Colorado Rockies Add Pitchers Billings, Riordan, Weathers, Catchers Pacheco And Rosario To 40-Man Roster

The Colorado Rockies made several additions to their 40-man roster earlier today in order to protect minor league prospects who would become eligible for the Rule 5 draft this December. The newest additions to the 40-man roster are pitchers Bruce Billings, Cory Riordan and Casey Weathers and catchers Jordan Pacheco and Wilin Rosario.

Bruce Billings pitched for Double-A Tulsa in 2010 and made the transition to the bullpen halfway through the season. Billings has an outstanding fastball that profiles better for a reliever and lacks a third pitch.

Cory Riordan was Billings' teammate this season and had a 4.01 ERA in 161 2/3 innings pitched.

Casey Weathers was the eighth overall pick by the Rockies in 2007 and looked like he could move through the system fast. However, Tommy John surgery curtailed his development time, but Weathers now appears on track to make his debut in the majors this season. Watch out for his fastball.

Jordan Pacheco split time between Modesto and Tulsa in 2010 and hit well at both levels (.851 OPS in Modesto, .832 OPS in Tulsa). He played in the Arizona Fall League and had an .876 OPS in the hitter-friendly league.

Wilin Rosario dominated the Texas League until he tore his ACL in July. As a 21-year-old in the Texas League, Rosario hit .285/..342/.552 with 19 homers. He has recovered faster than expected and could receive a September call-up, if not earlier.