Tag Archives: Nolan Arenado

Colorado Rockies 2012 Mid-Season Top 5 Prospect Rankings

As we are now halfway into the season and the signing deadline for 2012 draft picks has passed, here is my revised list of top 5 prospects in the Colorado Rockies organization.

Remember, a prospect must have fewer than 130 ABs or 50 IP in the Major Leagues to qualify.
(Stats through 7/20/2012)

1) Nolan Arenado – 3B
Highest Level: AA Tulsa Drillers
2012 Stats:
MILB: .261, 18(2B), 1(3B), 7HR, 39RBI

2) Trevor Story – SS
Highest Level: Low-A Asheville Tourists
2012 Stats:
MILB: .265, 27(2B), 5(3B), 13HR, 47RBI, 9SB

3) David Dahl – OF
Highest Level: Rookie League Grand Junction Rockies
2012 Stats:
MILB: .330, 8(2B), 3(3B), 2HR, 18RBI

4) Tyler Anderson – P
Highest Level: Low-A Asheville Tourists
2012 Stats:
MILB: 8-2, 2.64ERA, 78.1IP, 19BB, 44K, .238BAA

5) Edwar Cabrera – P
Highest Level: MLB Colorado Rockies
2012 Stats:
MLB: 0-1, 19.29ERA, 2.1IP, 3BB, 1K, .417BAA
MILB: 11-4, 3.03ERA, 118.2IP, 34BB, 111K, .194BAA

Send your questions or feedback to J.P. on twitter @Jaypers413

Weekly Top 10 Highest Priced Modern Baseball Cards

Each week we will take a look at the Top 10 Highest priced active items on Ebay’s auction format from the modern baseball card era.

#1 Ichiro 2001 Bowman Chrome Gold Refractor Graded BGS 9.5 — Ends In 2 Days

#2 Thurman Munson 2011 Panini Prime Cuts Jumbo Jersey Cut Autograph 1/1
— Ends In 6 Days

#3 Lou Gehrig 2011 Panini Prime Cuts 2 Color Patch 1/1
— Ends In 4 Days

#4 Derek Jeter 1993 Upper Deck SP Buy Back Autograph /93
— Ends In 2 Days

#5 Matt Kemp 2005 Bowman Chrome Gold Refractor Autograph Graded BGS Raw 9/10
— Ends In 5 Days

#6 Nolan Arenado 2010 Bowman Chrome Red Refractor Autograph /5 Graded BGS 9/10
— Ends In 3 Days

#7 Ty Cobb/Joe Jackson/Ted Williams/Rogers Hornsby Bat PAtch Quad /5
— Ends In 2 Days

#8 Yu Darvish 2012 Topps Gypsy Queen Autograph
— Ends In 2 Days

#9 Ken Griffey Jr 1993 Topps Finest Refractor Graded PSA 10
— Ends In 3 Days

#10 Dylan Bundy 2011 Leaf Metal Prismatic Gold Autograph 1/1
— Ends In 1 Day

2012 Colorado Rockies Top 15 Prospect Rankings

By: J.P. Schwartz
@Jaypers413 on Twitter
JP’s FreedomCardboard Blog

2012 Colorado Rockies Top 15 Prospect Rankings

Every year at this time I like to rank each team’s top prospects. My criteria is based upon both past performance and future potential to his parent team. This is my ranking of the 2012 Colorado Rockies Top Prospects. If you have any questions about my rankings, feel free to shoot me a message on twitter @Jaypers413

To qualify, a prospect must have fewer than 130 at-bats or 50 innings in MLB

#1 Drew Pomeranz LHP
Born: 11/12/1988
Highest Level Reached: MLB Colorado Rockies
2011 Combined Stats: MINORS: 4-3, 1.78ERA, 101IP, 38BB, 119K, .189BAA
MAJORS: 2-1, 5.40ERA, 18.1IP, 5BB, 13K, .271BAA

#2 Nolan Arenado 3B
Born: 4/16/1991
Highest Level Reached: High-A Modesto Nuts
2011 Combined Stats: .298, 32(2B), 3(3B), 20HR, 122RBI

#3 Wilin Rosario C
Born: 2/23/1989
Highest Level Reached: MLB Colorado Rockies
2011 Combined Stats: MINORS: .249, 15(2B), 3(3B), 21HR, 48RBI
MAJORS: .204, 3(2B), 1(3B), 3HR, 8RBI (11 hits in 54 at-bats)

#4 Chad Bettis RHP
Born: 4/26/1989
Highest Level Reached: High-A Modesto Nuts
2011 Combined Stats: 12-5, 3.34ERA, 169.2IP, 45BB, 184K, .225BAA

#5 Trevor Story SS
Born: 11/15/1992
Highest Level Reached: Rookie League Casper Ghosts
2011 Combined Stats: .268, 8(2B), 2(3B), 6HR, 28RBI, 13SB

#6 Tim Wheeler OF
Born: 1/21/1988
Highest Level Reached: Double-A Tulsa Drillers
2011 Combined Stats: .287, 28(2B), 6(3B), 33HR, 86RBI, 21SB

#7 Charlie Blackmon OF
Born: 7/1/1986
Highest Level Reached: MLB Colorado Rockies
2011 Combined Stats: MINORS: .337, 19(2B), 4(3B), 10HR, 49RBI, 12SB
MAJORS: .255, 1(2B), 1HR, 8RBI, 5SB (25 hits in 97 at-bats)

#8 Tyler Matzek LHP
Born: 10/19/1990
Highest Level Reached: High-A Modesto Nuts
2011 Combined Stats: 5-7, 6.22ERA, 97IP, 96BB, 111K, .225BAA

#9 Kyle Parker OF
Born: 9/30/1989
Highest Level Reached: Low-A Asheville Tourists
2011 Combined Stats: .285, 23(2B), 1(3B), 21HR, 95RBI

#10 Christian Friedrich LHP
Born: 7/8/1987
Highest Level Reached: Double-A Tulsa Drillers
2011 Combined Stats: 6-10, 5.00ERA, 133.1IP, 43BB, 103K, .286BAA

#11 Tyler Anderson LHP
Born: 12/30/1989
Highest Level Reached: 1st Round Pick 2011 MLB Draft
2011 Combined Stats: Did Not Play In 2011

#12 Cristhian Adames SS
Born: 7/26/1991
Highest Level Reached: Low-A Asheville Tourists
2011 Combined Stats: .273, 17(2B), 2(3B), 8HR, 44RBI

#13 Rosell Herrera SS
Born: 10/16/1992
Highest Level Reached: Rookie League Casper Ghosts
2011 Combined Stats: .284, 6(2B), 8(3B), 6HR, 34RBI

#14 Edwar Cabrera LHP
Born: 10/20/1987
Highest Level Reached: High-A Modesto Nuts
2011 Combined Stats: 8-3, 3.34ERA, 167IP, 41BB, 217K, .244BAA

#15 Corey Dickerson OF
Born: 5/22/1989
Highest Level Reached: Low-A Asheville Tourists
2011 Combined Stats: .282, 27(2B), 5(3B), 32HR, 87RBI, 9SB

Disclaimer – I did not attend any minor league games this year, nor do I claim to have any scouting experience. These lists are the product of my own research of statistics and online scouting reports.

2011 Colorado Rockies Top 15 Prospects Post Season Report Card

With the 2011 minor league season complete we check in on the progress of each of the Colorado Rockies preseason Top 15 prospects as ranked by our prospect ranker J.P. Schwartz. The post season grading report was done by the publisher of Top Prospect Alert, not Mr. Schwartz, and reflects only the 2011 season and not future upside or downside of the individual prospect. Our 2012 preseason rankings will be published in the coming months.

#1 Tyler Matzek GRADE: C-
Matzek went a combined 5-7 with a 6.22ERA between the Low-A Asheville Tourists and the High-A Modesto Nuts. We walked 96 and struck out 111 in 97 innings of work. Opposing hitters batted .225 off Matzek on the year. He improved greatly following nearly a month off to work with his youth pitching coach. He allowed just one earned run and struck out 15 over his final two starts of the season.

#2 Wilin Rosario GRADE: B-
Rosario batted .249 with 15 Doubles, 3 Triples, 21 Home Runs and 48 RBI’s for the Double-A Tulsa Drillers. Through September 17th, Rosario was batting .212 with 2 Doubles, 1 Triple, 2 Home Runs and 4 RBI’s in 33 big league at-bats with the Rockies.

#3 Nolan Arenado GRADE: A+
Arenado batted .289 with 32 Doubles, 3 Triples, 20 Home Runs and a minor league baseball leading 122 RBI’s at High-A Modesto. He walked 47 times and struck out just 53 times in 134 games.

#4 Chad Bettis GRADE: A
Bettis went 12-5 with a 3.34ERA at High-A Modesto. He walked 45 and struck out 184 in 169.2 innings of work. Opposing batters hit just .225 off Bettis in the very hitter friendly California League.

#5 Christian Friedrich GRADE: C-
Friedrich went 6-10 with a 5.00ERA in 25 starts at Double-A Tulsa. He walked 43 and struck out 103 in 133.1 innings. Opposing batters hit .286 off Friedrich on the year. He went 0-5 with a 6.71ERA in his last 10 starts of the season.

#6 Kyle Parker GRADE: B+ Parker batted .285 with 23 Doubles, 1 Triple, 21 Home Runs and 95 RBI’s for Low-A Asheville. He walked 48 times and struck out 133 times in 117 games.

#7 Rex Brothers GRADE: A
Through September 17th, Brothers was 1-2 with a 3.11ERA and 1 save in 37.2 big league innings with the Rockies. He has walked 19 and struck out 53. Major league hitters are batting just .220 against Brothers this season. For the Triple-A Colorado Springs Sky Sox, Brothers went 3-2 with a 2.89ERA with 15 walks and 45 strikeouts in 28 innings of work.

#8 Peter Tago GRADE: D+
Tago was 3-5 with a 7.07ERA for Low-A Asheville. He walked 72 and struck out 58 in 90.1 innings of work. Opposing hitters batted .267 against Tago.

#9 Albert Campos GRADE: C
Campos went 6-4 with a 5.19ERA for Low-A Asheville. He walked 19 and struck out 64 batters in 86.2 innings of work. Opposing batters hit .316 against Campos on the season.

#10 Corey Dickerson GRADE: B
Dickerson batted .282, with 27 Doubles, 5 Triples, 32 Home Runs and 87 RBI’s for Low-A Ashville. The home road splits for Dickerson prevent him from getting a higher grade. At the hitter friendly home stadium in Ashville, he batted .354 with a .844 slugging percentage. On the road Dickerson batted just .193 with a .363 slugging percentage. 26 of Dickerson’s 32 Home Runs were hit at home.

#11 Charlie Blackmon GRADE: B
Blackmon batted .337 with 19 Doubles, 4 Triples, 10 Home Runs, 49 RBI’s and 12 Stolen Bases in 58 games with Triple-A Colorado Springs. The hot start earned him a promotion to the Rockies where he batted .255 with 1 Double, 1 Home Run and 8 RBI’s in 27 big league games before fracturing his foot in July.

#12 Tim Wheeler GRADE: A+
Wheeler batted .287 with 28 Doubles, 6 Triples, 33 Home Runs, and 86 RBI’s at Double-A Tulsa. He also stole 21 bases on the season. Wheeler walked 59 times and struck out 142 times in 138 games.

#13 Hector Gomez GRADE: C+
Gomez batted .235 with 23 Doubles, 6 Triples, 14 Home Runs and 50RBI’s for Double-A Tulsa. He also stole 16 bases. He walked 19 times and struck out 94 times in 102 games. Through September 17th, Gomez had two hits in six big league at-bats for the Rockies.

#14 Juan Nicasio GRADE: B
Nicasio went 4-4 with a 4.14ERA in 13 starts for the Rockies before suffering a potentially career ending broke neck after being hit in the head with a line drive on August 5th. Prior to his promotion to the big leagues, Nicasio was 5-1 with a 2.22ERA at Double-A Tulsa. Nicasio’s grade reflects his accomplishment prior to the broken neck.

#15 Josh Slaats GRADE: C+
Slaats went 7-3 with a 4.18ERA for Low-A Asheville. He walked 51 and struck out 103 in 125 innings of work. Opposing hitters batted .274 off Slaats on the season.

Wednesday’s Notable Minor League Home Runs

AAA:
Kevin Youkilis Boston Red Sox – Home Run #1

Mauro Gomez Atlanta Braves – Home Run #19 & #20

Jordy Mercer Pittsburgh Pirates – Home Run #6

Dallas McPherson Chicago White Sox – Home Run #20

Jai Miller Oakland Athletics – Home Run #31

Tim Federowicz Los Angeles Dodgers – Home Run #6

Conor Gillaspie San Francisco Giants – Home Run #12

AA:
Andrew Lambo Pittsburgh Pirates – Home Run #8

Brahiam Maldonado New York Mets – Home Run #28

Moises Sierra Toronto Blue Jays – Home Run #18

Matt Rizzotti Philadelphia Phillies – Home Run #24

Luis Jimenez Los Angeles Angels – Home Run #17

Matt Long Los Angeles Angels – Home Run #1

High-A:
Nolan Arenado Colorado Rockies – Home Run #18

Tommy Medica San Diego Padres – Home Run #5

Ian Gac Chicago White Sox – Home Run #33

Joe Terdoslavich Atlanta Braves – Home Run #18

Scooter Gennett Milwaukee Brewers – Home Run #9

Hunter Morris Milwaukee Brewers – Home Run #18

Matt Szczur Chicago Cubs – Home Run #5

Brad Glenn Toronto Blue Jays – Home Run #25

Cory Vaughn New York Mets – Home Run #8

Neil Medchill New York Yankees – Home Run #11

Matt Davidson Arizona Diamondbacks – Home Run #18

Low-A:
Yazy Arbelo Arizona Diamondbacks – Home Run #31

James Robbins Detroit Tigers – Home Run #15 & #16

Jonathan Rodriguez St Louis Cardinals – Home Run #19 & #20

Michael Gonzalez Minnesota Twins – Home Run #15

Lance Ray Minnesota Twins – Home Run #16

Tuesday’s Notable Minor League Home Runs

AAA:
Brandon Inge Detroit Tigers – Home Run #7

Juan Francisco Cincinnati Reds – Home Run #12

Dayan Viciedo Chicago White Sox – Home Run #17

Bryan LaHair Chicago Cubs – Home Run #33

Brett Pill San Francisco Giants – Home Run #24

AA:
Matt Den Dekker New York Mets – Home Run #8

Chris Parmelee Minnesota Twins – Home Run #12

Derek Norris Washington Nationals – Home Run #16

Carlos Rivero Philadelphia Phillies – Home Run #14

Bill Rhinehart Cincinnati Reds – Home Run #4

Cody Puckett Cincinnati Reds – Home Run #11

Marc Krauss Arizona Diamondbacks – Home Run #16

Ernesto Mejia Atlanta Braves – Home Run #20

Scott Savastano Seattle Mariners – Home Run #8 & #9

High-A:
Nolan Arenado Colorado Rockies – Home Run #15

Carlo Testa Kansas City Royals – Home Run #4

Kentrail Davis Milwaukee Brewers – Home Run #8

Low-A:
Jacob Realmuto Florida Marlins – Home Run #8

Mark Canha Florida Marlins – Home Run #21

Kevin Keyes Washington Nationals – Home Run #12

Tuesday’s Notable Minor League Home Runs

AAA:
Chris Marrero Washington Nationals – Home Run #11

Lars Anderson Boston Red Sox – Home Run #11

Jared Head Cleveland Indians – Home Run #19

Jesus Montero New York Yankees – Home Run #11

Brandon Laird New York Yankees – Home Run #11

Russ Canzler Tampa Bay Rays – Home Run #14

Jerry Sands Los Angeles Dodgers – Home Run #18

Brett Jackson Chicago Cubs – Home Run #4

Anthony Rizzo San Diego Padres – Home Run #22

Mat Gamel Milwaukee Brewers – Home Run #22 & #23

Chris Carter Oakland Athletics – Home Run #10

Hank Conger Los Angeles Angels – Home Run #4

AA:
Tyler Moore Washington Nationals – Home Run #25

Travis d’Arnaud Toronto Blue Jays – Home Run #15

Charlie Culberson San Francisco Giants – Home Run #8

Roger Kieschnick San Francisco Giants – Home Run #14

L.J. Hoes Baltimore Orioles – Home Run #5 & #6

Andrew Lambo Pittsburgh Pirates – Home Run #4

Brandon Short Chicago White Sox – Home Run #13

Wil Myers Kansas City Royals – Home Run #4

High-A:
Nolan Arenado Colorado Rockies – Home Run #13 & #14

Bryce Brentz Boston Red Sox – Home Run #12 & #13

Darin Ruf Philadelphia Phillies – Home Run #13

Kent Matthes Colorado Rockies – Home Run #23

Low-A:
Yazy Arbelo Arizona Diamondbacks – Home Run #24

Gary Sanchez New York Yankees – Home Run #12

Corey Dickerson Colorado Rockies – Home Run #23

Dan Black Chicago White Sox – Home Run #14 & #15

Our Interview With Colorado Rockies Top Prospect Nolan Arenado

Since being drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the second round of the 2009 draft out of El Toro High School in California, all Nolan Arenado has done is hit. The 20 year old is a career .307 and is currently blistering the California League to a tune of a .310 average with 24 Doubles, 1 Triple, 11 Home Runs, and 74 RBI’s as a member of the Modesto Nuts. Among the most impressive stats from Arenado’s career thus far is that he’s struck out in just 108 of his 924 career at-bats, a rate of just over 11 percent. Equally as impressive is that over 37 percent of his hits go for extra bases. Arenado played in the 2011 Futures Game and did what he does best, hitting a double off Royals pitching prospect Kelvin Herrera. We hope you enjoy our Q&A with Nolan Arenado.

TPA: What was it like being around all of the best prospects in baseball at the Futures Game?
Nolan Arenado: It was a blast. It felt so good being around players you hear and read about, and some of them I know personally, like my high school classmate Austin Romine of the Yankees.

TPA: What were some of the things you will take with you from the Futures Game experience?
Nolan Arenado: We were treated so well. All of the attention on us was nice. Playing for such a big crowd was awesome and Chase Field is a great ballpark. It was an honor representing the Rockies. You never know if an opportunity like this will come up again, so I just tried to enjoy every minute.

TPA: After a slow start to the season offensively in 2011, you’ve been one of the hottest bats in the minors over the last month or so. What adjustments did you make to help lead to your recent success?
Nolan Arenado: I did start out slow but I didn’t panic. I made some small tweaks to my swing. I have since tried to stay consistent with what I’m doing at the plate.

TPA: What type of approach and swing thought do you take with you to the plate?
Nolan Arenado: I want to drive the ball. I look for a fastball to hit. I try to do what the situation dictates, and not try to do too much.

TPA: You did a bunch of Perfect Game events when you were in high school, describe that experience, and how seeing the some of the best prep pitching in the country at the time helped prepare you for pro ball?
Nolan Arenado: Perfect Game was a good experience. The more I did them, the more confidence I got. You definitely improve when you play against better competition.

TPA: What’s been your biggest challenge thus far in your pro career?
Nolan Arenado: It is a long season. So, staying consistent in my hitting is a challenge at times.

TPA: Being from Southern California what has it been like getting to play some of your road games this year in cities close to home?
Nolan Arenado: That’s one of the best parts. I’ve been lucky to have my family and friends come out and watch me play. Their support means a lot.

TPA: What has been your best memory so far as a pro?
Nolan Arenado: I am going to have to say the Futures Game so far. I had extended family come out as well, and it was great seeing them. On the field, meeting and talking to pro players was unforgettable. Also, another highlight was working out with Tulo this past winter.

Check out the clips below to see some of what Arenado experienced while at the Futures Games

Batting Practice



Arenado’s Double In The Game



Arenado’s Fan Fest Interview with MLB.com

Another Futures Game Interview With MLB.com