Parker, Anderson among first cuts of spring

By Thomas Harding

March 11, 2013

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Two recent Rockies No. 1 Draft choices, outfielder Kyle Parker (2010) and left-handed pitcher Tyler Anderson (2011), were among the first group of players that were sent to Minor League camp on Monday morning.

The Rockies also sent down outfielder Rafael Ortega, who played in Class A last year but was called up to the Majors as an emergency replacement for the final week of the season.

Also sent down were right-handers Chad Bettis, Parker Frazier and Dan Houston, lefty reliever Erick Threets, catcher Lars Davis and infielder Cristhian Adames.

Bettis (No. 4), Parker (No. 5), Anderson (No. 6), Ortega (No. 15) and Adames (No. 19) are among the Rockies' Top 20 Prospects, according to MLB.com.

Ortega and Adames are members of the 40-man Major League roster. The cuts leave the Rockies with 57 players in camp, including 18 non-roster invitees.

Thomas Harding is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Hardball in the Rockies, and follow him on Twitter @harding_at_mlb.