Wheeler and Blackmon struggling in 2012

Tim Wheeler

Much was expected from outfielders Tim Wheeler and Charles Blackmon in 2012, with both expected to push for time in Rockies' uniforms. Injuries slowed both but now back playing, the two are looking off their games.

Wheeler, 24, hit 33 homers and doubled 28 times while hitting .287 at Tulsa a season ago but in 44 games at Triple-A Colorado Springs, he's hitting but .293 (low for the Pacific Coast League) with 10 doubles, 1 homer and 18 RBI. He's struck out 38 times. That performance is not worthy of a callup anytime soon.

Charlie Blackmon

Blackmon started his comeback at short-season Tri-City before traveling to Colorado Springs and in 40 combined games has hit a disappointing .221 with 10 doubles, a triple, two homers and 11 RBI, while striking out 27 times.

So the 26-year-old Blackmon is not making enough contact and is defending the plate poorly. He looks lost and is a shell of the moderate-level prospect he was a year ago.

Maybe both Wheeler and Blackmon get stronger and further removed from their injuries and again find their hitting stroke and power in 2013.

The 2012 season seems to be about surviving more than thriving for them.

More Rockies' Prospects

At Double-A, star prospect Nolan Arenado's average is down to .276. While he has not failed this level, his play this season has been far less than expected for fans, many of whom believed he should start the season in Colorado. Some media have also expected to be ready for Denver this season. Preposterous.

Meanwhile, outfielder Corey Dickerson is starting to solve Double-A pitching. Moving up from High-A Modesto to Tulsa this season was impressive but Dickerson was trying to make contact but wasn't doing well. With three hits Thursday, his average is now up to .277, with seven doubles and four homers. He's cruising in July with  a .395 average.

His combined numbers in 2012 are a .320 average with 31 doubles, six triples, 13 homers and 58 RBI.

Dickerson's power is not what it was a year ago but his batting average and plate defense are markedly improved and he's still a solid prospect at 23-years old. He will have to show more home-run power and hit right-handed pitching better than the .268 he's hitting at in Tulsa.