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.
Toyota Field To Host Spring Tune-Up Car Show & Classic Car Day
MADISON, Ala. — The Rocket City Trash Pandas are excited to announce two upcoming events for automotive enthusiasts at Toyota Field. Classic Car Day is on April 27, and the Rocket City Spring Tune-Up is on May 3. Classic Car Day will be Sunday, April 27, at 2:35 pm as
14 Trash Pandas, plus broadcaster Josh Caray preparing for Angels Spring Break out game against Cubs on Saturday
Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball announced on MLB Network the Los Angeles Angels roster for the 2nd annual Spring Breakout, with 14 Rocket City Trash Pandas named to the roster. The Angels’ top prospects will compete on Saturday, March 15 at 8:05 pm CT against the top prospects
Trash Pandas partner with Angels to launch "Trash Panda For a Day Program"
MADISON, Ala. — The Trash Panda For a Day program is launching this season in partnership with the LA Angels and with an exciting initiative to support youth in the community. Each month, one elementary or middle school student will have the opportunity to spend a day with the Trash
Harris to join Trash Pandas Broadcast Team for 2025
MADISON, Alabama — The Rocket City Trash Pandas are pleased to announce the addition of Southern League veteran Chris Harris to its broadcast booth. The two-time winner of the Southern League’s Broadcaster of the Year will partner with Director of Broadcasting Josh Caray for the 2025 season. “I am thrilled
Trash Pandas Announce 2025 Coaching Staff
MADISON, Alabama — In conjunction with the Los Angeles Angels, the Rocket City Trash Pandas today unveiled the 2025 on-field coaching staff, led by returning Manager Andy Schatzley. “I’m honored to have the opportunity to return to the Trash Pandas and be a part of best-run affiliate in Minor League
Tickets on sale now for the 2025 Meet the Team Dinner on April 1
MADISON, Ala. — Exciting news! You can now grab your chance to meet the 2025 Rocket City Trash Pandas before Opening Night. Tickets for the 2025 Meet the Team Dinner are officially on sale! The annual dinner will take place at Toyota Field on Tuesday, April 1, from 5:30-7:30 pm.
Adjusted Game Times, Dates Announced for Rocket City Softball Showcase
MADISON, Alabama — With temperatures plunging in North Alabama, Rocket City Softball Showcase event officials have announced additional changes to the event schedule. Mississippi and North Alabama will begin the three-day slate at Toyota Field beginning at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, February 21st. The Auburn Tigers will make their Showcase
Trash Pandas Announce 2025 Weekly Promotions
MADISON, Ala. — The Rocket City Trash Pandas are over the moon to introduce new additions and bring back fan-favorite weekly promotions for the fifth season of baseball at Toyota Field. TUESDAYS – LADIES NIGHTS Each six-game series starts with Ladies Night on Tuesdays! Women in attendance can enter to
Schedule Change for UNA vs. Army College Baseball This Weekend at Toyota Field
Due to the projected weather forecast, the three-game series between the North Alabama Lions and the Army Black Knights has been adjusted from its original schedule. The schools will now play two nine-inning contests on Friday, February 14th, beginning at 2 p.m. The second game will start approximately 45 minutes
2025 Specialty Jersey Fundraisers, Supply Drives, & Community Initiatives
MADISON, Ala. — The Rocket City Trash Pandas will host seven specialty jersey fundraisers, four donation drives, and additional community outreach nights to benefit local non-profit organizations during the 2025 season at Toyota Field. “Specialty Jersey nights combine community outreach and in-game entertainment,” said Trash Pandas Executive Vice President Lindsey
Trash Pandas Celebrate Fifth Season with Bobbleheads, Giveaways, and Special Guests
MADISON, Alabama — The Rocket City Trash Pandas promotional calendar features a record number of dates, including promotional giveaways at the Pepsi Gates and special meet-and-greet opportunities during games. “At Trash Pandas HQ, we know our fans are the real MVPs!” yelled Trash Pandas Director of Marketing and Promotions Ricky
Nine 2024 Trash Pandas earn non-roster invites to 2025 Angels Spring Training
MADISON, Alabama – On Tuesday evening, the Los Angeles Angels announced that 26 non-roster players, including nine 2024 Rocket City Trash Pandas, were invited to 2025 Spring Training in Tempe, AZ. Angels' top position player prospect Christian Moore headlines the group after hitting .322 with five home runs in his
Trash Pandas ignite Hometown Throwdown Series in 2025
MADISON, Alabama – The Rocket City Trash Pandas are thrilled to announce a special series of nights dedicated to celebrating local communities around North Alabama and the Tennessee Valley in 2025. The Hometown Throwdown Series, presented by Redstone Federal Credit Union, is set to ignite community pride and support throughout
Trash Pandas to host National Anthem Auditions on Saturday, February 8
MADISON, Alabama – The Rocket City Trash Pandas will host National Anthem Auditions at the Parkway Place Mall on Saturday, February 8, from 10 am to 12 pm. Individuals, ensemble groups, and choirs are invited to audition for the opportunity to sing the “Star Spangled Banner” before one of the
Toyota Field set to host 35 college and high school baseball and softball games this spring
MADISON, Alabama – Signs of spring are almost here in Rocket City, as baseball - and for the first time - softball is set to take place at Toyota Field in less than a month. Before the Trash Pandas hit the diamond on April 4 against Chattanooga, Toyota Field will
Trash Pandas Foundation Announces Return of Color the Can Contest
MADISON, Alabama – The Rocket City Trash Pandas Foundation, in partnership with WHNT News 19, is excited to announce the return of the popular Color the Can contest. The contest and submission form details can be found online at TrashPandasFoundation.com. Kids ages 3 to 12 are invited to submit a
Inaugural Women in Sports Luncheon set for February 18
MADISON, Alabama — The Rocket City Trash Pandas will host the Inaugural Rocket City Women in Sports Luncheon, presented by PNC Bank, at Toyota Field on Tuesday, February 18, from 11:30 am to 1 pm, in partnership with the Huntsville Madison County Chamber of Commerce, Huntsville Madison County Chamber of
Trash Pandas Launch Free Culinary Program 'Cooking Up Success'
MADISON, Alabama — The Rocket City Trash Pandas are excited to announce the launch of 'Cooking Up Success,' a free culinary training program designed to empower aspiring professionals in the sports and hospitality industry. This four—to six-week semi-intensive program, which begins on January 27, is open to individuals aged 16
Alabama baseball to host UNA at Toyota Field on March 25
MADISON, Alabama — The Alabama Crimson Tide baseball team will return to Toyota Field on Tuesday, March 25, at 6:05 pm to face off against the North Alabama Lions. Gates will open at 4:30 pm. Tickets start at just $8 and they can be purchased online at trashpandasbaseball.com/rolltide, in person
Trash Pandas single-game tickets on sale January 17
MADISON, Alabama — The Rocket City Trash Pandas are thrilled to announce that single-game tickets for the 2025 season will be available for purchase beginning Friday, January 17, at 10 am. The fifth season in team history will begin and end at Toyota Field, with action beginning on Friday, April
Sprocket to Deliver Panda-Grams For Valentine's Day
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THIS ONE-OF-A-KIND PANDA-GRAM MADISON, Alabama — Valentine’s Day is approaching, and the Rocket City Trash Pandas are spreading the love across North Alabama with the help of the most romantic mascot in the cosmos, Sprocket! For the third consecutive year, the Trash Pandas are giving fans
Auburn baseball to host UT Martin at Toyota Field on March 11
MADISON, Alabama — The Auburn Tigers baseball team will return to Toyota Field on Tuesday, March 11, at 6:00 PM to face off against the UT Martin Skyhawks. Tickets start at just $8 and will be on sale to the general public beginning Friday, January 10, at 10 AM. They
2025 Rocket City Softball Showcase Announces PNC Bank as Presenting Partner
CLICK HERE FOR SCHEDULE & TICKETS MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas are thrilled to name PNC Bank as the presenting partner of the inaugural Rocket City Softball Showcase, a six-day event at Toyota Field featuring 13 NCAA programs and 12 local high school programs. Throughout the event,