November 13, 2008 Rockies hurler Franklin Morales has only given up one run in his last three games in the Venezuelan winter league, according to MLB.com.
Our View:The left-handed Morales had a rough 2008 in the bigs, starting just eight games and collecting a 6.39 ERA with 1.78 WHIP before being shipped to Triple-A. He needs to get better command, but is certainly a young talent with loads of promise who fantasy owners should keep an eye on.
May 12, 2008 Franklin Morales contributed five innings in a combined no-hitter with three Triple-A Colorado Springs relievers on Sunday.
Our View:The no-hitter is made slightly less impressive by the fact that Morales walked six batters in those five innings, which resulted in an earned run. Morales was demoted by the Rockies to get some seasoning with his control, and we can hardly characterize this start as progress.
April 30, 2008 Franklin Morales has been sent down to Triple-A, according to the Denver Post. Infielder Omar Quintanilla has been called up from Triple-A Colorado Springs.
Our View:Morales was 1-2 as a starter with a 1.78 WHIP, but is the Rockies' top pitching prospect and just needs more time in the minors before he can make an impact. The team is yet to name his replacement in the rotation.
April 29, 2008 The Rockies will option struggling Franklin Morales to Triple-A Colorado Springs, according to MLB.com. The 22-year-old holds a 6.39 ERA after five starts, showing that he needs more seasoning in the minors. "He needs to go back to dominating the strike zone with his fastball," pitching coach Bob Apodaca said on MLB.com. "Let alone strikes, he has to learn what it takes to make quality strikes with his fastball."
Our View:Morales still has a bright future, he just needs more work in the minors. After all, he's made only three Triple-A starts. The Rockies have yet to announce who will replace Morales in the rotation.
April 23, 2008 Franklin Morales allowed eight hits and a walk which resulted in three runs in six innings against the Cubs in a no-decision.
Our View:This was a better outing than what we have seen in his last two appearances (11 ER in nine IP), but Morales still has a way to go before he can be thrust into most fantasy lineups without giving it a second thought.
