Top prospect publication Baseball America has just released their Top 10 Prospects list for the Colorado Rockies organization, and there are a few surprises.
Third baseman Nolan Arenado -- the breakout star of the Arizona Fall League -- ranks as the second best prospect in the Rockies' system, just barely behind the prize of the Ubaldo Jimenez trade, left-handed pitcher Drew Pomeranz.
While the 2009 Draft gets most of the attention (Arenado, Tim Wheeler, Rex Brothers), the 2010 Draft class is also starting to show some of its promise.
2010 first rounder outfielder Kyle Parker ranks ninth on this list, second round selection right handed pitcher Chad Bettis comes in a surprising third after his dominating season in the California League. Third round pick Josh Rutledge makes his first appearance on a top prospects list after a blistering campaign with the Modesto Nuts. Rutledge, drafted as a defensive shortstop, hit a blistering .348 with a .931 OPS in 2011 and has become the Rockies' top second base prospect.
2011's first two picks also make the list. First round selection left-handed pitcher Tyler Anderson comes in at seventh overall despite not throwing a single inning of professional ball this year. He is likely to start his professional career in Modesto next season. First round supplemental pick Trevor Story was voted by Baseball America as the top prospect in the Pioneer League and makes his professional debut on this list at sixth overall.
Notable omissions include 2009 first rounder Tyler Matzek, who struggled mightily the first half of the season before recovering to finish off the year strong. With continued improvement next year, he will likely push his way back onto this list. Another omission was Dominican infielder Rosell Herrera, who made waves in the Pioneer League this year and split time at shortstop with Story. Though his size suggests a move to third base eventually, Herrera displayed impressive power for a young player making his pro debut in the states.