Saturday Rockpile: Ubaldo Unhappy with Swirling Rumors, Rockies Interested in Kevin Slowey, More

Ubaldo miffed at trade rumors - The Denver Post
Amid rumblings that his questions about his attitude led to the Rockies outwardly saying they'll listen to trade offers, Ubaldo Jimenez was less than pleased when asked about the situation. In news that is all new to me, the New York Post apparently talked to someone close to the organization who said that Jimenez's poor performance has likely been due to him pouting about not getting the same contract treatments as Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez. Ubaldo scoffed at the notion, citing his injuries and spring training ineffectiveness. However, he thinks he is over the physical limitations and now feels like he can return to his former self.

Also in the piece, Troy Renck notes that CarGo thinks he's ready to return to the lineup tonight - a move that, provided he's healthy, will only help the team continue to roll. In addition, Renck mentions the "other" move made on the big league roster yesterday, as in addition to Fowler, the team called up catcher Eliezer Alfonzo, hoping his bat can be beneficial to the Rockies. Obviously, the move was at the expense of Matt Pagnozzi, who was sent back to Triple-A along with Cole Garner.

Alfonzo, 32, posted a 1.123 OPS while hitting 12 home runs in just 94 at-bats in Colorado Springs. He will be a complete 180 from Chris Iannetta in his approach at the plate, though; Eliezer walked just two times in the Springs, compared to 16 strikeouts.

Pirates, Rockies interested in Twins’ Slowey - Yardbarker
Jon Paul Morosi cites Colorado's interest in Twins' starter Kevin Slowey, who is currently at the tail-end of a rehab assignment. Slowey's best season as a big leaguer came in 2008, when he posted an ERA+ of 105, while striking out 123 batters compared to just 24 walks in 27 starts. Throwing strikes is easily Slowey's biggest strength, as he has walked just 1.5 batters per nine innings in his career. Plus, he's only 27 years old. We've seen these type of guys have some success in the NL - particularly, in the NL West. That, combined with the fact that it likely won't take a lot to get him (as he is currently stuck in limbo with the Twins' rotation situation), makes this a low-risk, moderate-reward deal for the Rockies if they decide to go in that direction. However, as the title states, they will have some competition from the first place Pirates if they decide to go after him.

More after the jump...

MLB -- Keith Law's Updated 2011 Top 50 prospects - ESPN
This was discussed in the comments in a recent Rockpile, but I don't think it was ever linked on the front page. In any case, Law has Bryce Harper as the number one overall prospect in baseball, and there won't be much argument there from me considering Mike Trout has been promoted to the majors. The only Rockie Law has on his list is third baseman Nolan Arenado (PuRP #5), who is ranked 43rd. Law on Arenado:

Arenado is a heavy-footed third baseman with great instincts and a great swing that should produce power. One red flag: He's doing most of his damage off left-handers, hitting .286/.332/.427 against right-handed pitchers and .377/.418/689 against lefties. Those numbers are in the hitter-friendly Cal League, so take them with a grain of salt.

Nolan was 93rd on Law's preseason list, so his climb is noteworthy. Also, Wilin Rosario (PuRP #1) was listed in the "honorable mentions" section.

Moss: Friedrich living up to draft status - The Denver Post

Fowler returns with flurry of success at plate, on bases - The Denver Post