Chris Iannetta
Full Name: Christopher D. Iannetta
Position: C
Born: April 8, 1983 Place: Providence,Rhode Island
Height: 5'11" Weight: 220
Bats: Right Throws: Right
High School: College: University of North Carolina
Drafted: Selected by Colorado Rockies in 4th round (110th overall) of 2004 amateur entry draft (June Regular Phase)
The Rockies farm system has finally produced a catcher because Chris Iannetta looks to have the goods to be a major leaguer for years to come. He zoomed up through the minors with solid fundamentals behind the plate and in the batters box. With some major league time under his belt, he seemed to adjust quite well after his callup to Denver in late August 2006.
It's hard to predict how well he'll produce in the years to come but it may have a lot to do with where he settles down in the line up. Right now he'll bat very low, like in the 7th or 8th spot, which might affect his overall numbers, so lets predict he'll have seasons in the 20 homer and 80 RBI range. Also, his line drive swing bodes well in Coors Field and may translate into an average above .300.
More importantly is how he handles the pitching staff and how well he stops the opponents running game. This part of his game needs some work but is generally the case with young catchers. He'll need to gain the respect of the pitching staff and indications are that he is already doing fine in that department as he didn't have to do too many visits to the mound on the days he caught which were a lot once Yorvit Torrealba went down with an injury in Sept. His poor results in throwing out runners must improve from the 3 for 21 mark.
Will Chris be the starter in 2007? I believe so, but he may only catch 20 games or more than Torrealba will.
Year Team Lg Lvl G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB CS BB SO AVG OBP SLG
2004 Asheville SAL A 36 121 23 38 5 1 5 17 0 1 27 29 .314 .454 .496
2005 Modesto Calif A+ 74 261 51 72 17 3 11 58 1 2 45 61 .276 .381 .490
2005 Tulsa Tex AA 19 60 7 14 3 1 2 11 0 0 8 15 .233 .329 .417
2006 Tulsa Tex AA 44 156 38 50 10 2 11 26 1 0 24 26 .321 .418 .622
2006 Colo Spr PCL AAA 47 151 23 53 11 2 3 22 0 0 24 29 .351 .447 .510
2006 Colorado MLB MLB 21 77 12 20 4 0 2 10 0 1 13 17 .260 .370 .390
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Minor League Totals - 220 749 142 227 46 9 32 134 2 3 128 160 .303 .410 .517
Major League Totals - 21 77 12 20 4 0 2 10 0 1 13 17 .260 .370 .390
Position: C
Born: April 8, 1983 Place: Providence,Rhode Island
Height: 5'11" Weight: 220
Bats: Right Throws: Right
High School: College: University of North Carolina
Drafted: Selected by Colorado Rockies in 4th round (110th overall) of 2004 amateur entry draft (June Regular Phase)
The Rockies farm system has finally produced a catcher because Chris Iannetta looks to have the goods to be a major leaguer for years to come. He zoomed up through the minors with solid fundamentals behind the plate and in the batters box. With some major league time under his belt, he seemed to adjust quite well after his callup to Denver in late August 2006.
It's hard to predict how well he'll produce in the years to come but it may have a lot to do with where he settles down in the line up. Right now he'll bat very low, like in the 7th or 8th spot, which might affect his overall numbers, so lets predict he'll have seasons in the 20 homer and 80 RBI range. Also, his line drive swing bodes well in Coors Field and may translate into an average above .300.
More importantly is how he handles the pitching staff and how well he stops the opponents running game. This part of his game needs some work but is generally the case with young catchers. He'll need to gain the respect of the pitching staff and indications are that he is already doing fine in that department as he didn't have to do too many visits to the mound on the days he caught which were a lot once Yorvit Torrealba went down with an injury in Sept. His poor results in throwing out runners must improve from the 3 for 21 mark.
Will Chris be the starter in 2007? I believe so, but he may only catch 20 games or more than Torrealba will.
Year Team Lg Lvl G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB CS BB SO AVG OBP SLG
2004 Asheville SAL A 36 121 23 38 5 1 5 17 0 1 27 29 .314 .454 .496
2005 Modesto Calif A+ 74 261 51 72 17 3 11 58 1 2 45 61 .276 .381 .490
2005 Tulsa Tex AA 19 60 7 14 3 1 2 11 0 0 8 15 .233 .329 .417
2006 Tulsa Tex AA 44 156 38 50 10 2 11 26 1 0 24 26 .321 .418 .622
2006 Colo Spr PCL AAA 47 151 23 53 11 2 3 22 0 0 24 29 .351 .447 .510
2006 Colorado MLB MLB 21 77 12 20 4 0 2 10 0 1 13 17 .260 .370 .390
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Minor League Totals - 220 749 142 227 46 9 32 134 2 3 128 160 .303 .410 .517
Major League Totals - 21 77 12 20 4 0 2 10 0 1 13 17 .260 .370 .390
In the News
10/20/06.. addition.. projectprospect.com.. ranking catchers
4. Chris Iannetta, COL : Iannetta, 23, was stellar last season, shredding through Double-A Tulsa (.321/.418/.622) and then Triple-A Colorado Springs (.351/.447/.510). The 4th round draft pick out of North Carolina vaulted his way to a late-season call-up and claimed the ever-changing title of "Catcher of the Future" in Colorado.
Perhaps the guy who Colorado has long been looking for, we see Iannetta (5'11", 195-pounds) as a catcher who will put up slightly better numbers than Johnny Estrada and prove to be more durable. Although Iannetta may never encounter a season where he is able to represent the National League in the All-Star game, we think he'll go on to have a solid major league career. Look for him on the Rockies' opening day lineup card.
10/6/06.. addition.. SI.com
Iannetta enjoyed a breakout season in which he posted a .999 OPS split between Double A and Triple A. After starting his career 3 for 27, Iannetta quickly adjusted to big league pitching, batting .340 in his final 50 at-bats. His bat will have to carry him, as the North Carolina alum struggled defensively with Colorado, throwing out only 3 of 21 baserunners. However, given his very good pitch-recognition skills, the Rockies believe Iannetta's 2006 offensive breakout was for real. Iannetta will enter the 2007 season atop Colorado's catching depth chart.
8/26/06.. info.. MLB.com
Recalled C Chris Iannetta from Triple-A Colorado Springs; Designated C Danny Ardoin for assignment.
"We know we're challenged the rest of the season, but we're naïve enough to not think we're out of it either," manager Clint Hurdle said before Saturday's game. "That's why we're making the move now."
"He's very possibly the best all-around package for catching that we've ever had in the organization," Hurdle said. "He's book smart as well as clubhouse smart. He's played well everywhere he's gone. Staffs have pitched well wherever he's caught. He swings the bat very efficiently. He works the ball from line to line. And his throwing is average, if not above average."
7/13/06.. addition.. Rocky
Chris Iannetta grew up in Providence, R.I., and studied mathematics at the University of North Carolina. The Rockies, who have never developed a catcher with staying power in the big leagues, drafted Iannetta in the fourth round in 2004 and sent him to Asheville, bypassing their two short-season affiliates. Just two years later, Iannetta is on the doorstep of the big leagues.
"He’s exceeded expectations," player development director Marc Gustafson said. "We knew he could catch and knew he had the intangibles in terms of work ethic and leadership ability and being able to control a game from his position."
"He’s squaring a lot of balls up," Gustafson said. "He’s not popping them up. He’s not breaking bats. He’s jumped right into Triple-A and handled that level well so far. Who knows what would have happened if he didn’t break the wrist last year. But he’s recovered, and he’s where he needs to be right now, putting a little pressure on the front office and definitely from a positive standpoint."
6/30/06.. addition.. Rocky
"Chris is the total package," roving catching coordinator Marv Foley said. "He's big and strong, hard as a rock. He's got above-average arm strength and above-average accuracy. He can swing the bat and he's very intelligent. This guy's thirsting for knowledge and he applies it right away."
6/25/06.. scouting report from OhNoKoolAid
C Chris Iannetta- Throw downs in warm ups were superior to Suzuki's of Midland. His swing is a tad long, but he knows how to work the count and doesn't chase bad pitches.
6/5/06.. addition.. Rocky
Iannetta is averaging one homer every 15 at-bats, compared with one every 23.1 at-bats last year.
5/08/06.. Purps 30 .. Purple Row.com
4. Chris Iannetta - C
Iannetta never impressed the scouting community as a premier catching prospect until this last year. His profile just didn't show it in him. That said, after a seamless transition to the pro-game from college at North Carolina, Iannetta has seen his stock rise dramatically. He doesn't have the power of a Jeff Clement or Joe Mauer, maybe not even the power potential of JD Closser, and that's been his biggest drawback among professional scouts. What he does have is solid defense, tremendous plate discipline and a swing that can use every portion of the field. His ability to hit the other way and force pitchers to throw strikes has made him a very interesting player in my book, and all his skills will still be very useful in a major league setting.
4/19/06.. FOXSports.com.. Ranking catching prospects:
7. Chris Iannetta, Rockies, Age: 23
Acquired: 4th round, 2004, U. of North Carolina
Good gap-to-gap swing, reasonable defensive skills, strong walk rates, ability to hit for average-Iannetta's a good one. His throwing arm is major league quality, but otherwise he could stand to improve his work behind the plate. This season, he's back at Double-A Tulsa, and you can expect solid numbers from him. If he hits this season, Iannetta will be a top-30 prospect in 2007.
2/6/06.. addition.. MLB.com
"Iannetta is a leader," Rockies player development director Marc Gustafson said. "He's not afraid to go out to the mound and talk to the pitcher, settle him down if needed. He has all the makings of the quarterback on the field, a leader on the field. At that position, it's important."
2/8/06.. Top Prospect Alert.com
Potential -- Keeper. After a solid but not spectacular,career at North Carolina, Iannetta has emerged as a top catching prospect by putting up solid minor league numbers, playing great defense and having a projectable future in Coors Field. While he probably won’t put up league leading numbers, he will be a long-term keeper at the catcher position.
Risks -- Green. Iannetta broke his wrist last year, but there’s no real reason to believe that this will be a lingering or recurring problem. His attitude and commitment to learning and improving are way above average and he is being fast tracked to the Majors.
Offense -- Even in the thin air of Denver, Iannetta is never going to lead the league, or catchers, in home runs, but he promises to be a solid across the board catcher who will have enough pop in his bat to help your power stats. In 129 career pro games, Iannetta has hit a solid .280 with 18 home runs between three levels. Iannetta’s plate discipline is an added bonus as he has already drawn 82 career walks, and that should lead to a lot of runs scored as he heads through the hitter-friendly Rockies system.
Defense -- It was Iannetta’s defense that really got him noticed, and its his good hands behind the plate, and ability to handle pitchers that will assure him a spot in the big leagues, even if he takes a while to put up huge numbers on offense.
Position Change -- None in the works, should fit into Rockies long term plans as their every day catcher.
Blocked By -- Nobody, Catcher is the one position the Rockies have yet to fill with at least a serviceable fantasy player in recent years. Ben Petrick, Garrett Gentry, and J.D. Closser have all been given their shots and failed and Danny Ardoin is nothing more than a defensive stopper keeping the seat warm for Iannetta’s arrival.
ETA -- Iannetta should start 2006 in AA and is a possibility to be a September call up this year but his first fantasy spot worthy time should come in the 2007 season. Keep him on the top of your radar as he has the chance to be the type of guy who puts you over the top when he comes up and gets his chance.
Comparison -- Bengie Molina, He may do it in a different fashion, but Iannetta has the potential to put up similar numbers to what Bengie Molina has done recently, albeit with a few more walks and potential for a few more home runs.
1/20/06... addition.. MLB.com
The 2005 season, Chris Iannetta's first full year as a pro, was a durability test.
He did well enough at Modesto (.276, 11 home runs, 58 RBIs) to earn an invitation to the Futures Game during All-Star Weekend in Detroit, and to be promoted to Tulsa in late July. However, he suffered a broken bone in his left hand after being hit by a foul tip. Although he played through the injury, it hurt his offensive performance (.233, two home runs, 11 RBIs) in Tulsa.
In the Arizona Fall League, the continued recovery and sporadic playing time because his team carried as many as four catchers led to less-than-inspiring numbers. But fatigue was not an issue, and Iannetta is healthy now.
"The only time that I struggled, I was trying to play with a banged-up wrist," Iannetta said. "Other than that, it was a lot better than I thought it was going to be. I thought it was going to be a lot harder. I was fortunate enough to hold up and keep pretty good legs. I'm glad I got the first one done."
4. Chris Iannetta, COL : Iannetta, 23, was stellar last season, shredding through Double-A Tulsa (.321/.418/.622) and then Triple-A Colorado Springs (.351/.447/.510). The 4th round draft pick out of North Carolina vaulted his way to a late-season call-up and claimed the ever-changing title of "Catcher of the Future" in Colorado.
Perhaps the guy who Colorado has long been looking for, we see Iannetta (5'11", 195-pounds) as a catcher who will put up slightly better numbers than Johnny Estrada and prove to be more durable. Although Iannetta may never encounter a season where he is able to represent the National League in the All-Star game, we think he'll go on to have a solid major league career. Look for him on the Rockies' opening day lineup card.
10/6/06.. addition.. SI.com
Iannetta enjoyed a breakout season in which he posted a .999 OPS split between Double A and Triple A. After starting his career 3 for 27, Iannetta quickly adjusted to big league pitching, batting .340 in his final 50 at-bats. His bat will have to carry him, as the North Carolina alum struggled defensively with Colorado, throwing out only 3 of 21 baserunners. However, given his very good pitch-recognition skills, the Rockies believe Iannetta's 2006 offensive breakout was for real. Iannetta will enter the 2007 season atop Colorado's catching depth chart.
8/26/06.. info.. MLB.com
Recalled C Chris Iannetta from Triple-A Colorado Springs; Designated C Danny Ardoin for assignment.
"We know we're challenged the rest of the season, but we're naïve enough to not think we're out of it either," manager Clint Hurdle said before Saturday's game. "That's why we're making the move now."
"He's very possibly the best all-around package for catching that we've ever had in the organization," Hurdle said. "He's book smart as well as clubhouse smart. He's played well everywhere he's gone. Staffs have pitched well wherever he's caught. He swings the bat very efficiently. He works the ball from line to line. And his throwing is average, if not above average."
7/13/06.. addition.. Rocky
Chris Iannetta grew up in Providence, R.I., and studied mathematics at the University of North Carolina. The Rockies, who have never developed a catcher with staying power in the big leagues, drafted Iannetta in the fourth round in 2004 and sent him to Asheville, bypassing their two short-season affiliates. Just two years later, Iannetta is on the doorstep of the big leagues.
"He’s exceeded expectations," player development director Marc Gustafson said. "We knew he could catch and knew he had the intangibles in terms of work ethic and leadership ability and being able to control a game from his position."
"He’s squaring a lot of balls up," Gustafson said. "He’s not popping them up. He’s not breaking bats. He’s jumped right into Triple-A and handled that level well so far. Who knows what would have happened if he didn’t break the wrist last year. But he’s recovered, and he’s where he needs to be right now, putting a little pressure on the front office and definitely from a positive standpoint."
6/30/06.. addition.. Rocky
"Chris is the total package," roving catching coordinator Marv Foley said. "He's big and strong, hard as a rock. He's got above-average arm strength and above-average accuracy. He can swing the bat and he's very intelligent. This guy's thirsting for knowledge and he applies it right away."
6/25/06.. scouting report from OhNoKoolAid
C Chris Iannetta- Throw downs in warm ups were superior to Suzuki's of Midland. His swing is a tad long, but he knows how to work the count and doesn't chase bad pitches.
6/5/06.. addition.. Rocky
Iannetta is averaging one homer every 15 at-bats, compared with one every 23.1 at-bats last year.
5/08/06.. Purps 30 .. Purple Row.com
4. Chris Iannetta - C
Iannetta never impressed the scouting community as a premier catching prospect until this last year. His profile just didn't show it in him. That said, after a seamless transition to the pro-game from college at North Carolina, Iannetta has seen his stock rise dramatically. He doesn't have the power of a Jeff Clement or Joe Mauer, maybe not even the power potential of JD Closser, and that's been his biggest drawback among professional scouts. What he does have is solid defense, tremendous plate discipline and a swing that can use every portion of the field. His ability to hit the other way and force pitchers to throw strikes has made him a very interesting player in my book, and all his skills will still be very useful in a major league setting.
4/19/06.. FOXSports.com.. Ranking catching prospects:
7. Chris Iannetta, Rockies, Age: 23
Acquired: 4th round, 2004, U. of North Carolina
Good gap-to-gap swing, reasonable defensive skills, strong walk rates, ability to hit for average-Iannetta's a good one. His throwing arm is major league quality, but otherwise he could stand to improve his work behind the plate. This season, he's back at Double-A Tulsa, and you can expect solid numbers from him. If he hits this season, Iannetta will be a top-30 prospect in 2007.
2/6/06.. addition.. MLB.com
"Iannetta is a leader," Rockies player development director Marc Gustafson said. "He's not afraid to go out to the mound and talk to the pitcher, settle him down if needed. He has all the makings of the quarterback on the field, a leader on the field. At that position, it's important."
2/8/06.. Top Prospect Alert.com
Potential -- Keeper. After a solid but not spectacular,career at North Carolina, Iannetta has emerged as a top catching prospect by putting up solid minor league numbers, playing great defense and having a projectable future in Coors Field. While he probably won’t put up league leading numbers, he will be a long-term keeper at the catcher position.
Risks -- Green. Iannetta broke his wrist last year, but there’s no real reason to believe that this will be a lingering or recurring problem. His attitude and commitment to learning and improving are way above average and he is being fast tracked to the Majors.
Offense -- Even in the thin air of Denver, Iannetta is never going to lead the league, or catchers, in home runs, but he promises to be a solid across the board catcher who will have enough pop in his bat to help your power stats. In 129 career pro games, Iannetta has hit a solid .280 with 18 home runs between three levels. Iannetta’s plate discipline is an added bonus as he has already drawn 82 career walks, and that should lead to a lot of runs scored as he heads through the hitter-friendly Rockies system.
Defense -- It was Iannetta’s defense that really got him noticed, and its his good hands behind the plate, and ability to handle pitchers that will assure him a spot in the big leagues, even if he takes a while to put up huge numbers on offense.
Position Change -- None in the works, should fit into Rockies long term plans as their every day catcher.
Blocked By -- Nobody, Catcher is the one position the Rockies have yet to fill with at least a serviceable fantasy player in recent years. Ben Petrick, Garrett Gentry, and J.D. Closser have all been given their shots and failed and Danny Ardoin is nothing more than a defensive stopper keeping the seat warm for Iannetta’s arrival.
ETA -- Iannetta should start 2006 in AA and is a possibility to be a September call up this year but his first fantasy spot worthy time should come in the 2007 season. Keep him on the top of your radar as he has the chance to be the type of guy who puts you over the top when he comes up and gets his chance.
Comparison -- Bengie Molina, He may do it in a different fashion, but Iannetta has the potential to put up similar numbers to what Bengie Molina has done recently, albeit with a few more walks and potential for a few more home runs.
1/20/06... addition.. MLB.com
The 2005 season, Chris Iannetta's first full year as a pro, was a durability test.
He did well enough at Modesto (.276, 11 home runs, 58 RBIs) to earn an invitation to the Futures Game during All-Star Weekend in Detroit, and to be promoted to Tulsa in late July. However, he suffered a broken bone in his left hand after being hit by a foul tip. Although he played through the injury, it hurt his offensive performance (.233, two home runs, 11 RBIs) in Tulsa.
In the Arizona Fall League, the continued recovery and sporadic playing time because his team carried as many as four catchers led to less-than-inspiring numbers. But fatigue was not an issue, and Iannetta is healthy now.
"The only time that I struggled, I was trying to play with a banged-up wrist," Iannetta said. "Other than that, it was a lot better than I thought it was going to be. I thought it was going to be a lot harder. I was fortunate enough to hold up and keep pretty good legs. I'm glad I got the first one done."