Colorado Rockies OF prospect Raimel Tapia challenges convention with unusual approach

Can Raimel Tapia’s unorthodox swing trump baseball’s conventional wisdom? - Vice Sports

22-year old Rockies outfield prospect Raimel Tapia still has plenty to learn about game. But if the young man out of San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic is just as special of a player as so many say he is, he has something to teach the game, as well. Tapia is an enigma to scouts, who most often have reservations about the offensive ability (!)  of a player who owns a .314 batting average across his professional career. The skeptics are waiting for his power to develop, along with his frame, or they just don’t like that wonky two-strike approach. Whatever the case, it doesn’t change the fact that Tapia flat out hits. If you have not already, definitely give this piece by Mike Piellucci a read.

Gray’s outlook brightens after aggressive day - Rockies.com

In his first spring appearance since shelving his curveball project, top pitching prospect Jon Gray tossed three innings of scoreless baseball against the Los Angeles Angels. For Gray, the outing brought back memories of games past -- and an excitement for those to come. Word around the league is that this year will be Gray’s to establish himself as a major league force to be reckoned with, but the big righty is taking the pressure and attention in stride. Gray’s sights are set on breaking camp as a member of the starting rotation. And though at times it’s looked a bit unsettled, manager Walt Weiss assures there is, in fact, much to look forward to about Jon Gray.

Trevor Story closer to starting at shortstop for Rockies - The Denver Post

As spring training draws closer to an end, and the Rockies roster continues to thin, Trevor Story still stands among the group of major leaguers. And more than that -- he’s standing out. Story is batting .321 in Cactus League play with a team leading four home runs and 10 RBI. The case he’s building to open the season as the club’s starting shortstop is a strong one. General manager Jeff Bridich weighed in on the situation, and though there are still decisions to be made, and much to be seen, Story is looking less and less like a longshot by the moment.

Butler, Murphy sent to Minors for additional grooming - Rockies.com

The Rockies made another handful of roster cuts Friday, including optioning Tom Murphy, Eddie Butler and Carlos Esteves to Triple-A Albuquerque. Germen Marquez and Raimel Tapia to Double-A Hartford, as well as reassigning Noel Cuevas, Jordan Patterson and Sam Moll to Minor League camp.

For Murphy, the decision was made in order to give consistent playing time to the organization’s top catching prospect, who may have found himself jammed behind veteran Nick Hundley.

The Rockies were encouraged by things they saw from Butler during the spring, but need to see strength persist deep into counts before the hard throwing right-hander gets a spot in the big league rotation.

Jorge De La Rosa, nearly 35, primed for his best Rockies season - The Denver Post

Walt Weiss, Adam Ottavino and Carlos Gonzalez share their thoughts and admirations on Rockies leader board king, Jorge De La Rosa. At 35, and coming off another strong year in a Colorado, De La Rosa feels he’s set to make 2016 the best of his career.

Ottavino back on mound, trying to not rush rehab - Rockies.com

Adam Ottavino hit another big milestone in his Tommy John rehabilitation program Friday, by throwing his allotted 15 pitches from a mound for the first time since May of last year. The graduation from flat ground to mound is a significant one, but Ottavino is still looking at a June or after return date. The Rockies’ righty figures to be a key feature to the bullpen of the future, and has spent rehab time off the field studying film and talking shop with teammates to make sure his mind stays sharp to the game.