The general sentiment among Rockies fans who follow the draft when Colorado took Garrett Hampson, shortstop out of Long Beach State, in the 3rd round of the 2016 draft was that of bemusement. Though the Rockies have had good success with shortstops from that school (see Tulowitzki, Troy), Hampson’s draft scouting reports painted him as a pure utility guy who got by more on grit and work ethic than talent, and who would need to rely on defense to make it to the Show.
But a funny thing happened to that narrative after Hampson signed for $750,000 and was assigned to Short Season A Boise: Hampson was an offensive dynamo in the notoriously pitcher friendly environment in the Northwest League against age appropriate competition, hitting .