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Colorado Rockies Top Ten Prospects For 2017

By Benjamin Chase

May 15, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; General view of a Colorado Rockies cap and glove in the fifth inning of the game against the New York Mets at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
May 15, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; General view of a Colorado Rockies cap and glove in the fifth inning of the game against the New York Mets at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports /

10. Tom Murphy, C

Birthdate: 4/3/91 (25 years old)
Level(s) Played in 2016: AAA, MLB
Stats in 2016: .327/.361/.647, 19 HR, 1 SB

Let’s get one thing out of the way right away – Murphy can hit! He’s not a product of positive hitting environments or being an older prospect or any such thing. He’s just flat-out a great hitter.

The issue with Murphy will always be his defense behind the plate. He’s had a poor reputation as a receiver for a long time and that has truly been the main reason why others have received the shot ahead of him.

Let’s get one thing out of the way right away – Murphy can hit!

In looking at Murphy’s offensive skill set, he has a stiff swing that normally would lead to a rough batting average, but he does an excellent job of being selective at the pitches he attacks, which has allowed him to continue to produce solid contact rates with his big time power.

The Rockies have allowed a below-average catcher with power to work behind the plate for them before in Wilin Rosario, but they didn’t have a guy like Tony Wolters around to provide defense and some offense as well like they do now. Murphy’s future will likely be tied to his ability to either make some big improvements in his defensive work or his ability to handle first base and catching at the same time to provide value as a bench/role piece.

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