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Reyes placed on leave with status in limbo By Thomas Harding / MLB.com | @harding_at_mlb | February 23rd, 2016

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred on Tuesday placed Jose Reyes on paid leave while the

Rockies shortstop's offseason domestic violence case is still pending, both in the legal system and with the league, which

could impose discipline of this type before the criminal proceeding runs its course.

Reyes was arrested on Oct. 31 in Maui, Hawaii, after an alleged incident at a luxury hotel in which he was accused of

abusing his wife. The case is scheduled for trial in Hawaii on April 4, Opening Day for the Rockies.

The move is covered under the joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy instituted by MLB and the

MLB Players Association last year. MLB issued the following statement:

"Section III.C.2 of the Policy permits the Commissioner to impose a paid suspension pending resolution of the legal

proceedings or an investigation.

"Upon resolution of Reyes' criminal proceedings and the completion of the Commissioner's Office's investigation into the

incident, Commissioner Manfred will make a decision whether to impose discipline on Reyes. The Commissioner's Office

will have no further comment on this matter until a final disposition is announced."

The league's announcement came the day Rockies position players were scheduled to report to Salt River Fields at

Talking Stick for Spring Training.

The MLB Players Association released a statement following MLB's announcement.

MEDIA CLIPS – February 24, 2016

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"We are closely monitoring the proceedings in Hawaii, as well as the Commissioner's actions under the Domestic

Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy," the statement read. "If further discipline is issued, or if Mr. Reyes' paid

suspension is not resolved in a timely fashion, the Players Association will work with Mr. Reyes to ensure that all of his

rights under the Policy are protected. Pursuant to the confidentiality provisions of the Policy, the Players Association will

have no further comment at this time."

Under the policy, players have the right to challenge any ruling via arbitration.

Since the arrest and MLB's announcement that it would investigate the matter, the Rockies have kept a hands-off

approach regarding Reyes' case. There were reports on Monday that the club and Reyes had discussed the possibility of

him not reporting to camp, but the Rockies denied those reports and said they would be leaving any action up to MLB.

Reyes' domestic violence case is one of three that Manfred is investigating. Yankees relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman was

the subject of an incident during the offseason, but police declined to file charges. Separately, Dodgers outfielder Yasiel

Puig was accused of an assault but also avoided charges.

The joint policy allows Manfred to act without legal resolution. However, before Tuesday, the league had declined to take

action while the investigation in Maui continues. During Monday's Cactus League Media Day news conference in Phoenix,

Manfred -- not mentioning Reyes' case specifically -- said, "You cannot expect a district attorney or other law enforcement

official to provide information on a timetable other than what makes sense for him or her responsibly. We are always

going to have this issue of being at the mercy of others when we are dealing with these sorts of issues."

MLB has not set a timetable for Manfred's decision on Reyes. In addition to a suspension, Manfred can order services

such as counseling.

The Rockies head into camp with an open competition for the shortstop position.

Thomas Harding is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter@harding_at_mlb, listen to podcasts and like his

Facebook page. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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Rockies plan? Bridich won't use labels

GM resists 'limits' of timetable terms

By Thomas Harding / MLB.com | @harding_at_mlb | February 23rd, 2016 PHOENIX -- Rockies general manager Jeff Bridich insists that absence of a declaration is not absence of direction.

The Rockies have been the subject of much media and fan head-scratching, in part because Bridich has not publicly

articulated whether he considers the club rebuilding, tearing down or pointing to some future year to contend.

Often a team in a long period of losing issues a timetable. This could be to ask for fans' patience, help media understand

and carry the team message, or simply buy time.

Bridich simply doesn't think in those terms. The Rockies didn't trade outfielderCarlos Gonzalez, owed two years at $37

million, and didn't go completely wild and entertain trading star third basemanNolan Arenado in his first year of

arbitration. And why did Bridich acquire veteran relief pitchers Jason Motte, Chad Qualls and Jake McGee when the

starting staff is unproven? Well, what happens if the starters prove themselves and there are leads to protect in 2016?

Even more, why not spend the winter describing exactly what they're doing and when it will work?

"What's the point?" Bridich said. "Why limit ourselves? So if I were to come out and say something that's pleasing to the

ear of you, or a fan here or a fan there, and I say, 'We're not going to win for 'X.' So what?

"It's about people. It's about process. And it's about how well can we do that together. If a lot of that or most of that comes

together for us this year, wonderful. Why say something where it's got to happen X-number of months and years in the

future, where really a lot of good things can happen this year?"

Bridich, in his second season as GM but 13th in the organization, said his optimism is not caused by being in the desert

sun.

He has faith in a rotation that has Tyler Chatwood and Jordan Lyles bouncing back from two years of injury, that

hopesJon Gray is ready and Jorge De La Rosa is his normal self, and that last year becomes normal for Chad Bettis.

But Bridich sees talent in that quintet, and the Rockies have a bunch of early Draft picks and acquisitions on the mound

mound (such as right-hander Jeff Hoffman and lefty Kyle Freeland), plus some highly rated position prospects, near the

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big league level. If it doesn't translate into a big 2016 -- and it would be hard to find a reasoned observer to think it will --

Bridich has confidence the team is being built correctly.

"It's funny," Bridich said. "The little that I do read about this whole rebuilding thing, the assumption by a lot of people is,

the only way to do it or the only right way to do it is some sort of nuclear teardown. In my opinion, our farm system is

incredibly strong.

"While we have a lot of growth and a lot of improvement to do in terms of our results at the Major League level, our

process at the Major League level, we have a lot of talented baseball athletes. We have high impact [players] and we

have depth of those players in our system. It's not like we have to build at the Major League level and build at the Minor

League level at the same time."

Manager Walt Weiss fits Bridich's thinking in that, while he understands a big picture, his stated philosophy is to try to

squeeze out a win every day and let others obsess about predictions.

"I don't care how many games people think we should win or when they think we should be good," Weiss said. "I expect to

win every night. I truly believe that. That's my mentality. The other stuff really has no bearing on it for me.

"The way we look at it is, we're starting to accumulate more talent and more depth. When that pays dividends, who

knows? When people looked at Houston, they were talking about '17 or '18. They almost got to the World Series last year.

You can say the same thing for Kansas City. It can turn if things line up for you. You've got to be ready for it at all times."

Thomas Harding is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter@harding_at_mlb, listen to podcasts and like his

Facebook page. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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Matzek clears first Spring Training hurdle

Tosses live BP in return from '15 performance anxiety

By Thomas Harding / MLB.com | @harding_at_mlb | February 23rd, 2016

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- The Rockies tried not to make a big deal of left-hander Tyler Matzek's first time facing hitters in

Spring Training. The crowd around the batting cage was at a minimum.

Coaches -- but not manager Walt Weiss, who was on another field watching Tyler Chatwood's first "live batting-practice

session" -- watched and took notes, but not with any more intensity than they watched others throw. But coming off a year

in which Matzek pitched his way out of the Majors in five starts and for a time didn't pitch while he dealt with what was

diagnosed with performance anxiety, there was some understandable interest.

Ultimately, there were some good pitches, including swing-and-miss sliders in the dirt, and some fastballs up high. As far

as anyone knows, it was a typical first "live BP." After that, Spring Training and the season say way more than Matzek or

anyone can say now.

Matzek went 6-11 with a 4.05 ERA in 20 games (19 starts) as a rookie in 2014 and sparked expectations by finishing 4-2,

1.55 in his final six. Last year, he went 2-1, 4.09 in those five starts, but with 19 walks and three hit batters in 22 innings it

was clear the Rockies had to send him down. After some awful outings and some time off, Matzek finished the year on a

good note with relief work at Triple-A Albuquerque.

Matzek, 25, a first-round pick in 2009, didn't see Tuesday as a major event.

"I faced some hitters at the end of last year in Albuquerque, so it wasn't that big of a hurdle for me," Matzek said. "It was

nice to get them in there. You always get anxious, always get nervous seeing a hitter ... after throwing bullpens to just a

catcher. It was just a normal kind of thing.

"I try not to think about it, but I understand they want to see what's going on with me, how I'm doing. They care. But they

want me to succeed just like everybody else."

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Worth noting

• Chatwood, who last pitched in a regular-season game on April 29, 2014, used Tuesday to work on a cut fastball, a new

pitch he added in hopes of finding a less-stressful pitch than his old breaking ball. He is working with bullpen coach

Darren Holmes to give the pitch a couple of different actions.

"It's something that's new to me," Chatwood said. "You get in there and don't want the hitter to hit it. But essentially it's a

contact pitch, and that's something you want them to do -- you want them to just miss the barrel on it. That's something

I'm going to have to work on.

"But you can manipulate it. I'm working with Holmesie, so if I wanted to make it [the break] bigger or smaller -- I threw one

today that was a good swing-and-miss pitch."

Thomas Harding is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter@harding_at_mlb, listen to podcasts and like his

Facebook page. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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Trevor Story's line is that he is ready for Rockies

Uncertain future of Jose Reyes means prospect gets chance to break with team

By Patrick Saunders The Denver Post SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — After 537 games, 2,061 at-bats and 70 home runs in the minors, Trevor Story is pounding on the

major-league door. But if he wants to leave spring training as the Rockies' starting shortstop, he's going to have to kick the

door down.

Story says he's ready, willing and able.

"I think my inner competitor tells me so," said Story, who hit .277 with 34 extra-base hits (10 homers) in 275 plate

appearances after he was promoted from Double-A New Britain to Triple-A Albuquerque for the second half of the 2015

season.

"I think I had a good year last year, and I think I'm ready to compete up here," Story said from the Rockies' opulent spring

clubhouse. "I have the inner confidence that I can do it."

Unforeseen circumstances could hasten Story's promotion.

Starting shortstop Jose Reyes could be facing a long suspension under Major League Baseball's new domestic violence

policy. He was placed on paid administrative leave Tuesday, and commissioner Rob Manfred could hand down a

suspension as soon as next week.

Reyes is alleged to have assaulted his wife on Halloween in a Hawaii hotel and is scheduled to go on trial April 4.

If Reyes misses significant time, Cristhian Adames, Rafael Ynoa,Daniel Descalso and Story all become contenders for the

starting job.

"Cristhian, we feel like, can certainly handle that, and Ynoa has played there some," manager Walt Weiss said. "Danny

Descalso, who did a nice job for us last year at short, has played there off and on.

"And then you have Trevor Story, a very high-ceiling kid. It's just a matter of if he's ready to take that step. Physically, he's

a very impressive kid. We'll have to see how it plays out."

The Rockies selected Story with a supplemental first-round pick (45th overall) in the 2011 draft out of Irving (Texas) High

School. He has spent five up-and-down seasons in the minors, honing his skills, building his body and gaining confidence.

He now checks in at 6-foot-1, 215 pounds.

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"We have known him for a long time now," general manager Jeff Bridich said. "Knowing him as an 18-year-old kid who

could barely get out of the (Arizona) instructional league because he was so tired, emaciated and worn out from the

season, to where he is now, it's an incredible period of growth for him."

Story, who has become a gym rat and is ultracareful about what he eats, spent most of the offseason at the Rockies'

complex at Salt River Fields. He turned a lot of heads.

"He's big, he's fast, he's strong — you can see the work," Bridich said. "He was basically in Scottsdale the entire winter,

working with and pushing his teammates. I am very hopeful that we are going to see the fruits of that labor."

Bridich, of course, won't say what Story's chances are of making the 25-man roster but did say, "He's put himself in a

really good position."

Ever since Story was drafted, scouts have praised his bat speed. Although he has played second and third in the minors,

he considers himself a shortstop. There are some raw edges, to be sure, but he has made huge strides in the past year.

Postponing major-league debuts is frequently a strategy with young players because clubs often want to delay free

agency down the road, but Bridich said that won't be a factor in his decision on when to promote Story.

"That's not really a consideration," Bridich said. "I haven't thought about that one second. I hope he, and every player,

makes all of these decisions difficult."

Patrick Saunders: psaunders@denverpost.com or @psaundersdp

Story's story

• 2011: Drafted out of Irving (Texas) High School as the 45th overall pick. Hit .484 with eight homers and 29 RBIs as a

high school senior.

• 2013: Struggled at high-A Modesto, batting .233 with 12 homers in 497 at-bats.

• 2014: Rebounded at Modesto, hitting .332 in 50 games, but struggled at Double-A, batting .200 in 59 games.

• 2015: Combined to hit .279 with 20 homers in Double-A and Triple-A. Played in the All-Star Futures Game in Cincinnati.

Patrick Saunders The Denver Post

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MLB places Rockies Jose Reyes on paid administrative leave

The Rockies shortstop will remain on leave while the league completes its investigation

By Patrick Saunders The Denver Post

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Rockies shortstop Jose Reyes, the team's highest-paid player, will not be reporting to spring

training along with the rest of Colorado's position players.

Reyes was placed on paid administrative leave as Major League Baseball completes its investigation of Reyes under its

new domestic violence policy. Commissioner Rob Manfred announced the decision Tuesday.

The joint domestic violence policy with the Major League Baseball Players Association permits the commissioner to

impose a paid suspension pending resolution of the legal proceedings or an investigation. According to the agreement

reached last August, the commissioner may place an accused player on leave for up to seven days while allegations are

investigated.

Reyes, 32, is alleged to have assaulted his wife on Halloween in a Hawaii hotel and is scheduled to go on trial April 4, the

same day as the Rockies' regular-season opener.

In a statement, MLB said: "Upon resolution of Reyes' criminal proceedings and the completion of the Commissioner's

Office's investigation into the incident, Commissioner Manfred will make a decision whether to impose discipline on

Reyes. The Commissioner's Office will have no further comment on this matter until a final disposition is announced."

The players union also made a statement regarding Reyes' situation: "We are closely monitoring the proceedings in

Hawaii, as well as the Commissioner's actions under the Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy. If

further discipline is issued, or if Mr. Reyes' paid suspension is not resolved in a timely fashion, the Players Association will

work with Mr. Reyes to ensure that all of his rights under the Policy are protected. Pursuant to the confidentiality

provisions of the Policy, the Players Association will have no further comment at this time."

In addition to Reyes, Manfred is also expected to make a ruling on domestic violence cases involving New York

Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman and Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig.

Under the policy, there is no minimum or maximum penalty, and punishment is not dependent on whether the player is

convicted of a crime or pleaded guilty. The player can appeal before an arbitration panel, which will be comprised of a

representative of each party and an independent arbitrator.

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If a players is suspended, the player would not be paid and would not accrue major-league service time. The team is not

allowed to issue punishment to the player, unless the commissioner defers to the team, meaning the Rockies could not

discipline Reyes without the commissioner's approval.

Police in Maui said Reyes's wife, Katherine, told officers on Oct. 31 that Reyes grabbed her by the throat and shoved her

into a sliding-glass door at the Four Seasons resort in Maui. She told the police she had injuries to her thigh, neck and

wrist, and was taken to Maui Memorial Medical Center.

Reyes, acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays last summer as part of the Troy Tulowitzki trade, is due $22 million in both

2016 and 2017. The Rockies hold a club option for 2018 that is worth $22 million and includes a $4 million buyout.

Patrick Saunders: psaunders@denverpost.com or @psaundersdp

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Jeff Bridich sees no point in predicting when Rockies will turn corner

By Patrick Saunders The Denver Post

Scottsdale, Ariz. — One of the biggest questions I had coming into spring training was this: What, exactly, is the Rockies’

overall plan under general manager Jeff Bridich, who’s now entering his second season?

We’ve seen them stock the bullpen with some good relievers who will take them through the next two seasons. We’ve

seen them acquire a lot of young, powerful arms that could pay dividends somewhere down the road.

But what about right here, right now? I’m on the record as saying I don’t see this team being competitive in the NL West

until 2017 — at the earliest.

Monday, at the annual Cactus League media day, the subject of the Rockies’ blueprint became a major topic of

discussion. I’m working on that topic for a future story, but I thought this response from Bridich was interesting.

Asked why he has not publicly stated when be believes the Rockies might actually have a window of opportunity to begin

winning, Bridich replied:

“What’s the point? Why limit ourselves? So if I were to come out and say something that’s pleasing to the ear of you, or a

fan here or a fan there, and I say, ‘We’re not going to win for X.’ So what? What’s the point of doing that?

It’s about people. It’s about process. And it’s about how well can we do that together. If a lot of that or most of that comes

together for us this year, wonderful. Why say something where it’s got to happen X number of months and years in the

future, where really a lot of good things can happen this year. I just don’t see the point.”

Here is my translation: I believe Bridich and Co. believe they have a much more realistic chance to win next year or the

year after. However, he has a lot more faith that good things can happen in 2016 than the rest of us do.

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MLB Draft prospects 2016: A.J. Puk, Alec Hansen, and more from the first weekend of college baseball

By Russ Oates on Feb 23, 2016, 8:00a | Purple Row

Three. Eight. Three. Ten. Over the last four years, the Colorado Rockies have seen their first selection in the MLB

draft come in the top ten picks. Twenty sixteen won't be any different as the team holds the fourth overall pick (plus Nos.

38, 45, and 81 in the top 100 selection). Jon Gray (2013) has already made the majors;David Dahl (2012) is on the cusp

of the majors, perhaps able to break on through later in 2016; Kyle Freeland (2014) has battled injury; and Brendan

Rodgers (2015) will see his first full-season action this year. Who might join this collection of top-ten picks on June 8?

Four names that stand atop many draft prospect lists are college pitchers A.J. Puk and Alec Hansen and high school

pitchers Jason Groome and Riley Pint -- all potential targets for the Rockies. Let's take a look at what Hansen and Puk

did on college baseball'sopening weekend along with a few others.

A.J. Puk, LHP, Florida

A 2013 draftee (35th round, Tigers) who decided to attend college, Puk is a 6'7 lefty who throws a mid-90s fastball. He

attracted a contingent of 70 scouts to Gainesville, Fla., on Saturday, according to CSN Philly. It wasn't the best outing,

but it was far better than Hansen's.

He struck out two batters over the first two innings and entered the top of the third with a two-run cushion. But Puk

committed a throwing error to the leadoff hitter that inning. A single and a fielding error by the third baseman later, Florida

Gulf Coast was on the board. He allowed three more unearned runs before getting a swinging strikeout to end the inning

after 32 total pitches.

The lefty came out for one more inning and picked up the three outs on swinging strikeouts. His final line was four innings

pitched, four unearned runs allowed on four hits, and six strikeouts on 70 pitches. Florida visits in-state rival Miami this

weekend.

For more on Puk, read The Good Phight's recent evaluation. The Phillies hold the No. 1 pick this year.

Alec Hansen, RHP, Oklahoma

Hansen is draft-eligible for the first time since the Rockies selected him out of Loveland (Co.) High School in the 25th

round of the 2013 draft. At 6'7, 235 lbs. and throwing mid- to high-90s fastballs, Hansen might appear to be a bigger

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version of Jon Gray, also a product of Oklahoma. But his start on Saturday against Northeastern proved to be anything

but reassuring.

Hansen pitched one-plus inning, leaving in the top of the second after walking the leadoff batter, his fourth free pass of the

game. He started fast by inducing two grounders for two outs ... and then things bottomed out. He walked the next two

batters, gave up his first run on a single, loaded the bases with his third walk, and allowed his second and third runs on a

hit-by-pitch and a wild pitch. He ended the inning on a swinging strikeout.

Hansen's final line was one inning pitched, three earned runs, a hit-by-pitch, a wild pitch, and one strikeout on 36 pitches.

Baseball America's Jim Shonerd indicates that he was throwing 95-98 mph, which Keith Law also echoes (Insider

required). However, Law mentions that Hansen failed to maintain his release point and fears that Hansen's past arm

injuries might make him another highly-touted draft pick who has Tommy John surgery before the draft, just like current

Rockies pitching prospect Jeff Hoffman.

True Blue LA's David Hood had this to say after Hansen's start on Saturday:

So a top draft prospect that I've suggested might have 20 grade command and didn't pitch much in offseason got an early

hook today. Weird.

— David Hood (@davidchood) February 20, 2016

That's not good. Add in the injury concerns and Rockies fans might become wary of Hansen should this continue. Hansen

and the No. 25 Sooners play Sam Houston State this weekend.

Other players of note

Buddy Reed, OF, Florida - Puk's teammate is also currently a top ten college prospect. The switch hitter went 3-for-12

with a double, two stolen bases, and four strikeouts.

Corey Ray, OF, Louisville - Ray is off to a quick start, going 6-for-9 with nine runs scored, a double, two home runs, and

seven RBI. He also swiped six bases.

Connor Jones, RHP, Virginia - Jones pitched seven shutout innings and surrendered just three hits in an 8-6 win over

Kent State. He struck out eight and threw a wild pitch on 84 pitches. He throws a low-90s fastball that has gotten up to 95.

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His repertoire also includes a curveball, a slider, and a changeup. He isn't as flashy as Hansen and Puk, but he might be

a safer pick than either.

Check back next week for more on these players and some new additions.

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Jose Reyes on paid leave pending resolution of criminal case ESPN.com news services

Colorado Rockies shortstop Jose Reyes has been placed on paid leave by Major League Baseball pending completion of

his domestic violence case in Hawaii.

Commissioner Rob Manfred made the announcement Tuesday. MLB said in its statement that Section III.C.2 of its

domestic violence policy permits the commissioner "to impose a paid suspension pending resolution of the legal

proceedings or an investigation."

Upon completion of Reyes' criminal case, Manfred will decide whether to impose discipline. MLB said it will have no

further comment until Reyes' case is resolved.

Reyes will receive the $22 million salary he earns during the season while on leave. The players' union has the right to

challenge the decision before an arbitrator and said it will work with Reyes to protect his rights "if further discipline is

issued'' or if the "suspension is not resolved in a timely fashion.''

Reyes was arrested on charges of assaulting his wife last October in a Hawaii hotel. He is scheduled to go on trial April 4,

the same day the Rockies are scheduled to open the regular season at Arizona. Reyes pleaded not guilty to his charges.

Reyes was arrested after an argument with his wife that police said turned physical at the Wailea Four Seasons Resort.

He was jailed on $1,000 bond and issued a citation to stay away from his wife for three days after the arrest.

His wife was treated by medics at the scene, then transported to a hospital for additional treatment after the incident.

According to a recording of the 911 call released by police, a hotel security guard reported that Reyes' wife had injuries to

her left leg and scratches on her neck.

On Monday, Manfred said he has made "additional progress" toward decisions on two of the first three cases under Major

League Baseball's domestic violence policy and he expected an announcement in the next couple of days.

Manfred on Monday wouldn't specify which two cases he was going to rule on first. Besides Reyes' case, MLB also is

investigating New York Yankees closerAroldis Chapman and Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig.

Acquired by the Yankees from the Cincinnati Reds in a December trade, Chapman is under investigation for an incident at

his house in Florida in October involving his girlfriend. Chapman is alleged to have fired a gun during the incident.

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On Tuesday at Yankees camp, Chapman denied the allegations, saying, "I haven't hurt anybody."

Puig was involved in an argument with his sister at the Miami bar Blue Martini on Nov. 25. According to the Miami Police

Department, Puig and a bouncer at the bar were involved in a fight after Puig was asked to leave following the argument

with his sister. Puig was left with a swollen left eye and "minor bumps and bruises" to his face.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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10 Colorado Rockies prospects who could debut in 2016 By Drew Creasman on February 23, 2016 | BSN Denver The Colorado Rockies have seen some outstanding (Nolan Arenado) promising (Jon Gray) troubling (Eddie Butler)

confounding (Tyler Matzek) and incomplete (Cristhian Adames,Tom Murphy) Major League debuts over the last few

seasons. And 2016 is shaping up to add a barrage of intriguing names to appear on the backs of MLB uniforms for the

first time.

Here is our list of minor leaguers in the Rockies system who could make their first MLB appearance before the 2016

season is over. They are ordered from least to most likely to debut:

10. Ryan McMahon

It’s incredibly unlikely that McMahon sees big league action this season, especially if the team is serious about starting to

work him at first base, which could take some adjusting to. Still, if the slugging third basemen really crushes the baseball

at Double-A Hartford, it’s not out of the question that the Rockies could give him a look at some MLB pitching even if the

intent is to start him at Triple-A in 2017.

McMahon just turned 21 in December and there is no need to expedite his arrival unless he takes a big step forward in his

development. Still, the underlying talent and intangibles suggest he might be ready sooner than at first expected.

9. Raimel Tapia

The case for Tapia is similar to the case for McMahon. His extraordinary contact ability and the fact that he is already on

the 40-man roster make it slightly more likely that Tapia could get a September cup of coffee but since neither has played

a single inning above High-A ball, their debuts would be relegated to a scenario by which the Rockies are well out of

contention in September and/or are piling up names on the DL at that time.

Getting Tapia some looks at elite pitching could go a long way toward telling the tale of his offensive prowess. Yet to be

tested in the United States, if Tapia is putting up more hits than games played for the fifth consecutive season (six if you

count the AFL) he could be called up simply to finally present his bat with a challenge.

8. David Dahl

Dahl might have debuted already if not for some tough injury luck. He is more polished at this point than McMahon or

Tapia and has already seen time and moderate success at Double-A. His defense and speed could play at the highest

level right now but the Rockies are being patient with his bat and health. Of all the potential impact position players in the

Rockies organization, Dahl is the most likely to be called up in September not just to give him a look but just because he

is ready.

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A healthy David Dahl is very close to the big leagues, but if the Rockies want to maximize his potential not just to

contribute but to be a star, taking it slow and steady is wise.

7. Kyle Freeland

Coming out of the University of Evansville incredibly polished, Freeland was on the fast-track both before and after he was

sidelined for most of 2015 with injuries. Despite the setback, in just a year-and-a-half Freeland has been promoted twice

and been invited to the Arizona Fall League which amounts to a third graduation in the level of competition he has faced

in a very short MiLB career.

The most encouraging part is that he excelled against some of the best prospects in the world in the AFL, but pitchers

with an injury history and unique deliveries always come with a special “beware” tag. There is little development left to be

done on Freeland’s “stuff” but his approach, health, and consistency all need to be tested at the Double-A level. After

Eddie Butler struggled so mightily, the Rockies are hesitant to keep skipping their pitchers over Triple-A.

This group from McMahon to Freeland represents some of the best talent the Rockies have in their system that is still too

raw to be counted on immediately. The most likely scenario for each of these players is that they don’t see the big leagues

this year outside of a somewhat random September call-up. The best case scenario for all of these players is that they are

fighting for a starting job on the Opening Day roster in 2017.

6. Jordan Patterson

Patterson broke out in prospect circles in 2015 by decimating High-A and then getting even better after a promotion to

Double-A. He displayed all his raw athletic ability; power (17 HR, 45 2B) speed (18 SB) and defensive prowess buoyed by

one of the best arms in the system.

It’s entirely possible that there are too many holes in his offensive game for Patterson to ever be an impact player. He

slowed down to end the season and put up ghastly statistics in the Arizona Fall League which points to fatigue more than

anything else but does hint that his hitting utility might not play at the upper levels.

He was a bit of a late bloomer and is already 24-years-old meaning that age-wise he should be about ready for MLB. He

should start 2016 in Triple-A or be moved there very quickly to see if the bat can keep up with better pitching. If it can, the

Rockies have an interesting extra option for the second half of the season at fourth outfielder and/or backup first

baseman. Not a lot of teams have a power hitting first baseman who can steal 20 bases.

5. Sam Moll

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Lefty reliever Sam Moll may not be a household name even among prospect hounds, but is still an interesting option.

Another guy who has struggled a bit with injuries and has fallen off the radar by being a minor league reliever who doesn’t

close and, therefore, doesn’t pile up saves, Moll’s potential contributions should not be understated.

He put together his best season both in terms of health and production in 2015, tossing 68.1 innings over High and

Double-A combining for a 2.12 ERA. He struck out nearly 10 batters an inning while walking just over two. That K/BB ratio

is indicative of a polished pitcher who could see MLB as soon as the Rockies find themselves in need of some left-handed

relief depth. The addition of Jake McGee and the fact that Boone Logan and Yohan Flande still exist means that Moll

would likely need some injuries or cuts from the roster to the guys ahead of him to debut in 2016. Though, Rockies history

suggests that neither of those eventualities are that far fetched.

4. Carlos Estevez

The reason Moll wasn’t racking up the saves is because right-handed flamethrower Carlos Estevez was often in his way.

Notching 18 Saves over two levels in 2015 while striking out over 11 batters an innings, Estevez is successful largely on

the strength of a fastball that sits in the mid-to-high 90s.

The Rockies saw enough from Estevez in 2015 to add him to the 40-man roster. He is the guy beyond organizational filler

who will be called upon should the team need an additional bullpen guy. There are conversion candidates (starters like

Eddie Butler or Tyler Chatwood who may end up in the pen) but Estevez has shown the stuff and maturity to prove that he

is close.

The Rockies almost always have to reach deep into their pitching depth and Estevez represents one of the best options

they’ve had in that department in a long time.

3. Jeff Hoffman

The main attraction in the Troy Tulowitzki trade, Jeff Hoffman almost certainly will debut in 2016 but also almost certainly

not in any kind of impactful role.

Hoffman is the new Arenado; the new Jon Gray. Fans will want to see him immediately and the Rockies will be faced with

doing everything they can to patiently develop high-end talent. Just like Gray last season, if/when Hoffman does debut, it

will likely be long after meaningful games are being played and once he has shown an ability to succeed in Triple-A.

He hasn’t yet shown his full potential but the scouts and minor league evaluators are all in agreement that Hoffman

exhibits the stuff of a front-line starter. The only thing to do now is to see if he takes control of his development and forces

the Rockies hand a little earlier in 2016.

Hoffman is the guy to keep an eye on for those of you with MiLB.TV because if he can come close to reaching his ceiling,

he pairs with Jon Gray giving the Rockies two potential young aces for the first time since 2007.

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2. Tyler Anderson

Much like David Dahl, we should already have had this conversation about Tyler Anderson. Sidelined by injuries after

dominating the Texas League in 2014 — to the tune of being named the league’s best pitcher — Anderson has

experienced more than his fair share of frustration in a long trek toward MLB.

Already 26, some of the shine has worn off of the former first-round draft pick, but he has shown that when healthy his

craftiness and excellent breaking stuff can miss a lot of bats. The last time he saw on-field action, Mr. Anderson threw 118

innings and posted an ERA of 1.98.

Anderson has an advanced feel for pitching and Rockies director of development Zach Wilson recently told Purple

Row that he is in the discussion to make the starting rotation out of spring training 2016.

He is likely to land behind Jorge De La Rosa, Jon Gray, and Chad Bettis, battling it out with Butler, Chatwood, Chris

Rusin, Tyler Matzek, and Jordan Lyles for the final two spots. Most likely, Anderson begins the year in Triple-A with a call-

up sometime mid-season depending on his production level and that of those around him.

1. Trevor Story

That’s right, it’s almost Story time. We’ll try to keep the puns to a minimum.

Trevor Story will see Major League action this year unless he experiences a season-ending injury. Story has a chance in

2016 to prove the value of patient development. He’s already played five seasons in the Rockies Minor League system

and still hasn’t reached his 24th birthday.

MiLB.com recently ran some projections for potential rookies in 2016 and they see Story’s most likely outcome as a 16

HR, 15 SB, 1.3 WAR campaign. There’s a ton of pop in the bat and his defense and speed are well above average

meaning that his success will be almost entirely dependent upon an ability to make contact against big league pitching.

It would behoove the Rockies long term interests to keep Story in Triple-A until late May. Once he passes the “Super-

Two” deadline, giving the Rockies an extra year of control at the end of his contract, he should be brought up to see if he

can cement himself as a fixture in the infield for the foreseeable future.

A few more names to watch:

Keep your eyes open for the pitching triumvirate of Harrison Musgrave, Matt Flemer, andShane Carle. None are

considered to have comparable ceilings to anyone on this list but all three could find their way into Christian Bergman-like

roles over the next two seasons. This group has shown success at Double-A, providing a nice floor for the overall

organizational depth at starting pitcher.

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German Marquez, half of the return in the Corey Dickerson trade, still needs to find his place in the organization and

hasn’t yet pitched above High-A but reports after the trade suggest he isn’t too far off and a good showing to start the

season in Hartford could push him right into the middle of all the names we’ve discussed.

The Rockies are unlikely to be competitive in 2016 but these players mean there will be no shortage of intrigue. Who

flames out? Who becomes a steady producer? Who breaks through and becomes a star?

The answer to those questions will tell the future of the Colorado Rockies. Fans can start to get a look at that future on

March 2nd when spring training games begin. Watch this space.