Pacheco sent to Triple-A to play catcher

ATLANTA -- The demotion to Triple-A Colorado Springs could mark the beginning of the next phase of Jordan Pacheco's career.

Pacheco hit .309 in regular duty at first and third base last year as a rookie, but labored at .229 in 69 games this year while sharing first base with veteran Todd Helton.

But at Colorado Springs, Pacheco will return to playing catcher -- the position the Rockies earmarked him for early in his Minor League career.

Pacheco made the team at the start of last year as an infielder and appeared in just seven games behind the plate. This year, Pacheco has caught twice, with no starts.

Many around the Rockies believe catcher is Pacheco's best defensive position. The Rockies have veteran Yorvit Torrealba backing up young and still-raw Wilin Rosario, but the Rockies could increase Pacheco's catching time.

"It's been tough finding Jordan consistent at-bats here lately," Rockies manager Walt Weiss said. "He's going to be a big part of this club. So we want him to get consistent at-bats and be back.

"He'll play some first, too, but Jordan will be doing a lot of catching. He can certainly do that. To have a guy who's a catcher who can be offensive like Jordan would be good. Going out there every day, he hit .300 in this league. So he showed he can handle at-bats. There's always a place for those guys."