Fantasy talk: Wilin Rosario status report

The Rockies have had a horrific 2012 season, but a few bright spots have emerged. One of those bright spots is Wilin Rosario, who has hit very well this season, and will most likely be their backstop for the long-term. We all knew that Rosario had power, but he was always blocked on the depth chart by players like Chris Iannetta and Ramon Hernandez. Iannetta got dealt to the Angels last winter and Hernandez has spent most of the 2012 season on the DL, thus giving Rosario the everyday gig at the catching position. I'm sure that Colorado's front office is happy about that decision.

Rosario inked a deal with the Rockies as an amateur free agent back in 2006. He really didn't produce during his first year or two in the minors, but eventually found his swing in 2008. This opened some eyes in Colorado's organization, and they slowly moved him through the farm system. In 2010, he spent the entire season in Double-A, where he hit .285 with 19 homers with 52 RBI in only 73 games. Despite those great numbers, he started the 2011 season in Double-A, but the Rockies were definitely aware of this kid's potential. His batting average took a slight dip, but he managed to smack 21 homers in 102 games. Like I said earlier, the Rockies went on to trade Chris Iannetta to the Angels, and signed Ramon Hernandez, presumably to be the starting catcher.

This season Rosario managed to break camp with the team, but was on the roster as the backup catcher behind Hernandez. Well Hernandez would go on to have a string of injuries, and next thing you know Rosario is the starting catcher. He has definitely taken advantage of the opportunity. He currently has 25 homers with 66 RBI while hitting .259 in 106 games. The batting average isn't very pretty, but that home run rate is appealing. He is definitely going to be an interesting player to watch in 2013, and I expect him to reach the 30+ home run mark sometime in his career.

There are plenty of catchers out there in fantasy baseball. Usually it is smart to draft a catcher in the later rounds due to that surplus of talent. My advice to you would be to draft Rosario in the later rounds as a sleeper pick in 2013. I strongly believe that he will only get better, and whenever you see a young hitter at Coors Field, its definitely smart to at least take a flier on him.