Colorado Rockies Top 20

COLORADO ROCKIES TOP 20 PROSPECTS

1. Ian Stewart, 3B, Grade A-
   
2. Troy Tulowitzki, SS, Grade B+
   
3. Ryan Shealy, 1B, B+
   
4. Franklin Morales, LHP, B
   
5. Chaz Roe, RHP, B
   
6. Ubaldo Jimenez, RHP, B
   
7. Chris Ianetta, C, B-
   
8. Chris Nelson, SS, B-
   
9. Jim Miller, RHP, B-
   
10. Juan Morillo, RHP, C+
    
11. Jeff Baker, 3B, C+
    
12. Omar Quintanilla, 2B, C+
    
13. Matt Macri, INF, C+
    
14. Seth Smith, OF, C+
    
15. Corey Wimberly, 2B, C+
    
16. Ryan Spilborghs, OF, C+
    
17. Andrew Johnston, RHP, C+
    
18. Dexter Fowler, OF, C
    
19. Jeff Salazar, OF, C (grade change from book)
    
20. Shane Lindsay, RHP, C

Although he was prone to injury and a bit erratic in 2005, I remain fully confident in Ian Stewart and expect him to devastate Double-A pitching this year. Tulowitzki isn't far behind, and he could end up as a Grade A/A- prospect by the end of the season if everything goes according to plan.

Rating Ryan Shealy at B+ may seem controversial, but he is sort of the hitting version of Jon Papelbon, another guy I like more than some experts. Shealy can really hit, and what he did in the majors last year is not a fluke. The hard part is finding him a place to play in Colorado.

Franklin Morales is one of my favorite unsung pitching prospects. Too bad he pitches for the Rockies. I also like potential closer Jim Miller.

This could be a make-or-break season for Chris Nelson, at least in regards to his status as a hot prospect. Tools outfielder Dexter Fowler gets a cautious (perhaps too cautious) Grade C until he proves that his frightening strikeout rate (73 in 62 games last year) won't inhibit his bat. He has excellent physical tools, and could be a B+ guy if he puts everything together.