Rockies Major And Minor Leaguers Cited
Baseball America is out with its Best Tools issue, with rankings from the major leagues down through the low Class A level. Managers in each league are polled for this survey.
In the National League, Todd Helton was third in the best hitter category, behind Albert Pujols and Hanley Ramirez. Helton tied for second with Adrian Gonzalez as the best defensive first baseman, behind Pujols.
Huston Street finished third in the best reliever category, behind Jonathan Broxton and Francisco Rodriguez.
Troy Tulowitzki finished second behind Jimmy Rollins as the best defensive shortstop and second behind Rafael Furcal for the best infield arm.
Right fielder Brad Hawpe tied for second with Jay Bruce for the best outfield arm, where Jeff Francoeur was first.
Triple-A Colorado Springs second baseman Eric Young Jr. was rated the best baserunner and fastest baserunner in the Pacific Coast League.
Former Double-A Tulsa right-hander Jhoulys Chacin was chosen the best pitching prospect in the Texas League and the owner of the best changeup. After four relief appearances with the Rockies and one poor start Tuesday, Chacin is at Colorado Springs.
Pitcher Esmil Rogers was chosen the pitcher with the best control in the Texas League. Rogers was promoted to Colorado Springs in early July. Tulsa’s Mike McKenry was ranked the best defensive catcher in the Texas League.
High Class A Modesto closer Craig Baker was selected as having best breaking pitcher and being the best reliever in the California League, where Modesto shortstop Hector Gomez was ranked as having the best infield arm.
Low Class A Asheville catcher-DH Jordan Pacheco was named the player with the best strike-zone judgment in the South Atlantic League.
Thats pretty impressive, especially for Helton, who some predicted to be all but done. I feel like Street is a little better than Broxton but I’ll chalk that up to bias.
I’m surprised that Ubaldo is not on this list with that fast ball of his. I suppose that can be chalked up as a control thing – but given a bit of time, he can be as dominant as anyone in the league.
No best sinkerball category either? That would be a fun category to see – I’d take Cookie’s sinker over just about anyone’s, except maybe Brandom Webb’s.
Would have liked to see one of our minor leaguers be rated as best power hitter in his league. It’s a little concerning that there doesn’t seem to be a legit big time power bat in the system.
ian- good point. That does seem to be lacking in the system. I guess it’s Stewart for now, with the hope that a guy like Tim Wheeler (the 32nd pick, at Tri-City) develops.
I can’t believe that Tulo was voted second in the strongest arm catagory. I didn’t think there was another infielder that even came close to him.
I agree with Katy on Tulo’s arm.
Also, sorry, but there’s no chance Albert Pujols is a better defensive 1B than Helton, Gonzalez or even Derrek Lee. He’s improved a lot, but there’s no way he’s in that tier with the glove.
Townie, I disagree with you about Pujols. He seems to make a lot of wide-ranging plays to me. Helton is still a great receiver on throws to first, but I don’t see him making those plays on hard hit balls anymore.
Leave your response!
Recent Comments
More at Inside The Rockies
More around the Web
Newsroom
Reference Room
Blogroll
Archives