The Rockies considered outfielder Tim Wheeler from Sacramento State College for the No. 11 pick in the draft, but opted to take a pitcher instead.

No problem. They wound up with Wheeler, anyhow.

With the 32nd pick in the draft — the one the Rockies received from the Angels for the loss of free agent Brian Fuentes — the Rockies drafted Wheeler.

Wheeler was ranked the fourth best propsect in California and No. 15 in the entire draft.

The Baseball America report on Wheeler:

Among California scouts, a “Sac State guy” is typically an undersized, modestly talented but scrappy and energetic player, short on tools but long on hustle. At showcase events, it’s common to hear scouts use the term as a shorthand way of identifying such players.

No Sac State player has ever been drafted above the fourth round, but Wheeler will smash all of those precedents and cliches. At 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds with a strong and athletic frame and lefthanded bat, he’s a prototypical corner outfield prospect.

His wiry build has room for further projection. Scouts suspected Wheeler was poised for a breakout after a strong summer in the Cape Cod League, but he has exceeded even those expectations, batting .396/.500/.786 with 18 homers and 69 RBIs.

Wheeler’s bat is by far his primary tool. He projects to be a plus big league hitter, with power that is a shade above-average. An average arm and speed that’s just a tick above-average probably mean he’s best suited for left field in pro ball. Scouts laud his baserunning instincts. Scouts who saw Wheeler last year, or even earlier this year, would not have pegged him as a first-round candidate, but as the season has progressed his bat has made the prospect more and more likely.