From now until the season ends, Rox Pile will be running a weekly Farm Report.  I’d like for this to be posted every Wednesday afternoon, but I’m not making any promises.

Last week, the affiliates went 12-12 combined.  While wins probably aren’t the most important thing in the minors, the last thing the Rockies want is a group of players that are used to losing.  Plus, a farm system full of good players should naturally produce wins.  This year, it appears that several teams have a decent chance of making the playoffs.   Asheville and Tulsa are both very talented teams and Modesto has three of the organization’s top ten prospects — Tyler Matzek, Nolan Arenado, and Chad Bettis.  If you’ll notice, I didn’t say much about Colorado Springs.

2011 Record: 3-3

Record Last Week (4/6 – 4/12): 3-3

Players of the Week:

Bryce Massanari – C

While at the University of Georgia, Massanari was one of the better catchers in the SEC.  When the Rockies selected him in the 30th round of the 2009 draft, some said he was a steal.  Though Massanari’s sample size has been small — 66 total minor league games — he hasn’t lived up to that billing.  He spent all of last year with Tri-City, hitting a measly .242 in 227 at-bats.  However, he’s off to a much better start in 2011.  In nineteen at-bats he has nine hits, including three doubles.  Perhaps he will turn out to be a steal after all.

Helder Velazquez – SS

Velazquez was a 5th round pick in the 2006 Draft.  This year is his third season with the Tourists.  His time with the Rockies has been defined by light hitting — a career .352 slugging percentage — and injuries.  He missed 2009 all together.

Obviously, not receiving a promotion for four years has lit a fire under Velazquez.  He’s off to a torrid start.  In five games, he is hitting .444/.500/.778 with a home run, three doubles, and five RBIs.  It will be interesting to see how long Helder can maintain his early success.

Top Prospects:

Kyle Parker (OF) — .357/.474/.500, 2 2B, 3 BB.

Corey Dickerson (OF) — .293/.454/.353, 1 2B, 2 BB.

Russell Wilson (2B) — .158/.158/.211, 1 2B, 2 SB.

Rafael Ortega (OF) — .182/.217/.227, 1 2B, 4 SB.

Albert Campos (RHP) — 0-1, 6.0 IP, 9 H, 4 ER, 1 HR, 0 BB, 4 Ks.
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Clipped from: www.denverpost.com (share this clip)

Smith believes last year’s failure — he asked for more playing time then promptly tanked when he got it — will make him better. Last year Smith became pull-happy, a mental approach that made no sense, given his swing. If he sticks to using the entire field, Smith should bat .290 with 55 extra-base hits. — Renck

Ty Wigginton has made a quite an impression on his new team.

Clipped from: colorado.rockies.mlb.com (share this clip)

“That was the main reason I signed here, was to play meaningful games late in the season and to get to play into October. I’ve got very high expectations. So far this spring, everything about being in Colorado has exceeded my expectations. I’m enjoying every single day out there.” — Wiggy

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