Denver, CO (My Sportsbook) - The Colorado Rockies extended spring training invitations to nine players on Wednesday including outfielder Scott Podsednik and pitchers Matt Belisle and Glendon Rusch.

Podsednik hit .253 with 22 runs scored and 12 stolen bases last year for Colorado but was limited to 93 games partly due to a non-displaced fracture of his left pinkie finger -- but also because of ineffective play.

The Rockies signed Podsednik in the offseason prior to the 2008 season following a disappointing 2007 season for the Chicago White Sox. The 32- year-old was a pivotal member of the 2005 world champion White Sox, batting .290 and stealing 59 bases during the season.

Belisle has pitched five seasons for the Reds and went 1-4 with a 7.28 earned run average in six starts last season in Cincinnati.

The left-handed Rusch, 34 and a veteran of 11 seasons, split time between Colorado and San Diego last season going 5-5 with a 5.16 ERA in 35 appearances (nine starts).

Also receiving invites were infielders Luis Gonzalez and Jonathan Herrera, outfielder Dan Ortmeier, catchers Edwin Bellorin and Paul Phillips and pitcher Cedrick Bowers.