The Rockies, almost entirely through scouting and player development, have become a formidable, entertaining team. They have made the postseason two of the past three seasons, relying on homegrown stars such as Troy Tulowitzki, Ubaldo Jimenez, and Dexter Fowler. Colorado's system is in good, but not spectacular, shape. I loved what the Rockies got in the draft this year, and their young talent positions them to be in contention in the NL West for years to come.
Top Prospects
Tyler Matzek, lhp
Age: 19 Level: none-Low A
The nation's top high school prospect was ostensibly ticketed for Oregon until the Rockies handed him $3.9 million. He immediately infuses more star power into the pipeline. Working with a smooth, easy delivery and a sturdy frame, Matzek delivers a 90-94 mph fastball and a swing-and-miss curve. His slider and changeup both possess plus potential, although he doesn't use them when he doesn't need to. Matzek is lauded for his feel for pitching, particulary setting up batters, and he has even been clocked (reportedly) at 97-98. He seems nearly perfect, but like any young pitcher he has some flaws to correct next year. He has a stiff landing and comes out some games looking like a completely different pitcher, struggling with command, feel, and motivation.
Christian Friedrich, lhp
Age: 22 Level: High A-MLB
Colorado got a bargain with the 25th overall pick last year, nabbing the former Eastern Kentucky lefthander. Perceived as a smart pitcher with an average fastball and stellar offspeed stuff, Friedrich exceeded expectations in 2009, enjoying one of the best seasons of any prospect in the minors. He toyed with mostly younger batters, posting an aggregate 2.41 ERA and a dominating strikeout rate. The 6-4 Friedrich sits at 90 mph with his fastball, touching 93-94 on occasion. His big, 12-6 curveball is his bread-and-butter pitch, and his promising slider and changeup flirt with plus. Friedrich has #2 starter potential despite uncharacteristically struggling with the strike zone this year. He could see Colorado in 2010.
Jhoulys Chacin, rhp
Age: 21 Level: MLB
Chacin at the very least has to be commended for his durability. The 6-3, 200-pounder threw 177 innings last year as a 20-year-old. This year the Venezuelan-born Chacin appeared in the Futures Game and made his big league debut. At times, Chacin has a low-90s fastball with heavy sink, a plus changeup, and a serviceable curveball. He inexplicably lost control of the strike zone this year (perhaps being timid to challenge high-level hitters), and his K rate regressed as well. His fastball was knocked for being fringy, and Chacin pitched in the bullpen for the Rockies. Chacin has areas to fix, but I think he will be able to turn it around if he regains his aggressiveness. If so, he'll be an outstanding #3 starter.
Rex Brothers, lhp
Age: 21 Level: Low A-Double-A
Brothers leapt into first-round discussion before settling as the 34th overall pick (from Lipscomb) this year. With a plus fastball that touches 97 mph and a wicked 85-87 slider, he has massive potential. He fits better in the bullpen, airing it out and not fretting over command, a changeup, or his max-effort delivery. Brothers maintains his velocity deep into starts, however, so some would like to see him kept in the rotation. The compact lefty could rise quickly.
Tim Wheeler, of
Age: 21 Level: Short-Season-High A
Wheeler is a multi-tooled outfielder who broke out in the Cape Cod League last year and followed it up with a productive spring for Sacramento State. After quickly signing for $900,000 as the last pick in the first round, Wheeler had a so-so debut in the Northwest League (.256/.332/.381). The 6-4, 205-pounder runs well for his size and could be a plus defender on a corner. He will need to hit for power to make it there, but he projects for some. He launched 18 this spring, albeit against substandard competition. Wheeler needs to adjust his approach to top-flight pitching, but he receives plaudits for his work ethic, and should be able to do so. He could explode with a hitter-friendly environment on tap for next season.
Esmil Rogers, rhp
Age: 24 Level: MLB
Rogers displays a remarkable feel for pitching and command for a player who converted from the shortstop just three years ago. Those attributes help his power stuff (92-95 mph fastball, sharp low-80s curve, nascent changeup) play up. He was torn apart this year in Triple-A and the majors, showing he still needs more experience with the subtle nuances of pitching, including maintaining composure, holding runners, and being consistent. With his smallish stature and two plus pitches, I like Rogers as a future quality reliever.
Eric Young, Jr., 2B/of
Age: 24 Level: MLB
The switch-hitter is a bundle of energy and excitement just like his father. Young had his best year as a pro in 2009, batting .299/.387/.430 with 58 stolen bases and 38 extra-base hits. He lacks eye-popping offensive tools, but Young knows his game and plays to his strengths. Young is a plus-plus runner and a terror on the basepaths. He has enough power to drive the ball every once in a while, but the 5-10, 180-pounder does not pretend to be a power threat. He draws walks and beats out infield hits to help get on base. The most pressing question in his game is on defense, as his hard hands and weak arm make him below average at the keystone sack. Young has taken the outfield for a test drive in recent years. The Chandler-Gilbert CC product will at least be a useful utility player.
Nolan Arenado, 3B
Age: 18 Level: Rookie-Low A
Arenado led a banner recruiting class for Arizona State, but he went pro after the Rockies selected him in the second round this year. The California native (6-1, 205 lbs.) played third base in his pro debut, but some scouts would like to see him try catcher. He's strong and has a plus throwing arm, but his speed and range are below average. Arenado (.300/.351/.404 in the hitter-happy Pioneer League) has excellent power potential, although many worry about his stiff actions and see his unorthodox hitting mechanics as a red flag. He has a mature approach and should be a regular in the South Atlantic League next year.
Charlie Blackmon, of
Age: 23 Level: High A-Triple-A
Blackmon is yet another Colorado prospect who doesn't neatly fit a profile. A former lefty pitcher, Blackmon flourished after being converted to the outfield midway through college. He went in the second round out of Georgia Tech and made progress in the Cal League this year. Blackmon's a free swinger, but his tools are still interesting. His loose stroke, hand-eye coordination, and feel for hitting enable him to make consistent contact, as supported by his .307 average and respectable strikeout total this year. A plus runner, Blackmon swiped 30 bases (although he was caught 13 times). He also plays good defense in center and naturally has a strong arm. Blackmon turns 24 next year and has yet to play in Double-A; he could develop into a very good major league player, but he needs to be challenged more, tone down his aggressiveness, and increase his power output.
Mike McKenry, c
Age: 24 Level: Double-A-MLB
Through sheer hard work, McKenry has crafted himself into a plus backstop. He adroitly blocks balls in the dirt and keeps basestealers at bay with a decent arm. He offers offensive value in the form of walks and a solid amount of home runs, although his pure hitting will never be extraordinary. Strong and tightly-wound, some wonder if McKenry's lack of flexibilty and athleticism will catch up to him. The former Middle Tennessee State Blue Raider is off the charts in terms of work ethic and makeup, and he could soon fashion a backup role for himself. He'll test his mettle in Triple-A in 2010.
Others: RHPs Juan Nicasio, Casey Weathers, and Chris Balcom-Miller; 1B Ben Paulsen; SS Hector Gomez; C Wilin Rosario
Impact Talent: B
Farm System Depth: C+
2010 Breakout Prospect
Aaron Weatherford, rhp
Age: 22 Level: Low A-Triple-A
Most of my picks to click are young players who have yet to reach the prospect radar. In the case of Weatherford, a relatively well-known former Mississippi State closer, injuries have stunted his progress (27 IP in 2009). If the 2008 3rd-rounder regains his health, he'll hop on the fast track to Colorado. Weatherford's repertoire is built on power: he has a lively 92-94 mph fastball, sharp curveball, and hard splitter. Weatherford has a max-effort delivery and is working on harnessing his stuff, but he has the stuff to be a set-up man or closer in the majors.
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