Prospect Countdown: #22 Colin Rodgers

22. Colin Rodgers Left Handed Pitcher

photo courtesy of: roxaddict.mlbblogs.com

Age: 19                                                                                    
Position: LHP
Height: 6-0
Weight: 180
B/T: L/L
Acquired: Drafted in 3rd round of 2012 Amateur Draft
From: Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Paden Bennett (21):  I'm very excited for Colin Rodgers.  The southpaw had a solid rookie season in Burlington with 48 innings pitched and a 2.05 era and a solid 1.15 whip.  Dan says Rodgers compares to C.J. Wilson and I can definitely see some similarities between the two.  Rodgers fastball is in the high 80's to low 90's range which is the slot Wilson is almost always in.  The one aspect to Rodgers that I'm most excited about is his curveball.  I really feel like this can turn into be a very good out pitch for him.  I love the upside of this kid.

Joe Cox (NR): The 6 foot, 180 left handed pitcher, Rodgers was selected in the third round of last season’s amateur draft.  Rodgers is only 19 and features a low 90’s fastball, a plus curve and a work in progress changeup.  Rodgers is young and raw, but the Royals should view him as a potential starter as long as his secondary pitches can improve.  Rodgers should return to rookie ball this season and it should take a couple years of development before we can really tell where Rodgers projects to pitch at the major league level.  There is some obvious upside here in another young and promising arm that the Royals coveted enough to draft early in last year’s draft.

Damion Mandalas (24): Due to his advanced level of pitching, the Royals felt confident enough in Rodgers to sign him to an over slot bonus of $700K in the 2012 draft. Following the signing, the former Baton Rouge High School product baffled hitters in the Appalachian League with a calculate ability to add and subtract from his fastball throughout his starts, while showing off the potential of plus offerings in his curveball and change up. Thanks to his arsenal and pitchability, Rodgers was able to lead the Appy League among qualifying pitchers in LD% allowed, allowing opposing hitters to square up the ball just 6.5% of the time.

As he progresses up the system, I'd like to seem him focus more on fooling batters with location than changing velocity. Rodgers is an interesting prospect, but like all high school pitchers he needs to refine his secondary stuff.

Dan Ware (NR):  Colin Rodgers should be added to your 'Watchlist' this upcoming season.  The 18 year old lefty had a successful rookie campaign in 2012 with Burlington, posting a 3-1 record in 11 starts with a 2.05 era.  With comparisons to C.J. Wilson, Colin has an 88-91 fastball with great movement.  He possesses a good curve and solid changeup.  He's known to have a slider as well, but hasn't showcased it all that much.  I like what this kid has done in his first pro year and I hope he continues to work hard to accomplish the ultimate goal.  Don't expect him to be in KC anytime soon though.

Total Points: 17