ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, January 7, 1996 TAG: 9601110035
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C-9 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: DENVER
SOURCE: Associated Press
Thirteen non-roster players, including former Salem Avalanche players Jamie Wright, Doug Million, Chris Sexton and Will Scalzitti, have been invited to spring training by the Colorado Rockies.
Pitchers Wright and Million are former first-round draft choices and Sexton was a Carolina League All-Star selection at shortstop. Scalzitti, a catcher, played briefly with Salem before breaking a thumb in a collision at home plate.
Other invitees include 1995 first-round draft choice Todd Helton and outfielder Derrick Gibson.
The 20-year-old Gibson was the Rockies' minor-league player of the year in 1995 after hitting .292 with 32 homers and 115 RBI at Class A Asheville (N.C.).
Manager Don Baylor said he will experiment with some position changes during spring training to improve the Rockies' outfield play.
Left fielder Dante Bichette, center fielder Ellis Burks and right fielder Larry Walker will swap positions, with Bichette returning to his more familiar position in right field, Burks moving to left and Walker to center
The Rockies manager said the switch, which will carry over to the regular season if successful in the spring, is being made to make fuller use of Walker's defensive skills, as well as putting Bichette and Burks in more comfortable positions.
Baylor also announced his coaching staff for 1996: Jackie Moore as bench coach, Ken Griffey Sr. as first base coach and hitting coach, Gene Glynn as third base coach, Frank Funk as pitching coach and Paul Zuvella as bullpen coach. Glynn is the only holdover from last year's staff.
Pitchers and catchers will begin working out in Tucson, Ariz., on Feb.16, with the remainder of the squad starting work on Feb. 21.
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