Rockies release 3B Casey Blake

Mar 27, 2012 - 8:58 PM Scottsdale, AZ (Sports Network) - The Colorado Rockies released third baseman Casey Blake on Tuesday, saying it was the best move for the 13-year veteran once they decided he wasn't going to make the team.

"It was an absolute pleasure to have Casey wear a Rockies uniform," said Rockies executive vice president and general manager Dan O'Dowd. "His professionalism and work ethic were tremendous additions to our camp and we wish him the best of luck."

The Rockies signed Blake, 38, to a non-guaranteed contract on Jan. 5 after he played the last three-plus seasons for the Los Angeles Dodgers -- his fifth MLB team.

Blake batted .252 in 63 games for the Dodgers last season and is a career .264 hitter with 167 homers, 616 RBI and a .336 on-base percentage in 1,265 career games.