Who might be among the September additions to the Rockies roster?
Three weeks after his last appearance for the Colorado Rockies, Aaron Cook will make his first rehab start tonight for Double-A Tulsa.
Milwuakee is one of five NL teams against which the Rockies have an all-time winning record. They have had more success against Milwaukee in Denver than any other NL team.
Left-hander Greg Smith is optioned to Triple-A Colorado Springs to make room for the return of right-handed reliever Matt Daley.
Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Jason Hammel, making his second start since coming off the disabled list because of a strained groin, said after Friday’s game he tried to pitch through groin soreness.
