Rockies top prospects, No. 4: Wilin Rosario, catcher

By Tracy Ringolsby for Baseball America

Published February 3, 2009 at 3:06 p.m.

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Signed: Dominican Republic, 2006. Signed by: Felix Feliz.

Background: Rosario seeks to join in the growing number of impact Latin American players the Rockies have produced under the guidance of director of Latin operations Rolando Fernandez. He impressed the organization with his maturity level, considering he was one of the youngest players in the Pioneer League, and he was the league's No. 1 prospect.

Strengths: Rosario has shown the bat speed to handle good fastballs, promising run production ability at a position where offense is a luxury. He is athletic and moves well behind the plate. Throwing out 46 percent of basestealers in a league where pitchers are more focused on throwing strikes than holding runners underscores his arm strength.

Weaknesses: The physical skills are there, but Rosario is still young and honing those skills. Catching requires a mental maturity, learning to isolate personal struggles or successes so they don't affect the handling of a staff. It also takes time to learn the nuances of pitch selection.

The Future: Rosario will make the move to a full-season team this year, and the low Class A South Atlantic League should prove a good test of his endurance. With Chris Iannetta in the big leagues there is no reason to rush Rosario, so he will be given a chance to prove himself at each step in the minor leagues.

To read more about the top prospects for the Rockies and all major league teams, visit baseballamerica.com

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