Jorge De La Rosa

2013

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2012

De La Rosa was having a career year before a complete tear of his UCL led to Tommy John surgery in May. He's never boasted pinpoint control, so it may take him a bit of time after the surgery to get back to where he was in his 2011 (career-low 3.36 BB/9IP). At press time, De La Rosa was on schedule with his recovery, while the timetable for his return points to June before he'll be ready to take the ball for Colorado again. Even before the surgery, De La Rosa had durability concerns, with just once season since 2007 where he eclipsed 130 innings at the big league level.

2011

De La Rosa started four games before a finger injury sidelined him through early July. Once back in the Rockies' rotation, he battled problems with the long ball, before settling in and showing many of the skills he flashed in 2009. Whether his increased use of a changeup or something else, his groundball rate rose from 44.7 percent to 52.3 percent. He needs to improve his walk rate (4.07 BB/9IP) before he can make the jump to the upper echelon of starting pitchers, but the combination of a good groundball rate and the ability to make batters miss should provide him with a solid foundation from which to build on in 2011.

2010

After starting the year 0-6, it was looking like more of the same from De La Rosa. He was plagued by long innings, and had a terrible habit of letting things snowball out of control. However, he took a hold of the season thereafter, going 16-3 with a 3.94 ERA and a 2.39 K/BB ratio. The walk totals are a little high, but his strikeout rate was the highest of his career (9.4 K/9IP). De La Rosa will pitch third in the rotation this season, and while he can be an ERA liability on occasion, he still makes for a good value/sleeper pick as his career finally looks poised to take flight.

2009

Credit the Rockies for sticking with De La Rosa after his awful May, when he allowed 25 runs in 23 innings in his first five starts. Put back in the rotation June 14, he struck out 102 men in 102 1/3 innings from that point on, fighting his control a bit (48 walks) but keeping the ball down and keeping runs off the board. He can and will get better from here, and has more upside than any Rockies starter save Ubaldo Jimenez.

2008

De la Rosa's 2007 season was truncated by an elbow injury, and he was knocked around in his return, a sign that may have returned prematurely. Before the injury, he showed that he was still the same old De la Rosa, keeping lefties to a .234 clip, but allowing righties to hit 19 home runs off him in 26 games. He'll enter spring training in competition with some of the Royals' top pitching prospects for the back end of the rotation, and could win a gig based on his more extensive starting experience. If not, he will spot start while throwing out of the bullpen.

2007

When Milwaukee finally tired of De la Rosa's wildness, it became the Royals' turn to get excited about his live arm and strikeout rate. The Royals remain guardedly excited due to a few teasing starts, such as wins over Texas, Cleveland and the Yankees. Of course, there were some wild starts, including six walks in 4+ innings in the season finale against the Twins. The Royals would like a chance to harness his control, but the team failed in its most recent attempt to do the same with Denny Bautista. At 26, he's still got a little time.

2006

De la Rosa has a great arm and great stuff, but he just can't get it over the plate. He struck out 42 batters in 42 1/3 IP, but also allowed an alarming 38 walks. De la Rosa has a ton of potential and is still only 24, but he's out of minor league options and will need to pitch better if he wants to win a swingman role with the Brewers.

2005

De la Rosa made his major league debut in 2004 and showed some signs of being a decent starter. The 23 year old lefty throws hard, but has trouble with his command. Some people have projected him as a reliever in the majors but the Brewers will give him every opportunity to start. He's out of options, so look for him to make the Opening Day roster, but don't be surprised if he comes up with an injury that requires an extended rehab stint at Triple-A Nashville.

2004

De la Rosa was shipped to Arizona in the Curt Schilling deal and then was subsequently packaged to the Brewers in the Richie Sexson deal. The Red Sox held out in dealing him until they could land the biggest fish possible, as their top pitching prospect. De la Rosa had a tremendous growth season at Double-A Portland before an end of the season promotion to Triple-A Pawtucket. He probably needs a half-season in Triple-A before he's ready for the majors, but he might not get that luxury with the Brewers.

2003

De la Rosa primarily pitched at Class A Sarasota before getting a late promotion to Double-A Trenton. In 23 starts at Sarasota, de la Rosa was 7-7 with a 3.65 ERA. In 120 2/3 IP, he allowed 105 hits and had a 95/52 K/BB ratio. He's another couple of years away.