Rockies roster moves: Tim Wheeler added to 40-man, Andrew Brown outrighted

Coming off a season of disappointments and failed experiments, the Rockies are certainly focused on their young talent going forward. Today they added outfield prospect Tim Wheeler to the 40-man roster, according to the Rockies' Twitter account. Also added to the roster were pitcher Joe Gardner and shortstop Cristhian Adames. Outfielders Andrew Brown and Matt McBride were outrighted to AAA and removed from the 40-man roster.

Center-fielder Tim Wheeler has followed a steady progression in the minors, having spent each of the last four seasons at a different level. Last year's performance in the Pacific Coast League of .303/.357/.412 has Colorado interested in what the Sacramento native can bring to the team in years to come. Before the 2012 season, Baseball Prospectus' Kevin Goldstein rated Wheeler as a four-star prospect.

Outfielder Andrew Brown showed some flashes for the Rockies last season, hitting five home runs in just 112 at-bats. Matt McBride had less success in scant playing time, managing just 16 hits in 78 at-bats with four extra-base hits in his first stint in the majors.

In addition to the internal moves, the Rockies earlier today acquired utilityman Ryan Wheeler from the Diamondbacks in exchange for pitcher Matt Reynolds. Wheeler spent 50 games in the majors last season with Arizona, hitting a home run and batting .239.