http://www.sportsblurb.com/farm27.htm The Farm Report By Seth Trachtman The Rockies have a solid farm system and they need it. Huge contracts to Mike Hampton, Denny Neagle and Todd Helton have made their major league spending power minute. At least three of their top prospects should make their major league roster in 2005 and make large immediate contributions. A few others are very close to the majors, and they have another five prospects that could make many other teams' top 10 prospects lists. 1. Ian Stewart, 3B: You can make a strong argument for Stewart being the top position prospect in the game. The 2003 first round pick out of high school hit .319-30-101 with 19 steals in Low-A last season at the age of 19. He draws walks relatively well, and his defense is excellent. The only weakness is a slight strikeout problem, but that should not prevent him from becoming one of the top third basemen in baseball in a few years. ETA: 2007 2. Jeff Francis, SP: Francis would likely be the top prospect listed for any other team. The combination of Stewart's talent and that place in Denver that is waiting for him pushes him down to number two. This 2002 first round pick from Canada absolutely dominated last season between Double-A and Triple-A, on his way to the majors. He posted a 1.98 in 17 starts in Double-A before a 2.85 in seven starts in Triple-A. Between his three levels last season, he had a 228/42 K/BB ratio in 191.1 innings pitched. The lefty throws in the low-90s with a terrific repertoire, and obviously, terrific control. His ERA was above 5.00 in his brief time in the majors despite a K/BB ratio of nearly 3/1. If Francis is unable to work with Coors Field, I would say that it's impossible. ETA: 2005 3. Ubaldo Jimenez, SP: Jimenez missed most of last season with a fractured shoulder blade, but he did make nine starts on the year. The right-hander throws in the high-90s and had 61 strikeouts in 44.1 innings pitched at the age of 20 in High-A. His control was much before last season than previously when he did pitch. Following a long layoff, the Rockies just hope he can get healthy and back with his old stuff. ETA: 2007 4. Chris Nelson, SS: The Rockies' recent first round pick track record is excellent, and they hope that their 2004 pick, Nelson, adds to the success. Straight out of high school, Nelson hit .347-4-20 with six steals in 147 at- bats at Rookie Level. The toolsy shortstop is arguably the top shortstop prospect in the game now that B.J. Upton and Jose Lopez have graduated to the majors. ETA: 2008 5. Jeff Baker, 3B: Baker is ahead of Ian Stewart in the minors, already arriving to Double-A, but he will still likely be moved to another position due to Stewart. Baker hit .325-11-64 in High-A in less than 300 at-bats prior to his call-up to Double-A, where he hit .297 with four homers in less than 100 at-bats. He showed even better power while in college at Clemson and easily has enough hitting ability to start in the majors. ETA: 2006 6. Jeff Salazar, OF: It was a year with mixed results for Salazar. He was terrific in High-A, hitting .347-13-44 with 17 steals and a 38/33 BB/K ratio in just over 300 at-bats. Then came the call-up to Double-A, where he hit just .223-1-17 with 10 steals in over 200 at-bats. The 24-year-old still showed terrific plate discipline and contact ability at that level, so hopefully he was just in the process of making adjustments. Next season will be a huge year for him. ETA: 2006 7. Clint Barmes, SS: The Rockies have Barmes penciled in at shortstop for 2005. He hit .328-16-51 with 20 steals in Triple-A last season and also did a fine job after being called up to the majors. The major concern is whether he can maintain that hitting ability, as he had never hit .300 in the minors prior to last season. His walk rate is also rather low. Though, with Coors Field he should have a solid shot at hitting .300 again. ETA: 2005 8. Garrett Atkins, 3B: Defense prevents Atkins from being a very good major league third baseman. The 25-year-old has been a strong .300+ hitter with pop and great plate discipline in the minors. He had a career year last season, hitting .366-15-94 with a 57/45 BB/K ratio and 43 doubles. The Rockies have not signed a sure-starter at third base this off-season to replace Vinny Castilla, so maybe Atkins will get a shot in Spring Training. ETA: 2005 9. J.D. Closser, C: Now we come to Colorado's catcher of now and the future. Closser is a solid catcher in all facets. The 24-year-old hit .299-7-54 with a solid walk rate in under 300 at-bats in Triple-A last season. He hit over .300 for the Rockies in over 100 at-bats late last season and will be the primary starter at catcher for the team this season. In Coors Field, he should be among the top offensive catchers in the game. ETA: 2005 10. Ryan Shealy, 1B: First base is where he is listed now, but obviously, Shealy is not going to stay there if he has a future in the Rockies organization. The big right-hander hit .318-29-99 in Double-A last season at the age of 25. Granted, he was a little old for that level. Shealy has a strong minor league track record to this point and should expect a September call-up in 2005. ETA: 2006 --

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