Former Husker right-hander Jason Burch feels right at home working out at NU. This is where he wants to be as he continues to work his way toward the majors.

"They always treat athletes like they never left," he said.

Right now, Burch's claim to fame is being the key player traded to the Colorado Rockies in the deal that sent outfielder Larry Walker to the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Papillion-La Vista graduate said he was flattered to be involved in such a high-profile swap.

"It's hard not to, considering what Larry Walker has done in the big leagues," he said. "I guess it's good. It's letting me know I'm doing something right. But that's not what I want to be the pinnacle of my baseball career."

Bill Geivett, the Rockies' senior director of player development, said the Rockies are still trying to learn what Burch can do.

"He's got a tremendous slider," Geivett said.

Now the focus is on giving Burch more command of his fastball, which comes in at about 90 mph, according to Geivett.

Burch, who hopes to be in Class AA ball next season, still gets  pointers from NU pitching coach Rob Childress.

"Oh, yeah. He's the man," Burch said. "I talk about all sorts of stuff with that guy."

The Rockies are also high on former NU left-hander Aaron Marsden, who pitched with Burch at Class A Asheville (N.C.) last season.

Geivett said Marsden is one of the most competitive pitchers in the Colorado system.

"His greatest strength is he's ultra-competitive," Geivett said. "The guy's the king of the hill when he's out there."

Reach John Mabry at 473-7320 or jmabry@journalstar.com.