Organizational Talent Rankings via Baseball America
2013 (21) | 2012 (16) | 2011 (10) | 2010 (10) | 2009 (20)
2013 Affiliate Records
MLB: [74-88] NL West
AAA: [67-76] Pacific Coast League – Colorado Springs
AA: [68-70] Texas League — Tulsa
A+: [75-65] California League – Modesto
A: [63-73] South Atlantic League – Asheville
A(ss): [34-42] Northwest League — Tri-City
Graduated Prospects
Nolan Arenado (3B); Corey Dickerson (OF)
The Run Down
I must admit, I’m quite impressed with this Rockies farm, and after writing a thousand or so words on its best and brightest prospects, I’m in need of cigarette. Don’t get me wrong here, this isn’t a top tier organization, but from the perspective of upside and potential fantasy impact, this Rockies org isn’t far behind the powerhouse systems of the Twins, Cubs, Astros, and Cardinals. Pitching headlines this group — Jonathan Gray brings a Gerrit Cole-type projection, and Eddie Butler could be the Michael Wacha of 2014. The seven hitters that follow Gray and Butler all bring considerable offensive tools and big fantasy ceilings, themselves. Sure, there’s plenty of risk with this group, but you gotta admire this collection of raw talent.
Top Ten Fantasy Prospects
1. Jonathan Gray, RHP: There were plenty of talent evaluators who put Jonathan Gray at the top of their draft boards this past summer, ahead of Mark Appel, ahead of Kris Bryant, ahead of everyone. That’s not the way it ended up, of course — Gray went 3rd overall to the Rockies — but suffice to say, no one would have been astonished had Gray been the first name off the board, which should speak volumes about the kind of low-risk potential the 22-year-old brings to Colorado. Also speaking volumes on that topic: 1.93 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, 12.3 K/9 through 9 starts between Rookie-level and High-A. With a fastball that touches elite velocity, a plus slider, and a plus change, Gray projects like a top-of-the-rotation arm, and he should be ready for a big league look at some point in 2014. ETA: 2014
2. Eddie Butler, RHP: Butler busted out in grand fashion in 2013, posting a 1.80 ERA, a 0.99 WHIP, and a K/9 at 8.6 through 28 starts across 3 levels (A-, A+, AA). His repertoire is very similar to Gray’s, featuring a power heater, a plus slider, and an outstanding changeup. The 22-year-old shouldn’t need much more time in the minors, and he’s a prime candidate for an early summer call-up. Michael Wacha has taught us not to sleep on anyone tossing a filthy change. Butler certainly fits in that category. ETA: 2014
3. David Dahl, OF: Dahl made only 42 plate appearances in 2013 before a torn hamstring ended his season. He also had a curious little misjudgment to begin the season, which has raised some character concerns. He’s just 19-years-old, so there’s plenty of time to put those worries behind him, and he’s far too talented to ignore from a dynasty league perspective. Being so, I’ll reiterate what I wrote on him last year, when he ranked #1 in this system: “The 10th overall pick in June, Dahl debuted at rookie-level Grand Junction and obliterated the competition. The 18-year-old hit .379/.423/.625 with 41 XBH (!!!) in only 306 PA. He’ll move up to full-season ball in 2013, but there’s no doubt that Dahl’s on the fast track. The ceiling on this one is enormous.” ETA: 2016
4. Rosell Herrera, SS: After struggling at Low-A for a sizable chunk of the 2012 season, Herrera returned to Asheville last spring, and remained there through year’s end, posting a line at .343/.419/.515 with 16 HR and 21 SB. Regardless of the fact that he was repeating a level, that’s a big line for a shortstop. There are skills here to help across the board in fantasy. Provided the 21-year-old can stick at short, the upside here is large. ETA: 2015
5. Kyle Parker, OF/1B: Parker brings serious power to this organization, a tool that will only play up, considering the ballpark in which he’ll soon be spending his days. Limited athleticism has scouts forecasting a shift to 1B, and the Rockies have already begun that transition. Parker, age 24, posted an OPS at .836 in a full season at Double-A Tulsa in 2013. He’ll likely step up to Triple-A to begin next season, on track for arrival in mid-to-late summer. ETA: 2014
6. Trevor Story, SS: After a promising first year of full-season ball in 2012, Story entered 2013 with big expectations. He failed to meet those expectations by a giant margin, posting an ugly .233/.305/.394 line on the season at High-A Modesto. The 21-year-old will likely return to Modesto in 2014, where he’ll look to reclaim the title of “Rockies shortstop of the future” — a moniker now belonging to Rosell Herrera. ETA: 2015
7. Tom Murphy, C: Viewed as a better receiver than Wilin Rosario, Murphy is positioned to take over the everyday duties behind the dish at Coors before long. The 22-year-old posted a .975 OPS in the hitter-friendly environment of the California league in 2013, earning a late-season promotion to Double-A, where he’s likely to begin 2014. With pop to hit 20+ HR at a premium position, the fantasy intrigue here is crystal clear. ETA: 2015
8. Raimel Tapia, OF: It’s tough to go bonkers over a guy who hasn’t yet reached the full-season level, but I’ll admit, it was hard for me to not rank Tapia higher given his ridiculous line in the Rookie-level Pioneer League: .357/.399/.562. This is an outfielder oozing with tools, and he has the potential to soar up to the top of this list by this time next year. The 19-year-old will be an interesting guy to keep an eye on at Low-A Asheville next season. ETA: 2017
9. Ryan McMahon, 3B: McMahon, a 2nd round pick last June, posted a .984 OPS at the same level as Tapia. The 18-year-old is touted for an advanced approach and good raw power, but as is the case with all prospects this inexperienced, we’ll know a lot more once he’s endured the heightened competition, as well as the drag of his first full season. ETA: 2017
10. Tyler Anderson, LHP: Anderson is by far the least interesting guy on this list, but the big-framed southpaw is widely viewed as a safe bet to work his way into a big league rotation as an innings eater. Given his low-risk nature, he’s a name to know as he pushes through the upper levels next season, but it’s important to realize that his potential impact is nowhere near the level of the others above. ETA: 2015
