The Colorado Rockies enjoyed a quality year within their farm system, and several players are getting noticed by Baseball America. The publication released their Texas League Top 20 Prospects list today, and Wilin Rosario and Tim Wheeler have both been recognized for their stellar seasons.
Rockies catcher Rosario had a down year -- at least compared to his eye-opening 2010 season -- but still ranks sixth overall on this list because of his incredibly high ceiling. One of the top catching prospects in all of baseball, Rosario hit a career best 21 homeruns for AA Tulsa Drillers. After his September callup to Denver, Rosario had 11 hits in 54 at bats. (Six of those hits were for extra bases.) He should be on the Opening Day roster for Colorado in 2012.
Tim Wheeler had the biggest breakout amongst Rockies prospects this season. The first round pick in 2008 out of Sacramento State stunned everyone with a 33 homerun season in Tulsa, after struggling in his first two pro seasons. The center fielder ranks as 12th on this list after an electric season, and should make his MLB debut sometime during the 2012 season.
Top pitching prospects Alex White and Drew Pomeranz (both acquired in the Ubaldo Jimenez trade) were not eligible for this list as they did not meet a minimum innings requirement within the Texas League.