"With all the turmoil in the pitching department in the Rockies' organization this season, the work of outfielder Kyle Parker was lost in the commotion.

While some of the top pitching prospects have had disappointing seasons, Parker lived up to the billing of a first-round draft pick. The former Clemson University quarterback put together a solid season with the Single-A Asheville Tourists.

The numbers that catch the eyes of player development people are 21 home runs, 94 RBIs and 124 hits as the season heads into the final weekend.

On the other side, Parker struck out 128 times in 115 games in his first full season of professional baseball.

Asheville manager Joe Mikulik? rates Parker a "big-time prospect."

But Mikulik also has some advice.

"The length of the season got to him a little bit," Mikulik said. "It takes a while for young players to learn they have to bring energy to the field every day."

Parker has found baseball to be a grind, but he's committed to becoming a major-league player.

"You learn that you're judged every single day," Parker said. "You have to figure out a way to be productive in every game."

After signing with the Rockies as the 26th player taken in the first round a year ago, Parker and the organization reached an agreement that allowed him to play football at Clemson last fall instead of going to the fall league and beginning his baseball career.

It was a good decision for Parker's mind but maybe a little rough on his body. He suffered broken ribs in a bowl game and was less than 100 percent when spring training began.

"I didn't know if I had a future in football and I wanted to find out," Parker said. "It didn't go well. At least I know now that I'm right at home in baseball."

As his first minor-league season winds down, college football is getting underway.

"I'd be lying if I said I haven't noticed," said Parker, whose next stop is probably the instructional league. "But I've played baseball all my life.""