The up-and-coming Rockies have the pitching to compete, but their offense is a big question mark. Other than Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez, there isn’t another sure thing in that lineup.
Coors Field can turn even the most pedestrian hitters into a one-year wonder so here’s a closer look into who you should be targeting in your drafts.
Guys I’m Drafting
Troy Tulowitzki (SS) and Carlos Gonzalez (OF) - For obvious reasons, I will not waste your time explaining why you should be drafting these two.
Ubaldo Jimenez, SP - Last year Jimenez got off to a torrid start, and while he is capable of the same in 2011, don’t forget that his second half screamed more No. 2 starter than fantasy ace. Jimenez because can go off on stretches where he is unhittable—much like last year—but he still pitches at Coors Field and has erratic control at times. He is being drafted 10th among starters—right behind Justin Verlander and in front of Chris Carpenter and Tommy Hanson—which is right where he should be going.
Jhoulys Chacin, SP - Chacin put up sensational numbers in his rookie season. He struck out 8.74 batters per nine and allowed just 10 home runs in 137 1/3 innings. Between the majors and minors last year, he combined for 173 innings so he should be able to pitch close to the same this year and could be a threat to strikeout 180-plus batters. His tendency to induce grounders (46.6 GB%) is perfect for Coors Field and his 3.98 ERA at home is a good sign towards him being a consistent starter.
Jorge De La Rosa, SP - JDLR is usually a much better pitcher in the second half, which makes him a great target to trade for or pick up around the All-Star break. Much like Chacin, JDLR induces grounders 52.3 percent of the time so Coors doesn’t have a huge effect on him (4.10 ERA at home). He is being drafted 72nd among all starting pitchers, which means you are taking him with absolutely no risk, but if he can put together a full productive season the reward will be great.
Guy I’m Drafting…If They Fall Far Enough
Dexter Fowler, OF - He will be the full-time center fielder and should bat first in the Rockies’ lineup. He’s a threat to steal 20-plus bases and could score 90 runs if he can keep his job atop the lineup. Not a bad player to draft near the end of the draft, just don’t expect him to hit for a good average; he’s been stuck in .260-ville for two years now.
Guys I’m Avoiding
Chris Iannetta, C – Iannetta has only one redeeming quality—his power. His OPS last year was a career-worst .701. You do the math. He’s being drafted around names like J.P. Arencibia, John Jaso and Jarod Saltalamacchia and I would rather have all of those guys and then some.
Ian Stewart, 3B - Despite the pleas from Steve Perry it’s time to stop believing that Stewart is more than he is. He will continue to lose playing time against left-handed pitchers and the Rockies have a very capable replacement in Ty Wigginton. Stewart will never hit for a good average and all his value is tied into his power. If he doesn’t play a full season (which he won’t) I can’t justify drafting him over guys like Edwin Encarnacion, Placido Polanco, or even his new teammate Jose Lopez.
Guys I’m Keeping My Eye On
Jose Lopez, 2B/3B – Lopez has a bit of pop in his bat and the move to Coors Field could prove to be beneficial. It is still to be determined where Lopez will bat in the lineup, but it’s definitely a situation you should track because there is potential for some great value at two scarce positions (2B/3B).
Eric Young Jr., 2B/OF - It’s simple. When Young plays, he runs. He runs a lot. Just look at these stolen base totals in the minor leagues: 87 SB/128 G (A), 73/130 (A+), 46/105 (AA), 58/119 (AAA). He doesn’t have a full-time job on the Rockies, but one injury could change that quickly. Draft him in deep and NL-only leagues.
