The Rockies announced that they have designated left-hander and former first-round pick Christian Friedrich for assignment. Because Colorado acquired two 40-man roster players — Jake McGee and German Marquez — in the trade that sent Corey Dickerson and a non-40-man player (Kevin Padlo) to Tampa Bay, the Rockies needed to clear a second spot on what had been a full 40-man roster.
Friedrich, 28, was selected 25th overall out of Eastern Kentucky University back in 2008, but he’s struggled for much of his pro career, amassing an ERA north of 5.00 at both the Triple-A level and in the Major Leagues. This past season, Friedrich posted a 5.25 ERA with 6.9 K/9, 3.9 BB/9 and a 47.4 percent ground-ball rate in 58 1/3 innings of work. While Friedrich has struggled throughout his career, he’s held left-handed hitters in check fairly well, limiting same-handed opponents to a .257/.314/.364 batting line. He’s also posted considerably better numbers away from Coors, where he has a 4.61 ERA as compared to a 6.96 mark at home.
Well that’s two consecutive first round picks in less than two weeks DFA’d by the Rox. It sure is fun to be a fan of this team.
No pitcher wants to be at Coors, its a pitchers nightmare, Freidrich was an example of a pitcher ruined by Coors. His home and away split inumbers are kind of remarkable, it’s a 2 era difference and he wasn’t bad against lefties should be a good LOOGY for any team but the Rockies
He hasn’t had a great season in the minors since 2009. Therefore I doubt coors ruined him. The rockies had back luck with 1st round picks. Christian is another example