Rockies demote, may cut Smith

Published 12:03 am Thursday, June 8, 2006

The Colorado Rockies have assigned former Meridian Community College standout Jason Smith to Triple-A Colorado Springs.

An infielder, Smith has seen time in a variety of positions this spring for the Rockies. He was demoted, along with relief pitcher Sun-Woo Kim — to make room for pitcher Scott Dohmann and infielder Omar Quintanilla who were recalled to the big-league team.

Colorado also earlier this week activated shortstop Josh Wilson, who had been on the 60-day disabled list.

Smith was hitting .267 with three homers in 32 games for the Rockies this season. A sixth-year professional, he has nine career homers, 40 runs and 37 RBIs in 358 career at-bats.

Like Kim, Smith has since cleared waivers and now has until Friday to accept his assignment to Colorado Springs, be traded, released or become a free agent.

The roster moves came after a two-hour, closed-door meeting between manager Clint Hurdle and the team — and after an embarassing 13-0 loss to the Florida Marlins.

All of Smith’s home runs came in a three-game series against the San Diego Padres in April.

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