Jeff Francis says he will have exploratory surgery on his pitching shoulder next week and will likely miss the 2009 season. Francis said Thursday he will return to Denver for the operation. “I’m not counting on coming back,” he said. Francis has had pain in his throwing shoulder since May, but he reported feeling less discomfort during spring training. MRIs haven’t shown a clear-cut problem. He was 4-10 with a 5.01 ERA last season. Francis was a vital part of the Rockies’ run to the World Series in 2007. He spent a stint on the disabled list during the 2008 season before being shut down early in September.

Looks like another young gun will be fighting for his spot in the rotation now that one spot has been opened to complete the rotation of Cook, Jimenez, Marquis, and DLR.

The Colorado Rockies traded for outfielder Matt Murton on Wednesdsay morning. Murton split time last year with the Chicago Cubs and Oakland Athletics as well with both organizations minor league teams. Murton started out his career in the Boston Red Sox organization but was traded to the Cubs in the Nomar Garciaparra trade. He is an average hitter that will hit the occasional home run but he is more of a double hitters while played ok defense.

The Rockies sent the As infielder Corey Wimberly for Murton. Wimberly recently went undrafted in the Rule 5 draft and hit .291/.370/.345 in Double A for the Rockies.