In their brief 14-year history, the Colorado Rockies’ farm system has yet to develop a frontline catcher. That could all change very soon, as Chris Iannetta is poised to burst onto the major league scene. For now, he is number 42 on our FAB50 Baseball 2006 rankings.
A career .329 hitter at the University of North Carolina; the Rockies selected the Providence, RI native in the 4th round of the 2004 draft following his junior season.
Coming from a program that had developed a handful of future major league backstops, Iannetta by-passed the rookie leagues in his pro debut season, to hit .314 for the Asheville Tourists of the Class A South Atlantic League.
The 2005 campaign saw Iannetta’s stock rise as the slugger connected on 11 long balls in 74 games for the Modesto Nuts in the California League. After playing in the 2005 Futures Game, Iannetta was promoted to the Double-A Tulsa Drillers, where he struggled (.233 in 60 AB) at the plate, while he tried to play through a broken left hand. He did not fare much better in the Arizona Fall League, where the right-handed batter hit a mild .206 in 34 at bats.
Iannetta has blossomed in 2006 though, hitting .332 with 11 homers to open the season at Tulsa. Following an appearance in the Double-A All-Star Game, Iannetta was shipped to Triple-A Colorado Springs… where the hits kept on coming. Through 40 games, the backstop hit a robust .333, but with just two long balls.
Known for his steady glove work, Chris has the perfect mindset for a catcher. He has above-average arm strength, and he continues to refine his throwing accuracy. The hind snatcher has thrown out 32% of would-be base stealers in 2005. His percentage has dipped some in 2006, as he had tossed out 26% during his play through mid-August.
A continuing strength is his on-base percentage. Iannetta entered the season with a gaudy .395 career OPB in 129 games and has been over .400 for the 2006 campaign. Combine his steady approach with a compact swing and it is easy to see how Iannetta continues to impress baseball scouts with his bat.
"He’s exceeded expectations," said player development director Marc Gustafson in June. "We knew he could catch and knew he had the intangibles in terms of work ethic and leadership ability and being able to control a game from his position."
With the catching position in Colorado a virtual merry-go-round, Chris Iannetta is ready to jump on and take his ride at the Major League level.
- C.J. CARLSON
