Yesterday, we looked at how the Rockies built back up their system. Now we get to see the products of that system in Baseball America’s list of the top ten Rockies’ prospects. Topping the list is the Rockies’ top draft pick in 2005, shortstop Troy Tulowitzki. He didn’t spend much time in the minors and after a solid season at Double A, he skipped Triple A and made his debut with the Rockies. Then he slipped a bit and only had a slugging percentage of .292 but regaing his form by being named the top prospect in the Arizona Fall League. Now Tulowitzki should be the Rockies’ regular shortstop in 2007.
Second is left handed pitcher Franklin Morales. He struck out 179 in 154 innings at High A and while he’s probably a year away, he could be getting a cub of coffee come September.
Jason Hirsch, who also played for the Rockies in 2006, comes in third. He struggled when got called up but it’s expected that Hirsch will be in the rotation in 2007. Outfielder Dexter Fowler and third baseman Ian Stewart round out the top five. Stewart has really slipped after a rough Double A season. A lot of people though Garrett Atkins was a place holder until Stewart was ready but it’s definitely not turning out that way.
So there’s some good talent here and some of it is major league ready.
