Tyler Colvin is a better baseball player than Jonathan Herrera. He also makes more money than Herrera does ($2.275 million versus $900k), and Herrera's position as back-up middle infielder is already being filled by Reid Brignac while Tyler Colvin played very well in almost full-time duty split between OF and 1B last year. So of course Colvin is being sent down in favor of Herrera. I swear, we just can't quit Jonny Herrera.
It's yet another mystifying roster decision for the Rockies, a gross overreaction to Colvin's spring struggles. How many times do baseball teams need to re-learn that spring stats are meaningless? Even worse, the move seems to be made in part so that the Rockies will be able to get Jordan Pacheco's bat in the lineup more when Todd Helton is sitting. Which is absurd, because Colvin's power (and better defense) makes him a much better fit for Colorado's lineup. In addition, this move adds to an extremely crowded Colorado Springs outfield situation, taking playing time away from some outfield prospects who actually need to develop in AAA. The only real good news is that Eric Young will be getting more playing time.
In case you were curious, RockiesRoster.com has the full 25 man Opening Day roster. Here's Thomas Harding's breakdown of the final roster.
The Rockies play their final game before the season today in Salt Lake City. Our own Bryan Kilpatrick will be providing dispatches all day today.
In other Rockies news, Patrick Saunders has his final spring training notes.
Thomas Harding writes about Jhoulys Chacin's journey to the Opening Day start.
Finally, Tracy Ringolsby writes about Walt Weiss preparing for his first big league managerial gig.