Rockies farm roundup: Arenado homers again
Triple-A Colorado Springs (L, 13-9 vs. Tacoma, box)
Second baseman Chris Nelson was 1-for-2 before leaving the game for a pinch-runner after singling in the third and reportedly suffered a leg injury on the play. First baseman Mike Jacobs was 2-for-4 with a double, three RBI and a run scored. Third baseman Matt Macri was 1-for-5 with three RBI. Catcher Jordan Pacheco was 1-for-4 with a triple and a run. Starting pitcher Billy Buckner allowed nine runs in 4 1/3 innings.
Double-A Tulsa (L, 11-3 vs. San Antonio, box)
Shortstop Thomas Field was 1-for-3 with a solo home run, the fourth in his past 10 games. Third baseman Darin Holcomb was 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI. Starting pitcher Rob Scahill allowed five runs (four earned) in five innings.
High Class-A Modesto (L, 9-5 at San Jose, box)
Third baseman Nolan Arenado was 2-for-4 with a solo home run and two runs. Shortstop Josh Rutledge was 2-for-4 with a double, two RBI and two runs scored. Starting pitcher Nick Schnaitmann allowed six runs in five innings.
Low Class-A Asheville (W, 8-7 vs. Greeneville, box)
Right fielder Corey Dickerson was 1-for-4 and drove in the winning run with a single in the ninth. Center fielder Rafael Ortega was 2-for-5 with a triple and two runs. Right fielder Kyle Parker was 2-for-4 with two RBI and a run. Left fielder Chandler Laurent was 2-for-4 with an RBI and a stolen base. Starting pitcher Peter Tago allowed one run on three hits, struck out three and but walked eight in 5 2/3 innings.
Short-Season Class-A Tri-City (L, 10-7 at Spokane, box)
Designated hitters Juan Crousset and Jared Simon were each 1-for-2 with a home run — Crousset a solo shot, Simon a two-run homer — while splitting duty. Left fielder Tyler Massey was 2-for-5 with a home run and two runs scored. First baseman Jordan Ribera was 2-for-3 with a double. Starting pitcher Tyler Gagnon allowed one unearned run and struck out eight in 4 2/3 innings.
Rookie Casper (L, 9-8 at Idaho Falls, box)
Designated hitter Will Swanner was 2-for-5 with a double, an RBI and a run scored. Second baseman Yafistel Roja was 2-for-5 with a double. Right fielder Julian Yan was 3-for-4 with an RBI and a stolen base. First baseman Harold Riggins was 3-for-4 with a run. Starting pitcher Daniel Winkler allowed one run and struck out eight in five innings.
Steve, Julian asked yesterday and I am also curious, what do the Rockies think of Arenado? Is there a chance he can get moved up to Tulsa for 2nd half and be on the radar for 3B job on Rox sometime next season? After a slow start he has really found his stroke. How is his defense?
Because he’s so young, just 20, I don’t expect he’ll be moved to Tulsa this season. Maybe very late in the year, but I wouldn’t expect it. Once at Tulsa next season, though, he could move as fast as his skill dictate. If all goes well, a September callup in 2012 is possible, but we’re more likely to see him in 2013. His mobility around third is better this year and that has helped his defense. He probably won’t be as good defensively at third as Stewart is, but no one’s talking about a position switch for Arenado anymore.
Thanks for the response and insight. I hope he can keep up the progress he has shown the last 2 years. Look forward to keeping track of his career as he moves closer to the bigs.
Arenado is a slow starter who really heats up with the weather. Did it last season and again this season. He’s a good hitter and more power might come. Not an elite talent but he’s certainly a guy who could play in Denver and bring a consistent bat. Hope he stays healthy. I also think he could, in the right situation, be a great trade chip in a package deal or maybe one day, by himself.