Farming for Victory: Rockies Minor League Report Part 2

As promised...

Tulsa Drillers

Hitting

-In 2004, Chris Nelson was taken by the Rockies 9th overall, and was considered a steal at that slot. The only larceny involved in that draft choice was the $2.15 million signing bonus, which Nelson received. $2.15 million for a .626 OPS and 18 errors in AA... delicious. Looks like his great "turn around season" in 2007 was a fluke.

-Eric Young Mini-Edition hasn't hitting the ball supremely hard, but his much more important on-base percentage is sitting at .394. A lead off hitter that could get on-base would be a lovely addition to the Rockies (that's right Willy Taveras! I don't care if you steal 100 bags; you still suck).

-Speaking of getting on-base and Willy Taveras... (cue choral church music)... Dexter Fowler (Hallelujah! Hallelujah). He has a .430 on-base percentage, which is the highest of any current Texas Leaguer with a legitimate number of ABs. His .514 slugging ain't too shabby either. When the USA gets eliminated from the Olympics, Fowler ought to be sent to AAA, with a plan for a September call-up. Maybe, then, he'll be the Rockies CF come 2009.

Pitching

-Oh, Brandon Hynick, what cruel mistress hath destroyed thee? Hynick gives up home runs like 3oh!3 makes hit singles. He still doesn't walk anybody (1.41 BB/9), which is good. Though I'm not a big fan if this qualifier, Hynick looks more and more like a fifth starter, rather than the 3 he looked like last year.

-I'm not really excited about anybody else on the staff. There is, however, some guy named Jeff Francis, whom I've never heard of. He has had 3 starts for the Drillers and has struck out 19 batters in 14.1 IP, with 2 walks. Maybe he'll be a good big leaguer some day.

And 'gain... Tomorrow: Modesto Nuts...

Sorry for the laziness, but if it was all together it would get really long. Also, I'd like to think I have a life, though I probably don't.

Also: Well done, Rockies. I know Haren is ridiculously good pitcher, but two runs against and letting him get two hits? At least the Broncos will be a losing a lot soon, so that we won't have to hate just the Rockies.