Colorado Rockies: Breaking Down the Top 5 Prospects in the Rockies' Farm System

The Colorado Rockies are in an interesting position right now. They have two star players signed to long-term contracts, but support them with a lot of spare parts.

The farm system did improve some with the Ubaldo Jimenez trade to Cleveland last season. They were able to bring back two power arms in Alex White, who no longer qualifies as a prospect anymore, and Drew Pomeranz, who made four starts in September for the Rockies. 

While they don't boast one of the best farm systems in the game, there are some intriguing players that could have a huge impact on the big league club at some point. 

Here are the top five prospects that will play a prominent role in the future direction of the franchise:

1. Nolan Arenado, 3B, 20

The Rockies' third baseman of the future had a breakout season in 2011. He silenced critics who thought that he wouldn't be able to hang at the hot corner, while showing the hitting tools that made him a second round pick in the 2009 draft. 

Strengths: Arenado was a natural-born hitter. He always makes contact with the ball, thanks to a good eye at the plate. He was punched out just 53 times in 517 at-bats last season. If the ball is close to the zone, his bat is going to find it. He made vast improvements defensively, showing better movement to his sides and improved range. He always had the arm for the position, now we know he can make plays necessary to stay there. 

Weaknesses: He is not a very good runner. His speed has always been below-average, and he doesn't have a firm grasp on how to run the bases. Despite good power numbers in the minors, including a .487 slugging percentage last season, he might not hit a lot of home runs. He is helped right now by playing in the hitter-friendly California League. 

Report: His stock continues to climb, especially considering the work he put into improving his defense last year. He should be a No. 3 hitter in the big leagues, thanks to his discipline and ability to hit for a high average. 

ETA: Late-2012

2. Drew Pomeranz, LHP, 23

Pomeranz was supposed to play a role in the Indians' rebuild, but when the team saw an opportunity to get Ubaldo Jimenez, they were willing to part ways with the big lefty. The Rockies welcomed him with open arms. Despite some health problems late in the season, he was still able to make his big-league debut in September. 

Strengths: His best pitch is a swing-and-miss curveball that drops off a table when it gets into the hitting zone. He has a plus fastball that sits in the low-90's when he is on top of his game. He has a unique delivery that allows him to hide the ball well from opposing hitters, and the ball just jumps out of his hand. 

Weaknesses: Picking up where we left off, his delivery holds back his command. He starts his hands up high and pulls them down. It should not give him issue as far as shoulder problems, but it does limit his command. His changeup is going to have to improve for him to succeed as a starter. He is working now with just his fastball and curveball. 

Report: He has the potential to be a No. 2 starter. He has plus velocity on his fastball and a knockout curve, but his changeup is going to determine if he gets to his ceiling. He should have average command, but it will be interesting to see how his breaking ball plays in the altitude of Coors Field. 

ETA: 2012

3. Chad Bettis, RHP, 22

Like Arenado, Bettis had a breakout 2011 campaign. His innings total jumped from 67 in 2010 to 170 last year. There are varying opinions on whether his future lies as a starter or in the bullpen, but his first impression as the former was a good one that provides hope for the future. 

Strengths: His fastball and slider will miss bats. He has great velocity on his heater, with the pitch sitting in the mid-90's. His slider has hard, late break that makes it almost impossible to hit when he is commanding it. His control has been better than expected, and is the biggest reason he looks like a starter at this point. 

Weaknesses: He is just 6'0" tall, and does not get on top of his fastball enough to throw it downhill. As good as his fastball and slider look, he has no third pitch to speak of right now. He throws a curveball, but he does not have a good feel for the pitch yet, nor does he display the confidence to show it to hitters. His changeup has never been a weapon. 

Report: He is going to need another breaking ball to get through a lineup three times. He is not likely to use a changeup, which could leave him vulnerable to left-handed hitters. If he gets another pitch, he could turn into a No. 2 starter. If not, he can be a dominant late-inning reliever. 

ETA: 2014

4. Trevor Story, SS, 19

Being a shortstop in the Rockies' system right now means that you are either going to be traded or switch positions, because Troy Tulowitzki has a stranglehold on the position for the next decade. Still, Story has the potential to be an impact player in the middle of the diamond, and he is still young enough that he could shoot to the top of this list next year. 

Strengths: He has an athletic body and is loaded with upside. He has good bat speed and shows the potential to hit for some power. He has a great arm as a shortstop, and he is very fluid on defense. His instincts are very good, and it helps his range. 

Weaknesses: His swing can be problematic because he tends to drop his back shoulder, which results in a lot of pop-ups. He is just 19 years old, so there is a lot of risk in predicting how his skills will translate. The tools are there, but he is going to need a lot of time to develop before we have a clearer picture of what he will be. 

Report: He should have at least four average tools, with the chance for five if he is able to fix that hitch in his swing. He just needs more playing time to show what he is capable of doing. He has the athleticism to play third base if the team wants to put him and Tulowitzki together. 

ETA: 2015

5. Wilin Rosario, C, 22

It is possible that I am underselling Rosario by putting him at No. 5 on this list. He had a good year in 2011, but you have to keep in mind that he was coming back from a torn ACL the previous season. He could improve upon his minor league stats on offense (.249/.284/.457) and defense (38 percent of baserunners thrown out) with a full offseason to workout. 

Strengths: He has a tremendous throwing arm behind the plate, as evidenced by the high percentage of would-be basestealers he has thrown out in the minors. While there are holes in his swing, he does show good power potential. He could hit 20-25 homers in the majors. 

Weaknesses: Rosario does not have good plate discipline, nor does he show the ability to read the ball out of a pitcher's hand. Breaking balls cause him all sorts of problems. He also tries to pull the ball instead of using the entire field. His receiving skills behind the plate need work. He doesn't block balls well. 

Report: The throwing arm and power swing provide hope that he can be a capable big league catcher. He is still working his way back from a torn ACL, so there is reason to be optimistic about what's to come this season. That said, he still has to figure out how to hit a breaking ball and make some improvements behind the plate. 

ETA: 2012

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