Even though he knows it’s more ego, Tim Ray, the general manager of the Grand Junction Rockies, believes his club has more status this year in the Colorado Rockies’ farm system.
With the Triple-A affiliate moving from Colorado Springs to Albuquerque, the Western Slope Rockies are the only in-state member of the farm system.
“I like that,” Ray said as he prepares for Grand Junction’s fourth season of playing host to the big-league team’s Rookie League club. “If there’s a need for rehabilitation work, our fans could see some big-league players because of Grand Junction’s proximity to Denver.”
Ray is awaiting final word on the roster for this year and hoping it might include some high picks from this week’s amateur draft. He’d like nothing better than to see shortstop Brendan Rodgers, the third player taken in the first round, and pitcher Mike Nikorak, taken 27th overall, playing for the Western Slope Rockies.
“We’re still in the process of reviewing our draft choices and making sure we send those who sign to the right level,” said Zach Wilson, Rockies director of player development. “We like to get a good combination of youth and experience on our short-season team.”
The Rockies also are filling the roster for the Boise Hawks, who play in the Northwest League.
Grand Junction’s fans have been treated to first-round draft picks on the roster in each of the past three years. Pitchers Jon Gray (2013) and Kyle Freeland (2014) and outfielder David Dahl (2012) all started their professional careers in Grand Junction.
Grand Junction’s leadership on the field is the same. Tony Diaz begins his third season as supervisor of development. Anthony Sanders is back for a third season as manager as is Lee Stevens as hitting coach. Ryan Kibler begins his fourth season as pitching coach.
Ray hasn’t forgotten the fans. Five fireworks nights are on the schedule.
“This area really supports baseball,” Ray said, noting the Junior College World Series, Mesa State’s college program and the Rookie League Rockies.
Rockies noticing Matt McBride in Albuquerque.
Catcher/outfielder Matt McBride is a prime example that the cupboard isn’t bare in Albuquerque.
On May 8, McBride was hitting .178. As of Thursday, he was hitting .326 and leading the Rockies organization’s players with 45 games or more. Over a 33-game span, McBride hit .383 with 17 multiple-hit games.
“You have to believe in yourself when you’re going through a rough stretch,” McBride said “It’s a long season, and you can’t panic when things aren’t going well. You believe in your swing and take it day to day.”
The Rockies have noticed.
“He’s worked extremely hard, and it’s paying off,” said Wilson. “We have a talented roster at Triple-A and a roster with some depth to it.”
McBride came to the Rockies in the 2011 trade that sent pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez to the Cleveland Indians.
ORGANIZATION LEADERS
(Through Thursday)
HITTING: (minimum 45 games) Matt McBride, Albuquerque, .326; Jordan Patterson, Modesto, .316.
RUNS: Trevor Story, New Britain, 40; Patterson, Modesto, 39.
HITS: Ryan McMahon, 66; Story, New Britain, 61.
DOUBLES: McMahon, Modesto, 23; Patterson, Modesto, 18.
TRIPLES: Patterson, Modesto, 10; Forrest Wall, Asheville, 6.
HOME RUNS: Story, New Britain, 8; Tom Murphy, New Britain, 8.
RBI: Raimel Tapia, Modesto, 37; Story, New Britain, 34; Murphy, New Britain, 34.
STOLEN BASES: Wes Rogers, Asheville, 39; Drew Weeks, Asheville, 16.
PITCHING
Victories: Yohan Flande, New Britain, Albuquerque, 7; Gus Schlosser, New Britain, 7.
LOSSES: Carlos Polanco, Asheville, 7; Johendi Jiminian, Modesto, 6; Sam Howard, Asheville, 6.
SAVES: Austin House, New Britain, 18; Josh Michalec, Asheville, 10.
INNINGS: Shane Carle, New Britain, Albuquerque, 75 1/3; Ryan Carpenter, New Britain, 75.
WALKS: Jiminian, Modesto, 29; Konner Wade, Modesto, 24.
STRIKEOUTS: Antonio Senzatela, Modesto, 65; Carpenter, New Britain, 58.
ERA: (starters) Senzatela, Modesto, 2.22; Flande, New Britain, Albuquerque, 2.87 (relievers) Nelson Gonzalez, New Britain, Albuquerque, 1.86; Jerry Vasto, Asheville, 2.05.
Irv Moss: 303-954-1296, imoss@ or
