MAKING THE PITCH: Colorado Rockies

Wonder if #Rockies O'Dowd is thinking, "WTF my guys shutout Cubs today where's the love for the pitching staff I assembled?"
— Eric Goodman (@EricGoodman) March 14, 2013

Felipe M

We take a look at the projected starting rotations and closer situations of every MLB team.  Of course, this will come from a fantasy perspective.  All cited stats are based on 2013 projections. 

For our review of the Cleveland Indians, click here. 

We now try to give some "love" to the Colorado Rockies. 

PROBABLE STARTING ROTATION

1. Juan Nicasio
• Good: 3.24 K/BB along with a 8.13 K/9 would make Nicasio fantasy gold in any format.
• Bad: Injuries and questionable command has been the story for Nicasio since his he was called up to the majors in 2011.  He's also coming off a terrible 2012.  Might struggle with homeruns with a HR/9 of 1.15. It's not in the danger zone, but considering where he pitches, might be a major concern in 2013.  He's also been struggling this spring.
2. Jhoulys Chacin
• Good: K/9 of 7.47 would make him a good selection in any fantasy format.  1.02 HR/9 is actually quite good. He also is coming back to the Rockies after a successful appearance at the World Baseball Classic. 
• Bad: He's projected to have control problems and a WHIP of 1.41 makes him useless in any fantasy format.  He actually projected to be the #4 starter in Colorado.
3. Drew Pomeranz
• Good: A few websites have Pomeranz listed as the #3 starter on the rotation which is fantastic news considering his struggles in both Minor and Major Leagues last season.  Plus he was projected to compete for the #5 spot.  He's actually had a decent spring as well, thus far.  Just like the other two, young hurlers mentioned, Pomeranz is projected to post impressive strikeout totals in 2013 (K/9 7.82).
• Bad: Unfortunately, the young pitcher, based on his control and command problems from last season, is expected to continue to struggle in 2013 (BB/9 of 3.97, WHIP of 1.46, HR/9 of 1.24).  

CLOSER

1. Rafael Betancourt
• Good: Betancourt's numbers are pretty similar to other elite closers in the game.  He can rack up the K's (K/9 of 10.37), can control his walks (supposed to have a slightly better BB/9 than J.J. Putz and Jim Johnson), and despite being a flyball pitcher (Groundout/Flyout ratio of 0.5 over the last three seasons), his HR/9 is only at 1.07.  Here's the kicker: Betancourt is supposed to have a better WHIP than Craig Kimbrel (1.03 vs Kimbrel's 1.06).
• Bad: Age is a concern, but we've seen plenty of closers get a late start at the role and succeed into their late 30s; better than any young, "closer-of-the-future" type of pitcher.  However, despite pitching for a new contract for 2014, the risk of him being dealt to a contender and being relegated to a setup role is out there.    

FANTASY ADVICE

You'll notice that we only listed 3 starting pitchers with mediocre projections.  The other two pitchers listed at the backend of the Rockies' rotation--Jorge de la Rosa and Jeff Francis--are two pitchers with mediocre projections and aside from their age (above 32), they also have seen a decline in production.  I've never like Francis anyway and de la Rosa's injury history it too tough to overcome for my fantasy team. 

The three pitchers listed are all below the age of 26 and, therefore, have a chance to improve.  Plus their strikeout potential is enough to warrant consideration, despite pitching in Colorado.  The biggest surprise is Pomeranz who looked to be headed back to Triple-A during the offseason and now, his prospects for 2013, are on the way up.  As far as drafting any of those guys, I wouldn't reach too high for them.  There's too much risk involved, but at the right price, may prove to payoff in a big way.  Again, these pitchers are best used on your team as bench players, but the payoff might come as the season rolls along and pitch to their capabilities.  Extreme patience will be needed, nonetheless.

I'm a bit biased when I speak of Betancourt as he's helped my fantasy teams for the last two years now, including a trip to the championship game in my keeper league last year.  However, his days as a useful closer in fantasy might be coming to an end by mid-season.  His numbers suggest that he should be drafted as a last ditch effort to acquire an elite closer, but this season, you might be better off selecting him as a high end, second tier closer--at best.  It's not fair, but that's baseball economics for you.

More MLB content is available here. 

2012 MLB PROSPECT REVIEW: #10-6

The next Miguel Cabrera is somewhere on this list.  But who could it be?
(photo courtesy of Mike McCann's Field of Fotos). 

Felipe M

10. Miguel Sano--3B--Minnesota Twins

• 2012 Outlook: "Might not be ready until 2013 and only 18.  Struggles with strikeouts, but might be the next Miguel Cabrera."
• 2012 Achievements: #1 Minnesota Twins' prospect along with Best Power Hitter and Infield Arm; #2 Midwest League Prospect and Best Infield Arm in league.
• Conclusion: Interestingly enough, Sano has also been compared to Giancarlo Stanton. Unfortunately, for many Twins' and fantasy fans alike, Sano is probably a long way from contributing in the big leagues.  Also, he needs to improve on his defense as he committed 42 errors at 3B.  Career minor league numbers are impressive, but keep in mind that he has yet to play above Lo-A ball.  He also needs to improve his plate approach (BB:K of .45).  He'll turn 20 in May.

9. Mike Trout--OF--Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Trout might have lost the battle to Cabrera in the MVP
voting, but heated discussions between baseball
traditionalists and "stats' geeks" ensued.
(photo courtesy of Mike McCann's Field of Fotos). 

• 2012 Outlook: "A future star.  If one of the regulars goes down, he's probably 1st player to be called up in 2012."
• 2012 Achievements: AL Rookie of the Year; 2nd place in AL MVP voting.
• Conclusion: Age and questionable, past prospects in the Angels' organization dropped Trout to #9 on the list.  His impressive Minor League numbers streamlined very well in the Majors last season.  He might be the best player in fantasy baseball this year as well.  Despite not winning the MVP this year, he did gain a lot of high reverence from the SABR community and was picked as the MVP in a lot of advanced, baseball stats' websites.  He is currently penciled in as the Angels' LF in 2013.  

8. Danny Hultzen--SP--Seattle Mariners

• 2012 Outlook: "Looked sharp in 2011 Arizona Fall League and might help in the Big Leagues, later in 2012."
• 2012 Achievements: #3 Prospect in Mariners' system.  #4 and #7 Prospect in Souther and Pacific Coast League, respectively.  Best Change Up in Southern League and in Mariners' system.
• Conclusion: So what do you do to a highly-touted prospect with all the skills and tools in the world? You force him to start his first year of pro ball in Double-A: not Rookie, Lo-A, but Double-A!  Let that sink in for a bit...He dominated Double-A, but struggled once he arrived in Triple-A so he might have to prove himself in the Minors, although there is talks that he might break spring training camp on the Mariners' roster, but all signs point to Hultzen arriving by mid-season, at best.  His Minor League numbers are as followed: WHIP 1.31; H/9 6.3; BB/9 5.4; K/99.9; K/BB 1.81.  

7. Shelby Miller--SP--St. Louis Cardinals

Will Shelby Miller pitch in this ballpark for the duration of
the 2013 season?
(photo courtesy of Felipe M).

• 2012 Outlook: "Dominated in Minors. Could be called up by mid-season."
• 2012 Achievements: #6 Prospect in Pacific Coast League. Pitched 6 games for the Cards, making one start.
• Conclusion: 2012, Triple-A numbers: WHIP 1.38; H/9 9.1; HR/9 1.6; BB/9 3.3; K/9 10.5; K/BB 3.20.  There's talk out of spring training that Miller might make the Cardinals' roster as a relief pitcher, but with the recent injury to Chris Carpenter, Miller might compete for starter role after all.  Should be interesting to see what the Cards do with the young pitcher, either way.  

6. Nolan Arenado--3B--Colorado Rockies

• 2012 Outlook: "Contact/Power combo, only Casey Blake is in his way.  A future star."
• 2012 Achievements: #8 in Texas League and League's best defensive 3B; Rockies' Best Defensive Infielder and Infield Arm, and Best Hitter for Average.
• Conclusion: Arenado struggled a bit last season in Double-A, but finished the campaign strong.  Stats: .285/.337/.428/.766 B:K .67.  Arenado is a longshot to break with the Rockies out of spring training, but is certainly in the mix to compete for the Rockies' 3B position.  Nevertheless, he looks to be a mid-season call up, at best for 2013. 

Prospects #15-11 are available here.

Top 5 is available here.

2012 MLB PROSPECT REVIEW: #20-16

Will Lonnie Chisenhall meet his potential and be a long-term
fixture at 3B for the Cleveland Indians?
(photo courtesy of Mike McCann)

20. Will Middlebrooks--3B--Boston Red Sox

• 2012 Outlook: "Hits for power; might get called up in 2012."
• 2012 Achievements: Garnered 267 at bats for the Red Sox.
• Conclusion: Unfortunately, Middlebrooks' season ended early last year due to a fractured wrist he suffered on August 10, 2012.  He posted a Major League Slash Line of .288/.325/.509 to go with 12 homeruns, but posted a dismal .19 BB:K.  He posted similar numbers throughout his career in the Minors (.276/.333/.454/.787) where he hit only 1 homerun every 30 at bats, but was able to show off his gap power as he hit 1 extra-base hit (minus homeruns) every 14 at bats.  He will definitely come back as the everyday 3B in Boston and is projected to hit between 3-6. 

19. Nate Eovaldi--SP--Miami Marlins

• 2012 Outlook: "Might make it to Big Leagues out of spring training, but needs more seasoning in Triple-A."
• 2012 Achievements: Made 22 pitching starts combined for the Dodgers and Marlins.



The Marlins were able to flip Hanley Ramirez for former
Dodger pitching prospect, Nate Eovaldi
(photo courtesy of Mike McCann)

• Conclusion: Eovaldi was traded to Miami in the deal that shipped Hanley Ramirez to L.A. His 2012 in the Majors is as follows: K/9 5.9; BB/9 3.55; K:BB 1.66; WHIP 1.51.  Just to have a basis of comparison, here are his numbers after 138 innings pitched in Double-A: K/9 8.4; BB/9 3.8; K/BB 2.19; WHIP 1.20.  He is supposed to have the inside track to start at the back end of the Marlins' starting rotation.  

18. Lonnie Chisenhall--3B--Cleveland Indians

• 2012 Outlook: "Competing for 3B job.  Described as a 'complete hitter.'"
• 2012 Achievements: Garnered 142 at bats with the Indians. 
• Conclusion: Missed about three months due to a right wrist injury after getting hit by a pitch.  He finished the 2012 Major League campaign with a BB:K of .30; .311OBP%; .430SLG%. Numbers at Triple-A were solid: BB:K .46; .282/.349/.458/.808.  Has inside track to to win 3B job with the Indians for 2013. 

17. Yonder Alonso--1B--San Diego Padres

• 2012 Outlook: "Competing for 1B job.  Numbers might suffer at Petco Park."
• 2012 Achievements: Played 155 games for the Padres last season.



Petco Park: where balls fly only to die and end up in
outfielders' gloves.
(photo courtesy of Felipe M.)

• Conclusion: Alonso will highly likely break camp with the Padres as the starting 1B.  That much is for sure.  How much will Alonso benefit from the fences being moved in at Petco?  It remains to be seen, but he can't be as bad as he was last season: 9 homeruns and 62 RBIs in his first full season with San Diego.  Based on his Triple-A stats, he should be able to produce big at the Major League level: .61 BB:K; .296/.364/.478/.842.  So he obviously does have the potential to be a big bat in the middle of the order.  The rest of his 2012, Padres, stats: .61 BB/K (not a type), .273/.348/.393.  Despite the weak SLG%, Alonso did hit 39 doubles last season (1 in 14 at bats).  Hopefully that's a positive sign that he can take advantage of a less, spacious Petco Park.   

16. Drew Pomeranz--SP--Colorado Rockies

• 2012 Outlook: "Might win job out of spring training.  Can be effective."
• 2012 Achievements: Started 22 games for the Rockies, but was on a very limited innings count (finished with 96.2 IPs in 2012).
• Conclusion: Pomeranz not only struggled with the Rockies last season, but he was already struggling in Triple-A: 10 GS, K/BB 2.38; WHIP 1.52; BB/9 3.7; K/9 8.9; H/9 9.9.  Last season with the Rockies, he posted K/BB 1.80; WHIP 1.49; BB/9 4.3; K/9 7.7; H/9 9.1.  Somewhat similar numbers, but despite last year's struggles, the Rockies are still hoping that he can make it back to the Big Leagues as, at the very least, a #5 starter. 

To check out Mike McCann's "Field of Fotos" and check out other great baseball pics, click here.

Prospects #25-21 are available here.

Prospects #15-11 are available here. 

2012 MLB PROSPECT REVIEW: #45-41

Felipe M

The following is a review of a list that was compiled way back in March of 2012.  "2012 Outlooks" are based on a summation of scouting reports (entering the 2012 MLB season) of each player condensed into a sentence or two for easier reading.

45. Alfedo Silverio--OF--Miami Marlins

• 2012 Outlook: "Might get shot at LF, but more of a long-term prospect."
• 2012 Accomplishments: N/A
• Conclusion: Silverio had a pretty chaotic 2012. Last January, he was involved in a car accident that derailed his baseball season as he suffered an array of injuries including a concussion. In May, he underwent Tommy John surgery. Eventually, the Dodgers designated Silverio for assignment in November only to re-sign with the team. Ultimately, he would be picked up by the Marlins in the Rule-5 draft where he has "a moderate chance to stick with the Marlins all year long." He has shown a capability to steal a few bases and hit for a high contact rate, which is his preference to get on base, but will need to show ability to take more walks. 

44. Ryan Lavarnway--C--Boston Red Sox

• 2012 Outlook: "Power/Average combo, might steal Catcher's spot for Boston in 2012."
• 2012 Accomplishments: Named Best Defensive Catcher in International League; Played 46 games for the Red Sox.
• Conclusion: Was completely overmatched by Big League pitching, posting a BB:K of .27. However, that small sample doesn't take away from the fact that he has potential to be a consisten Big League hitter. He has posted a .57 BB:K in his last two seasons in the Minors and has a career .376 on-base%. Power production did dip a bit in 2012, but still managed to display good contact rate. The problem in Boston is that the Red Sox are clogged up at catcher with David Ross and Jarrod Saltalamacchia on the roster and Mike Napoli, although will take over 1B, will add a 4th catcher to the mix (if and when both Napoli and the Red Sox finally make the deal official). Because of the team's depth at catcher, Lavarnway has been heavily involved in trade rumors this past offseason. 

43. Taijuan Walker--SP--Seattle Mariners

• 2012 Outlook: "Best long-term prospect in Seattle's system.  He's only 19."
• 2012 Accomplishments: #2 Best Prospect in Mariner's system; #2 Prospect in Southern League.
• Conclusion: The Mariners are very highly committed on Walker's upside and talent. They have all ready warded off trades with other clubs, including one with the Pittsburg Pirates. He has shown struggles with control in the Minors (averaging a BB/9 of 3.6), but did post a K/9 of 8.4 in 2012. Reports indicate that Walker will more than likely get an invitation to Spring Training with the Mariners, but subsequently he will see himself start the year in the Minors.

42. Willin Rosario--C--Colorado Rockies

• 2012 Outlook: "Power hitter, but poor plate discipline."
• 2012 Accomplishments: Played in 117 games for the Rockies; Finished 4th in Rookie of the Year voting; Played in Dominican League
• Conclusion: Rosario's power was on full display in the Majors last season hitting 28 homers, 71 RBIs, and slugging .530. Despite his success, he still has a lot of improvements to make. The Rockies are concerned with his defense and is the primary reason why he went to play in the Dominican League this offseason as he looks to work on his catching skills. He also displayed poor plate discipline (BB:K of .25). His Minor League career saw him post a BB:K of .29, .267 batting average, and an on-base% of .316. Very underwhelming in on-base abilities and contact rate, but proved once again that his calling card is in his power (career .449 SLG% in Minors; 1 homer run every 24 at bats, roughly one dinger per week). He's all ready penciled in as the Rockies' starting catcher in 2013.

41. Jedd Gyorko--3B--San Diego Padres

• 2012 Outlook: "Long-term prospect, has higher ceiling than fellow prospect, James Darnell."
• 2012 Accomplishments: #10 Prospect in Pacific Coast League; #11 Prospect in Texas League
• Conclusion: Unlike fellow farmhand, Darnell, Gyorko will actually be given an opportunity to win a starting job for the Padres in 2013. Even though he's listed as a 3B (played in 223 games at the position in the Minors), his ticket to the Majors will be playing 2B (48 career games in the Minors). He has a career BB:K of .54 and OPS of .913. If he is able to win the Padres' job at 2B, he might benefit and take advantage of the fact that the Padres will be moving in the fences at Petco Park.

Prospects #50-46 are available here.

Prospects #40-36 are available here. 

2012 MLB PROSPECT REVIEW: #55-51

Felipe M.

The following is a review of a list that was compiled way back in March of 2012.  "2012 Outlooks" are based on a summation of scouting reports (entering the 2012 MLB season) of each player condensed into a sentence or two for easier reading.

55. Arodys Vizcaino--SP-Chicago Cubs

• 2012 Outlook: "Higher ceiling than Randall Delgado (Braves), but might be used as relief pitcher in the interim."
• 2012 Accomplishments: Underwent Tommy John surgery in March
• Conclusion: In what proved to be one of many, wacky Cubs' transactions since the Theo Epstein era began, Vizcaino was the consolation prize for Ryan Dempster refusing to get traded to Atlanta where the Cubs had a chance to get hihgly touted Braves' prospect, Randall Delgado.  Instead, the Cubs traded Reed Johnson and Paul Maholm in late July and acquired the mending pitcher who is projected to compete for a rotation spot by 2014. He did post good numbers in the Minors before getting hurt. 

54. Anthony Rendon--3B--Washington Nationals

• 2012 Outlook: "Might move to 2B; would increase value."
• 2012 Accomplishments: Named to Arizona Fall League Top Prospects' Team; Moved from Rookie to Double-A ball
• Conclusion: Rendon could do no wrong this season as he played a total of 43 games in 4 different classes for 4 different teams in the Minors.  Unfortunately, a fractured ankle injury limited his 2012 season.  He did post an .851 OPS and showcased great plate discipline and alongside a high contact rate. His Slash Line in the AFL were .338/.436/.494. Is considered to be on the outside looking in for the Nationals roster in 2013, but it seems that Rendon has nothing else to prove in the Minors. 

53. Nick Castellanos--3B--Detroit Tigers

• 2012 Outlook: "Hit a lot of doubles in Minors. Still developing."
• 2012 Accomplishments: Participated in AFL; #1 Tigers' prospect, as well as Best Hitter for Average and Strike Zone Discipline; #5 and #4 Prospect in Florida State League and Eastern League respectively--Best Batting Prospect in both league; 
• Conclusion: Despite getting recognized for Strike Zone Discipline, he posted a BB:K of .31 in 2012. He also struggled with a .642 OPS in AFL, but even GM Dave Dombrowski admitted that the young prospect simply "ran out of gas."  He is listed as a 3B, but because of Miguel Cabrera, he has been forced to play in RF (Minors) and LF (in AFL). He posted great overal numbers in the Minors the last two seasons and at 6'4", 210 lbs, his high number of doubles (68 in last 2 seasons) makes him a future, potential power hitter in the Majors. Despite showing a decrease in plate discipline, he has a chance to make the Tigers as an OF in 2013 out of spring training. 

52. Chad Bettis--SP--Colorado Rockies

• 2012 Outlook: "Dominated hitter-friendly California League. Long-term prospect."
• 2012 Accomplishments: N/A
• Conclusion: The Rockies shut down Bettis' 2012 due to shoulder injury suffered in April so he will be looking to bounce back in 2013. He has posted a 1.09 WHIP, 7.6 H/9, 2.2 BB/9, and 9.1 K/9 in his Minor League career so far. 

51. Josh Bell--OF--Pittsburgh Pirates

• 2012 Outlook: 19, switch-hitter with great power potential. Long-term prospect."
• 2012 Accomplishments: N/A
• Conclusion: Bell's season was cut short because he underwent surgery to repair meniscus in left knee. He did appear in 15 games and made 66 plate appearances.  He would strike out once every 3 at bats and walked a total of two times.  Nevertheless, Bell remains a very long-term prospect. 

Prospects #60-56 can be reviewed here.

Prospects #50-46 can be reviewed here.