DENVER — The Colorado Rockies continued their youth movement during the second day of the 2015 draft.
After picking three high school prospects in the first two rounds Monday, the Rockies went back to the prep level to start Tuesday’s action, selecting right-handed pitcher Javier Medina of Sahuaro High School in Arizona. Medina, who turns 19 on Aug. 9, moved to Arizona from Hermosillo, Mexico, was 4-0 with 62 strikeouts in 37 innings for Sahuaro.
The Rockies went with college arms in their next two picks but it is clear they are willing to wait on the talent they selected. Shortstop Brendan Rodgers (third overall), Mike Nikorak (27th overall) and third baseman Tyler Nevin (38th overall) will take time to develop, but manager Walt Weiss says that’s the smarter route.
“It’s tough sledding for a kid that age,” Weiss said. “It’s a very dog-eat-dog business we’re in. There’s tough lessons to be learned, not only when you’re 18 but when you’re 51, too. We drafted some very talented young kids that we feel have a bright future. There will be some growing pains along the way.”
The Rockies experienced that with right-handed starter Eddie Butler. Butler began the season strong but faltered since early May and was sent to Triple-A on Tuesday to work out some issues with his velocity and pitch selection. It’s a minor setback for a player the team remains confident will be a mainstay in the rotation in the future.
“He’s performed pretty well but we felt there’s another level there for Eddie so he’ll go down and work on some things.” Weiss said. “We feel there’s a little bit more development out front for Eddie. He’ll be better served in a minor league environment than here where the stakes are higher.”