Can Kyle Parker get a little respect?
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com
(3/24/2013) I don't feel Rockies outfield prospect Kyle Parker is receiving the attention he deserves. Granted, outfield is a deep position and there are many quality prospects at the position, but Parker's minor-league numbers are impressive.
The former Clemson quarterback, who is not considered a top-100 prospect by MLB.com or Baseball America, is batting .296 with a .390 on-base percentage, .520 slugging percentage and .909 OPS through his first two minor-league seasons. Even if he was a poor defender, Parker's offensive numbers should play big enough to consider him an elite prospect, but for some reason he hasn't garnered a ton of attention yet.
That's surprising, too, since Parker showed more plate discipline in his second pro season. As a rookie in low Class A, Parker struck out 133 times and walked 48 times in 117 games. Last season at high Class A Modesto, he struck out 88 times and walked 66 times in 102 games.
Parker hasn't had great numbers this spring, but he's not major-league ready, so it's not a major concern. However, the 2010 first-round pick is a legit long-term keeper and someone worth keeping tabs on.
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