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Rockies report: Smith back with team

By Tracy Ringolsby, Rocky Mountain News

Published July 9, 2008 at 10:51 a.m.

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Numbers Game

2 teams, Philadelphia and Tampa Bay, are showing the most interest in trading for Rockies left-handed reliever Brian Fuentes. Both teams have scouts following the Rockies to evaluate Colorado's closer. Other teams showing interest are the Yankees, Red Sox and Mets. But the Rockies want quality young players in return, pointing out they would get two top-50 draft picks in June as compensation if they lose Fuentes as a free agent.

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Outfielder Seth Smith was back on the Rockies roster before he left town. Smith was recalled to take the place of outfielder Ryan Spilborghs, who went on the disabled list with a strained left oblique muscle.

That came one day after Smith was told he was being sent back to Triple-A Colorado Springs to make room for the call-up of second baseman Jayson Nix. Smith worked out with the Rockies on Tuesday with the idea he would fly out of Milwaukee on Wednesday and meet up with the Sky Sox.

"He was a guy we had up originally, and now we have an outfield fit (for Smith) that we didn't have before," manager Clint Hurdle said.

SIGNED ON

First baseman-catcher Kiel Roling, a graduate of Grand Junction Central High School and the Rockies' sixth-round draft pick out of Arizona State, is among five additional draft choices to come to terms with the Rockies, who have signed 12 of their top 13 selections.

Also coming to terms were right-hander Stephen Dodson, 10th round out of Georgia; third baseman Ryan Peisel, 12th round out of Georgia; second baseman Erik Wetzel, 13th round out of Fresno State; and right-hander Tyler Trice, 21st round out of North Carolina.

Roling, who hit 23 home runs with 113 RBI and a .350 average the past two seasons at Arizona State, is assigned to rookie-level Casper. The other four were sent to short-season Tri-City.

ETC.

Center fielder Scott Podsednik, who had only three hits in his previous 26 at-bats, delivered two RBI singles against the Brewers. It was his first start in the field since June 8. Willy Taveras was given Wednesday off after playing back-to-back games, a part of the strategy of the Rockies trainers to try and limit Taveras' recurring quadriceps problems that surfaced in the second half last season and forced him out of the lineup last week. Ryan Spilborghs, who has played when Taveras hasn't, went on the disabled list Wednesday. . . . Holliday's first-inning single extended his hitting streak to 13 games. . . . Marlins scout Tommy Thompson watched catcher Yorvit Torrealba catch the game Tuesday. Chris Iannetta was back behind the plate Wednesday. Iannetta has started 21 of the past 33 games, slowly assuming the No. 1 catching job.

Comments

  • July 9, 2008

    12:55 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    wilburM writes:

    "When the Rockies called up Nix on Tuesday they designated left-handed pitcher Josh Newman for assignment. "

    good god! why did they option Newman and keep Bowers? Did I miss something in Bowers' performances? Even the manager doesn't trust him to get a LH batter (Fielder) or anyone else right now.

    Dan, you think Newman is actually worse than that? Yikes!

  • July 9, 2008

    5:47 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    RDenver writes:

    Having Nix at 2nd base is scary. Actually, having Hurdle as the manager is scary. Maybe the Monforts will wake up after the season and hire a REAL manager!