Francis regressing and Rockies' prospects

Jeff Francis' production not up to par again

Jeff Francis had a run where six of his eight starts were competitive (3.43 ERA) but he's slumping now, with his last three starts (10.80 ERA) not measuring up to his previous standard. Last night's loss in Los Angeles the worst pitching the Rockies received in the series.

Offensively, the Rockies drew but two walks and struck out nine times, hardly effective work in the batter's box.

Rockies' Prospects Spotlight

Has reliever Coty Woods peaked as a prospect or is he merely slow making adjustments at a higher level of competition?

At Triple-A, he has six saves since being promoted to Colorado Springs but his ERA is 5.25, his average against is .298 and he has allowed more hits (14) than innings pitched (12) and has more walks (7) than strikeouts (6). This from a man who had an eye-popping 0.76 ERA at Double-A.

Christian Bergman

High-A starter Christian Bergman threw six shutout innings and lowered his ERA to 3.00 over his 23 starts. Since the All-Star break, his ERA is even better - 2.73.

He's not a star in the making but he has been very effective the last two seasons, posting a 2.83 combined ERA. I'll write it again, not bad for 24th-round draft pick. He has to prove he's not too hittable at Double-A Tulsa next year. That is a concern of mine. He's more pitcher (compliment) than dominant stuff.

Low-A first baseman Harold Riggins hit two homers and now has 19 on the season to go along with his .302 average. He has plate defense issues with 37 walks and 104 strikeouts but he has surely been productive this season and raised his prospect status.

David Dahl doubled and finished with two hits at Grand Junction to raise his average to .381. The outfielder continues to excel.

Grand Junction pitcher Eddie Butler had his worst start since July 1st, allowing six hits, four walks and four runs in four innings.

Tri-City pitcher's Peter Tago's season ERA is 4.89 but since July, it's 3.12. The 2010 supplemental first-round pick has a long ways to go but has started to show his talent and potential this season.

Tri-City reliever Ryan Arrowood threw three shutout innings, striking out seven. His ERA - 1.06. He has 41 K's in 34 innings and has allowed but 20 hits and no homers. Dominant.