MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo unveiled his top 50 prospects for the 2011 season, and the Colorado Rockies have three players appear on the list: Tyler Matzek, Wilin Rosario and Christian Friedrich. The Rockies had the third-most players on the list, tied with the Atlanta Braves, the Cincinnati Reds, the New York Yankees, the Seattle Mariners and the Toronto Blue Jays. The Kansas City Royals led the list with six players and the Tampa Bay Rays had five prospects appear.
Tyler Matzek is No. 33 on the list. He was a high school draftee by the Rockies in 2009 and made his pro debut in 2010 with the Low-A Asheville Tourists. Matzek usually worked with a low- to mid-90s fastball that can reach the upper 90s. He's likely ticketed for the Hi-A Modesto Nuts this season as he works to improve his command. He came in as the No. 8 left-handed pitcher and is a good bet to appear in the majors by 2013, if not earlier.
Wilin Rosario, No. 41, looked to be on a collision course with the majors in 2011 during the 2010 season, but a torn ACL in July ended that possibility. However, all reports are that Rosario has recovered well from the injury and should play for the Triple-A Colorado Springs Sky Sox this season. He is Mayo's No. 4 catcher this season.
Christian Friedrich, No. 50, was the team's 2008 first-round draft selection who was thought to be a guy who could contribute quickly. That has not turned out to be true, and several injuries to his throwing arm in 2010 played a large part in that. He could start the season with the Double-A Tulsa Drillers and see an in-season promotion to the Springs if all goes well.