Fall 2012 PuRPs List: #25-21

Today I reveal five more names on the Fall 2012 PuRPs list. As a reminder, 23 ballots were cast in this edition of the PuRPs poll, with 30 points being granted for a first place vote, 29 for second, etc. Until a player was named on 8 ballots, his vote totals were modified on a sliding scale to avoid an individual ballot having too much say over the community forecast -- but none of the above players had that problem, as all 30 players on the PuRPs list were named on at least 8 ballots.

For each player on the PuRPs list, I've included a link to their stats (via Baseball-Reference), their relevant "tool score indicators" compared to their league on a 1-100 scouting scale (which is explained here) per the wonderful Baseball Cube, their contract status (via Rockies Roster), their probable MLB ETA (assuming they do make the Show), and a note on their 2012 season to date. For what it's worth, I'll also include where I put them on my personal ballot.

Remember that neither the tool scores nor the statistics pages are the end-all be-all when evaluating these players. Context is hugely important (such as the player's age relative to the league's average or the league average offensive numbers), as is the fact that injuries to prospects can affect both their tools and their stats.

Here are PuRPs 25-21:

25. Christian Bergman (144 points, 14 ballots) -- Spring 2012 Ranking: NR -- High Ballot 12, Mode (most common when placed) Ballot 22, 23

Bergman, a 24 year-old RHP at High A Modesto, pitched well in the California League (3.65 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 2.0 BB/9 over 162 IP) to anchor Modesto's staff in their playoff run. Scouting reports show that Bergman goes after hitters aggressively with a nice fastball-change repertoire and doesn't walk a lot of people.

The low K rate (6.7 K/9) and advanced age (a typical prospect in that league would be 22) are what holds Bergman from being higher on this list (on mine he was #33). But who knows, if he can continue to pitch well in AA next year he could make it to the Show someday.

Pitch Tools

Control 88

K-Rating 38

Efficiency 71

vsPower 54

Contract Status: 2010 24th Round, Not Rule 5 eligible, 3 options remaining

MLB ETA: 2014

24. Charlie Culberson (146 points, 14 ballots) -- Spring 2012 Ranking: NR -- High Ballot 13, Mode Ballot 20, 21

Culberson, a 23 year-old 2B who was acquired for Marco Scutaro during this season, is the obvious successor to the DJ LeMahieu under-appreciated prospect slot. After all, he has already had some MLB exposure with the Giants last year, but he has no tools that really make him stand out from the crowd. Still, there is quite a bit of value in a player who is right on the cusp of MLB. He's one injury away from playing a prominent role on next year's team.

He played well in his cameo with Colorado Springs, hitting .336/.344/.488 in AAA in a small sample. In other words, he doesn't walk a lot, but he's got some power potential. That and his MLB proximity were enough for me to rank Culberson 18th on my list.

Hit Tools

Speed 74

Contact 50

Patience 26

Batting 45

Power 42

Contract Status: 2012 Trade, 40 Man Roster, 2 options remaining

MLB ETA: Now

23. Peter Tago (156 points, 19 ballots) -- Spring 2012 Ranking: 17 -- High Ballot 13, Mode Ballot 19

Tago, a 20 year-old RHP who spent the year in Tri-City, was the youngest player in the Low A South Atlantic League at 18-19 in 2011. Things didn't go so well, as he went 3-5 with a 7.07 ERA and 1.77 WHIP. The struggles were enough for the Rockies to move him back to Short Season ball this year. Unfortunately, that didn't go so well either (5.47 ERA, 1.48 WHIP, 4.9 BB/9, 4.6 K/9), which is shown in the stat-based tool scores below.

So why is Tago on this list? In a system this thin, Tago's ceiling of a 2/3 starter in MLB given the velocity and movement on his pitches (however fleeting that ceiling might seem now) is too high not to consider. After all, he is still only 20 years old -- he was still a little young for Tri-City this year. For that reason, it's a little easier to shrug off these early struggles as growing pains. I placed him 21st on my list on potential/youth/pedigree alone -- but his grace period will come to an end very soon.

Pitch Tools

Control 16

K-Rating 13

Efficiency 20

vsPower 44

Contract Status: 2011 Supplemental 1st Round, Not Rule 5 Eligible, 3 options remaining

MLB ETA: Late 2016

22. Taylor Featherston (173 points, 16 ballots) -- Spring 2012 Ranking: NR -- High Ballot 14, Mode Ballot 26

Featherston, a 23 year-old middle infielder at Low A Asheville, played second fiddle to Trevor Story in a loaded Asheville infield. Still, he managed to distinguish himself enough for placement on this list (he was 20th on mine).

Featherston hit .299/.393/.495 with 46 XBHs while playing up the middle defensively, which certainly helped mitigate the fact that he was a little old for the level. Story's presence will continue to keep Featherston from playing SS regularly at higher levels, but he should get a chance to play everyday at 2nd in Modesto next year.

Hit Tools

Speed 66

Contact 62

Patience 54

Batting 66

Power 62

Contract Status: 2011 5th Round, Not Rule 5 eligible, 3 options remaining

MLB ETA: Late 2014

21. Rob Scahill (179 points, 16 ballots) -- Spring 2012 Ranking: 30 -- High Ballot 9, Mode Ballot 21, 24

Scahill, a 25 year old RHP who pitched for the AAA Sky Sox and for the Rockies in the bullpen, didn't have great numbers this year (5.68 ERA, 1.58 WHIP, 4.4 BB/9) but in Colorado Springs good numbers for pitchers are pretty rare. Then again, he also posted a 9.4 K/9 rate in the PCL, hinting at a future in the bullpen.

He's got a good sinker, plus slider, and he can bring it in the upper 90s in relief or even a spot start. Those facts and his MLB readiness made Scahill 25th on my ballot. If he can be a steady contributor over the next few years, he'll more than justify this ranking.

Pitch Tools

Control 46

K-Rating 57

Efficiency 59

vsPower 78

Contract Status: 2009 8th Round, 40 Man Roster, 3 options remaining

MLB ETA: Now

Stay tuned for more installments of the 2012 Fall PuRPs List in the near future!