Rockies draft promising hurler Beck in Round 15

In the 15th round of the First-Year Player Draft, the Rockies grabbed John Beck, a right-hander who has shown promise at the University of Texas-Arlington, but recently endured a tumultuous junior year.

Beck has served as both a starter and reliever with the Mavericks, making six starts and 18 relief appearances this year. He struggled in 2013 with a 5.11 ERA and a 1-6 record while surrendering five home runs. He was much more effective as a sophomore, however, finishing with a 3-1 record and a 3.71 ERA.

Beck's fastball hangs between the high 80s and low 90s, but he has control issues that might explain the spike in his ERA this year. However, when he keeps his fastball down, it can lead to ground balls, always a plus when pitching at Coors Field.

The right-hander also throws a curveball -- potentially his best pitch -- that sits in the high-70s and usually has better command than his fastball.

At 21, Beck still time to develop a more consistent fastball and learn when to work in his offspeed pitches, which would turn him into an effective bullpen arm. At 6-foot-2, 195 pounds, the physical tools are there and he should improve under the guidance of professional coaches.