The Rockies have never been known for their pitching due to the fact that they play in such a hitter friendly ball park. Colorado has some very good pitching prospects coming in the near future, and they are a team on the rise. Here are the Top 5 Colorado Rockies prospects.
Colorado Rockies Top 5 Prospects
5. Raimel Tapia, OF
Raimel Tapia signed with Colorado out of the Dominican Republic back in 2010. He has been one of the most consistent minor league hitters since signing. The lefty has an advanced, quick approach at the plate. He has a very contact heavy approach, but has the potential to display some power. Defensively, Tapia has the speed and the arm to play any of the three outfield positions. Last season in 128 minor league games, he hit .328 with eight home runs, 25 doubles, and 23 stolen bases. In a brief stint in the majors, Tapia hit .263 and stole 3 bases over 22 games.
4. German Marquez, RHP
German Marquez was acquired as a throw-in in the trade that brought Jake McGee to Colorado. He won the Eastern League pitcher of the year award, and finished second in ERA (2.85). He pitched well enough to receive a September call-up. Marquez went 1-1 with a 5.23 ERA in six games, three of which were starts. His fastball sits around the 93-96 mark and can hit 98 at times. His curveball has improved, but he is still working on his change-up. Marquez needs to work on his command, but has the ability to be a frontline starter.
3. Riley Pint, RHP
Riley Pint has one of the most explosive high school arms in years, and was the Rockies No.4 overall pick in this years draft. He has a higher upside than anyone in this draft class. Pint’s fastball can hit as low as 93 MPH, and as high as 102 MPH. His power curve is nasty, and he throws a hard slider. He hasn’t used it much, but he also has a plus changeup. Although his stuff is so his elite, his command is a major issue. If he can fix his issues as he develops, he can become the ace the Rockies have been looking for.
2. Jeff Hoffman, RHP
Jeff Hoffman was the No.9 pick in the 2014 draft. He was traded to Colorado in the Troy Tulowitzki deal and made his big league debut last season. He had minimal success as he went 0-4 with a 4.22 ERA in six starts. Jeff has an above average fastball and curveball when he is on his A-game. His fastball sits form 92-95 and has a lot of sinking action. His slider is his harder breaking ball, and his change-up is average. Hoffman has four solid pitches in his repertoire. To succeed against big league hitters, Hoffman will have locate his pitches better, especially at Coors Field.
1. Brendan Rodgers, SS/2B
Brendan Rodgers was the No.3 pick in the 2015 draft. Last season he was a star in the SALLY league, as he finished fourth in home runs (19), extra-base hits (50), and slugging (.480) at only 19 years of age. For a shortstop, Rodgers generates a ton of power. He has an excellent combination of bat speed and strength. He has an excellent approach at the plate and doesn’t over swing, so he should be able to hit for a high average as well. Rodgers is an average defender with a very strong arm. He may be better suited shifting to second base. However, no matter what position he plays, his bat will make him successful at Coors Field.
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