I should have run this through our Northwest League beat writer, Jack Millikin, for confirmation, but I believe last year that left-handed ace Christian Friedrich was just the second first-round pick of the Colorado Rockies to swing through the Tri-Cities.
Jeff Francis was the first, in 2002. Unfortunately, Francis is not in the Rockies' plans this season because of February shoulder surgery.
However, it might not be long before the flame-throwing Friedrich brings his heat to Mile High.
Baseball America, the unquestioned authority of minor-league baseball, posted its latest "Hot Sheet" on Friday. Friedrich pops up at No. 9 with his blazing beginning for Asheville (N.C.) in the South Atlantic League.
If you check out the link for Friedrich's stats, then you'll recognize the cap he's wearing in the mug shot.
The next rung on the ladder of Rockies affiliates is Modesto (Calif.) Nuts. Yes, the Nuts. One mascot looks like an almond. The other appears to be a walnut.
Next month, the Dust Devils open their season in Boise on June 20. Their home opener is Tuesday, June 23 vs. Vancouver.
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Rockies re-sign ex-Dust Devil Smith
Rockies re-sign ex-Dust Devil Smith
DENVER -- The Colorado Rockies and outfielder Seth Smith have agreed to a one-year, $2,415,000 deal, avoiding arbitration.
Smith played for Tri-City Dust Devils in 2004 and made his major-league debut in 2007 with the Rockies. He has spent the last three seasons with the Rockies, playing both left and right field, and has a .275 batting average with 51 homers and 181 RBIs in 487 major league games.
He hit .284 with 32 doubles, nine triples, 15 homers and 59 RBIs last season, when he made $429,000.
Rockies deal ex-Dust Devil to A's
Rockies deal ex-Dust Devil to A's
DENVER -- The Colorado Rockies have traded outfielder Seth Smith to the Oakland Athletics for right-hander Guillermo Moscoso and left-hander Josh Outman.
Monday's deal came a deal after Smith and the Rockies avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year contract worth $2,415,000.
Smith, a former Tri-City Dust Devil, has spent the last three seasons with the Rockies, playing both left and right field, and has a .275 batting average with 51 homers and 181 RBIs in 487 major league games. He hit .284 with 32 doubles, nine triples, 15 homers and 59 RBIs last season, when he made $429,000.
Ex-Dust Devil Wilson picks football over baseball
Ex-Dust Devil Wilson picks football over baseball
After leading Wisconsin to the Rose Bowl in his lone season with the Badgers, quarterback Russell Wilson has decided to pursue a career in pro football over one in baseball.
Wilson played parts of two minor league seasons for the Colorado Rockies organization, including 32 games in the summer of 2010 with the Tri-City Dust Devils. He has informed the Rockies that he will prepare for the NFL draft instead of report to spring training.
"I want to put all my focus in football and see where it takes me," Wilson said in a phone interview Wednesday.
Tri-City's Ebert named NWL's top exec
Tri-City's Ebert named NWL's top exec
PASCO -- Fresh off a record-setting season, the Tri-City Dust Devils added yet another feather in their caps Tuesday when Derrel Ebert, their general manager and vice president, was named the Northwest League's Executive of the Year.
Not bad for someone who had never before experienced a winning season.
"This award is a compliment to all those involved with Dust Devils baseball," Ebert said in a statement. "Our front office works extremely hard throughout the year, and we get great support from our fans, sponsors, the Colorado Rockies and the City of Pasco."
Oregon State (14-7) at Colorado (14-7) (ET)
Oregon State (14-7) at Colorado (14-7) (ET)
Oregon State (14-7) at Colorado (14-7) (ET)
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