January 9, 2009 5:36 PM

Winter Development Program _ Carlos Gonzalez delayed; Eric Young Jr. diverted

Because he's still playing winter ball, outfielder Carlos Gonzalez likely will participate in just the final week of the Rockies Winter Development Program, which began Tuesday. His arrival has been delayed because Gonzalez is playing with Zulia in the playoffs in his native Venezuela.

The Rockies hope Gonzalez, acquired from Oakland two months ago in the Matt Holliday trade, will be in Denver on Jan. 18. That would enable Gonzalez to spend a week in the Winter Development Program, where the final workout will be Jan. 23.

Second baseman/center fielder Eric Young Jr. was a late scratch from the WDP when he opted for a different training regimen. Young, who led the Arizona Fall League in hitting (.430), runs (37) and stolen bases (20), decided to join outfielder Dexter Fowler, a close friend and his roommate last season at Double-A Tulsa, at the Creative Artists Agency training facility in Bradenton, Fla. Pitcher Greg Reynolds also has been working out there.

The Rockies signed minor league free agent catcher Dayton Buller, 27. He could end up at Double-A Tulsa next season where prospect Mike McKenry is expected to do the bulk of the catching. Buller spent his first six seasons in the Giants organization. He played at four levels last year, including 20 games at Triple-A Fresno, and overall hit .257 with nine homers and 33 RBI in 66 games.

Posted by Jack Etkin at 5:36 PM | Comments (0)