Don’t forget to pick up your copy of the The 2022 Prospect Digest Handbook here!
_______________________________________________________________________________________
1. Zac Veen, RF
| Hit | Power | SB | Patience | Glove | Overall |
| 50/55 | 50/60 | 60 | 60 | 55 | 60 |
Background: In a draft class loaded with awesome high school-aged hitters it’s Zac Veen, 6-foot-4, 190-pound corner outfielder, that owns the highest ceiling. A product of Spruce Creek High School, Veen was the second high school teenager player that year, ninth player overall, and signed to a massive $5 million by the Rockies. Like every other minor league player chosen two years ago, the COVID-interrupted 2020 season forced his professional debut to be delayed until last season. And it was 100% worth the wait. Appearing in 106 games with the Fresno Grizzlies in Low-A West, the Florida-born outfielder slugged hearty .301/.399/.501 with 27 doubles, four triples, 15 homeruns, and 36 stolen bases (in 51 total attempts). Among all qualified Low-A hitters Veen’s batting average ranked 10th, on-base percentage was third, slugging percentage was fifth, his 27 doubles ranked sixth, his four triples tied for the 10th highest total, his 15 homeruns tied for fifth, and his 36 stolen bases was good enough for second. Per Weighted Runs Created Plus, his overall production topped the league average mark by 35%, fourth best in the league.
Scouting Report: Consider the following:
- Since 2006, only two 19-year-old hitters met the following criteria in a Low-A season with one organization (min. 300 PA): 130 to 140 wRC+, a double-digit walk rate, and a strikeout rate north of 25%. Those two hitters: Kevin Padlo and, of course, Zac Veen.
A supremely gifted ballplayer whose numbers get even better if his slow start to the year is ignored; he batted .317/.406/.526 from May 21st through the end of the year. Veen did spend half of his time playing in a slightly favorable home ballpark, but still slugged an impressive .290/.402/.441 on the road. Plus speed and the power potential to match it in the coming years. Incredibly patient at the plate, though his K-rate (26.3%) is a little on the high side – though not overly concerning. The lefty-swinging Veen also showed no discernible platoon splits, either. In terms of big league production, think something along the lines of .320/.440/.560.
Ceiling: 5.0-win player
Risk: Moderate
MLB ETA: 2023/2024
_______________________________________________________________________________________
2. Benny Montgomery, CF
| Hit | Power | SB | Patience | Glove | Overall |
| 45 | 40/50 | 70 | 50 | 60 | 60 |
Background: A native of Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, Montgomery was regarded as one of the top prep bats in the 2021 draft class. Standing 6-foot-4 and 200-pounds, Montgomery burst onto the scene as a sophomore in 2019 as he slugged .359/.418/.487 with four doubles, a pair of homeruns, and an 8-to-9 strikeout-to-walk ratio. And after a COVID-shortened junior campaign, Montgomery continued to make noise on the national circuit as he captured the Perfect Game Homerun Derby Crown. Last season, the speedy – albeit raw – prospect hit .426 with seven homeruns, 22 RBIs, and 44 runs scored. He also walked in 18 of his 117 plate appearances. Colorado selected the University of Virginia commit with the 8th overall pick last July, signing him to a hefty $5,000,000 deal. And the immediate return on their investment was promising. In 14 games with the club’s Arizona Complex League affiliate, Montgomery batted .340/.404/.383.
Scouting Report: Per the usual, here’s my pre-draft write-up:
“Speed to burn. Montgomery’s been clocked at a 6.45-second 60-yard dash. And he has an arm to match: he’s been clocked as high as 96 mph as well. The question with Montgomery isn’t athleticism or tools, it’s whether he’s going to hit enough in the professional ranks. Above-average or better bat speed. But…Montgomery’s developed a timing hitch with his hands that might make him vulnerable to mid-level minor league breaking balls. He’s long and gangly, like Hunter Pence. There’s some Bradley Zimmer-type potential.
Ceiling: 3.5-win player
Risk: Moderate
MLB ETA: 2023
_______________________________________________________________________________________
3. Drew Romo, C
| Hit | Power | SB | Patience | Glove | Overall |
| 50/55 | 40/45 | 60/45 | 45 | 55/60 | 55 |
Background: The fourth – and final – backstop taken in the opening round two years ago. The Rockies, with the second first round selection, grabbed the switch-hitting catcher with the 35th overall pick and signed him to a deal worth just a shade over $2 million. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound prospect teamed with fellow 2020 first rounder Zac Veen and Ezequiel Tovar to form a triumvirate of teenager thump in the heart of the Fresno Grizzlies lineup last season. In 79 contests with Colorado’s Low-A affiliate, Romo batted an impressive .314/.345/.439 with 17 doubles, a pair of triples, six homeruns, and 23 stolen bases (in 29 total attempts). His overall production, according to Weighted Runs Created Plus, topped the league average mark by 4%.
Scouting Report: Consider the following:
- Since 2006, only seven 19-year-old hitters met the following criteria in a Low-A season with one organization (min. 300 PA): 100 to 110 wRC+, a sub-7.0% walk rate, and a sub-16% strikeout rate. Those seven hitters: Alex Verdugo, Odubel Herrera, Jose Peraza, Tyrone Taylor, Gorkys Hernandez, Lorenzo Cedrola, and – of course – Drew Romo.
Romo has the quiet potential to develop into one of the better catching prospects in baseball. A sweet-swinging switch-hitter with strong contact skills and a line drive approach to shoot balls from foul line to foul line. His defense falls into the above-average, maybe even plus category. He also threw out 35% of would-be base stealers in a run-heavy environment. Add it up and it’s a recipe for All-Star success. And like his counterpart Zac Veen, Romo showed some impressive offensive chops away from hitter-friendly Fresno as well, batting .325/.346/.391.
Ceiling: 3.0- to 3.5-win player
Risk: Moderate
MLB ETA: 2024
_______________________________________________________________________________________
4. Ezequiel Tovar, SS
| Hit | Power | SB | Patience | Glove | Overall |
| 50 | 45 | 55 | 40 | 70 | 55 |
Background: The third and final piece of the Fresno Grizzlies’ vaunted trio of baby-faced 19-year-old bashers. Tover teamed with 2020 first round picks Zac Veen and Drew Romo to offer plenty of hope and promise to one of baseball’s more disorganized franchises / ownership groups. Signed out of Maracay, Venezuela, the 6-foot, 162-pound switch-hitting infielder put together a pair of lackluster showings during his first two seasons in professional baseball. But that all changed as soon as he dug in against full season pitching for the first time in 2021. Appearing in 72 games with the Grizzlies, Tovar slugged .309/.346/.510 with plenty of speed and thump to dream upon. And unlike Veen and Romo, Colorado’s front office opted to challenge the teenager with a promotion up to High-A in early August. After a rough adjustment period, the young shortstop got his feet under him for the last several weeks of the year. In total, Tovar hit an aggregate .287/.322/.475 with 30 doubles, three triples, 15 homeruns, and 24 stolen bases. His overall production was 5% better than the league average.
Snippet from The 2020 Prospect Digest Handbook: One of my favorite prospects in the entire minor leagues. Tovar’s an absolute wizard at shortstop. So much so, in fact, if he could post production lines within 10% of the league average mark he’d be a 2.5- to 3.0-win player. Very young, very, very raw.
Scouting Report: Still one of my favorite prospects in all of baseball. And this year he was raw – just less raw. He’s in the conversation as one of the best defensive shortstops in the minor leagues. It’s likely an argument between Tovar and Oakland’s Nick Allen. Either way, Colorado’s defensive wizard is an elite defender. Per Clay Davenport’s defensive metrics, he saved 12 runs more than the average in only 64 games with Fresno. That’s otherworldly. And last year his offense decided to lurch forward as well. His production is going to be capped by subpar walk rates, but he doesn’t swing-and-miss much, shows some thump, and runs well. Consider the following:
- Since 2006, only four 19-year-old hitters in Low-A met the following criteria with one organization (min. 300 PA): 115 to 125 wRC+, a sub-6.0% walk rate, and a strikeout rate below 13%. Those four hitters: Austin Romine, Luis Matos, Erwin Almonte, and Ezequiel Tovar.
In terms of offensive ceiling, think: .265/.320/.420.
Ceiling: 3.0-win player
Risk: Moderate
MLB ETA: 2024
_______________________________________________________________________________________
5. Ryan Rolison, LHP
| FB | CB | SL | CH | Command | Overall |
| 55 | 60 | 50 | 50 | 60 | 50 |
Background: Health issues interruptedRolison’s third professional campaign in the Rockies’ farm system – though it wasn’t a baseball injury. The 2018 first rounder missed more than two months in middle of the year recovering from appendicitis surgery – an issue that, more than likely, cost him a shot at making his big league debut. The 22nd overall pick out of Ole’ Miss, Rolison made a total of 16 starts between Triple-A and the various rehab stints last year. He tossed 71.2 innings of work, posting a 5.27 ERA while averaging 9.7 strikeouts and just 2.8 walks per nine innings. The 6-foot-2, 213-pound southpaw popped up with the Tigres del Licey in the Dominican Winter League following the year as well, throwing an additional 20.0 innings with 24 strikeouts and five walks to go along with a 3.15 ERA.
Snippet from The 2020 Prospect Digest Handbook: Rolison is looking like a strong candidate to develop into a #3-type starting pitcher.
Scouting Report: Not only a consistent strike-thrower, but a consistent quality strike-thrower. Rolison has a quality four-pitch mix showcased by an above-average low-90s fastball and a plus-curveball. He’ll also mix in a slider and a changeup – both of them earning 50 grades. Unfortunately, though, Rolison and Colorado are – and have always been – a poor match. I still think he ends up a quality mid-rotation arm – though it’s likely not going to be with the Rockies.
Ceiling: 2.5-win player
Risk: Low to Moderate
MLB ETA: 2022
_______________________________________________________________________________________
6. Jaden Hill, RHP
| FB | SL | CH | Command | Overall |
| 60 | 55 | 70 | 45 | 50 |
Background: Fun Fact: Ashdown High School in Ashdown, Arkansas, has produced four professional baseball players: Cedrick Harris, Kentrell Hill, Dugan Ward, and Harry Young. Fun Fact Part II: Harris (cousin) and Hill (brother) are related to the hard-throwing right-hander. Fun Fact Part III: Kentrell Hill was the starting center fielder on LSU’s College World Championship team in 2000 – which also featured Ryan Theriot, Brian Tallet, Brad Hawpe, Mike Fontenot, and Shane Youman. The younger Hill, who stands a rock-solid 6-foot-4 and 234 pounds, was a two-way monster during his prep career: he .540 with 11 homeruns and sported a 0.51 ERA with a 7-1 record on the mound. The Cardinals took a late, late round flier on him in the 2018 draft. Hill’s collegiate career got off to an impressive start as he fanned 11 and walked just three in 10.0 innings of work, but it was cut short due to two separate injuries: #1 he had surgery to repair of a collarbone issue he sustained playing football in high school and #2 the UCL ligament in his right elbow was barking. His sophomore season – like the rest of the country – was shutdown due to COVID, limiting him to just 11.2 innings of work. And, unfortunately, for the mercurial, snake-bitten right-hander his junior campaign was halted after just seven starts due to Tommy John surgery. He finished his 2021 season with a 25-to-12 strikeout-to-walk ratio and an unsightly 6.67 ERA in 29.2 innings of action. The Rockies took a calculated gamble on the Hill and selected him in the second round, 44th overall, and signed him to a deal worth $1,689,000.
Scouting Report: Per the usual, here’s my pre-draft write-up:
“Well, it’s not too often that you’ll see a projected first round pick coming off a career with a major elbow injury (Tommy John surgery), another season lost to a wonky elbow and a preexisting health issue, and limited to just 51.1 career innings. But here we are. At his best – which was not often in 2021 – Hill will flash a dominant plus fastball, an above-average tightly spun slider, and the best changeup in the entire draft class. The control’s been mediocre throughout his three abbreviated collegiate years with the command slightly worse. It’s easy to see Hill and dream upon a bonafide frontline ace. But there’s a lot of Dillon Tate to his projection. Tate, of course, was the fourth overall pick in the 2015 draft who (A) was traded a year later to the Yankees and then later dealt to Baltimore and (B) is a mediocre reliever. Best case scenario if his body doesn’t cooperate – or if the control/command doesn’t uptick – is Milwaukee’s Devin Williams, owner of a plus fastball and vaunted changeup (which is really a screwball).”
Ceiling: 2.0-win player
Risk: Moderate to High
MLB ETA: 2024/2025
_______________________________________________________________________________________
7. Ryan Vilade, OF
| Hit | Power | SB | Patience | Glove | Overall |
| 50 | 40/45 | 50 | 50 | 45 | 50 |
Background: The defensive evolution of Ryan Vilade has been an oddity over the past couple of years. Drafted as a shortstop out of Stillwater High School in 2017, Vilade spent the first two seasons of his career at the position. He split time, however, between shortstop and third base during the 2019 year. And last season he moved to more traditional run producing positions: first base, left field, right field, and a smattering of center field too. Vilade appeared in 117 games with the Albuquerque Isotopes in AAA, hitting .284/.339/.410 with 28 doubles, five triples, and seven homeruns. He swiped 12 bags in 17 attempts too. Vilade appeared in 23 games with the Salt River Rafters in the Arizona Fall League following the season as well, hitting .253/.344/.304. Colorado also – briefly – called him up during the regular season too.
Snippet from The 2020 Prospect Digest Handbook: Strong bat-to-ball skills with developing power to belt out 12- to 15-homeruns and a solid willingness to walk. The biggest improvement in Vilade’s game last season was his work with the leather: he was abysmal at shortstop two years ago, but graded out as slightly below-average last season.
Scouting Report: Consider the following:
- Since 2006, only three 22-year-old hitters met the following criteria in a Triple-A season with one organization (min. 400 PA): 82to 92 wRC+, a walk rate between 5% and 8%, and a strikeout rate below 20%. Those three hitters: Neil Walker, Billy Hamilton, and Ryan Vilade.
Vilade The Shortstop would have had a decent offensive season in 2021. Vilade The Run Producer, not so much. The majority of his time was spent at first base or either corner outfield spot. He lacks the power or patience at the plate that are typically requisite of those positions. Vilade still puts the ball on the ground too frequently (45.1% in AAA), so swing/approach adjustments will need to be done. Right now Vilade is profiling as a .270/.340/.430-type hitter.
Ceiling: 1.5- to 2.0-win player
Risk: Low to Moderate
MLB ETA: Debuted in 2021
_______________________________________________________________________________________
8. Elehuris Montero, 1B/3B
| Hit | Power | SB | Patience | Glove | Overall |
| 45 | 55 | 30 | 55 | 45 | 50 |
Background: Caught up in one of the more widely criticized trades in recent memory – which is really saying something. Colorado dealt away franchise icon and future Hall of Fame third baseman Nolan Arenado to St. Louis for, what most deemed, pieces and parts: Austin Gomber, a quality big league arm; Jake Sommers, who spent last season as (A) a 24-year-old in (B) a relief role for (C) a High-A ballclub; Tony Locey, a 2019 third round pick with massive control issues; Mateo Gil, a light-hitting shortstop; and – of course – Elehuris Montero. Like Gomber, Montero tried to make the case that the deal wasn’t total robbery. In 120 games between Hartford and Albuquerque, the 6-foot-3, 235-pound hulking corner infielder slugged .278/.329/.889 with 20 doubles, two triples, and a career best 28 homeruns. His overall production, per Weighted Runs Created Plus, topped the league average mark by 32%.
Snippet from The 2020 Prospect Digest Handbook: I told you I was president of the Montero fan club. His status has taken a (significant) hit, but I’m still betting on a rebound in 2020 – particularly the second half.
Scouting Report: Consider the following:
- Since 2006, only three 22-year-old hitters met the following criteria in a Double-A season with one organization (min. 350 PA): 132 to 142 wRC+, a double-digit walk rate, and a strikeout rate between 23% and 25%. Those three hitters: Scott Moore, Trayvon Robinson, and Elehuris Montero.
I’m still a big believer in Montero. He’s not going to be a superstar. But there’s potential to be a low end starting corner infielder – nearly guaranteed to be first base. A lot of his overall production, though, was buoyed by a scorching month of July (.429/.477/.879) and a strong September (.274/.349/.505). Otherwise, he batted .218/.354/.410 in May, .229/.288/.438 in June, and .233/.324/.350 in August. He’s still quite young and still needs some additional seasoning. In term of big league hitting, think .260/.340/.500.
Ceiling: 1.5- to 2.0-win player
Risk: Moderate
MLB ETA: 2023
_______________________________________________________________________________________
9. Jack Blomgren, 2B/SS
| Hit | Power | SB | Patience | Glove | Overall |
| 50/55 | 35/40 | 55 | 60 | 55 | 50 |
Background: As a proud alum of The Ohio State University it pains me to refer to The School Up North as anything else, but the University of Michigan has produced a ton of talent over the past decade. In fact, 13 players from TTUN have garnered a six-figure bonus since 2017. One of those players, Jack Blomgren, signed for a nice $394,300 bonus as a fifth round pick two years ago. Blomgren made his professional debut last season with the Spokane Indians. In 86 games with the High-A ballclub, the 5-foot-10, 180-pound middle infielder batted a respectable .284/.406/.392 with 13 doubles, four triples, three homeruns, and 30 stolen bases. Per Weighted Runs Created Plus, his overall production topped the league average mark by an impressive 24%.
Scouting Report: Consider the following:
- Since 2006, there have been nine 22-year-old hitters that have met the follow criteria in a season in High-A with one organization (min. 300 PA): 120 to 130 wRC+, a walk rate of at least 12%, and a strikeout rate between 20.5% and 22.5%. Those nine hitters: Alfonso Rivas, Mike Costanzo, Vince Belnome, Marvin Lowrance, Karexon Sanchez, Tim Federoff, Luis Alejandro Basabe, Mark Karaviotis, and – of course – Mr. Jack Blomgren.
A fantastic little prospect that could carve out a lengthy big league career. Blomgren’s abysmal month of June (.085/.236/.102) dampened his overall numbers. But he was specifically lethal from July through September, slugging .333/.438/.458. He did benefit from Spokane’s bandbox home field (.293/.392/.414 vs. .267/.402/.373). He has a nose for first base, above-average speed, above-average glove. He’s only lacking a lot of thump. Don’t sleep on him. He’s like a poor man’s Eddie Stanky.
Ceiling: 1.5- to 2.0-win player
Risk: Moderate
MLB ETA: 2023
_______________________________________________________________________________________
10. Helcris Olivarez, LHP
| FB | CB | CH | Command | Overall |
| 70 | 55 | 50 | 40/45 | 45 |
Background: Now entering his sixth year in the Rockies’ organization. Colorado signed the gangly left-hander to a sub-six-figure deal on August 12, 2016. Olivarez spent parts of three seasons in the Dominican Summer League before moving stateside into the Pioneer League in 2019. Last season, though, Olivarez made up for lost time – sort of – as he spent the year squaring off against the vastly older competition in the High-A West League. Making a career-high 22 appearances, only one of which came as a reliever, the 6-foot-2, 192-pound southpaw tossed 99.2 innings, recording an impressive 112 strikeouts against a whopper of a walk total (6.1 BB/9). He finished the year with an unsightly 6.05 ERA, a 5.71 FIP, and a 5.50 xFIP.
Snippet from The 2020 Prospect Digest Handbook: Big, big time fastball potential. Olivarez’s heater would sit 92- to 94-mph and easily touch 97 mph at will. And it’s not just the velocity that’s impressive, it’s the ease that he generates velocity. His curveball is loopy but shows the requisite shape. It grades out as a strong 45 now, but it could easily wind up as plus as he matures. The changeup, which was widely regarded a well below-average prior to the year, was far better than expected. It shows some arm-side run and fade with the potential to be average, maybe better if everything breaks the right way. Olivarez is raw, but there’s sneaky potential brewing in his powerful arm. Had he lived stateside and eligible for the June draft, I would have put a second/third round grade on him.
Scouting Report: Consider the following:
- Since 2006, only two 20-year-old hurlers met the following criteria in High-A with one organization (min. 75 IP): 24.0 to 26.0% strikeouts percentage with a walk percentage of at least 14%. Those two arms: Victor Payano and – of course – Helcris Olivarez.
Now for the updated scouting report: The fastball is still a big, big time weapon for the young hurler, sitting in the mid- to upper-90s with relative ease. During a late June start he topped 98 mph multiple times. His curveball has improved from a below-average to an above-average power-breaking ball. And Olivarez showed some incredible maturity and confidence in his improving changeup, now an average offering. The change-of-pace got some awkward / weird reactions from hitters. The question is whether he can throw enough strikes moving forward. If he can keep his walk rate around four per nine innings, he’s going to be nice backend arm. Reliever floor either way.
Ceiling: 1.5-win player
Risk: Moderate
MLB ETA: 2024
_______________________________________________________________________________________
All statistics were provided via the following website: Baseball Reference, FanGraphs, TheBaseballCube, BaseballProspectus, and ClayDavenport.com
