Minor League Monday

Time for another installment of Minor League Monday! Here’s your comprehensive report on all the Rockies’ minor league teams from Rookie Ball all the way up through Triple-A.

Casper Ghosts (0-0, Pioneer League South Division)

The Rookie Affiliate Casper Ghosts have yet to begin their 2011 season. The short-season club opens up their year against the Orem Owlz on June 20th.

Tri-City Dust Devils (0-0, Northwest League East Division)

The Tri-City Dust Devils, the short-season Class-A affiliate, open their 2011 campaign with a five-game series against the defending Northwest League champions Everett AquaSox on June 17th.

Asheville Tourists (20-25, 2.5 GB – South Atlantic League Southern Division)

The Low-A Asheville Tourists sit in fourth place 2.5 games back of the Savannah Sand Gnats, the Low-A affiliate of the New York Mets. Outfield prospect Kyle Parker has raised his average to .308 and has hit five home runs, and leads the Tourists with 36 RBIs. Outfielder Corey Dickerson is hitting .271 with nine home runs and 18 RBIs. On the mound, Edwar Cabrera has run his record to 3-1 with an impressive ERA of 3.86 in nine starts. Peter Tago (1-0) has also impressed with an ERA of 2.57 in one start for Asheville.

Modesto Nuts (20-23, 8.5 GB in the California League North Division)

The High-A Modesto Nuts are currently in fourth place, 8.5 games behind the San Jose Giants. First baseman Mike Zuanich is on fire, hitting .383 with nine home runs and a team-leading 36 RBIs. Third baseman Nolan Arenado is struggling slightly .243 with three home runs and just 21 RBIs. Pitcher Chad Bettis has a record of 3-2 and an ERA of 3.88 in 51 innings, while Tyler Matzek is stuggling some with a record of 0-3 and an ERA of 8.72.

Tulsa Drillers (23-20, T-1st in the Texas League North Division)

The Double-A Tulsa Drillers are tied for first with Northwest Arkansas, the Double-A affiliate of the Royals. Prized prospect Wilin Rosario is hitting .268 with seven home runs and 15 RBIs. Infield prospect Hector Gomez is struggling with a .224 average, five home runs, and 21 RBIs. Aaron Cook, in his three rehab starts, is 0-1 with an ERA of 4.70. He gave up 16 hits and nine runs, giving up three walks, one home run, and 13 strikeouts. Juan Nicasio is impressing with a 5-1 record, an ERA of 2.22, and one complete game shutout.

Colorado Springs Sky Sox (18-26, 8 GB in the Pacific Coast League Pacific North Division)

The Triple-A Colorado Springs Sky Sox are 8 games back of the Reno Aces, the Triple-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Their lineup is full of power, yet they continue to fail to score runs and win games.  Josh Fields (.379), Eric Young (.355), Charlie Blackmon (.344), and Chris Nelson (.303) are all hitting well at the plate, and Matt Macri (.299) is making a strong case to be the Rockies’ next experiment at third base. Ian Stewart is also back down with the club, and is hitting .308 in 52 at-bats for the Sky Sox. Jordan Pacheco (.283) and Matt Pagnozzi (.273) are both stating their cases for being called up this year, and Rex Brothers should be the next call0up for the Rockies with a record of 2-1 and an ERA of 2.31 in 20 games.

For more on the Rockies’ Minor League teams, visit our Minor League page!