Rockies’ top prospect Rodgers going to school early in camp

ARIZ.» About SCOTTSDALE, an hour before the Rockies held their first full-squad workout of spring training Monday morning, Brendan Rodgers sat in front of his locker, lacing up his spikes and getting ready for his debut.

Rodgers, 21, is ranked as the top prospect in the Rockies’ farm system. He received an invitation to his first big-league camp, and there is a chance that he will make his debut in the second half of the regular season. But now is the time to soak up everything he can.

“I’m excited,” the infielder said. “I’m really looking forward to this. My job in this camp is to learn, so I’m picking the brains of all the guys, picking up whatever I can.”

Specifically, Rodgers is concentrating on honing his fielding skills by watching shortstop Trevor Story and second baseman DJ LeMahieu. Rodgers has discovered that the highlightreel plays turned in by established Rockies players aren’t simply a matter of athleticism or instinct.

“I’ve talked to Story about his favorite play: fielding that groundball up the middle and making that spin move to get off the throw,” Rodgers said. “He practices that play all the time. It’s like riding a bike for him.

“I told him, ‘Work with me on that, because I need some help with the rhythm of it and the throw.’ It’s a very tough play, but Trevor seems to have it down pat, so I’m learning all I can from him.”

Rodgers used his 2017 season as a springboard. He hit a combined .336 with 18 home runs, a .567 slugging percentage and 64 RBIs at Single-A Lancaster and Double-A Hartford last year.

“We’ll see how he reacts to this (spring), but all indications are from our player-development staff that he’s making great strides,” said manager Bud Black, adding that Rodgers probably will begin the season at Double-A. “Last year was a big year for him. For the most part, he stayed healthy. He performed. We’re excited to see what he can do.”