The Rockies organization looks a bit different than it did yesterday, with planned AAA third baseman Joe Crede informing the team that he would not be reporting to camp for Spring Training, for motivations unknown. The Rockies released Crede, leaving Eric Duncan and Matt Macri as the primary competitors for the Sky Sox third base spot in 2011, though Chris Nelson may find himself time there as well.
Coverage:
- Steve Foster of Inside the Rockies
- Troy Renck of the Denver Post
Joining Colorado's list of non-roster invitees is RHP John Maine, signed to a minor league contract after a disastrous turn from what originally seemed to be the start to a promising career forced the Mets' hands to the non-tender option last offseason. Though Maine's health and condition are suspect after a drop in the quality of both every year of his MLB career, he provides yet another solid depth option, though his potential presence at AAA Colorado Springs adds to an already crowded pool of candidates for the back end of that rotation. Maine has a minor league out clause at some point early in the season, and will make $3 million if he makes the team.
Coverage:
- Steve Foster of Inside the Rockies
- Troy Renck of the Denver Post (same article as above)
- Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com
Other news items after the jump.
Inside the Rockies teases their newest Farm Report, which in addition to prospects Tyler Matzek and Juan Nicasio, will cover the return to baseball of formerly retired minor leaguer Joey Williamson, as well as profile former PuRP Darin Holcomb as he tries to bounce back from chronic, potentially career ending back issues. The full issue will be sent to ItR sponsors on Monday the 21st.
Troy Renck and Jim Armstrong's excellent coverage of Spring Training continues with new articles on Ian Stewart and Wilin Rosario, along with new videos of the catchers taking fielding practice and the Rockies weight room, all accessible here.
Thomas Harding of MLB.com provides an article on Jorge De La Rosa, visa issue now resolved and ready to get to work. In the article, De La Rosa affirms his desire to play for the Colorado Rockies.
"I like Denver, and the coaches know me. This is where I started doing better in my career." - Jorge De La Rosa
Detroit Tigers' first baseman Miguel Cabrera has been charged with driving under the influence while in Florida for Spring Training. Noah Trister of the Assosiated Press, via the Denver Post, has a story.
My final Offseason Handbook article on the organizational depth should be coming early next week.