Morning Links: Rockies News 2/6

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Within the division there is a sign of baseball today. Arizona Diamondbacks’ pitchers and catchers reported in preparation for their March 22nd opening game against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Australia. We are less than a week into February, but it is a positive sign nevertheless that we are just that much closer to baseball.

With that, let’s take a look at what is happening with the Rockies and around the rest of the league:

From Jeff Aberle: Wednesday Rockpile: Which non-roster invitees will make an impact with the Rockies in 2014? (Purple Row)

"Obviously we’re all excited about the futures of Messrs. Butler and Gray (Colorado’s top two prospects), but it’s very unlikely that the Rockies will deem either of these two ready to open the year with the big league club. Both should start in Tulsa – but when they’re ready the Rockies will bring them up to the Show. When that might occur is largely up to each pitcher, but I’d guess that Butler is more likely to get called up this year.”"

From Dave Cameron: Freddie Freeman and Choosing Youth over Track Record (FanGraphs)

"Freeman’s deal is for eight seasons, covering his remaining three arbitration eligible years and then five free agent years beyond that…It’s the largest contract extension ever given to a player with between three and four years of service time, though if you count the guaranteed dollars left on Ryan Braun‘s deal when he signed his second extension, the Brewers were on the hook for $141 million over nine years going forward from the point of the agreement.”"

From Mark Whelan: Buster Posey Best Catcher in the West. Surprise! (Friars on Base)

"And indeed, two years ago, Rosario’s home/away splits heavily favored Coors Field, where he hit .297 vs .242 on the road, while 18 of his 28 bombs came at home.   Last year though, things evened out, and his home and away numbers in both BA and HRs were virtually the same.  So Rosario now seems to be as dangerous in other parks as he is at home.  The man doesn’t like to take pitches, though. Not even a little bit.  In 466 plate appearances, he drew only 15 walks.  333 players in the majors drew more walks than that.”"