Colorado Springs Top 7 prospects

Prospects are in short supply in Colorado Springs, where the Field Mice promoted top prospects Jorge Park, Davey Murray and Mariano Mercado in Season 8. Marlon Karl won the catching job in spring training this year, completing the youth movement and setting a foundation for the next several seasons.

Mice management will now focus on restocking the minors, but here's a glance at those who have the best chance of one day contributing to the big club:

1. Ben Bickerton, 1B/DH

Ben Bickerton Colorado Springs Field Mice Age: 19 B/T: R/R Born: Newark, NY Position(s): DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Bickerton's is the top offensive prospect in the Mouse system, signing last season after being drafted out of high school in the second round. Bickerton's got the tools to eventually replace slugging first baseman Juan Velazquez. ETA: Season 13.

2. Sean Howard, 3B.

Sean Howard Colorado Springs Field Mice Age: 24 B/T: R/R Born: Lodi, OH Position(s): 3B/1B/COF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

A supplemental pick in Season 4, Howard hoped to open the season in the ML until the Mice signed fan favorite Ivan Bauer to a two-year deal. As Bauer is a part-time player at best and management still isn't committed to giving infielder Otis Jennings a long-term deal, Howard is a pulled hammy away from getting his ticket punched to Colorado Springs.

3. Daniel Henry, RP
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Daniel Henry Colorado Springs Field Mice Age: 23 B/T: R/R Born: Syracuse, NY Position(s): P (ClA) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

With his outstanding durability and with decent control, Henry is best suited for a short reliever that can frequently pitch back-to-back days. It's unknown if he'll be able to consistently get lefties out, however. ETA. Season 10.

4. Ajax Rogers, 3B

Ajax Rogers Colorado Springs Field Mice Age: 23 B/T: L/R Born: Wilmington, NC Position(s): 3B/1B/COF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Essentially a younger version of Howard, Rogers was a third-round pick in Season 7. If Howard's window at 3B closes, Rogers will be there to pick up the slack. ETA: Season 10.

5. Nick Henry, 3B/1B

Nick Henry Colorado Springs Field Mice Age: 21 B/T: R/R Born: Madera, CA Position(s): 3B View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Henry has a sweet swing and a nice glove, but doesn't have the power that we'd like to see out of a corner infielder. We expect Nick to be in AA by the All-Star break, with a chance of getting a callup sometime in Season 11.

6. Hong-Jin Martin, C

Hong-Jin Martin Colorado Springs Field Mice Age: 21 B/T: R/R Born: Lake Elsinore, CA Position(s): C View Hardball Dynasty Profile

An outstanding defensive catcher with a decent eye and bat from the right side, Martin hopes to develop into a backup catcher on the big club. ETA: Season 11.

7. Jim Hull, LF

Jim Hull Colorado Springs Field Mice Age: 23 B/T: R/R Born: Chatham, NY Position(s): LF/1B/RF/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

A fourth-round pick in Season 8, Hull's got to show improvement against right-handed pitching if he hopes to one day compete for a bench job on the big club. ETA: Season 11.