The Colorado Rockies have four players appearing on MLB.com's Top 100 prospect list, which was released a few days ago. Compiled by Jonathan Mayo, the website's resident prospect expert includes third baseman Nolan Arenado, left-handed pitcher Drew Pomeranz, catcher Wilin Rosario and right-handed pitcher Chad Bettis on his list.
Arenado, ranked No. 22, is rated as the best third base prospect in the game by Mayo. A second-round pick by the Rockies in 2009, he's an extremely talented pure hitter that showed improvements in power potential and defensive work while spending 2011 in Advanced Single-A. Arenado turns 21 in April.
Pomeranz, ranked No. 24, comes in as the fifth-best lefty pitching prospect on Mayo's list. Acquired from the Cleveland Indians during last year's Ubaldo Jimenez trade, the former first-round pick offers impressive raw stuff from the left side. Mayo says that, "He may not be an ace, but he could be a very good No. 2 starter very soon."
Rosario, ranked No. 63, is the fifth-best catching prospect in the game according to Mayo. A big-time athlete with huge raw power and a rocket for an arm, he also has little grasp of the strike zone. Last season, he posted a .284 on-base percentage in Double-A, so the soon-to-be 23-year-old needs to make some progress.
Bettis, ranked No. 66, is a high-quality arm, but there's also a chance that he'll end up in the bullpen. He has two plus pitches in his fastball and slider, but he needs to show more consistency with his command and make progress in developing his change-up.
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