Colorado Rays

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MAJOR LEAGUE ROSTER:

Salary Cap: $170,000,000
2013 MLB Payroll: $127,245,000
Responsible For: $136,920,000
Cap Space Available: $33,080,000


C Wilson Rosario COL 13:$0.5M 14:$0.5M 15:$1M 16:$2M 17:$3M
C Jose Molina TB 13:$1.8M
1B James Loney TB 13:$2M
2B Ben Zobrist TB 13:$5.5M 14:$7M (CO 2.5M Buyout) 15:$7.5M (CO 500K buyout))
3B Evan Longoria TB 13:$6M 14:$7.5M 15:$11M 16:$11.5M 17:$13.5M 18:$13.5M 19:$14.5M 20:$15M 21:$18.5M 22:$19.5M 23:$13M (CO 5M buyout)
SS Troy Tulowitzki COL 13:$10M 14:$16M 15:$20M 16:$20M 17:$20M 18:$20M 19:$20M 20:$14M 21:CO $15M(4M BO)
MI Josh Rutledge COL 13:$0.5M 14:$0.5M 15:$0.5M 16:$1M 17:$2M 18:$3M
LF Carlos Gonzalez COL 13:$7.5M 14:$10.5M 15:$16M 16:$17M 17:$20M
CF Dexter Fowler COL 13:$4M 14:$5M 15:$6M
RF Michael Cuddyer COL 13:$10.5M 14:$10.5M
OF Desmond Jennings TB 13:$0.5M 14:$0.5M 15:$1M 16:$2M 17:$3M
OF Matt Joyce TB 13:$2.45M 14:$3.45M 15:$4.45M

SP David Price TB 13:$10.11M 14:$11.11M 15$12.11M
SP Jeremy Hellickson TB 13:$0.5M 14:$1M 15:$2M 16:$3M
SP Matt Moore TB 13:$1M 14:$1M 15:$3M 16:$5M 17:CO $7M (BO 2.5M) 18:CO 9M (BO 1M) 19:CO 10M (BO 0.75M)
SP Jeff Nieman TB 13:$3M 14:4M
RP Fernando Rodney TB 13:$2.5M
RP Jake McGee TB 13:$0.5M 14:$0.5M 15:$1M 16:$2M 17:$3M
RP Joel Peralta TB 13:$3M 14:$3M 15:(CO $2.5M) 16:(CO $2.5M) 17:(CO $2.5M)
RP Rafael Betancourt COL 13:$4.25M 14:CO $4.25M (BO 0.25M)
P Matt Belise COL 13:$4.1M 14:CO 4.25M (BO 0.25M)
P Roy Halladay PHI 13: $19M

BN Sean Rodriguez TB: 13$1M 14:$2M 15:$3M
BN Chris Nelson COL 13:$0.5M 14:$1M 15:$2M 16:$3M 17:$4M
BN Alex Rodriguez NYA 13:$2M 14:$1.5M 15:$1M
BN Jordan Pacheco COL 13:$0.5M 14:$0.5M 15:$1M 16:$2M 17:3M
BN Rex Brothers COL 13:$0.5M 14:$0.5M 15:$1M 16:$2M 17:$3M
BN Wilton Lopez COL 13:$1.76M 14:2.76M 15:3.76M
BN Alex Cobb TB 13$0.5M 14:$0.5M 15:$1M 16:$2M 17:$3M
BN John Buck NYM 13: $2.5M
BN Justin Masterson CLE 13: $3M
BN Raul Ibanez SEA 13:$1M
BN Anthony Gose TOR: 13: $2.75M

Acquired in Trade:
Casey Janssen 13: 3.9M 14: 4M Club Option (No Buyout)
Tanner Scheppers 13: 1.2M, 14: 1.2M, 15: 1.2M, 16: 1.2M
Jose Quinata 13:500K
Felix Doubront 13: 1.25M 14:1.25M
JB Schuck 13:1M

Dropped and responsible for:
Scott Sizemore (5M) 1.25M
Edwin Jackson (5.7M) 1.425M
Brett Myers (1.5M) 375K
Jason Giambi (500K) 125K
Mark Teixeira (20.5M) 5.125M
Justin Ruggiano (5.5M) 1.375M
TOTAL 40-MAN ROSTER SALARY:

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TB

1) Wil Myers, OF, Grade A: I love the power and overall offensive package, main concern is strikeouts which could inhibit batting average, at least in the short run. Tampa seems like it will be a better fit for him than Kansas City was going to be.

2) Chris Archer, RHP, Grade B+: Just a matter of command: has the stuff to be a number two starter if he throws strikes. Of all the organizations in baseball, I think the Rays are well-suited to getting the most out of guys like Archer. He's got nothing left to prove in the minors, so run him out there and see what happens.

3) Taylor Guerrieri, RHP, Grade B+: I've gone back and forth between Archer and Guerrieri. When I do the Top 50 pitchers list, this may get flipped. Archer is ready now and G needs more time, of course, but I think G has a slightly higher ceiling. G could be a number one guy when all is said and done.

4) Jake Odorizzi, RHP, Grade B+: Borderline B. I've always liked Odo, but I do worry about the fly ball tendency becoming a problem. My guess is that he could struggle in the short run, but long-term I still expect him to be a number three starter, and the Rays do a better job developing young pitching than the Royals do.

5) Richie Shaffer, 3B, Grade B: One of my favorite bats in the 2012 draft, refined college hitter with good power and plate discipline. Defense at third base is underrated in my view, though of course he's blocked by Evan Longoria in this organization. Should hit enough to play first base or right field.

6) Alex Colome, RHP, Grade B-: Command is spotty and he suffered through physical maladies in 2012, but this is another guy who can be a mid-rotation starter. Also has closer-worthy stuff if they can't find room in the rotation. Should be ready for a role in 2014.

7) Hak-Ju Lee, SS, Grade B-: Like everyone else, I like his defense. I have been among the optimists about his bat, but his hitting sagged in '12 and I didn't like his approach in the Arizona Fall League. Just 22 years old and still has time to grow, but he needs another year in the minors.

8) Enny Romero, LHP, Grade B-: His command wobbles (76 walks in 126 innings in High-A is too many) but he's got quality stuff with mid-90s heat and a good curve. At worst he should be a good LOOGY, and with more development he can be a mid-rotation guy. The Rays have a lot of those.

9) Drew Vettleson, OF, Grade B-: Solid across-the-board, has some power, some speed, some patience, good defender in right field, hit pretty well in the Midwest League (.275/.340/.432) at age 20/21. I don't see him as a star but he does a lot of different things to help his teams.

10) Mikie Mahtook, OF, Grade B-: I was very pro-Mahtook entering the season and I still like him, but he didn't live up to my expectations, particularly in the power department. I still see him as a solid regular but it is possible he may be more of a very good fourth outfielder.

11) Blake Snell, LHP, Grade B-: Thrived in the Appalachian League (2.09 ERA, 54/17 K/BB in 47 innings) at age 19. Tall, projectable, still somewhat raw but another guy who projects as a big league rotation guy, assuming good health, etc.

12) Jeff Ames, RHP, Grade B-: Excellent season in the New York-Penn League (1.96 ERA, 70/20 K/BB in 64 innings) at age 21, impressive fastball and slider combination. Can be mid-rotation guy if he gets his changeup going, otherwise a good reliever.

13) Jake Hager, SS, Grade B-: Another Bowling Green guy, doesn't have Goeddel's tools but more polished at this point and actually several months younger, hit .281/.345/.412. Might wind up at second base but I like him.

14) Tyler Goeddel, 3B, Grade B-: Young, toolsy, one of many intriguing young position players (age 19) at Low-A Bowling Green who didn't put up terrific raw stats (.246/.335/.371, 30 steals) but who has the physical ability to be a regular player.

14) Todd Glaesman, OF, Grade B-: Prototype right field tools, hit .285/.336/.493 with 21 homers, 30 walks, 124 strikeouts in A-ball at age 21. Good thump in the bat but needs to get the strike zone under better control to avoid Francoeuritis.

16) Felipe Rivero, LHP, Grade B-: Solid Bowling Green lefty with live arm, 3.41 ERA with 98/29 K/BB in 113 innings. Stuff is not quite as good as Enny Romero's.

17) Parker Markel, RHP, Grade B-: Another Bowling Green guy, live-armed right-hander with power sinker, 3.53 ERA with 96/34 K/BB in 120 innings. And yet another guy who could be a mid-rotation starter if all goes well.

18) Jesse Hahn, RHP, Grade C+: Borderline B-. Recovered from Tommy John surgery to dominate New York-Penn League for Hudson Valley (2.77 ERA, 55/15 K/BB, 2.88 GO/AO in 52 innings). Has always had the stuff, just needs command and health. Once we see how much stamina he has, he could shoot way up this list in 2013. You can draw a scenario where he ranks as their second-best pitching prospect behind G nine months from now.

19) Tim Beckham, INF, Grade C+: Seems like he can be a useful utility guy to me. Forget any possibility of stardom and he's probably not a regular either.

20) Ryan Brett, 2B, Grade C+: Best of the four Bowling Green prospects who got suspended late in the year for PED use. Hit .285/.348/.393 with 48 steals. I like him, he can move well up the list in 2013.

21: Mike Montgomery
22: Brandon Guyer
23: Cole Figueroa
24: Ty Morrison
25: Alex Torres

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COL

1) Trevor Story, SS, Grade B+: Borderline A-: I want to see how his contact issues look against better pitching, but overall there are a lot of things to like here. . .power, speed, walks, defense, a complete package if the strikeouts don't eat him up. I don't expect they will. Ranks a bit ahead of Dahl due to defensive premium.

2) David Dahl, OF, Grade B+: Borderline A-. Almost went with the A-, but Story needs to rank ahead due to defensive premium and longer track record. I like them both. Like Story, Dahl can be a complete offensive player with power, speed, and defensive contributions. I just want to see him outside the Pioneer League.

3) Nolan Arenado, 3B; Grade B+: Glove is very good, should be a solid but not outstanding hitter in a neutral environment, say .275/.330/.450, however Coors Field should play to his strengths and goose those numbers.

4) Kyle Parker, OF, Grade B: Made very good progress cutting down on his strikeouts and improving plate discipline, and I don't think his power was a Cal League illusion. Not a .300 hitter in a neutral environment, but should be a 20+ homer guy.

5) Edwar Cabrera, LHP, Grade B-: He's got that killer changeup, low-90s fastball, and a decent-enough curve, plus he pitched well in Colorado Springs. Whether that's enough to survive Coors, I don't know, but in a neutral environment I think he'd be a solid fourth starter.

6) Eddie Butler, RHP, Grade B-: Sinker/slider combo with velocity plus movement gave him 2.13 ERA with 55/13 K/BB, 1.96 GO/AO in the Pioneer League. Poor changeup may limit him to relief at higher levels, but if it comes around he could be a number three starter.

7) Tyler Anderson, LHP, Grade B-: Average fastball but excellent changeup and control resulted in 2.47 ERA in Low-A, 81/28 K/BB in 120 innings. Breaking ball is so-so and limits his strikeout potential. Projects as a number four starter.

8) Corey Dickerson, OF, Grade B-: At some point people just have to admit that the guy can hit, mediocre tools and middling glove aside. May not be a big batting average guy, but the power is real in my view.

9) Tyler Matzek, LHP, Grade C+: Stuff isn't the problem, but will his command ever be good enough for the stuff to matter? I have no idea. Grade A arm, but Grade C/D+ in the control and consistency departments.

10) Rafael Ortega, OF, Grade C+: Line drive hitter with amazing defensive skills, but needs to prove that his bat will hold up against advanced pitching. Double-A will tell us if he can be a possible regular or just a good fourth outfielder.

11) Chad Bettis, RHP, Grade C+: Missed entire season with shoulder problems. He's a solid Grade B prospect if healthy, as a mid-rotation starter or (more probably) a relief option and potential closer due to his issues with the changeup. Both fastball and slider are plus/plus pitches.

12) Tom Murphy, C, Grade C+: Third round pick from University of Buffalo is somewhat raw as college players go, but is athletic, has power, and unlike Will Swanner he'll stay at catcher.

13) Will Swanner, C, Grade C+: Enormous power, 30-homer potential, but his strikeout problems (101 in 325 AB) may preclude batting average/OBP against better pitching. His defense is terrible, caught 10% of runners and gave up 120 stolen bases in 75 games behind the plate in Low-A.

14) Ryan Wheeler, 3B-1B, Grade C+: Acquired in trade with Diamondbacks. Adequate glove at third could keep position warm until Arenado is ready. Bat is average with decent power and should play well in Coors.

15) Tim Wheeler, OF, Grade C+: Hamate injury sapped power, hit just two homers in Triple-A after knocking 33 in Double-A in 2011. True level of talent is somewhere in between. Has problems hitting lefties, solid glove, platoon/fourth outfielder profile.

16) Jayson Aquino, LHP, Grade C+: Highly projectable lefty made brief but successful debut in Pioneer League (1.87 ERA in 43 innings) after dominating Dominican Summer League. 88-92 now with more heat possible, has a good changeup, working on breaking stuff, just turned 20.

17) Rob Scahill, RHP, Grade C+: Easy to overlook due to 5.68 ERA in Triple-A, but that's Colorado Springs and his FIP was two runs lower. Quality fastball/sinker/slider combination could be useful in pen if command is there, could also be fifth starter.

18) Joe Gardner, RHP, Grade C+: Another sinkerballer with 2.04 GO/AO in Double-A, should see the majors sometime this year. Like Scahill, he could be a back-end starter or a reliever that you can stretch out more than one inning.

19) Danny Rosenbaum, LHP, Grade C+: Rule 5 pick from Nationals could stick in bullpen with a chance to start at some point given good durability history, control, and ground ball tendency (2.29 GO/AO in Double-A). We should sense a theme here with sinker specialists Rosenbaum, Gardner, and Scahill all in line for trials.

20) Wilfredo Rodriguez, C, Grade C+: Seventh round pick out of high school in Puerto Rico is stocky at 5-10, 200, but quite mobile, should develop into a good defensive catcher, has power potential, hit .319/.370/.452 in Pioneer League. Long-term prospect but quite interesting.

21: Kent Matthes

[Chuck (Philadelphia Astros)]

I love your mino league comments!!! I may need to do that for my team. Good work!! Good luck this year.

[Drew (Chicago Blue Jays)]

Haha, if only those were his comments. I would be incredibly impressed. Those are Sickels's comments though.

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Yeah, those aren't mine haha.

Check out this post over at Minorleaguebaseball.com. It has a nice writeup like that for the top 20 prospects for each team.

www.minorleagueball.com/pages/top-20-prospects-for-2012