Hoffman Gets No-Decision in Rock Cats Debut

Less than a week after being the centerpiece in the blockbuster Blue Jays-Rockies trade, Jeff Hoffman earned a no-decision in his first start as a member of the Rockies organization.

Hoffman went with Jose Reyes and other prospects from the Blue Jays to the Rockies for Troy Tulowitzki and LaTroy Hawkins.

Hoffman went 4.2 innings in his debut for the AA New Britain (CT) Rock Cats. He allowed just two earned runs. He walked zero and struck out six.

Hoffman threw 75 pitches, 50 of which were strikes. The Rock Cats lost, 7-5, to the Erie SeaWolves.

While his strikeout totals (52 in 72.1 innings) aren't what you would expect for a guy with a 99-MPH fastball, his control has been impeccable. He only has 17 walks in those innings, and has just two walks in his last four starts.

It will be interesting to see how quickly Hoffman moves through the Rockies system. With Colorado out of contention, they could promote the top prospect to AAA quicker than the Blue Jays would have. However, my sources indicate that the Rockies are thinking of shutting him down early this year. We will see which direction they go.

Hoffman joins fellow Shaker graduate Tommy Kahnle (MLB) as locals in the Rockies organization.