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You could say the University of New Mexico baseball team lost a triple header this week to Major League Baseball.

The Lobos lost star infielder Jordan Pacheco to the Colorado Rockies, lost La Cueva's Richard Bohlken to the Los Angeles Angels and lost St. Michael's Kevin Chavez to the Tamp Bay Devil Rays.

Pacheco, the Mountain West Conference Player of The Year, said he will sign a contract with the Rockies on Thursday and bypass his senior year as a Lobo.

"I was happy with my decision, no second thoughts about it," said Pacheco, who said he will fly into Tucson on Friday for a physical and a weekend of intrasquad ball.

"I love Coors Field (in Denver). It's awesome. It's a mile high and I wanted to stay in that thin air."

Pacheco, also a La Cueva High product, said he'll fly to Casper, Wyo., Sunday night to begin rookie ball. He would not discuss the terms of his contract.

"I learned a lot in three years as a Lobo," said Pacheco. "I wouldn't be the player I am today if it hadn't been for the experience and coaching I got at UNM."

Bohlken said he will report to the Angels' rookie team in Tempe, Ariz., on Thursday and expects to be playing pro ball this weekend.

"I can't wait to start," said Bohlken. "It's a challenge going away from home and learning to live on your own, but it had to happen sooner or later, and I'm ready for the challenge."

Bohlken would not discuss the terms of his contract but said he got a signing bonus and it was "lots, lots, lots better than I expected."

Chavez's football coach at St. Mike's, Joey Fernandez, said Chavez signed a $40,000 contract. Bohlken was drafted in the 32nd round and Chavez went in the 34th round. Pacheco was drafted in the ninth round by Colorado.

Chavez was also part of the Lobos football recruiting class as a walk-on, so UNM takes a hit in football, too.

Fernandez said the departure of UNM baseball coach Rich Alday was a factor in Chavez's decision.

"He wasn't sure if he could still play baseball and football at UNM, so he decided he was going to try pro baseball instead," Fernandez said.

Bohlken said he had worked out with the Angels in Tempe and was happy to go to that club.

"They have a reputation as an organization that likes to bring up high school players," said Bohlken. "I know the people who drafted me, and I'm comfortable with them.

"I'm not sure when our first game is, but I know the last game is Sept. 1, and then I get to come home for a couple of weeks."