Rockies continue to load system by selecting Tim Wheeler and Rex Brothers.
by Rox Girl on Jun 9, 2009 7:23 PM MDT
in Rockies Draft
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PrintThe two polished collegian picks the Colorado Rockies got when Brian Fuentes signed with the Los Angeles Angels could wind up helping the team fairly quickly. With the 32nd selection in the 2009 draft, the Rockies selected Sacramento State's Tim Wheeler, a solid all around outfielder with some decent speed and a little power but no real standout tools. With their supplemental pick, the 34th overall selection, they took Lipscomb left-hander Rex Brothers.
Tim Wheeler via hornetsports.com Rex Brothers via sportingnews.com
Some reactions from around the Internet:
Baseball Prospectus' Bryan Smith:
If the Rockies can get Matzek and Brothers done, they have a ridiculous amount of young lefties in that system. Friedrich is dealing in the Minors, and these draftees both have great stuff. In a park where good stuff is the only answer, the Rockies are getting it done through the draft.
Baseball America's John Manuel:
Colorado is suddenly having a very good draft. Tyler Matzek at 11, Tim Wheeler at 32, and now Rex Brothers at 34, giving the Rockies a big power arm. I'm a big Brothers believer; he may have a rough, short arm action and a modest track record, but he's got two 70 pitches on the 20-80 scale and I see him as an impact closer down the line.
Not all is positive, BP's Kevin Goldstein:
Some might be surprised to see Tim Wheeler on the board, but don't be. He gets a lot of attention for having good power and speed numbers, but he's a 50-55 runner with just average power. He's not toolsy, just solid, and that's why he''s still on the board.
Wheeler is also seen as a sketchy prospect to stay in center field, which is why he dropped on Baseball America's draft board.
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Scheppers
What’s up with Scheppers falling this far? Wow.
Reviews of some great baseball sites and other cool stuff on my web magazine @ The Casual Observer
Wheeler
The interesting thing about Goldstein’s take on Wheeler is that that’s the only remark I’ve seen that suggests his speed is just average.
Staying on the sunny side of Blake Street since 1993.
The Shawn Chacon Experience - Life as a Rockies fan, one day at a time: Because we're all still recovering from those nine blown saves.
Baseball America's scouting report more bullish on Wheeler than most
Among California scouts, a “Sac State guy” is typically an undersized, modestly talented but scrappy and energetic player, short on tools but long on hustle. At showcase events, it’s common to hear scouts use the term as a shorthand way of identifying such players. No Sac State player has ever been drafted above the fourth round, but Wheeler will smash all of those precedents and cliches. At 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds with a strong and athletic frame and lefthanded bat, he’s a prototypical corner outfield prospect. His wiry build has room for further projection. Scouts suspected Wheeler was poised for a breakout after a strong summer in the Cape Cod League, but he has exceeded even those expectations, batting .396/.500/.786 with 18 homers and 69 RBIs. Wheeler’s bat is by far his primary tool. He projects to be a plus big league hitter, with power that is a shade above-average. An average arm and speed that’s just a tick above-average probably mean he’s best suited for left field in pro ball. Scouts laud his baserunning instincts. Scouts who saw Wheeler last year, or even earlier this year, would not have pegged him as a first-round candidate, but as the season has progressed his bat has made the prospect more and more likely.
Formerly rockiesfan06 - but the world's most generic username just wasn't cutting it.
by SC Memphis Raines on Jun 9, 2009 7:45 PM MDT reply actions
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