Poor hitting costs Rockies and Prospects Spotlight

Christian Friedrich

The Rockies got quality pitching, even if it was against San Diego, a team barely better than Colorado, but it wasn't enough in the team's 3-2 loss.

Christian Friedrich didn't show his best work but worked hard and kept his team in the game with a five-inning-two-run effort. He walked three and only struck out two. He did allow 10 fly balls and only induced four ground balls but he surrendered just one extra-base hit, a double.

Friedrich now has made three starts against the Padres this season, allowing five runs, four earned, in 16 innings, for a 2.25 ERA.

Rockies' Notes

The Rockies had five hits, none by the last name Gonzalez, Cuddyer or Colvin. Cuddyer and Colvin even combined for five strikeouts. How about hits for the names Young, Scutaro, Rutledge and two for LeMahieu?

The New York Yankees own the best record in baseball. They have only scored four more runs than the Rockies but have allowed 150 fewer runs.

New Rockie Jonathan Sanchez makes his debut for the Rockies on Monday. Regardless of what he shows, remember he's been regressing for two seasons, has been awful this season and the odds point strongly to him being bad overall the rest of the season. As written before here, he's either hurt and headed for surgery (most likely) or at the end of his career.

Drew Pomeranz will be held out of his next start due to arm soreness. Credit the Rockies for being smart. Call them wise if they keep young Pomeranz out longer for precautionary measures.

Former Rockie Huston Street picked up his 16th save in the victory.

The Rockies continue on the path to the second overall selection in next June's MLB Amateur Draft. Will the organization find a star, one it desperately needs?

Rockies' Prospects Spotlight

Kyle Parker

Kyle Parker continues to swing the bat well, collecting three more hits Sunday. His average is now up to .323 in 66 games at High-A Modesto. Parker has three or more hits in six of his last 10 games and is hitting .537 (22-for-41) in his last nine contests.

Parker has 14 doubles, 10 homers and 42 RBI. His plate defense - solid - 43 walks and 57 strikeouts.

He looks ready for Double-A Tulsa now.

Tyler Anderson (no. 1 pick/2011) gave up two runs in five innings for Low-A Asheville. He walked three and gave up a home run. His ERA rose to 2.70. It was his worst start since June 23. He's been that good.

Stellar relievers Kenneth Roberts (25th round/2010) and Russell Brewer (31st round/2010) lowered their ERA to 1.89 and 1.99, respectively at Low-A Asheville. The Rockies were astute in drafting them and deserve recognition for doing so. Roberts and Brewer deserve credit for taking advantage of their opportunity. The Rockies could and should consider giving them a taste of High-A Modesto before the end of the season. If not, they should surely be there in 2013.

David Dahl

David Dahl (no. 1 pick 2012) homered, finished with two hits and two RBI and bumped his average to .342. The Rockies have to feel pretty good about themselves about Dahl's debut season in the organization. He looks like a natural hitter.

Who you like as the best young (under 20) hitter in the organization right now depends on your taste. Low-Asheville shortstop Trevor Story has more power punch in his bat. Dahl is a more gifted overall batsman. 

Dahl's teammate, 22-year old Dominican second baseman Juan Ciriaco is another name to follow. His average is now .346. Only three of his 37 hits are for extra-bases but .346 is still .346.