Rockies farm roundup: Friedrich throws 6 shutout innings
Triple-A Colorado Springs (W, 4-3 at Oklahoma City, 11 innings, box)
Outfielder Scott Beerer was 3-for-5 with a double, a home run, two RBI and two runs. Second baseman Jesus Merchan was 3-for-3. Starting pitcher Clayton Mortensen allowed three runs in 5 1/3 innings.
Double-A Tulsa (L, 3-2 at Frisco, 12 innings, box)
Starting pitcher Christian Friedrich rebounded from a pair of rough starts and took a no-hitter one out into the sixth inning. Friedrich allowed just one hit and four walks and struck out seven in six shutout innings. He was not involved in the decision as the Drillers’ bullpen allowed three runs. Catcher Wilin Rosario was 3-for-5 with a solo home run.
High Class-A Modesto (W, 5-3 at Lancaster, box)
Center fielder Delta Cleary Jr. was 2-for-3 with a double and three runs. Third baseman Nolan Arenado drove in two runs, his 98th and 99th. Shortstop Josh Rutledge was 1-for-3 with a triple, an RBI and a run. Starting pitcher Edwar Cabrera allowed three runs and struck out eight in 5 1/3 innings.
Low Class-A Asheville (L, 3-2 at Savannah, box)
Third baseman Joey Wong was 1-for-3 with a double and two RBI. Starting pitcher Joshua Slaats allowed three runs in 6 2/3 innings.
Short-Season Class-A Tri-City (L, 6-1 at Boise, box)
Center fielder Brian Humphries was 1-for-4 and drove in the Dust Devils’ only run. Starting pitcher Ricardo Ferrer allowed five runs (one earned) in 3 2/3 innings.
Rookie Casper (L, 12-2 vs. Great Falls, box)
Infielder Trevor Story was 3-for-5 with two triples, a home run, three RBI and two runs. First baseman Harold Riggins was 3-for-5 with a home run, an RBI and a run. Infielder Samuel Mende was 2-for-4 with a double, a home run, an RBI and three runs. Starting pitcher Daniel Winkler allowed two runs and struck out eight in seven innings.
I’m glad Christian Friedrich rebounded after that horrid start.
What a day for Trevor Story; it’s going to be fun to see how this year’s draft pans out.
A RH power bat coming to a Coors Field near you – Scott Beerer. Yup I expect the Rockies will make him a September callup just to take a look see. He’s very old for a prospect, but seems to have something that keeps him climbing the MILB ladder.
Reminds me of Spilly some, but he is still older than Spilly when he arrived at the MLB.
Trevor Story looks like a possible fast mover with that bat, the big question mark, supposedly, when he was drafted. He’s slugging .480, hitting .300 and showing extra-base power. After many early-round busts with hitters, Story could turn into a success “story.”
Sam Mende is another Casper hitter looking promising.
Nolan Arenado’s impending 100-plus RBI season is highly impressive.
Rockies Prospects and Futures
Okay, the season stunk. AAA COS is a pit of a team, but the news on the farm could hardly be better. First off, I didnt know Beerer was still with the organization. He was drafted 2nd round in 2003! Talk about being lost in an organization. Since coming back to the game in 2009 he has had some good years and the power at this late stage does appear to becoming. He is not on the 40 so I doubt he sees September, but with Garner likely a DFAd, he could become a possible 5th outfield guy. At Tulsa we now have Wilin a full year since surgery, and it appears things are coming together. Cannot see the Rox dealing Ianetta in the offseason and giving the job to him but maybe his progress the past month really has been that good. Friedrich has much less pressure on him now and maybe that is showing up. At this point I imagine that a nice finish to the season will bring a Sept call-up and that he could be trade bait to fill holes this offseason. He still has the tools to be a mid-rotation starter, and his youth and cheapness might be what is needed to net a corner bat. Then you have the great news of Arendo and Rutledge who could well be 1/2 of the starting infield opening day 2013. Rutledge didnt seem to miss a beat after the streak was broken. If he can play 2nd he may well be fast tracked (have been thinking about DODs comments in the interview about not trading and I think it speaks to the confidence they have in these kids to get here and contribute quickly so as not take on contracts like a David Wright). Story’s bat was to be the issue when he was drafted and against tough competition in Casper he is proving that wrong.
2011 has been a waste of our fan passion. 2012 may still be too early but the great news is this is not the Astros. This appears to be a deep farm system with bats that can help from the 2-10 rounds in the drafts, just like GenR. And when these guys get here they will have the advantage of hitting surronded by Tulo and CarGo.
A question for Jack or Steve. While Edwar Cabrera had an off-night, he has certainly held his own in Modesto. Clearly he should be Tulsa bound next year but are the Rox thinking of him as a mid-season power pen arm if needed next year? I know they don’t usually do those kind of moves because it hurts development for starters (and I am assuming he still projects as a starter) since in the pen they dont work on those secondary pitches but that arm sure would be nice to have next year when you need a K. Have you gentlemen heard anything from DOD about possible plans for him in 2012?
Only 6 months til Spring Training opens!