The Colorado Rockies just got a little younger:

Rookie Chris Iannetta received an indication today he has claimed the Rockies' No. 1 catching job: Veteran Javier Lopez was released.

"The Rockies told me from the beginning that I would have to make the team,'' Lopez said. "When the Rockies signed me they thought Chris Iannetta might need another year at Triple-A. He came to spring training ready to play int he big leagues. From the Rockies' perspective, they would rather have Iannetta start his long career with the Rockies.''

Iannetta doesn't have anything left to prove in the minors. If his major league number come anywhere close to his minor league numbers, he'll give Joe Mauer a run for his money as the best hitting catcher in the majors. Bill James projects him to play half the games for the Rockies this year with a .391 OBA and a .500 slugging percentage.