Jordan Pacheco

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Colorado Rockies #17 prospect in 2012
  Pacheco played second base in college at New Mexico and saw time at shortstop during his 2007 pro debut before moving to catcher the following spring. He spent most of 2010 in high Class A before a season-ending injury to Wilin Rosario gave Pacheco an opportunity in Double-A. He parlayed that and a strong big league camp last spring into a Triple-A assignment in 2011, setting the stage for a September callup. During his first exposure to the big leagues, Pacheco played at first base, third base, catcher and second base. He'll be a super-utility player going forward, capable of providing offense off the bench and serving as a third catcher. While at Colorado Springs, Pacheco raised doubts about his ability to be an everyday catcher. Problems with his transfer and footwork diminished his throwing accuracy, as he nabbed just 20 percent of basestealers despite solid arm strength. He let his throwing troubles and the challenge of handling a poor pitching staff leak into his offense. Freed of the burden of catching regularly in Colorado, Pacheco had a much improved offensive approach. He did a better job of using all fields and staying back and letting the ball travel deep. He has an uncanny ability to make contact, though his power is limited. Pacheco has fringy speed and infield range, though he does have soft hands and can make the routine play. He'll have a chance in spring training to win a roster spot with the Rockies, who view his bat as a valuable asset.
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  Ranked Colorado Rockies #18 prospect in 2011
  Pacheco was the Mountain West Conference player of the year in 2007 for New Mexico, when he was a second baseman. He stayed in the infield his first year in pro ball, but in 2008 made the move behind the plate. Pacheco is an accomplished hitter, though he doesn't have a great deal of power. He has a game plan at the plate and works counts, controls the strike zone and uses the whole field. A career .310 hitter in pro ball, he opened last year in high Class A but moved to Double-A when Wilin Rosario injured his knee and was lost for the season. He finished with a turn in the Arizona Fall League and earned a 40-man roster spot. The debate is over whether he can refine his catching game enough to be a regular at the position. He is still learning his footwork and has made adjustments in his throwing mechanics, helping him throw out 34 of the 100 basestealers who tested him in 2010. Scouts like his soft hands and consistent 2.0-second pop times, and he should be the regular at Tulsa in 2011. Looking long-term, however, right now he projects to be a super-utility player in the big leagues because of his background in the middle infield.
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  Ranked Colorado Rockies #18 prospect in 2010
  A middle infielder at New Mexico, Pacheco made the transition to catching in his first full pro season in 2008. He won the South Atlantic League MVP award last season, finishing second in the league batting race (.322). Pacheco's bat is what got him drafted, but he lacked the quickness to play second base and the power potential to profile as a corner infielder. The Rockies believed that if he could be an adequate defender behind the plate, he could hit his way to a backup/utility role in the big leagues. Now the thought is that Pacheco could be a regular catcher. He handles the bat well and knows the strike zone. He understands his limitations and looks to drive balls in the gaps. He's a below-average runner but moves well for a catcher. Pacheco has average arm strength, though he's still working on his throwing mechanics after throwing out just 16 percent of basestealers in 2009. His receiving also is a work in progress, though he made strides by committing just eight passed balls in 69 games after giving up 21 in 44 contests in 2008. He has the leadership qualities a team looks for in a catcher. Pacheco will advance to Modesto, where he'll benefit playing for catching guru Jerry Weinstein.