Looking at the season-long performances of at least five prospects in the Rockies’ farm system indicates there are some young guns scattered from top to bottom.
Whether they’ll continue their push upward to help the Rockies anytime soon remains the question.
Pitchers such as left-handed starter Tyler Anderson at Low-A Asheville and right-handed reliever Coty Woods, who divided time at Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Colorado Springs, put up big numbers. Woods chalked up 27 saves — 16 at Tulsa and 11 for the Sky Sox. Anderson finished 12-3 with 81 strikeouts and 28 walks for the Tourists in his first full season since the Rockies selected him as their top draft pick in 2011.
“We have some players throughout the system that have put together very good seasons,” said Jeff Bridich, Rockies director of player development. “But to say they’ll automatically be ready to play in the big leagues in a couple of years is pushing the envelope. Statistics from one season doesn’t tell the whole story.”
Sky Sox manager Stu Cole saw Woods continue the closer’s role and pick up saves. But there were concerns. Woods allowed 11 walks in 20 ⅔ innings, and his ERA shot up from 0.76 in Double-A to 7.40 in Triple-A.
Regarding Anderson, Asheville manager Joe Mikulik said, “Tyler is one of the up-and-coming players we have in the organization. He has to develop better command of his fastball.”
Mikulik credited the effort of his whole postseason-bound team for putting up notable numbers. The Tourists won 88 games.
Outfielder Corey Dickerson divided his time between Single-A Modesto and Tulsa and managed to stay on the list of young guns. So did outfielder Kyle Parker at Single-A Modesto, the Rockies’ No. 1 draft pick in 2010. The start of a professional career by outfielder David Dahl at Rookie League Grand Junction signaled the possible beginning of something special.
Dickerson had a solid season, hitting .304 with 154 hits. He played 60 games in Single-A and 67 in Double-A.
“Corey has had two pretty significant seasons, back-to-back,” Tulsa manager Duane Espy said. “He has great talent swinging the bat.”
Last season in Asheville, Dickerson hit .282 with 32 home runs and 87 RBIs.
Parker was slowed early with a wrist injury but came on strong and finished with a .308 batting average, 120 hits, 23 home runs, 73 RBIs and an on-base percentage of .415.
The regular minor-league season is over. The challenge for all of them is to show they can do it again next year.
Irv Moss: 303-954-1296, imoss@denverpost.com
