Colorado Rockies: 3 interesting quotes from the top 3 draft picks of 2021

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Jun 20, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; A general view of a Colorado Rockies hat and glove in the sixth inning of the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

The potential future of the Colorado Rockies visited Coors Field on Wednesday, with several of the 2021 MLB draft picks officially signing their contracts with the franchise.

Among those taking in the sights and sounds of the Colorado Rockies-Seattle Mariners series on both Tuesday and Wednesday were Colorado’s top three draft picks of 2021. While at Coors Field, outfielder Benny Montgomery (eighth overall selection), right-handed pitcher Jaden Hill (44th overall selection), and left-handed pitcher Joe Rock (68th overall selection) took time out of the schedule to sit down with member of the media, including Rox Pile, to talk about their careers so far and their hopes for what is to come with the Rockies.

Here are three interesting quotes from the top three Colorado Rockies draft picks of 2021

Let’s start with Montgomery, who has been described as potentially having the best all-around tools of any high schooler in the draft. Montgomery shared some thoughts right after being drafted by the Rockies that you can read here, but he got more in-depth with his workout routine during Wednesday’s chat.

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“I try to go oppo (opposite field) a lot in the (batting) cage as well,” Montgomery said. “It doesn’t really do you any good to hit 450-foot pullside cage bombs. For me, it’s about hitting line drives.”

That short sentence says a lot about what Montgomery is going to try to bring to the Arizona Complex League and his future stops in the Rockies organization. He already realizes the opportunities that are there for hitters who can focus on line drives just out of the infielder’s reach.

It’s an interesting concept from a hitter who won the Perfect Game Home Run Challenge in September. Montgomery certainly has the power, but his focus every day is on getting better at the hits that don’t leave the park.

Jul 16, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Marcus Stroman (0) delivers a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

At 6-foot-4 and 235 pounds, Jaden Hill makes an impact when he walks into the room. His physical presence is a far cry from New York Mets starting pitcher Marcus Stroman, listed at 5-foot-7 and 180 pounds. While there may not be similarities in their statures, Hill is a big fan of what Stroman brings to the mound before and during his outings.

“I love Stroman,” Hill said. “I just connect with him and his work ethic and how serious he takes the game, on and off the field. To me, he’s an example of a professional. He takes care of his body. He puts in the work and he’s a competitor.”

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Hill is already putting in the work to recover from Tommy John surgery, and that injury is one of the reasons why Hill was still available to the Rockies with the 44th overall pick.

The right-hander has all of the tools necessary to succeed, including a changeup that Hill called “a natural pitch” for him and said it was the first pitch he ever learned. He also said it was a pitch that he felt comfortable enough throwing on any count to keep hitters off balance.

Once he completes his rehab, the Rockies will be able to see exactly what Hill can bring to the mound. With Stroman to look up to for work ethic and professionalism, expect Hill to be on the fast track to recovery.

Jul 13, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; A general view of Coors Field as American League starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels (17) pitches to National League third baseman Nolan Arenado of the St. Louis Cardinals (28) during the first inning during the 2021 MLB All Star Game at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Former University of Ohio pitcher Joe Rock grew up as a Pittsburgh Pirates fan and had never been to Coors Field until this week. While the 68th overall pick had never seen Colorado’s home ballpark in person, he had seen it plenty of times while playing MLB The Show.

“I usually play it on PlayStation and Coors Field is my go-to stadium. It’s actually cool to see it in person,” Rock said.

So wait, a pitching prospect plays at Coors Field on his video game because …

“I like to hit home runs,” Rock laughed.

OK, so the new guy is in on the whole Coors Field narrative as well. Good to know.

Of course, in real life, Rock’s goal is to make it to Coors Field and not give up home runs. A 6-foot-6 left-hander, Rock has drawn comparisons to Chris Sale on the mound with his look and delivery. Last season for Ohio, Rock struck out 117 batters in 88.2 innings of work and opponents hit just .209 against him.

2020 Rockies top draft pick Zac Veen on his biggest adjustment. dark. Next

While Hill talked about Stroman’s work ethic in his interview, Rock put in plenty of work himself to climb the draft boards and get Colorado’s attention. His interesting summer routine and some great quotes from his college catcher about Rock on the mound can be found in this article.

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Here are three interesting quotes from the top three Colorado Rockies draft picks of 2021

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