When Hector Gomez steps in the batting cage, Colorado Rockies hitting coach Don Baylor says, “Let me hear it.” The reason being Gomez has such quick hands and generates far more bat speed than most players. And that’s evident from the wonderfully loud sound when he squares up a ball on the barrel.

The Colorado Rockies farm system placed three prospects — all pitchers — on Baseball America’s annual Top 100 prospects list including last year’s No. 1 pick Tyler Matzek, who has yet to throw a regular-season pitch in the organization.

The Colorado Rockies decided about 10 years ago to build around their slugging first baseman. Now, while the team is no longer built around a single player, Troy Tulowitzki anchors the middle of the lineup and the middle of the diamond, making shortstop the one position where the Rockies have no questions.

Offseason rumors linked the Colorado Rockies to many free agent infielders, any of whom would have impacted this position in some way if they had signed. Yet, after all the shopping, the Rockies likely end up with the same second baseman to start 2010 as they finished 2009.

Left-hander one of six non-roster prospects who will participate in first major-league camp.

Rockies finalize plans and will send seven players to the Arizona Fall League

Rockies will also send several pitching prospects to join these three players in the Arizona Fall League

Baseball America publishes its annual Best Tools issue

Rockies receive minor league relief pitcher with a power arm in exchange for utility player.

Mild oblique strain not expected to sideline him long

SS missed virtually all of 2008 with leg and elbow injuries

Fastball command has been an issue for Double-A Tulsa right-hander in two starts.