Colorado Rockies: Three 2017 draft picks worth watching

The Colorado Rockies entered the 2017 MLB Draft without a first round pick for the first time in over 15 years. The pick was forfeited after the team signed free agent 1B/OF Ian Desmond this offseason.

Even without a pick in the top 45, the Rockies came away with a haul of impressive prospects. Let’s take a closer look at three picks who should garner a little extra attention as they develop.

The Colorado Rockies farm system is widely regarded as one of the best in baseball. With such confidence in the ability to develop talent already in the organization, GM Jeff Bridich was willing to part with the team’s first-round pick in favor of an established big league utility-man. The outcome of the decision will depend on how Desmond fares during his time in Denver, but the club is focused on winning now, and his contributions are making a difference.

After waiting until the 48th pick to make the team’s first selection, the Rockies went with another high-upside high school infielder, Ryan Vilade.

RHP Garrett Schilling (18th Round/536th Overall): Xavier University

Garrett Schilling doesn’t exactly jump off the page as the next big thing for any team, but his upside is much greater than his measurable stats.

The right-handed pitcher from Clawson, Michigan stands just 6-foot-2 on the mound. He owns a 7-8 record with a 3.57 ERA this season, and a pedestrian 0.61 K/9. On the plus side, he doesn’t walk many batters or give up many home runs. During his junior season at Xavier, Schilling pitched a gem in the Regional round of the NCAA Tournament, allowing just two hits over seven innings.

He has been used exclusively as a starting pitcher in his time at Xavier. With an average outing of 5.68 innings per start, he could use more work being stretched out for the next level, but could also be a valuable tool in the middle relief role. Schilling could also choose to return to Xavier for his senior season and spurn the Rockies altogether.

No Rockies’ selection in the 18th round has gone on to enjoy success for the club in the past, but the team’s most notable 18th rounder was right-hander Andrew Cashner in 2006. Cashner did not sign with the club and was eventually drafted in the first round by the Chicago Cubs in 2008.

RHP Tommy Doyle (Comp. B/70th Overall): Virginia

Winning is an important part of any young player’s success at the next level. Tommy Doyle experienced winning in its purest form during his freshman season at Virginia. After being drafted by the Nationals out of high school, Doyle instead joined the Cavaliers, who won the 2015 NCAA Tournament. Doyle was a key piece in the bullpen during the championship run. He pitched in 16 games out of the bullpen in 2015, including 3.2 scoreless innings during the tournament.

In 2016, Doyle started seven games while at Virginia, but struggled before moving back to his natural spot in the bullpen. Another stellar season in 2016 landed Doyle on the Third-Team All-ACC. A successful college career to this point got Doyle drafted once again, this time by the Rockies.

He has the clearest path to success at this point, as the bullpen can always be improved. His first pro season will be monitored heavily after a long season at Virginia, but he could be set up for success as early as Spring Training. With 17 career saves under his belt, he could be worked in pressure situations in the minor leagues to build mental toughness. Don’t be surprised if Tommy Doyle is the first 2017 draftee to crack the big league roster.

Next: Three Bullpen Targets at the Deadline