Torres gets outrighted to Triple-A

The Rockies have announced that pitcher Carlos Torres has cleared waivers and will be outrighted to Triple-A.

Torres appeared in 31 games for Colorado in 2012, posting a 5.26 ERA with a 4.4 BB/9 ratio.

Analysis: Torres has good minor league numbers but walks to many batters, therefore I wouldn't even think about claiming him.

Cubs claim Putnam off of waivers

The Cubs have claimed pitcher Zack Putnam off of waivers from the Rockies. Putnam was one of four players that the Rockies have let go via waiver claims within the last 24 hours.

Putnam spent most of the season in Triple-A, posting a 4.15 ERA in 60 2/3 innings.

Analysis: Putnam will probably be given the opportunity to earn a spot in that bullpen when Spring Training comes. He is really just bullpen depth-and maybe a decent setup man if he's lucky.

Royals claim Moscoso, Hayes off of waivers

The Royals have claimed pitcher Guillermo Moscoso off of waivers from the Rockies, and catcher Brett Hayes off of waivers from the Marlins.

Moscoso appeared in 23 games for Colorado in 2012, posting a 6.12 ERA in 50 innings. Hayes hit .202 in 118 plate appearances with the Marlins in 2012.

Analysis: Moscoso had a rough go of it with the Rockies, and I'm assuming that the Coors Field dimensions screwed up his stats. He will probably serve as a spot starter with the Royals, as they look to get younger. Hayes will serve as catching depth behind Salvador Perez and Brayan Pena.

Twins claim Roenicke, Field

The Twins have claimed pitcher Josh Roenicke and infielder Thomas Field off of waivers from the Rockies.

Roenicke posted a 3.25 ERA in 88 2/3 relief innings of work for Colorado in 2012. He also posted a 50.2% ground-ball rate, which is very impressive.

Field spent most of the 2012 season in Triple-A, hitting .246 in 494 plate appearances while serving as the team's starting shortstop.

Analysis: Roenicke had a very strong season in 2012, and I think that he is a great pickup by Minnesota. He was a good fit for Colorado because his ground ball rate would keep his ERA down while pitching in Coors Field. The only reason why the Twins would claim Thomas Field is because their shortstop situation is so bleak right now and they are probably looking to claim anyone so they can serve as depth.

Jorge De La Rosa exercises player option

Pitcher Jorge De La Rosa has exercised his player option for the 2013 season. He will earn $11 million, and now has an option worth $11 million for the 2014 season.

De La Rosa has posted a combined 4.39 ERA since signing with Colorado two off-seasons ago. He missed most of the 2012 season because of elbow surgery.

Analysis: Well this must've killed the Rockies. Obviously if I was in De La Rosa's position I'd do the same thing, but he did not earn that money. What a terrible deal for the Rockies-even if he comes back healthy.

Jim Tracy resigns as Rockies Manager

The Rockies have announced that Jim Tracy has resigned as the teams manager.

"Jim Tracy is a man that has brought professionalism to the Rockies organization since 2009," said Bill Geivett, who is the Rockies' senior vice president of Major League operations. "However, Jim has decided that he no longer wants to move forward as manager. We respect Jim's decision, and we wish Jim and his family the best of luck as we begin our search for the right person to become the next manager of our organization."

The Rockies had a terrible 2012 season, winning 64 games and losing 98, which is a franchise record for losses. Tracy's experimental four-man rotation failed, and the club's pitching coach Bob Apodaca also resigned. Tracy posted a combined 220-266 record as the Rockies' skipper.

Analysis: Tracy really wasn't the problem, and I don't blame him for leaving. The organization is a mess, and they will probably not have a good 2013 season. I didn't agree with Tracy's four man rotation plan initially, and it definitely failed. Besides that, I didn't really have a problem with anything else he did as a manager. But, however like I said before, this team is a mess and Tracy doesn't know where their future is heading, so I don't blame him for wanting to leave.

Fantasy talk: Wilin Rosario status report

The Rockies have had a horrific 2012 season, but a few bright spots have emerged. One of those bright spots is Wilin Rosario, who has hit very well this season, and will most likely be their backstop for the long-term. We all knew that Rosario had power, but he was always blocked on the depth chart by players like Chris Iannetta and Ramon Hernandez. Iannetta got dealt to the Angels last winter and Hernandez has spent most of the 2012 season on the DL, thus giving Rosario the everyday gig at the catching position. I'm sure that Colorado's front office is happy about that decision.

Rosario inked a deal with the Rockies as an amateur free agent back in 2006. He really didn't produce during his first year or two in the minors, but eventually found his swing in 2008. This opened some eyes in Colorado's organization, and they slowly moved him through the farm system. In 2010, he spent the entire season in Double-A, where he hit .285 with 19 homers with 52 RBI in only 73 games. Despite those great numbers, he started the 2011 season in Double-A, but the Rockies were definitely aware of this kid's potential. His batting average took a slight dip, but he managed to smack 21 homers in 102 games. Like I said earlier, the Rockies went on to trade Chris Iannetta to the Angels, and signed Ramon Hernandez, presumably to be the starting catcher.

This season Rosario managed to break camp with the team, but was on the roster as the backup catcher behind Hernandez. Well Hernandez would go on to have a string of injuries, and next thing you know Rosario is the starting catcher. He has definitely taken advantage of the opportunity. He currently has 25 homers with 66 RBI while hitting .259 in 106 games. The batting average isn't very pretty, but that home run rate is appealing. He is definitely going to be an interesting player to watch in 2013, and I expect him to reach the 30+ home run mark sometime in his career.

There are plenty of catchers out there in fantasy baseball. Usually it is smart to draft a catcher in the later rounds due to that surplus of talent. My advice to you would be to draft Rosario in the later rounds as a sleeper pick in 2013. I strongly believe that he will only get better, and whenever you see a young hitter at Coors Field, its definitely smart to at least take a flier on him.

Revisiting the Chris Iannetta trade

I was very surprised when the Rockies traded away Chris Iannetta last fall, but now I realize why they did it. They knew that they had young catcher Wilin Rosario coming up through the farm system and it was only a matter of time until he would take the starting job in Colorado. I somewhat understood it from the Angels' standpoint, because they had Hank Conger, who was not ready for the big leagues, and Bobby Wilson, who is a backup catcher at best. While this trade is not the sexiest of the year, it will certainly affect both sides if the Angels choose to keep Iannetta for the next two years. Here is a breakdown of the trade:

Rockies get:

Tyler Chatwood- (Triple-A stats)- 5.79 ERA, 9 starts, 37.1 innings pitched
                          (MLB stats)- 5.32 ERA, 15 appearances, 8 starts, 47.1 ERA, 5.1 BB/9

Angels get:

Chris Iannetta- 8 home runs, 23 RBI, .249 batting average, 60 games, 193 plate appearances


It's safe to say that this trade hasn't severely affected both sides so far this year. Honestly, I think the Rockies won it through addition by subtraction. Iannetta had a decent tenure with Colorado, but getting rid of him was necessary to let Rosario play everyday. I'm sure that Colorado was happy that they could just get SOMETHING for Iannetta. Chatwood is a decent pitcher, but we all know that the Rockies have an odd way of handling their pitchers. He has had a rough year, but then again he is throwing maximum 3 innings per outing due to Manager Jim Tracy's project 5183. Honestly, I think Chatwood may turn into something special, perhaps a #3 starter at best, but he definitely won't be an ace. As for Iannetta, he hasn't really stayed healthy this year, and I have a feeling that Hank Conger is going to take his job. Iannetta has some pop to his bat, but I don't think that he will return to being an everyday catcher anytime soon. So, Overall, I think that the Rockies have won this trade through addition by subtraction, and because Chatwood may turn into a decent pitcher.

Paul Phillips to retire

Catcher Paul Phillips has decided to call it quits and become a coach at Lipscomb University, according to the Rockies' Triple-A affiliate. 

Phillips has spent the 2012 season playing in the Blue Jays' and Brewers' Triple-A affiliates. He last appeared in the major leagues in 2010 with Colorado, and will finish his career with a .262 batting average in total 91 games played at the MLB level.

Analysis: Phillips was basically a backup catcher his entire career, and I'm glad that he is calling it quits to coach at a college university. The university probably has more of a use for him than the Rockies' Triple-A affiliate. 

Rockies open to bringing back Francis next season

According to Patrick Saunders of The Denver Post, there are "strong indications" that the Rockies will make a push to re-sign Jeff Francis after this season.

"I would certainly like to come back, I would be open to that," Francis said. Since re-uniting with the Rockies in June, Francis has posted a 6.07 ERA in 15 starts.

Analysis: Why? Francis is washed up. He is a pitcher that pitches to contact and is a horrible fit for Coors field. Saunders says in his article that Francis might get roughed up from time to time, but provides occasional solid starts. My question here is, Why would I want an inconsistent pitcher in my rebuilding rotation. Francis would probably be affordable, but it would be wrong to re-sign him.

Eckstrom clears waivers, outrighted to Triple-A

The Rockies announced that pitcher Mike Eckstrom has cleared waivers and will be outrighted to Triple-A. Colorado designated Eckstrom for assignment a couple of days ago after he allowed 11 runs in 15 2/3 innings this season.

Rockies designate Ekstrom for assignment

The Rockies have designated pitcher Mike Ekstrom for assignment. The move creates space for veteran hurler Guillermo Moscoso.

Ekstrom has allowed 11 runs in 15 2/3 relief innings for Colorado this season. He posted a 2.64 ERA in 47 2/3 Triple-A innings this year as well.

Rockies sign Jeff Marquez

The Rockies have signed pitcher Jeff Marquez to a minor league deal. Marquez, 28, posted a 6.69 ERA in 76 2/3 innings pitched for the Mariners' Triple-A affiliate this year. He has four big league appearances in his career. Three with the Yankees and one with the White Sox.

Helton to undergo hip surgery, out for rest of season

The Rockies announced that first baseman Todd Helton will undergo arthroscopic surgery on Friday to repair a torn labrum in his right hip. Helton has been placed on the 15 day disabled list and Colorado reinstated Chris Nelson from the 15 day disabled list in a corresponding move.

Helton has hit .238 with seven homers and 38 RBI this season, and has had a sore hip since early June.

Cuddyer hits the 15 day DL

The Rockies have placed outfielder Michael Cuddyer on the 15 day disabled list with an oblique injury. He is expected to miss two to four weeks. Colorado has recalled pitcher Tyler Chatwood from Triple-A in a corresponding move.

Cuddyer has hit .260 with 15 homers, 30 doubles, and 56 RBI this season. He is in the first year of a three year, $31.5 million deal his signed with Colorado.

Wil Nieves clears waivers, elects free agency

The Rockies have announced that catcher Wil Nieves has cleared waivers, and has rejected an assignment to the minor leagues. He will become a free agent.

Nieves has hit .298 in 51 plate appearances this year.

Rockies designate Nieves for assignment

Wait, What?

The Rockies have designated catcher Wil Nieves for assignment. They just activated him off of the 15 day disabled list this morning.

Nieves appeared in 16 games for the Rockies this year, but has had a toe injury that has sidelined him since early July. He has hit .298 in 51 plate appearances this year.

Analysis: Nationals claim him in 3...2...1..

Giants acquire Marco Scutaro

The Giants have acquired infielder Marco Scutaro and cash considerations from the Rockies in exchange for minor league second baseman Charlie Culberson. The money will help pay for the $2.2 million remaining on Scutaro's contract.

Scutaro has hit .271 in 411 plate appearances this year. He has played mostly second base this season but has gotten a lot of playing time at shortstop due to Troy Tulowitzki's absence. Scutaro will most likely see a lot of playing time with San Francisco, as shortstop Brandon Crawford and second baseman Ryan Theriot provide little offensive value. Scutaro also has has experience at third base and could play some games at the hot corner now that Pablo Sandoval is injured.

Culberson was a supplemental first round pick (51st overall) of the Giants in the 2007 draft. He has hit .258 in 2575 career minor league plate appearances. Earlier this year he made his major league debut with San Francisco, and appeared in six games with them.

Analysis: Great trade for the Giants here. I've always liked Scutaro even though he is a little old and his skills and degrading. He should see a lot of playing time with the Giants and this could be an under the radar trade by Brian Sabean. As for the Rockies, Culberson seems like he hasn't really gotten it all together. He hasn't put up great numbers in the minor leagues, and I'm not sure what Colorado saw in him.

Rockies, Royals swap players

The Royals have agreed to send pitcher Jonathan Sanchez to Colorado in exchange for veteran pitcher Jeremy Guthrie (pictured). Both players have had rough seasons and are pending free agents.

Sanchez was recently designated for assignment by Kansas City following his poor performance this year. The Royals acquired him in the ill-fated Melky Cabrera trade last winter. Sanchez posted a 7.76 ERA in 53 1/3 innings pitched with the Royals. He will earn $5.6 million this season and will likely get a minor league deal next winter unless he restores his value in the hitter-friendly Coors Field.

Guthrie was acquired by Colorado in the Jason Hammel deal last winter. He has posted a 6.35 ERA in 90 2/3 innings pitched. He has also allowed a league leading 21 home runs this year. He is set to earn $8.2 million this season.

Analysis: I think the Royals won this trade, because Guthrie has much better numbers on the road than he does at Coors field. He has a 9.50 ERA in 41.2 innings pitched at Coors field, and a 3.67 ERA on the road. I bet he's excited to get out of Colorado. As for Sanchez, I can see him getting hit hard with the Rockies. Like I've said a million times, Coors field is hitter friendly, and Sanchez just simply doesn't a great arsenal of pitches. Overall, Kansas City looks like the early winner of this trade, but we'll have to see how the rest of the season plays out.

Helton hits the 15 day DL

The Rockies have placed first baseman Todd Helton on the 15 day disabled list with right hip inflammation. The team activated catcher Ramon Hernandez from the disabled list in a corresponding move.

Helton hit .235 in 65 games this year, and his career batting average is .320. He has had lingering hip soreness lately and this is his first stint on the disabled list since 2010.