The Rockies have drafted Michael Toglia, a versatile first baseman out of UCLA, three times: On Monday in the first round at No. 23 overall, in the 35th round out of high school in 2016 and as a 10-year-old.
Okay, so Toglia’s selection as a 10-year-old wasn’t by the “real” Rockies, but still — it provided interesting career foreshadowing for the 6-foot-5, 226-pound switch-hitter.
“I played for the Rockies on my Little League team, too, so my journey has come full circle,” Toglia said. “It was only for a year, and they called it the ‘major leagues’ and did a draft where the Rockies literally drafted me at 10 years old.”
This time around, Tagolia’s selection by the Rockies — at an approximate pick value of $2.93 million — surely won’t be a one-year deal, and the junior who passed on Colorado in favor of UCLA coming out of Gig Harbor High School (Washington) said he expects to sign as soon as the college postseason is over.
“As soon as we’re done with Omaha, I’m ready to go,” he said.
A natural right-hander, Toglia has flashed power from both sides of the plate since developing into a switch-hitter in his early teens and noted he’s “comfortable anywhere” defensively, from first base to center field.
“Because I throw left-handed, my dad was always questioning and seeing if I could naturally hit left-handed too,” Toglia said. “I started to build off that, and by the time I was in high school, I was a full-time switch-hitter.”
Toglia’s eager to get his professional career going, and says his primary goal at whatever level he starts at — most likely with the rookie-league Grand Junction Rockies — is to show off his burning desire to win.
“I think I bring a lot to the table, and at the top of the list is my competitive edge,” Toglia said. “I want to show that I’m a winner, and bring that to each level as I move up. I want to get to Coors Field as fast as I can.”
— , The Denver Post
What’s on Tap
- At Chicago Cubs, 12:20 p.m. Thursday, ATTRM
- At New York Mets, 5:10 p.m. Friday, ATTRM
- At New York Mets, 5:15 p.m. Saturday, KDVR-31
- At New York Mets, 11:10 a.m. Sunday, ATTRM
Must-Read
Rockies bring the bats, but Colorado native David Bote’s monster night paces Cubs past Rockies
The Colorado guy did the Rockies no favors Wednesday night at Wrigley Field. Read more…
Rockies’ top pitching prospect Peter Lambert to be called up Thursday to make big-league debut
The right-handed starter, 22, is 2-2 with a 5.07 ERA in 11 starts for the Triple-A Isotopes this season. Read more…
Rockies Mailbag: Whatap really wrong with Kyle Freeland? MLB trade deadline, team sports psychologist and more
Denver Post sports writer Patrick Saunders posts his Rockies Mailbag every week on Tuesdays during the season. Read more…
Quick Hits
+ Rockies’ picks on the final day of 2019 MLB draft, Rounds 11-40
+ Cubs snap Rockies’ eight-game win streak as Javier Baez’s two-run homer powers Chicago
+ Carlos Gonzalez finds fresh opportunity with Cubs, who are eager to see how he can fit into their playoff chase
+ Mullen alum Maverick Handley is 1st Colorado player picked in 2019 MLB draft; Quin Cotton also selected
+ Rockies select UCLA first baseman Michael Toglia with No. 23 overall pick in 2019 MLB draft
+ Rockies take Georgia two-way star Aaron Schunk in second round of 2019 MLB draft
+ Rockies’ Trevor Story named National League player of the week
+ Nolan Arenado, Trevor Story leading Rockies’ resurgent offense
+Rockies Mailbag: Have a question about the team?Ask Patrick Saunders here.
+Want to chat about the Rockies?
By The Numbers
20
Saunders: 20 leading questions begin with Rockies’ starting pitching
Will Rockies pitchers, who’ve already served up 81 home runs, set the franchise record by topping the 239 home runs given up by the 2001 pre-humidor staff? Read more…
Parting Shot
Newman vs. Kiz: How much would it cost the Rockies to trade for Marcus Stroman?
Kiz: After pitching well but losing Saturday to the Rockies, Stroman made it clear he wants out of Toronto. He said: “This is not fun. Itap not a fun atmosphere. I’m a winner. I hate losing. I can’t put that into words enough.” And I can’t say it strongly enough: Stroman is exactly the veteran pitcher Colorado needs. Read more…
Get in Touch
If you see something thatap cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion, email me at jbailey@denverpost.comortweet me .
