CalL1 Modesto Nuts

Numerous Nuts on Rockies Playoff Roster

Published on October 3, 2007 under California League (CalL1)
Modesto Nuts News Release


The Colorado Rockies have announced their roster for the 2007 National League Division Series and a number of former Nuts will have the opportunity to make a huge impact. Former Nuts shortstop Troy Tulowitzki will start for the Rockies during the series. The Rookie of the Year candidate has been excellent for Colorado this season batting .291 with 24 home runs and 99 RBI. In addition to Tulo's excellent offensive numbers, he has also been heralded as one of the best defensive shortstops in the National League. The Bay Area native had 4 hits in the Rockies thrilling win against the Padres on October 1st to punch Colorado's ticket to the postseason. In addition to Tulowitzki, former Nuts pitcher Manny Corpas will also see plenty of action in the NLDS as the Colorado Rockies closer. Corpas, who was primarly in a set-up role in Modesto took over the closer job after Merced native Brian Fuentes went down with an injury. Since then, Corpas has been unstoppable, boasting an ERA of 2.08 with 19 saves this season for the Rockies.

There are also two former Modesto Nuts who will see time on the mound for the Rockies as they make their run through the playoffs. Starting pitchers Franklin Morales and Ubaldo Jimenez will likely start games 2 and 3 against the Phillies during the National League Division Series. While the Rockies have not officially announced their rotation, Morales is the likely starter in game 2 in Philadelphia. In 2006 as a member of the Modesto Nuts, Morales led the California League in strikeouts while compiling 10 wins. In the Majors this year, Morales has done very well, winning 3 of his last 4 starts for the Rockies. The Rockies likely game 3 starter, Ubaldo Jimenez, is also a former Modesto Nuts pitcher. Jimenez was an All-Star for the Nuts in 2005 and has pitched extremely well lately for the Rockies. In his final start of the 2007 season against the National League West Champion Arizona Diamondbacks, Jimenez went 6.1 innings and only allowed 1 hit while striking out 10.

The Nuts will also have two former players on the bench for the Rockies as they open their series against the Phillies today. Catcher Chris Iannetta and outfielder Seth Smith will both be available for the Rockies in a reserve role. Iannetta and Smith were teammates in Modesto in 2005. Smith will provide a left-handed bat off the bench and Iannetta will backup Rockies catcher Yorvit Torrealba. With so many former players looking to make a huge impact on the playoffs this season, Colorado has truly gone Nuts! Today's game starts at noon today and can be heard on AM 970 ESPN Radio or can be watched on TBS.

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California League Stories from October 3, 2007


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