SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Rockies right-handed pitching prospect Rayan Gonzalez can stop conversations with his 96 mph cut fastball and 12-to-6 curveball.
Last week, at an Arizona Fall League game at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, new Rockies manager Bud Black paused his conversation right after Gonzalez's first pitch in his relief outing for the Salt River Rafters. Zach Wilson, Colorado's senior player development director, turned to Black, nodded his head and offered a "told-you-so" grin.
Gonzalez demonstrated improved control at Double-A Hartford (2-2, 3.12 ERA in 46 games) and again in the AFL (12 strikeouts against two walks in 11 2/3 innings, to go along with a 2.