Rockies sign more draft picks; one big pick to go
| July 7, 2009 | 1:52 PM
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The Rockies’ 2009 draft could turn out to be one of the better drafts in team history. At the very least it showed the team was willing — finally, like other teams in baseball! — to take a chance on a player it might not sign by drafting high school pitcher Tyler Matzek with the 11th overall pick.
Having been burned by Matt Harrington in 2000, the Rockies have emphasized signability with their top picks in recent years. But two factors turned in their favor this year: the recent rule change giving compensatory picks to teams that fail to sign first- or second-round picks meant that, worst-case scenario, the Rockies would get a similar pick in 2010 if Matzek didn’t sign; and, a second first-round pick and a supplemental first-round pick for the loss of Brian Fuentes in free agency meant that if they didn’t sign their first pick, the 2009 draft wouldn’t be a total loss. That second concern has seemed to hold back the Rockies in other years. The team doesn’t want to waste a draft class.
So, here we are and Matzek is, as expected, still unsigned. If he does sign with the Rockies it won’t be quickly. But the team announced Tuesday it had signed its supplemental first-rounder, Rex Brothers, as well as second-round pick Nolan Arenado and third-rounder Ben Paulsen. The Rockies now have 29 of their top 30 picks under contract, and 39 of 52 overall.
The three newly signed Rockies prospects will be at Coors Field for a few days before heading out to minor league assignments.
How some of the team’s other draft picks have fared so far this season:
- Outfielder Tim Wheeler, the Rockies’ second first-rounder and 32nd overall pick, is off to a good start in Tri-City, batting .300 with a home run, nine RBI and three stolen bases in 12 games.
- Outfielder Kent Matthes, a fourth-round pick, is off to an even better start at Tri-City, batting .357 with a home run and 10 RBI in 14 games.
- Third baseman Joseph Sanders, a fifth-rounder, is following suit at Tri-City with a .309 average, seven RBI and three stolen bases.
- Pitcher Chris Balcom-Miller, a sixth-round pick, has yet to be scored on at Casper. Balcom-Miller has pitched seven innings, allowed four hits, a walk and striking out four in two brief starts.
Journals, Sports, Steve Foster
ben paulsen, chris balcolm-miller, colorado rockies, draft, joesph sanders, kent matthes, matt harrington, nolen arenado, rex brothers, tim wheeler, tyler matzek
