Scottsdale, Ariz. -- In an organization where there are so many good and interesting outfielders moving up, the Colorado Rockies ought not overlook Wes Rogers, who just ran wild in a season at Low-A Asheville. Last summer, the South Caroilna native swiped 46 bags in Asheville—and another seven during a short stint in Grand Junction—while only being caught four times. Speed like that ought to catch your attention; especially when considering he paired it with a .377 on-base percentage (and .373 for his career).
Still just 22 years old, it looks like Rogers will take on High-A Modesto this season. While he'll never hit for power and won't take advantage of some of the California League's short porches and windswept parks, he will have himself the opportunity to get on base quite a bit ahead of sluggers like Dom Nunez, Roberto Ramos, and Shane Hoelscher.
There are a few things about Rogers' game I really like, both statistically and after observation this spring. Speed, of course, but he's also a good contact hitter, and a career slash line .286/.373/.407 means he's putting the ball in play a lot and getting on base enough to where his athleticism is always a factor. That's a good thing; you can't steal first base, after all.
Watch him work out in the batting cage and in an intrasquad scrimmage on the video from spring training (above). The Rockies just might end up having a solid outfield option a few years down the road in Rogers, their fourth round pick from 2014.
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