Colorado Rockies 2014 Top 15 Prospects

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The Colorado Rockies farm system has some star power, and has guys that are future role players in the big leagues.  They have talent spread out through the low and high minors, so their system should be good for a number of years.  They have as good a combo of pitchers as any team at the top of their prospect list.

Triple A: Colorado Springs Sky Sox (Pacific Coast League)
Double-A: Tulsa Drillers (Texas League)
High-A: Modesto Nuts (California League)
Low-A: Asheville Tourists (South Atlantic League)
Short-Season A: Tri-City Dust Devils (Northwest League)
Advanced Rookie: Grand Junction Rockies (Pioneer League)
Complex-Rookie: DSL Rockies (Dominican Summer League)

#15

Julian Yan – OF
Date of Birth: November 27, 1991
Height/Weight: 6’2″/180 lbs.
Acquired: International Free Agent

2013 Stats:

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 1/23/2014.

Analysis: After spending two years at both the Dominican Summer League and the Pioneer League, Yan finally got his first taste of full season A ball in 2013.  He has a cannon of an arm, and a very high upside in both bat skill and power.  Despite having five years of pro ball under his belt, he is still very raw.  He has the ability to play right field in the big leagues today, if he didn’t have to hit.  If he can find a way to turn his tools into results at the plate, he could be really good, he just has a lot of work still to do.

2014 Prognosis: The Rockies may move Yan up to Modesto, not because he has earned it, but because they don’t want him to repeat a level yet again.  He needs to start making consistent contact, and the California League is a good place to find the bat.

#14

Cristhian Adames – SS
Date of Birth: July 26, 1991
Height/Weight: 6’/160 lbs.
Acquired: International Free Agent

2013 Stats:

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 1/23/2014.

Analysis: Adames will probably top out as a defensive focused utility infielder, but he has hit reasonably well in his six years of pro ball.  He has decent range, an above average arm, and a solid glove, but his offense just isn’t there.  He is not a fast baserunner, and has shown little-to-no power.

2014 Prognosis: Since Adames has been in the organization for six years, he was moved to the 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft.  He will get a good look during big league camp this spring, but should spend most the year at Triple-A with a chance of a late season big league debut.

#13

Jayson Aquino – LHP
Date of Birth: November 22, 1992
Height/Weight: 6’1″/170 lbs.
Acquired: International Free Agent

2013 Stats:

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 1/23/2014.

Analysis: Aquino does not have a big fastball, but his curve and change are impressive.  His motion is very repeatable leading to a professional K/BB ratio nearing 5/1.  It did take him nearly three years to advance out of the Dominican Summer League and make his debut in the states, plus his numbers from 2013 don’t look great, especially his 0-10 record, but he does project to be a potential number five starter.

2014 Prognosis: It seems Aquino is working on becoming a better pitcher, and not focusing on his stats, but that said, a season in the California League could kill his value.  I like Aquino to start off in Low-A with a late season bump to Double-A in 2014.

#12

Tyler Matzek – LHP
Date of Birth: October 19, 1990
Height/Weight: 6’3″/210 lbs.
Acquired: 2009, 1st round (11th overall)

2013 Stats:

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 1/23/2014.

Analysis: Once ranked as high as the 23rd overall prospect in baseball by Baseball America, Matzek’s stock has fallen, but his future is still bright.  He has a big fastball coming from a big-bodied lefty and a curve that can make a hitters knees buckle, but it is still inconsistent.  His control is an issue, and will likely limit him to the bullpen in the future, just as he did in the Arizona Fall League this past season.  He could develop into a quality late inning lefty specialist in the near future.

2014 Prognosis: I like Matzek to start in Triple-A and focus on working out of the bullpen.  If he adjusts to the pen quickly, he could easily find himself in the big leagues this year, but his debut will likely not be until September or 2015.

#11

Chad Bettis – RHP
Date of Birth: April 26, 1989
Height/Weight: 6’1″/200 lbs.
Acquired: 2010, 2nd round

2013 Stats:

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 1/23/2014.

Analysis: Bettis remains rookie eligible, and therefore eligible on my list, by 16 outs.  He did not impress all that much after making his August 1 debut, and he did get eight appearances out of the bullpen after just one in his minor league career.  He is not listed among the eight potential starters on the Rockies official depth chart, but is listed as a reliever.  He has a four pitch mix, including two solid breaking balls, so he has a chance of success as a starter, but his long term role is probably in the bullpen.

2014 Prognosis: Spring camp will probably be one of the last chances for Bettis to salvage a starting career in the big leagues.  If he struggles in camp, he will likely be moved straight to the bullpen, where he can be a very valuable middle reliever.

Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

#10

Kyle Parker – OF/1B
Date of Birth: September 30, 1989
Height/Weight: 6’/200 lbs.
Acquired: 2010, 1st round (26th overall)

2013 Stats:

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 1/23/2014.

Analysis: Parker, a right-handed batter with a big leg kick and power swing, spent the fall in Arizona where he started to get time playing first base.  He has, arguably, the most power in the Rockies system, and has the arm to play out in right field.  His upside is likely that of an average every day guy, but his power potential could make him a valuable pinch hitter who can also play multiple positions on the field.

2014 Prognosis: Parker does not have a direct path to playing time, but the players ahead of him at first and right, Justin Morneau and Michael Cuddyer respectively, are no spring chickens.  He will probably start the season at Triple-A, but could be an early season call up.

#9

Ryan McMahon – 3B
Date of Birth: December 14, 1994
Height/Weight: 6’2″/185 lbs.
Acquired: 2013, 2nd round

2013 Stats:

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 1/23/2014.

Analysis: Despite being starting quarterback at football power, Mater Dei High School, the same school that produced Matt Leinart and Matt Barkley, McMahon chose baseball after being selected in the second round in this past year’s draft.  He tends to look for the power swing a bit too often, and can get fooled with breaking stuff, but he is still very young.  His arm might become a concern at some point, potentially even moving him across the diamond to first, but he has potential plus hit and power tools.  He has the upside of an All-Star, but just 59 professional games isn’t enough to move him above nine for me.

2014 Prognosis: McMahon will likely spend the majority, if not all, of the season at Low-A Asheville.

#8

Trevor Story – SS
Date of Birth: November 15, 1992
Height/Weight: 6’1″/175 lbs.
Acquired: 2011, 1st round (45th overall)

2013 Stats:

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 1/23/2014.

Analysis: Story struggled in the California League in 2013, both at the plate and in the field.  The two numbers that jump out are the 183 strikeouts and 23 errors.  This came after jumping into almost every top 100 list leading up to the 2013 season, but Story still has time.  His arm is a plus tool, and he has the chance to develop into 15-20 home runs at the big league level, but in order to do that, he needs to start making more contact.  If the errors don’t improve at short, he does have the body and power potential to still be a quality third baseman.

2014 Prognosis: He may start the season by repeating High-A, but should reach Double-A at some point during the season.

#7

Tom Murphy – C
Date of Birth: April 3, 1991
Height/Weight: 6’1″/220 lbs.
Acquired: 2012, 3rd round

2013 Stats:

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 1/23/2014.

Analysis: Murphy is decent behind the plate.  He has good, soft hands when receiving the ball, but I have slight concerns when runners are on base.  His arm is decent, but he short arms it just a bit.  He also opens up a bit more than I like to see from a catcher and tries to pick the ball rather than block it too often.  At the plate, he has a good, smooth, slight upper-cut swing.  He will probably never hit for much average, but he should be able to hit for some power, especially in Coors Field.

2014 Prognosis: He got 20 games at Double-A at the end of the 2013 season and looked decent.  He will probably start at Double-A again this year, but move to Triple-A late in the season, with an outside chance of getting a September call up to the big leagues.

#6

Tyler Anderson – LHP
Date of Birth: December 30, 1989
Height/Weight: 6’4″/215 lbs.
Acquired: 2011, 1st round (20th overall)

2013 Stats:

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 1/23/2014.

Analysis: Anderson is a big lefty who throws out of a high 3/4 arm slot and features a four pitch mix.  His fastball sits in the low 90’s, but he has a plus change that keeps hitters off balance.  He throws both a curve and a slider, both of which are average pitches.  His struggle is consistent control.  He goes into his age 24 season without a single inning above High-A, but an improvement in control could keep him as a number four type starter in the future.

2014 Prognosis: He will have to prove himself this spring, which will determine if he starts the year in Double-A or Triple-A.  Regardless of where he starts the season, if he pitches well, he could earn himself a trip to Denver come late 2014.

Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

#5

Raimel Tapia – OF
Date of Birth: February 4, 1994
Height/Weight: 6’2″/160 lbs.
Acquired: International Free Agent

2013 Stats:

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 1/23/2014.

Analysis: Tapia is incredibly raw, but he has the potential for five plus tools.  He has a smooth swing from the left side of the plate, where he has great bat control, and good bat-to-ball skills.  He could grow into some power, while still keeping decent speed.  He can play all three outfield positions, but his a plus arm will probably land him in right.  He could become an All-Star player someday, but he will be just 20 this year, and has a lot of growth and a few years before he is even a consideration for the big leagues.

2014 Prognosis: His second season in the states should start at Low-A Asheville, but if he hits anything near the .357 average he posted in Rookie ball, he will move up to High-A rather quickly.

#4

David Dahl – OF
Date of Birth: April 1, 1994
Height/Weight: 6’2″/185 lbs.
Acquired: 2012, 1st round (10th overall)

2013 Stats:

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 1/23/2014.

Analysis: Dahl is a future center fielder with only one tool that doesn’t project as plus, that being power.  He received a demotion to extended spring before playing a single game in 2013, after he missed a flight and did was unable to report to the team on time.  At extended spring, he suffered a hamstring injury, and wound up only playing in 10 games the entire season, all at Low-A.  His maturity has come into question over the missed flight demotion, but there is no concern of maturity in his game.  He has a knack for getting the bat on the ball, can run, and plays quality center field.

2014 Prognosis: Assuming he properly makes it to the team he is assigned on time, Dahl should jump back up prospect rankings this year.  Look for him to start the year at High-A, but could get a quick promotion to Double-A.

#3

Rosell Herrera – SS
Date of Birth: October 16, 1992
Height/Weight: 6’3″/180 lbs.
Acquired: International Free Agent

2013 Stats:

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 1/23/2014.

Analysis: Herrera may not have the upside of Dahl or Tapia, but he could provide plenty of value at multiple positions.  He is tall and skinny, and will probably add some size to his frame, but doesn’t look like he will ever get too big to play up the middle.  He can steal some bags, but speed is not a big part of his game.  He hit his stride with the bat in 2013, and while he has yet to flash any real power, his swing could generate 15 or so home runs in time.  He will probably never be an All-Star, and could only mature into a really good fourth infielder that can play multiple positions, but more than likely he will become a solid everyday shortstop that can also fill in at third and second.

2014 Prognosis: He should move up to High-A in 2014 and spend most the season with Modesto.

#2

Eddie Butler – RHP
Date of Birth: March 13, 19931
Height/Weight: 6’2″/180 lbs.
Acquired: 2012, 1st round (46th overall)

2013 Stats:

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 1/23/2014.

Analysis: Butler can touch 98 MPH with is fastball, but can also throw a two-seamer with plenty of late, arm-side, run.  He has a deadly change and a plus slider, making him effective against both right-handed and left-handed batters.  He also throws a curve, but it is more of a show-me pitch than anything.  He strikes out three times the batters he walks, and has shown he knows how to pitch, rather than just throw.  He could be a solid number two or number three starter, even in hitter friendly Coors Field.

2014 Prognosis: Triple-A is the likely starting spot in 2014, but could certainly get called up to the big leagues this season.

#1

Jonathan Gray – RHP
Date of Birth: November 5, 1991
Height/Weight: 6’4″/255 lbs.
Acquired: 2013, 1st round (3rd overall)

2013 Stats:

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 1/23/2014.

Analysis: It is rare for a front-of-the-rotation, power arm to sign with the Rockies via free agency thanks to Coors Field, so they went ahead and drafted one instead in 2013.  Gray has a legitimate 80 grade fastball that can sit in the high 90’s and a wipe-out slider to go with a plus change.  His front leg can be a bit stiff, causing some inconsistency in his command, but he should still be a solid ace for years to come.

2014 Prognosis: Traditional promotion would have Gray at Double-A to start 2014, but a great spring andit wouldn’t be a complete shock to see him break camp with the big league club.