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Rockies' Tom Murphy No. 5 prospect in Northwest League Top 20

The third-round pick of the Rockies in the 2012 First-Year Player Draft had a solid season at the plate and continued to make a name for himself as an above-average catching prospect.

By Riley Breckenridge
Doug Pensinger - Getty Images

Colorado Rockies minor league catcher Tom Murphy was named the No. 5 prospect in the Northwest League, according to Baseball America's Northwest League Top 20 list that was released on Friday.

The 21-year-old backstop, who was taken by the Rockies in the third round of the 2012 First-year Player Draft, had a solid season for the Tri-City Dust Devils, hitting .288 with six home runs and 38 RBI in 55 games in short-season Rookie-ball.

While Murphy's offensive numbers aren't particularly eye-popping, he has average power, the ability to hit the ball to all fields, and the potential to hit for a decent average. His biggest strength lies in his defense and pitch-calling. He is a solid receiver with strong footwork, good catch-and-throw skills and an above-average arm. Murphy projects as a true catcher and likely won't be moved off the as he moves up the Rockies minor league ranks.

The Rockies also saw shortstop/third baseman Rosell Herrera named to the Northwest League Top 20. Herrera hit .284 with one home run, 30 RBI and seven stolen bases in 47 games for the Dust Devils. The shortstop was named the No. 5 prospect in the Pioneer League in 2011.