Three intriguing Colorado Rockies prospects

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

For all of the well-deserved criticism the Colorado Rockies’s front office has received and will continue to receive, they have actually built up a fairly stout farm system in recent years. There is promise to be found with both position players and pitchers.

The process is certainly still ongoing, but they have rebounded quickly from the days of the Ubaldo Jimenez trade when they were flailing to restock the system.

Over at Grading on the Curve, FanSided’s baseball prospect site, they recently ranked the franchise’s top 15 prospects. Here are their thoughts on three noteworthy names (click here for the full article from Shaun P. Kernahan).

#6 – Tyler Anderson, left-handed pitcher

"Anderson is a big lefty who throws out of a high 3/4 arm slot and features a four pitch mix…His fastball sits in the low 90′s, but he has a plus change that keeps hitters off balance…He will have to prove himself this spring, which will determine if he starts the year in Double-A or Triple-A.  Regardless of where he starts the season, if he pitches well, he could earn himself a trip to Denver come late 2014.”"

I’ll say this – I have high hopes for Anderson, but if we see him in the big leagues in 2014 it’s because the Rockies have flopped and they’re evaluating things for the future (again). I think he’s a year away from logging big league innings that matter.

#4 – David Dahl, outfielder

"Dahl is a future center fielder with only one tool that doesn’t project as plus, that being power…His maturity has come into question over the missed flight demotion, but there is no concern of maturity in his game.  He has a knack for getting the bat on the ball, can run, and plays quality center field…Look for him to start the year at High-A, but could get a quick promotion to Double-A.”"

The nice thing is, the Rockies can afford to take their time with Dahl and let him develop both in terms of talent and in terms of maturity.

#2 – Eddie Butler, right-handed pitcher

"Butler can touch 98 MPH with is fastball, but can also throw a two-seamer with plenty of late, arm-side, run.  He has a deadly change and a plus slider, making him effective against both right-handed and left-handed batters…Triple-A is the likely starting spot in 2014, but could certainly get called up to the big leagues this season.”"

It’s not fair to put pressure on Butler, who will be 21 when the season starts. But life’s not fair. There will be significant pressure on Butler to be the Rockies’ version of a young star pitcher in 2014 and propel the team to contention.

Be sure to click here for the complete article and to check out the rest of the list.