The Rockies quest to make up for poor drafting from 2005 (sans Tulo) to 2008 took an important step yesterday in both New Jersey and in Arizona. Christian Friedrich's splendid start against the Diamondbacks helped to make the 2008 draft class look a little better. All the way across the country, the Rockies found themselves drafting in the top ten picks of the amateur draft for the first time since 2006. After the consensus top eight names went off the board in the first eight picks, albeit in a surprising order, the Rockies had the opportunity to select any one of the several names tied to them.
They chose Alabama high school outfielder David Dahl, a left-handed five tool centerfielder who impressed in workouts at Coors Field. Rox Girl listed scouting reports and reactions from David Oh No, ESPN's Kiley McDaniel and Baseball America's John Manuel yesterday. David provided a more detailed reaction this morning, below this story and at this link.
David Dahl, OF, Oak Mountain HS, Birmingham (via BaseballAmericaVideo)
For added digestion, here are other scouting reports (subscriptions may apply):
- PerfectGame.org profile
- Frankie Piliere, Scout.com
- John Klima, Baseball Prospect Report
- Mark Andersen, Baseball Prospect Nation
"(Butler) had the ability to pitch deep into games in college, and we think he'll be able to do it here at the professional level. I think he's going to be a Jered Weaver-type guy. He'll be lean and wiry. It's a loose arm." - Bill Schmidt
The second round starts at 10am MDT today, with rounds 2-15 being decided. Colorado chooses 13th in the second round. For an idea on who is available, check Baseball America. California HS SS Tanner Rahier is still available but has a good chance to be taken before the Rockies pick. John Sickels highlights five Day Two sleepers.
Friedrich Flourishing
After throwing seven shutout innings, Christian Friedrich now leads the Rockies in wins with four despite making his MLB debut less than a month ago. He is one of six MLB rookies to lead their team in wins. In his three starts on the road in NL West parks, he is now 2-0 with 2 ER allowed in 20 IP with 17 strikeouts and 4 walks. Friedrich would need to win approximately half of his remaining starts to match Jason Jennings' franchise record of 14.
Dexter Fowler remains on torrid streak for Colorado Rockies - The Denver Post
Rockies win at Arizona; Todd Helton ties Mickey Mantle for record - The Denver Post
Baseball Prospectus | Future Shock: First Round Recap (subs req'd)
Baseball Prospectus | Baseball ProGUESTus: Global Warming and Home Runs: Is There a Connection?
Q&A: Dave Martinez, Tampa Bay Bench Coach | FanGraphs Baseball
David Dahl, happy on draft day. A photo from his twitter feed. Dahl is the Armie Hammer-looking guy in red.