A Minor Review of 2015: Colorado Rockies

Welcome to the annual series: ‘A Minor (League) Review of 2015.” This series is a great way to receive a quick recap of the ’15 minor league season for your favorite club(s), while also receiving a brief look toward the 2016 season and beyond. It can also be a handy feature for fantasy baseball players in keeper and Dynasty leagues.

A Minor Review of 2015: Colorado Rockies

The Graduate: Ben Paulsen, 1B: An overaged rookie, Paulsen appeared in 91 games for the Rockies and added another 20 games in the outfield. He took advantage of the friendly confines of his home park, which helped him overcome an ugly BB-K rate of 23-92 in 116 games. Paulsen was almost hopeless against left-handed pitching so you can forget about him playing everyday — he had a 35 wRC+ against them. Newly-signed Mark Reynolds should help ensure the soon-to-be-sophomore first baseman avoids southpaws almost entirely in 2016 — assuming Paulsen makes the roster.

The Riser: Ryan McMahon, 3B: McMahon is one of my favorite prospects that no one is talking about. He played a number of sports in high school so he began his pro career a little behind the eight ball — but he’s making up for lost time. Just 21, he spent the 2015 season in High-A ball where he slugged 43 doubles and 18 home runs — showing raw power that should blossom in Colorado. A potentially-strong defender at third base, McMahon will none-the-less move to accommodate Nolan Arenado and could end up in the outfield.

The Tumbler: Kyle Freeland, LHP: The eighth overall pick in the 2014 draft, it’s been a struggle for Freeland to stay healthy. He appeared in just nine games in 2015 as he battled through both elbow and shoulder problems. He’s thrown less than 90 innings in his first two seasons but did get assigned to the Arizona Fall League where he made six starts (pitching 25.1 innings, or about four innings a game). However, his 4.62 K/9 rate was worrisome, especially since it almost matched the strikeout rate he posted during the regular season in A-ball (4.31 K/9).

The ’15 Draft Pick: Brendan Rodgers, SS: The Rockies traded away their franchise shortstop in 2015 when Troy Tulowitzki was sent to Toronto but they added Rodgers with the third overall selection in the amateur draft. The young shortstop could be a swift mover through the system as an advance prep player who plays well on both sides of the ball — similar to Mr. Tulowitzki.

The Lottery Ticket: Jesus Tinoco, RHP: Speaking of the Troy Tulowitzki deal, Tinoco was one of the players acquired from the Blue Jays. At the time of the deal, I stated Tinoco could easily end up as the best player in the deal coming over to Colorado and he pitched well for his new organization. A smart player and a hard worker, Tinoco has the type of repertoire and approach the could play well in Colorado.