Tyler Matzek was taken 11^th overall by the Rockies in the first round of the 2009 First Year Player Draft. Although being able to sign Matzek was a question for many clubs earlier in the round, Colorado was able to land him for a club-record $3.9 million dollars. After signing in late August Matzek did not play in 2009, but he was still named the Rockies top prospect by Baseball America. He was also deemed to posses the best fastball among all Rockies prospects in the system.

While already on the map as a prospect, Matzek reinforced that thought with a stellar 2010 season. Not only was he 5-1 with the Asheville Tourists, he also led the team with a 2.92 earned run average in 89.1 innings. After 2010, Matzek was ranked as the Number 3 prospect in the South Atlantic League.

The 6’3” lefthander has the assortment of pitches to be a top of the rotation pitcher in the major leagues. His fastball, slider and change-up all have the ability to be plus-plus pitches, but his weakness is in his control and command. He has great make up and the size necessary to be a successful pitcher in the majors. Matzek will start the 2011 season at High Class-A Modesto, with a midseason promotion to Double-A Tulsa not out of the question.