The Rockies have designated 2B Jayson Nix for assignment for the 2nd time this season. Nix wants to play in the Olympics this year and the Rockies will let him if no team claims him on waivers. Nix played in 22 games for the Rockies this season and he was 7 for 56 (.125 avg, .395 OPS) with 2 runs scored and 2 RBIs.

The Rockies have designated lefty starting pitcher Mark Redman for assignment. Redman has been let go after he was upset after learning he was being moved to the bullpen. Redman pitched in 10 games (9 starts) for the Rockies this season and he was 2-5 with a 7.54 ERA and a 1.70 WHIP. He was pitching extended batting practice to the other teams as he allowed 61 hits in only 45.1 innings this season. He will not be missed at all.

The Rockies are really loaded with outfielders and 22-year old switch hitter is one of the best ones in the minor leagues. Fowler was the #3 prospect in the Colorado Rockies’ minor league system according to Baseball America coming into this season and he has not disappointed. Fowler has played in 87 games in AA-Ball this season and he is 113 for 343 (.329 avg, .932 OPS) with 72 runs scored, 9 homers, 54 RBIs and 16 stolen bases. He will be on the fast track to the majors now with the Rockies with an estimated time of arrival in Denver of September, 2008.

The Rockies have placed outfielder Ryan Spilboroghs on the 15-day disabled list with a left oblique strain. Spilboroghs has played in 72 games this season for the Rockies and he is 58 for 185 (.314 avg, .917 OPS) with 32 runs scored, 6 homers, 33 RBIs and 7 stolen bases. The Rockies have recalled outfielder Seth Smith from AAA ball to replace Spilboroghs on the roster. Smith has played in 15 games for the Rockies this season and he is 11 for 45 (.244 avg, .662 OPS) with 3 runs scored, 1 homer, 3 RBIs and 1 stolen base. The Rockies will miss Spilboroghs as he’s having an outstanding season.

26-year old righty swinging outfielder Tony Blanco is ripping the cover off of the baseball for the Rockies this season. He has played in 64 games in A+AA ball this season and he is 87 for 247 (.352 avg, 1.096 OPS) with 40 runs scored, 19 homers, 56 RBIs and 5 stolen bases. Blanco is a little old for the levels he’s playing at so his production shouldn’t be too shocking. If the Rockies trade a few outfielders in the next couple of weeks Blanco could get a shot at the big leagues.