Peter Tago

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Colorado Rockies #29 prospect in 2013
  When the Rockies took Tago 47th overall in the 2010 draft, with a compensation pick for the loss of free agent pitcher Jason Marquis, scouting director Bill Schmidt compared his loose, easy arm action to that of Pedro Astacio and Esmil Rogers. Tago signed late for $982,500 and didn't begin his career until 2011, and he hasn't shown much progress in his first two seasons. He regressed from Asheville in 2011 to Tri-City in 2012 and now has a career 6.36 ERA, and compounding matters has been his lack of maturity off the field. But Colorado saw a change in instructional league, as Tago made great progress with his delivery and had better focus. He had been using a robotic delivery, with a stabbing arm action when he separated. But now he is separating with a short little arc and taking his hand more straight back, which enables him to throw his fastball down in the zone more consistently. Tago's fastball reaches 95 mph at its best, and he'll usually pitch at 91. His curveball is average at times, though it has been more often below average in pro ball. Rockies officials report the bite returned in instructional league. His changeup remains a work in progress. Tago's fall progress was encouraging, but he needs to finally move his career forward in 2013, which he's likely to begin back at Asheville.
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  Ranked Colorado Rockies #15 prospect in 2012
  The Rockies selected Tago 47th overall in the 2010 draft with a compensation pick they received for the loss of free agent Jason Marquis. Tago signed for $982,500 hours before the Aug. 16 deadline and didn't begin his pro career until 2011. Colorado kept him in extended spring training, which it typically does with high school pitches at the outset of their career to limit their innings and keep them in warmed weather. He had problems repeating his delivery once he got to low Class A in late May, contributing to a 7.07 ERA and 72 walks in 90 innings. Tago has the stuff to become a frontline starter but also has plenty of work to do. His fastball already sits at 90-91 mph and touches 95, and he should find more velocity with more consistent mechanics. His curveball rates ahead of his changeup, though both are works in progress that suffer when he doesn't maintain his release point. Tago has an easy arm action but is still growing into his body, and the Rockies hope he'll settle down once he matures physically. After looking overmatched at Asheville, he'll return there to begin 2012.
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  Ranked Colorado Rockies #5 prospect in 2011
  Jason Marquis won 15 games and made the all-star team in his lone season with Colorado, but his legacy well could turn out to be Tago, selected 47th overall in the 2010 draft with a compensation choice the Rockies received for losing Marquis to free agency. Of Samoan descent, Tago initially committed to UCLA and looked headed to Cal State Fullerton until he signed for $982,500 hours before the Aug. 16 deadline. Tago has the size and stuff to be a frontline starter. He first caught the attention of scouts when he hit 90 mph with his fastball at age 14. He now works at 91-93 mph, with a frame and arm action that portend more velocity, and he hit 98 in predraft workouts. His curveball has promise but needs tighter spin, and he's working on a changeup after not using it much as an amateur. Tago has a smooth, relaxed motion, but he needs to do a better job of incorporating his lower half in his delivery. He throws strikes and has a good demeanor on the mound. Tago got his first taste of pro ball in instructional league and spent a month at the team's facility in the Dominican Republic. The Rockies don't rush young arms, but he could force his way into the Asheville rotation in 2011.