Ben Crockett

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Colorado Rockies #28 prospect in 2004
  Crockett set every conceivable strikeout record at Harvard, and his ability to throw strikes has carried over from college to the pros. He has averaged 1.8 walks per nine innings as a pro. Crockett's biggest assets are his command and his intelligence. He adjusts from at-bat to at-bat with a hitter, never making the same pitch twice. He's very efficient with his pitches, which include a four-seam fastball that hits 91-92 mph, a two-seamer that sits around 86 mph and a cut fastball with similar velocity. He throw his changeup in any count. Crockett is inconsistent with his curveball, which is more a slurve than a true breaking hammer. He doesn't project to get much better and has a ceiling as a fourth or fifth starter. He tore an elbow ligament in 2001 but didn't require surgery and hasn't had any problems since. Crockett will open 2004 in high Class A with a chance to move to Double-A in the second half.
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  Ranked Colorado Rockies #29 prospect in 2003
  It's somewhat surprising that the Rockies landed Crockett with a third-round pick in 2002. He generated some first-round buzz in 2001 but went in the 10th round to the Red Sox. While many expected Crockett to sign with his hometown team, Boston low-balled him and he returned to Harvard for his senior season. The Athletics were believed to have interest in Crockett as a bargain for one of their seven first-round picks but passed him up. He set several Crimson school records, including marks for strikeouts in a game (17), season (117) and career (263), and helped them to two NCAA regional appearances. Crockett tore a ligament in his right elbow his junior year, but decided against surgery and turned in his second straight dominating Cape Cod League effort that summer. He has good command but must throw better strikes after low Class A torched him for a .372 average. Crockett has a 90-92 mph fastball and maintains his velocity deep into games. His changeup could become a plus pitch, while his curveball needs considerable work. He'll pitch in Class A this year.