SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- As part of MLBPipeline.com's visit to all 30 Spring Training facilities this month, we will be sitting down with prospects and getting to know them a little better. At Rockies camp, it was No. 1 prospect Brendan Rodgers.
MLBPipeline.com's top-rated prospect in the 2015 Draft, Rodgers went No. 3 overall as the first high school player selected and signed for a franchise-record $5.5 million. He has the offensive upside of former franchise icon Troy Tulowitzki and the athleticism to possibly stay at shortstop or become a standout third baseman. In his pro debut, he batted .273/.340/.420 with three homers in 37 games at Rookie-level Grand Junction.
MLBPipeline.com: What was it like going through the Draft process as a potential No. 1 overall pick? Were you able to enjoy it at all?
Rodgers: It was hectic. I'm honestly glad that it's all over with. It put stress on me and my family. I was a high school kid and we didn't know what to expect. It was crazy but I still would do it again. I did enjoy a lot of it. I got to go to big league stadiums and MLB Network. I just went with the flow and tried to play my hardest.
MLB Pipeline Spring Training reports
MLBPipeline.com: What was the biggest adjustment you had to make to pro ball? Was it facing a higher caliber of pitching or was it the physical grind? You missed roughly half of the Pioneer League season with leg injuries.
Rodgers: It was learning to play every day, a lot of times on few hours of sleep after long bus rides. It puts a different kind of hurting on your body. It's something I had to get used to. I learned the lesson that I have to take better care of my body, eat better. I've been here since January working out with big league camp guys like Trevor Story, David Dahl and Ryan McMahon, getting back in playing shape. Everything feels good. Hopefully, I learned a lot from last year.
MLBPipeline.com: What are you hoping to accomplish in your first full professional season? The assumption is that you'll go to Class A Asheville, which is a nice place to hit.
Rodgers: I've heard Asheville has a short porch to the opposite [right] field, that it's a hitter's park. My main focus is to have good at-bats this year. I want to try to steal some bags. My speed is about average right now but I'm working on my speed and agility. I want more confidence swiping bags.
MLBPipeline.com: Do you have timetable in mind for when you think you'll be ready for the big leagues?
Rodgers: I know I said when I signed that I could get there when I was 21. It's really hard to tell now that I've experienced my first year. To do that, you've got to have a crazy year every year. It's a long process, a development process. The big thing is getting there and staying there.
MLBPipeline.com: You're sporting a short haircut after previously being known for your stylish flow. What happened?
Rodgers: I got it cut three days ago. I hadn't had it cut this short since elementary school when I was 12. I liked it long and flowing but it's so hot out here. It was getting so aggravating, so I got it cut. I'm liking it like this.