Brecht -- in 1st outing since '24 Draft -- wows at Spring Breakout
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Sunday's Spring Breakout showcase was the perfect unveiling for Rockies No. 5 prospect Brody Brecht. A right-handed pitcher from the University of Iowa whom the Rockies selected 38th overall last summer, Brecht had a nice collegiate resume, an interesting backstory as a former wide receiver for the
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Sunday's Spring Breakout showcase was the perfect unveiling for Rockies No. 5 prospect Brody Brecht.
A right-handed pitcher from the University of Iowa whom the Rockies selected 38th overall last summer, Brecht had a nice collegiate resume, an interesting backstory as a former wide receiver for the Hawkeyes and, of course, an attention-grabbing prospect ranking. But because he didn’t play in the Minors after being drafted, he was seen only on the back fields during instructional ball and Minor League camp.
After Brecht’s spotless, two-strikeout inning in the Rockies prospects' 3-1 victory over the White Sox prospects at Camelback Ranch, a wider audience should want to see more from him.
Brecht, 22, was more than eager for his breakout.
“It’s been a long offseason -- a long time without a game -- especially after not going [to a Minor League team] after the Draft,” Brecht said. “So I was really excited to go out there and play the game.”
Brecht replaced starter Gabriel Hughes (who threw two scoreless innings) and came back from a 2-0 count to fan White Sox No. 29 prospect Wilfred Veras swinging, authored another swinging K of Tim Elko and worked Chicago's No. 10 prospect George Wolkow into a fly ball to right field.
Out of the six swings he induced, Brecht coaxed four whiffs, a foul ball and Wolkow’s fly ball.
“I just wanted to establish a fastball and let everything else play off that -- let the slider work, let the splitter go to work, too,” Brecht said. “Just attack the zone, get ahead early and then everything else plays off each other.”
It’s not just Minor League fans and Rockies Nation who want to see more of Brecht.
“I absolutely loved his arm action, snapping that breaking ball really well,” said Double-A Hartford manager Bobby Meacham, who managed the Rockies' Spring Breakout club. “I could tell how happy he was to be out there healthy and pitching in a game like this. It must’ve been a ton of fun.”
📩 SUBSCRIBE TO THE BASEBALL TRAVELER NEWSLETTER
THREE MORE TAKEAWAYS FROM SPRING BREAKOUT
• Hughes (Colorado's No. 16 prospect) rounded out the impression: Many in Rockies camp were taken by Hughes’ intellectually curious manner, and impressed by the way he has been gradually rebuilding his off-speed pitches since undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2023.
But after each of his innings -- the two-strikeout first inning and a second-inning that featured a double-play grounder from MLB Pipeline's No. 39-ranked prospect Colson Montgomery -- Hughes was quite animated as he left the mound. He is as competitive as he is cerebral.
“I’m never going to back down the intensity,” Hughes said. “That’s just how I play, and I was happy to be able to go out and showcase that intensity.
“It’s incredible being around guys that I’m going to be moving up with, playing with in the future. And we came out with a win.”
• Amador (Rockies' No. 7 prospect) shows his full game: Considering Adael Amador’s bat-to-ball skills and strike-zone control, it's no surprise that he boasts a .472 on-base percentage and .805 OPS in 16 Cactus League games this spring.
While Amador is more a gap hitter than a power hitter, he knocked 14 homers in Hartford last year and showed off his power with a two-run homer off Riley Gowens in the sixth inning Sunday.
But the lasting impression came when Amador ranged to his left to nab Montgomery’s grounder to start a double play in the second. Amador moved from shortstop last year, but he took much of the season to find a level of comfort.
After bulking up last year, Amador lost movement and flexibility and dealt with oblique issues. The new Amador looks the part of a second baseman.
“I love that kid,” said Meacham, who managed Amador last season and made developing him as a second baseman a personal project. “He worked his butt off and I could see that coming into Spring Training. I saw him the first day and was like, ‘Wow. He looks great, looks like he lost a little weight.’ Then the first time I saw him fielding ground balls, I was like, ‘He’s been working on some of the stuff.’”
• Remember these arms: In 2023, righty prospect Jordy Vargas (No. 14 in the Rockies' system) joined Hughes and Rockies rotation members Germán Márquez and Antonio Senzatela in undergoing Tommy John surgeries from Rangers physician Dr. Keith Meister over one of the darkest periods in Rockies history. Now healthy, Vargas threw a clean, 13-pitch seventh inning.
“I didn’t know much about him, but I saw him pitch once earlier this spring and it was a ‘Who is that guy?’ kind of thing,” Meacham said. “It’s so fun to see guys have success after going through that full year of work coming back from surgery.”
Lefty reliever Welinton Herrera (No. 23) entered with two out and two on in the fifth and fanned White Sox No. 8 prospect Chase Meidroth.
“He’s kind of flown under the radar with people outside of the Rockies, not us,” Rockies pitching strategist Flint Wallace said of Herrera, 20, who struck out 92 in 62 1/3 combined innings with Single-A Fresno and High-A Spokane last year.
Senior Reporter Thomas Harding has covered the Rockies since 2000, and for MLB.com since 2002.
County Days Set For April 13th, 27th with $5 Tickets On Sale
JERSEY SHORE, NJ - Buster was on the move recently, heading to County Tourism offices in both Ocean and Monmouth Counties, to promote County Days in ShoreTown this spring! Monmouth County Day is Sunday, April 13th and Ocean County Day is Sunday, April 27th. Tickets are available for just $5
BlueClaws to Celebrate Jersey Shore Tourism Industry with Locals/Bennys Games
JERSEY SHORE, NJ – The Bennys are coming…to ShoreTown! As part of a one-of-a-kind promotion celebrating the tourism industry at the Jersey Shore, the BlueClaws will play three games as the Jersey Shore Locals against the Hudson Valley Renegades, who will play as The Bennys at ShoreTown Ballpark this summer.
BlueClaws Charities Suite Raffle Winners
JERSEY SHORE, NJ - Congratulations to the eight winners of the 2025 BlueClaws Charities Luxury Suite Raffle. The names were drawn on Thursday in a Facebook Live stream that you can watch by clicking here.
Introducing the Jersey Shore Shine Barons
JERSEY SHORE, NJ – It was February of 2000. A new Minor League Baseball team was coming to the Jersey Shore. The suggested names were piling in, and it was BlueClaws that was ultimately selected, a name and identity that has lasted a quarter-century. Another name on that list was
BlueClaws Charities, New Jersey Natural Gas to Give Four Scholarships As Part of Copa de la Diversión Program
JERSEY SHORE, NJ – BlueClaws Charities and New Jersey Natural Gas have come together once again on a scholarship program in conjunction with the team’s Medusas de Jersey Shore brand and Minor League Baseball’s Copa de la Diversión initiative. "Copa de la Diversión," or "Fun Cup," is a season-long event
BlueClaws Collecting National Anthem Applications
JERSEY SHORE, NJ - Individuals interested in performing the National Anthem at a BlueClaws game this summer can now apply. Performers are encouraged to submit an audition video online for consideration. To submit, CLICK HERE and please fill out the form completely. All submissions are due by March 15th.
2025 Single-Game Tickets Now On Sale
JERSEY SHORE, NJ - Single-game tickets for the 2025 BlueClaws season are now on sale! Fans can purchase tickets to any 2025 BlueClaws game from Opening Night to Father's Day to the 4th of July to Star Wars Night and everything in between! Click here to order tickets online.
Star Wars Night Bundle Now On Sale
JERSEY SHORE, NJ - The BlueClaws are excited to host Star Wars Night, presented by RWJBarnabas Health, on Friday, July 18th, and our special Star Wars Night bundle is currently on sale!
Welcome to Baseball Season
The Super Bowl is in the books, and you know what that means - baseball season is right around the corner!
Bluey is Coming to ShoreTown on April 26th
JERSEY SHORE, NJ - On the morning of this morning, the BlueClaws announced that the one and only Bluey will be making a visit to ShoreTown Ballpark this year on Saturday, April 26th at the team's 4:05 pm game against Brooklyn (Mets).
2025 Summer Concert Series Schedule Announced
JERSEY SHORE, NJ - In this week's CLAW Network episode (watch here on YouTube), the BlueClaws announced the 2025 Farro's Tees Summer Concert Series schedule, with four bands to perform in the Sand Bar this summer!
Additional 2025 Promotional Nights Unveiled
JERSEY SHORE, NJ - The BlueClaws unveiled several more 2024 Promotional Nights on this week's episode of CLAW Network (which you can watch in full here).
Three BlueClaws Make MLB Pipeline's Top 100 Rankings
JERSEY SHORE, NJ - Three Phillies prospects that have played for the BlueClaws were named to MLB Pipeline's Top 100 Prospect Rankings, it was announced on Friday. Andrew Painter (2022 BlueClaw) checked in at #8, Aidan Miller (2024 BlueClaw) was ranked 27, and Justin Crawford (2023-24 BlueClaw) was ranked 64.
BlueClaws Announce 2025 Fireworks Schedule
JERSEY SHORE, NJ - The BlueClaws will have 14 special fireworks shows at ShoreTown Ballpark this year summer, beginning with Opening Night at the Jersey Shore on April 8th, presented by Jenkinson's Boardwalk.
Former BlueClaws Earn Invites to Phillies Spring Training
JERSEY SHORE, NJ - The Phillies announced their non-roster invites to Spring Training with several former BlueClaws earning a spot. 2024 BlueClaws Justin Crawford, Otto Kemp, and Aidan Miller are among the players on the list.
BlueClaws Set Dates For Three Key Theme Nights
JERSEY SHORE, NJ - The BlueClaws announced dates for three key Theme Nights - First Responders Night, Military Appreciation Night, and Salute to Heroes Night.
BlueClaws to Host Job Fair on January 25th at ShoreTown Ballpark
JERSEY SHORE, NJ – The Jersey Shore BlueClaws will host a Job Fair at ShoreTown Ballpark on Saturday, January 25th from 9 am to 2 pm. The team is once again hiring a group of hard-working, energetic professionals for a wide variety of gameday staff positions for the 2025 season.
BlueClaws, RWJBarnabas Health to Host January 7th Blood Drive - Blood Levels at Critical Need
JERSEY SHORE, NJ - The BlueClaws and RWJBarnabas Health will partner on an Emergency Blood & Platelet Drive at ShoreTown Ballpark Park on Tuesday, January 7th from 11:30 am until 5:30 pm. The current blood supply is at critical levels and the need for donors is extremely high. Pre-registration is
Holiday Flash Sale - First Five Games of '25 for Just $25
JERSEY SHORE, NJ - 2025 is the 25th year of the BlueClaws and we're starting the celebrations early with a special ticket offer! Get a ticket to each of the first five games of 2025 for just $25!
Cyber Weekend Specials - Extra Ticket With Your Plan
JERSEY SHORE, NJ - Get even more bang for your buck this Cyber Weekend by ordering a BlueClaws ticket package online. You'll get an extra game in any plan, and three additional with your 10-Game Partial Plan! All you have to do is order your ticket package online between Friday,
Military Appreciation Night Hero Nomination Form Now Open
JERSEY SHORE, NJ – The BlueClaws will once again honor military heroes through a special post-game ceremony after the July 24th Military Appreciation Night game and the team is now collecting nominations of military heroes to be recognized that night. Military Appreciation Night is presented by OceanFirst Bank.
This road trip will give you the spirit of '76
Because there's no better way to celebrate the Fourth of July than getting out to a ballgame, earlier in the week we presented a breakdown of must-catch Minor League games with Independence Day celebrations, with one entry for each farm system. But let's say you're not satisfied with one Independence
Crawford, Abel lead Phillies' Organization All-Stars
Each offseason, MiLB.com goes position by position across each organization and honors the players -- regardless of age or prospect status -- who had the best seasons in each farm system. Next up in our 2023 Organization All-Stars series are the Philadelphia Phillies. 2023 organization summary: Triple-A Lehigh Valley: 80-66
The best of the Phillies' Minor League ballparks
The Minor League Ballpark Guides series presented by Wyndham brings all the most fun features of Minors ballparks across America (and one in Canada!) onto your desktop, tablet or mobile device, whether you're interested in taking a virtual tour from where you sit or planning a trip to catch some