Rockies Transactions, MLB News and Notes

The Rockies added pitching depth yesterday, got some good news about their third base coach and one of their starters, and are working on signing their 2011 draft picks.

Some Rockies transactions and news up first…

The Rockies announced the signing of relief pitcher J.C. Romero yesterday. Romero is best known for his work with the Philadelphia Phillies as a late inning reliever, and has spent time in the Yankees farm system this season. The 35-year old southpaw has a season ERA of 3.86 with 10 strikeouts, and will number 32.

The Rockies designated pitcher Edgar Gonzalez for assignment yesterday. Gonzalez went two innings Sunday, allowing five hits and two runs, while walking one and striking out one. His ERA stands at 9.00 now. If no team picks Gonzalez up within 10 days, he’ll be reassigned to Triple-A Colorado Springs.

The Rockies will officially acquire southpaw Drew Pomeranz on Tuesday. Pomeranz was acquired in the trade for Ubaldo Jimenez back in late July, but couldn’t officially be annouced as a part of the trade until one year after he originally signed with Cleveland. He’ll make a start for the Double-A Tulsa Drillers next week, and is expected to be called up to the Rockies when rosters expand on September 1st. The Denver Post’s Rockies beat writer Troy Renck will be there to cover his first start.

The Rockies signed their Number 1 pick from the 2011 MLB Draft late Monday night. Tyler Anderson is a lefty out of the University of Oregon who some say may be the second coming of Jeff Francis (in his glory days). The details of his signing were not released, per club policy, but Anderson will be in the Rockies’ minor league system very soon.

Relief pitcher Matt Daley underwent shoulder surgery yesterday to correct problems in his throwing shoulder. Daley hasn’t thrown a baseball for the Rockies in over two months, and may not see even minor league action for the rest of the year, though he’ll be ready for Spring Training in 2012.

Rockies third base coach Rich Dauer was in uniform and coaching at third base yesterday, one day after taking a line drive thrown by second baseman Chris Nelson to the face. Dauer dodged a bullet, suffering only a fractured nose and a black eye.

Pitcher Juan Nicasio was back in the Rockies’ clubhouse yesterday, nearly two weeks after taking a line drive to the temple off the bat of Nationals’ shortstop Ian Desmond. It was said that Nicasio’s presence in the clubhouse instantly brightened the team’s spirits. Friend and fellow starter Esmil Rogers asked Nicasio how he was doing, to which Nicasio replyed “I’ll be back in two weeks.” Nicasio underwent neck surgery for a fractured C-1 vertebrae, is still wearing a neck brace, and is out indefinitely, though he should be ready for Spring Training in March.

A bit of happy news as well. Yesterday on The Learning Channel, an episode of the show “Surprise Homecoming” was filmed at Security Service Field in Colorado Springs, home of the Triple-A Sky Sox. The show, hosted by Billy Ray Cyrus, reunites military wives with their husbands who have come home from overseas after long deployments without the families in the US knowing.

Some news from around the MLB today…

Brian Stow, the Giants fan assaulted outside of Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles back on Opening Day is still in serious condition, though doctors in San Francisco have reported that he’s been moving his extremities and is still unable to talk. Those responsible for the attack have been arrested and charged.

And a big congratulations to Jim Thome. The Minnesota DH hit home runs number 599 and 600 yesterday in the Twins 9-6 win over the Detroit Tigers. Thome is the second fastest player ever to reach 600 home runs.

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