Friedrich potential revealed behind the numbers

Christian Friedrich

Christian Friedrich has had his moments in 2012 despite his ERA being over 5.00 most of the season. Friday was another example of how good he's looked.

Friedrich held the Phillies to one run on five hits in six innings and also allowed just one walk. He showed punch-out power with seven strikeouts, an important quality when a pitcher can get outs on his own.

The team's first-round pick in 2008 still has an ERA of 5.60 but does have five strong outings this season where he's allowed but one earned run.

He's way too hittable (87 in 70 2/3 innings) and allows too many home runs (10) but those five strong starts, the 69 strikeouts and 3/1 K/BB rate all reveal Friedrich has talent.

There is potential there for much more development. The questions are will Friedrich work to get there, will he stay healthy and will he find the answers to improve?

The Rockies' front office has to be encourage. Friedrich has come a long ways from where he was at the end of 2011.

More Rockies' Notes

Josh Rutledge, a 2003 third-round pick who was playing well at Double-A Tulsa was called up and for a game looked the part of starter with two hits and two RBI. This publication, formerly the Colorado Rockies' Prospects Report, has had Rutledge ranked highly amongst all Rockies' prospects and profiles him as a MLB starter, but expected his ETA to be 2013.

That Carlos Gonzalez is hitting .334 with Troy Tulowitzki out hurt, Todd Helton being ineffective and now injured, is remarkable. Gonzalez has continued to develop with the Rockies. He was talented as a prospect but his work ethic has made him special.

Matt Belisle's ERA in now 1.89. He's a valued bullpen arm but the Rockies are a bad club. Belisle will have marketability on the trade market and could bring a solid return, one that would exceed his value to Colorado over the next few years. The Rockies' should be all ears when other clubs call.

Rockies' Prospects Spotlight

Double-A third baseman Nolan Arenado's average is free falling, and now sits at .272. He's dog paddling now, trying to stay alive while searching for his hitting eye and stroke.

Outfielder Corey Dickerson, also at Double-A, doubled Friday and his average, once stuck around .200 is at .282. He still profiles as a MLB player to me and could see the big leagues by 2013.

Triple-A pitcher Alex White held his own but far from impressed, giving up three runs and three walks, as well as eight hits in six innings.