Tuesday Farm Report: Hampson Making Case for MLB Opportunity
DJ LeMahieu has become a favorite of not only his teammates, but Rockies fans. He, however, is a potential free agent, and with the Rockies having signed Charlie Blackmon to a long-term deal in spring training to keep him from becoming a free-agent in the fall, and hoping to get a deal with Nolan Arenado to keep him past 2019, LeMahieu's situation is in flux.
What adds to the equation is not only is Brendan Rodgers, the top prospect in the organization currently at Double-A Hartford, projected to eventually play second base, but versatile Garrett Hampson not only made an impact early in the year at Hartford, but has been even better since his promotion to Triple-A Albuquerque.
Hampson hit .304 at Hartford to open the season, and has hit .321 at Albuquerque in 39 games since his promotion. And it's the balance he has shown that is making the biggest impression. Hampson is hitting .323 against left-handed pitchers, and .320 against right-handed pitchers. He has hit .333 in day games and .317 in night games. He has a .393 on-base percentage as well. Between Hartford and Albuquerque he is 31-for-36 in stolen bases.
Hampson has played second base, shortstop and center field this season, the type of versatility the Rockies stress.
In Monday's Games
AAA Albuquerque (41-42) lost 6-1 at El Paso. Sam Howard (3-6, 5.81) allowed six runs, five earned runs, on nine hits in five innings. Hampson had three of the Isotopes five hits.
AA Hartford (41-40) won 6-5 at Reading. Logan Cozart (6-2, 2.45) came on in relief with one out in the eighth, and retired both batters he faced to be credited with the victory. Rodgers (.282) scored the winning run in the ninth, and also had his 16th home run in the fifth. The Yard Goats rallied from a 5-0 deficit after three thanks to Rodgers and Ryan Metzler (.262), who got the comeback started with his fourth home run, a two-run shot, in the fourth. Matt Pierpont pitched the ninth for his 23rd save, 18th in a row. Rico Garcia (7.50) made his Double-A debut, and was charged with five runs on eight hits, striking out eight in six innings. He gave up three runs in the first, and single runs in the second and third before shutting Reading down in his final two innings.
High A Lancaster (7-5 2nd half, 40-42) Daivd Hill (2-4, 5.01) suffered the loss, allowing two runs on six hits, striking out six and walking two. Colton Welker (.312) hit his ninth home run.
Low A Asheville (6-4 2nd half, 33-46) lost 18-10 at Lexington. Justin Valdespina (2-3, 7.19) allowed eight runs and retired five batters in a relief role. Erick Julio (4.81) started and was charged with six runs on eight hits, striking out seven in 3 2/3 innings. Casey Golden (.286) hit two home runs, giving him 18. Chad Spanberger (.303) hit his 19th home run, Ramon Marcelino (.242) hit his 14th home run, and Ryan Vilade (.239) hit his third home run.
Short-season A Boise (9-9) won 4-2 at Tri City. LJ Hatch (.184) keyed a four-run second inning with a two-run single. Miguel Ausua (8.31) started and allowed two runs on five hits, striking out one, in three innings. The bullpen worked six shutout innings, retiring 17 of the final 18 batters, led by Keinter OIliveras (1-0, 1.86), who pitched three innings. Hayden Roberts (1.29) earned his fourth save.
Rookie Grand Junction (8-10) lost 11-6 at Orem. Wander Cabrera (8.05) started and allowed five runs on seven hits, walking two and striking out four. Jesse Lepore (2-1, 11.74) suffered his third blown save and the loss, allowing five runs on four hits, including two home runs, and a walk, while retiring two batters. Javier Guevara (.308) was 2-for-4 with his third home run. Niko Decolati (.322) was 2-for-5 with three RBI and his first home run. Coco Montes (.455) hit his third home run.
Dominican Summer League South (10-16) lost 8-1 at the Nationals. Francisco Palma (.286) was 2-for-3 with a double and RBI. Kevin Garcia (0-2, 2.29) allowed three runs, one earned, on three hits and four walks, striking out one, in 4 2/3 innings.
Dominican Summer League Northeast (14-12) won 13-3 against the Royals 2. Yolki Pena (.234) was 3-for-3 with a double, triple, two walks, four runs scored and three RBI. Kleiver Osorio (2-2, 2.18) allowed three runs, two earned, on six hits and two walks, striking out six.