Josh Fields Wastes No Time Making Impression

Former major leaguer Josh Fields -- best remembered for hitting 23 homers in 373 at-bats as a surprise replacement for the 2007 White Sox -- wasted no time making an impression in his debut with Triple A Colorado Springs, going 1-3 with a walk, three RBI and a towering homer in an 18-14 loss to Tucson.

Heading a cast of 11 former major leaguers vieing for callups to the parent club -- Fields, 26, finds himself in a strong comeback position as he has been cast as a deep reserve for struggling Rockies third baseman Ian Stewart, 26, who has yet to play this year coming off knee and hamstring injuries. Fields is also backing up super utility man Ty Wigginton, 33, who is seeing reps at third, first and the outfield in Denver. Fields' homer came off former Padres major leaguer Wade LeBlanc, 26,, who gave up 10 hits and eight earned runs in 4.33 innings.

LeBlanc, who won eight games against 12 losses in 26 major league starts last year, is making a bid to return to San Diego. Another Colorado Springs standout was former major league speedster Willy Taveras, 27, master of the bunt single, who went 3-5 with a bag. Fields and Taveras could turn out to be useful spare parts at the major league level before the year is out.

Another interesting puzzle piece is former Mets first baseman Mike Jacobs, 30, who hit at a .300 clip with power when originally called up in New York six years ago, and cannot be ruled out as a potential backup to aging All Star first baseman Todd Helton, 36. Eric Young Jr., 25 -- son of original Colorado Rockies outfielder Eric Sr. -- has been up and down between Triple A and Denver over the past two years, and likely as not will supplant Jose Lopez, who is keeping second base open for him in Denver. Former Rockies infielder Chris Nelson is also with the Sky Sox.

Other ex-big leaguers at Colorado Springs include catcher Mike Pagnozzi formerly of the Cardinals and pitchers Billy Buckner formerly of the Diamondbacks, Clay Mortensen formerly of the Athletics and Sean White formerly of the Mariners.

Despite Trials, Ian Stewart Sits Out for Rockies

Though at a critical juncture at 24, former top Rockies prospect Ian Stewart is expected to need a day or so of rest after stressing his left arm swinging the bat in the cage.

Perhaps he has been trying to hard.

The soreness comes at a time when Stewart finds himself under great pressure, as he must use every opportunity to prove he is worthy of a spot on a crowded roster on which he may be left with no position depending on a number of factors beyond his control.

Stewart -- a natural corner infielder who has been tried with mixed results at second base and in the outfield -- finds himself on the outside looking in as Clint Barmes has the inside track for the second base job, and Garrett Atkins plays third. Stewart's best opportunity may lie with the trade of Atkins, or if Atkins crosses the diamond to play first in the event that Todd Helton is unable to play after sustaining a number of injuries and illnesses.

Stewart's return to action was being considered for this weekend. He is being asked to be more selective at the plate, and increase contact.

Circumstances Open Door for Rockies Ian Stewart

With the injury decimated Rockies having lost 12 of their last 17 games -- six of the last eight -- at least a door has been opened to test long-awaited former top draft pick Ian Stewart.

At 24 Stewart remains a work in progress, as he was batting a healthy but less than spectacular .281 with 12 homers at Triple A Colorado Springs. But with a number of regulars out, manager Clint Hurdle has called up Stewart to see just exactly what he can do at second base, as Stewart's natural position at third base is filled by Garrett Atkins.

Look for Hurdle to keep working Stewart -- an athletic, 6-foot-3, 200-pound left-handed batter -- into the lineup while waiting for middle infielders Jeff Baker, Clint Barmes and Troy Tulowitzki to return from disabled status, not to mention Atkins, who has recently missed time with a sore neck.

While Stewart has been shown to be overmatched in limited major league playing time, it is intriguing to consider the 2002 10th overall pick's .304 batting average, 15 home runs, 23 doubles, and 65 RBI in 112 games at Colorado Springs last season, including a .321 clip over his final 37 games. Stewart has also stolen more than 40 bases since turning professional.

In addition to Baker, Barmes and Tulowitzki, outfielders Matt Holliday and Brad Hawpe; and pitchers Micah Bowie, Jason Hirsh, Ryan Speier, Luiz Vizcaino and Kip Wells are also out of action.