Well this has been an interesting last 24 hours. We had Joyce-Gate in Detroit last night. And today, the Mike Estabrook circus set up shop at the K.
I'll start with Jim Joyce. At first, I was outraged. How dare an umpire take away a perfect game? The third perfect game in ONE MONTH? What a joke. Then I remembered. This man is a person. He has a family. He probably had dreams about a moment like this. Well, his moment came and it is now going to be one of the most infamous moments in Major League history. I disagree with the call. 99% of America disagrees with it. But the thing that has stood out the most in this whole ordeal is the professionalism of Armando Galarraga and personal responsibility of Jim Joyce that was on display in the last 24 hours. The fact that Jim Joyce was man enough to admit his mistake AND man enough to apologize to Galarraga and Jim Leyland just minutes after Leyland was filling Joyce's face with Marlboro breath, is a testament to the kind of human being that Jim Joyce is. Which is more than enough to make up for his blown call.
Now onto a more cowardly and ridiculous topic. Earlier today, let's just say that home plate umpire Mike Estabrook was having a little trouble discerning the strike zone. Fed up with seeing his Cy Young winning pitcher getting squeezed, catcher Jason Kendall decided to say something about it. Estabrook then fee-fi-fo-fummed in front of Kendall and made a scene in front of the plate. Well that didn't sit too well with Ned Yost, who stormed out of the dugout with fervor and rage that had escaped his predecessor. Yost gave it to Estabrook. Hard. It was like the shower scene from American History X, except with words. And Mr. Estabrook deserved it. There's a reason why players get paid more than umpires. Because people go to watch the players, not umpires. Call strikes, keep track of the outs and don't try to be a part of the game.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Royals Trade Deadline Special: Episode 1
Over the next couple of months, as trade talks start firing up, I'm going to profile 3-4 Royals at a time to estimate the value of what the Royals could get in return for several different players. Next to their name and position I will provide their salary info for the current 2010 season and for the 2011 season. Here we go...
I'll start off with the list of usual suspects, I'll leave the hard hitting, newsworthy stuff for later.
David DeJesus, RF, 2010 salary: $4.7 million, 2011: $6 million club option with $500k buyout- His name has been in the trade stew for the last three seasons. His value is lower than it has been, as he is 30 years old now. But that is really the only thing that sets DeJesus back. He does a lot of things well. Great fielder, above average bat, great with runners in scoring position. He is a bad baserunner though. He would fit in nicely with a National League team looking to add a legitimate Major League outfielder who can play all three outfield positions for a very fair price. I can see the Padres, if they are still in the heat of the NL West or Wild Card races, and maybe even Athletics come calling for DDJ. The Royals shouldn't ask the world for DeJesus, but perhaps a young, upper minors catcher and a low-level C+ pitching prospect should do the trick.
Trade Likelihood: Possible
Trade Value: Above Average
Kyle Farnsworth, RHP, 2010 salary: $4.5 million, 2011: $5.25MM club option with a $500K buyout- He's having a pretty darn good season right now. The majority of his $4.5 million salary would be paid to him by the time the Trade Deadline rolls around, so the salary really isn't the issue. The issue here is that Farnsworth has been run out of nearly every single city in Major League Baseball. The usual buyers at the deadline (Yankees, Tigers, Cubs, etc.) are all teams that Farnsworth has played for. Someone will have to be desperate enough to take him on. But a simple glance at his numbers and you see that he has been effective for the Royals this year. Potential suitors for him could be the Blue Jays, Angels, Giants and Reds, as all are having awful trouble with their bullpens. The club option for 2011 is a bit of a concern, it would have to be a team who is willing to use him as a rent-a-player. The good news is that teams are ALWAYS looking to add bullpen arms around the Trade Deadline. The return on Farnsworth won't be great, but the benefit in this is that it allows the Royals to call up a young pitcher to the bigs (Crow, Hardy, Coleman, etc.) and shed some payroll. My bet is on the Giants, as they seem to be willing to take on extra payroll if necessary.
Trade Likelihood: Very Likely
Trade Value: Average
Willie Bloomquist, UTIL, 2010 salary: $1.7 million, 2011: Unsigned- St. Willie isn't an all star. He doesn't set the world on fire. But he plays nearly every damn position on the field except for catcher. Teams usually are looking for utility players around the trade deadline. Bloomquist also provides his speed for any potential suitor. Look at what Dave Roberts did for the Red Sox in 2004. If it weren't for him stealing that base in game 4, the Red Sox probably would have lost the game. Willie will provide a decent glove at every position off the bench in the late innings. He can come in and run for slow players in the late innings. He can even convince the team's 35 year old catcher to be his teammate in the two-man bobsled team at the 2018 Winter Olympics! He is extremely affordable and versatile. Provides little to nothing at the plate, but Bloomers' value is off the bench, something that every team can use at any time of the year. He could really go anywhere. The return will be minimal, but it would allow the Royals to take a look at a player like Irving Falu or perhaps open up a roster spot for Mike Moustakas. And that is the most I will ever write about Willie Bloomquist.
Trade Likelihood: 50/50
Trade Value: Below Average
Rick Ankiel, CF, 2010 salary: $2.75 million, 2011: $6 million mutual option with $500k buyout- He's hurt now. That is the issue. It would be a high risk move for the team that would bring him in. He is supposedly about to start a rehab assignment. There are a plethora of reasons the Royals should trade him. He has a big hole in his swing. He strikes out a lot. He blocks Mitch Maier. He blocks Alex Gordon. But he does have redeeming qualities. He hits homers. He has a cannon for an arm. He is a decent fielder. If someone is interested in taking him on, then the Royals should absolutely unload him. He doesn't fit in with the "youth" movement that the Royals are allegedly taking. If he can be traded, then the value for him may be pretty decent. A Double-A or Triple-A shortstop should be sought. Once again, the Padres need outfield help.
Trade Likelihood: Doubtful
Trade Value: Average
I'll start off with the list of usual suspects, I'll leave the hard hitting, newsworthy stuff for later.
David DeJesus, RF, 2010 salary: $4.7 million, 2011: $6 million club option with $500k buyout- His name has been in the trade stew for the last three seasons. His value is lower than it has been, as he is 30 years old now. But that is really the only thing that sets DeJesus back. He does a lot of things well. Great fielder, above average bat, great with runners in scoring position. He is a bad baserunner though. He would fit in nicely with a National League team looking to add a legitimate Major League outfielder who can play all three outfield positions for a very fair price. I can see the Padres, if they are still in the heat of the NL West or Wild Card races, and maybe even Athletics come calling for DDJ. The Royals shouldn't ask the world for DeJesus, but perhaps a young, upper minors catcher and a low-level C+ pitching prospect should do the trick.
Trade Likelihood: Possible
Trade Value: Above Average
Kyle Farnsworth, RHP, 2010 salary: $4.5 million, 2011: $5.25MM club option with a $500K buyout- He's having a pretty darn good season right now. The majority of his $4.5 million salary would be paid to him by the time the Trade Deadline rolls around, so the salary really isn't the issue. The issue here is that Farnsworth has been run out of nearly every single city in Major League Baseball. The usual buyers at the deadline (Yankees, Tigers, Cubs, etc.) are all teams that Farnsworth has played for. Someone will have to be desperate enough to take him on. But a simple glance at his numbers and you see that he has been effective for the Royals this year. Potential suitors for him could be the Blue Jays, Angels, Giants and Reds, as all are having awful trouble with their bullpens. The club option for 2011 is a bit of a concern, it would have to be a team who is willing to use him as a rent-a-player. The good news is that teams are ALWAYS looking to add bullpen arms around the Trade Deadline. The return on Farnsworth won't be great, but the benefit in this is that it allows the Royals to call up a young pitcher to the bigs (Crow, Hardy, Coleman, etc.) and shed some payroll. My bet is on the Giants, as they seem to be willing to take on extra payroll if necessary.
Trade Likelihood: Very Likely
Trade Value: Average
Willie Bloomquist, UTIL, 2010 salary: $1.7 million, 2011: Unsigned- St. Willie isn't an all star. He doesn't set the world on fire. But he plays nearly every damn position on the field except for catcher. Teams usually are looking for utility players around the trade deadline. Bloomquist also provides his speed for any potential suitor. Look at what Dave Roberts did for the Red Sox in 2004. If it weren't for him stealing that base in game 4, the Red Sox probably would have lost the game. Willie will provide a decent glove at every position off the bench in the late innings. He can come in and run for slow players in the late innings. He can even convince the team's 35 year old catcher to be his teammate in the two-man bobsled team at the 2018 Winter Olympics! He is extremely affordable and versatile. Provides little to nothing at the plate, but Bloomers' value is off the bench, something that every team can use at any time of the year. He could really go anywhere. The return will be minimal, but it would allow the Royals to take a look at a player like Irving Falu or perhaps open up a roster spot for Mike Moustakas. And that is the most I will ever write about Willie Bloomquist.
Trade Likelihood: 50/50
Trade Value: Below Average
Rick Ankiel, CF, 2010 salary: $2.75 million, 2011: $6 million mutual option with $500k buyout- He's hurt now. That is the issue. It would be a high risk move for the team that would bring him in. He is supposedly about to start a rehab assignment. There are a plethora of reasons the Royals should trade him. He has a big hole in his swing. He strikes out a lot. He blocks Mitch Maier. He blocks Alex Gordon. But he does have redeeming qualities. He hits homers. He has a cannon for an arm. He is a decent fielder. If someone is interested in taking him on, then the Royals should absolutely unload him. He doesn't fit in with the "youth" movement that the Royals are allegedly taking. If he can be traded, then the value for him may be pretty decent. A Double-A or Triple-A shortstop should be sought. Once again, the Padres need outfield help.
Trade Likelihood: Doubtful
Trade Value: Average
Monday, May 24, 2010
Royals Kingdom Prospect Review 1-5
The future freaks me out...
5. Eric Hosmer, 1B/DH, 20 years old, High-A Wilmington Blue Rocks- Now we're getting into the meat and potatoes of the Royals farm system. What better place to start than with this guy? He's terrorizing the Carolina League right now with a .376/.447/.558/1.005 line. Along with those robust stats, he's only hit 2 home runs, but hold-up-wait-a-minute...he's hit 16 doubles, driven in 30 AND is 7 for 7 when stealing bases. Keith Law went as far to say that Hosmer is one of the top hitting prospects in all of baseball. The more exciting part is that Hosmer has some versatility. The Royals didn't draft him with a mindset of Hosmer being a 5-tooler, but he's showcasing a skillset that is pointing towards him actually being a toolsy player. His future may not even be at first base or as a designated hitter. He's got a cannon for an arm (he was clocked at 95 MPH in high school) and has showcased phenomenal baserunning skills as shown by his perfect stolen base percentage and four triples. He's one to watch and has shown that his rough first two years were nothing but flukes.
4. Wil Myers, C, 19 years old, Low-A Burlington Bees- Other than spelling his first name correctly, Wil Myers seemingly does everything right. Greg Schaum from RoyalsProspects.com told me that scouts' eyes absolutely light up when you even mention this kid's name. So far in the Midwest League, Myers has struggled making contact, but he's walking a lot and showcasing power with 6 homers and 10 doubles in 39 games so far. His defense is impressive as well, he's thrown out 39% of basestealers this season, but 11 passed balls are cause for a bit of concern. Myers is a tremendous baseball talent, and if he doesn't work out at catcher, he's athletic enough to fit in somewhere else. If he does work out at catcher, then we may have our counter attack to Mr. Joe Mauer.
3. Aaron Crow, RHP, 23 years old, AA Northwest Arkansas Naturals- A local boy who dominated college ball at Mizzou who was viewed as the most readily available starting pitching prospect in the system. He's struggled this year at AA. He's got all the stuff in the world, location has been the issue so far. He's got some work to do, but it's obvious he's feeling some pressure. He's put up a decent 4.47 ERA in 9 starts, but that is nowhere near where it needs to be if he is to stay on track for his big league debut, which many forecasted would be around the All Star Break of this year. If he can get it back on track in his next few starts, then I think we'll see him at some point in KC this year.
2. Mike Montgomery, LHP, 20 years old, AA Northwest Arkansas Naturals- A sandwich pick in the 2008 draft, Monty has blown through the minor leagues, never once posting an ERA over 2.25 at ANY LEVEL in the minors. He's spearheading the Royals' crop of pitching prospects with stats like a 1.94 career minor league ERA, 1.012 WHIP and 184 strikeouts in 199.2 career innings. He couples a long, lanky frame with an incredibly deceptive delivery and finesses hitters to death with a 91-93 MPH fastball that gets on hitters quickly. His changeup is his secondary pitch. He has great control of the pitch and it has good downward movement. He's still a year or two away, but most scouts say that all of his skills will translate incredibly well to the next level. For a kid who is still getting used to his big frame, he's only going to continue getting better.
1. Mike Moustakas, 3B, 21 years old, AA Northwest Arkansas Naturals- "Tremendous competitor and leader on the field. He's the guy you want at the plate when the game is on the line." -JJ Picollo. Quotes like that aren't a dime-a-dozen. Moustakas originally was number two on this list when I started it two weeks ago, but now he's simply forced his way into the top spot on my list. His .395/.482/.816/1.298 line is absolutely absurd on any level. He's hit 12 homers already this year. I'm going to keep this one short, because Moustakas is something special. He really is. There are plenty of videos online of this guy mashing the ball in AA. He's got a sweet stroke and will probably be saying so long to Arkansas in the near future and may be saying hello to Omaha...or possibly even Kansas City before the 2010 season is over.
Roads? Where we're going, we don't need......roads.
5. Eric Hosmer, 1B/DH, 20 years old, High-A Wilmington Blue Rocks- Now we're getting into the meat and potatoes of the Royals farm system. What better place to start than with this guy? He's terrorizing the Carolina League right now with a .376/.447/.558/1.005 line. Along with those robust stats, he's only hit 2 home runs, but hold-up-wait-a-minute...he's hit 16 doubles, driven in 30 AND is 7 for 7 when stealing bases. Keith Law went as far to say that Hosmer is one of the top hitting prospects in all of baseball. The more exciting part is that Hosmer has some versatility. The Royals didn't draft him with a mindset of Hosmer being a 5-tooler, but he's showcasing a skillset that is pointing towards him actually being a toolsy player. His future may not even be at first base or as a designated hitter. He's got a cannon for an arm (he was clocked at 95 MPH in high school) and has showcased phenomenal baserunning skills as shown by his perfect stolen base percentage and four triples. He's one to watch and has shown that his rough first two years were nothing but flukes.
4. Wil Myers, C, 19 years old, Low-A Burlington Bees- Other than spelling his first name correctly, Wil Myers seemingly does everything right. Greg Schaum from RoyalsProspects.com told me that scouts' eyes absolutely light up when you even mention this kid's name. So far in the Midwest League, Myers has struggled making contact, but he's walking a lot and showcasing power with 6 homers and 10 doubles in 39 games so far. His defense is impressive as well, he's thrown out 39% of basestealers this season, but 11 passed balls are cause for a bit of concern. Myers is a tremendous baseball talent, and if he doesn't work out at catcher, he's athletic enough to fit in somewhere else. If he does work out at catcher, then we may have our counter attack to Mr. Joe Mauer.
3. Aaron Crow, RHP, 23 years old, AA Northwest Arkansas Naturals- A local boy who dominated college ball at Mizzou who was viewed as the most readily available starting pitching prospect in the system. He's struggled this year at AA. He's got all the stuff in the world, location has been the issue so far. He's got some work to do, but it's obvious he's feeling some pressure. He's put up a decent 4.47 ERA in 9 starts, but that is nowhere near where it needs to be if he is to stay on track for his big league debut, which many forecasted would be around the All Star Break of this year. If he can get it back on track in his next few starts, then I think we'll see him at some point in KC this year.
2. Mike Montgomery, LHP, 20 years old, AA Northwest Arkansas Naturals- A sandwich pick in the 2008 draft, Monty has blown through the minor leagues, never once posting an ERA over 2.25 at ANY LEVEL in the minors. He's spearheading the Royals' crop of pitching prospects with stats like a 1.94 career minor league ERA, 1.012 WHIP and 184 strikeouts in 199.2 career innings. He couples a long, lanky frame with an incredibly deceptive delivery and finesses hitters to death with a 91-93 MPH fastball that gets on hitters quickly. His changeup is his secondary pitch. He has great control of the pitch and it has good downward movement. He's still a year or two away, but most scouts say that all of his skills will translate incredibly well to the next level. For a kid who is still getting used to his big frame, he's only going to continue getting better.
1. Mike Moustakas, 3B, 21 years old, AA Northwest Arkansas Naturals- "Tremendous competitor and leader on the field. He's the guy you want at the plate when the game is on the line." -JJ Picollo. Quotes like that aren't a dime-a-dozen. Moustakas originally was number two on this list when I started it two weeks ago, but now he's simply forced his way into the top spot on my list. His .395/.482/.816/1.298 line is absolutely absurd on any level. He's hit 12 homers already this year. I'm going to keep this one short, because Moustakas is something special. He really is. There are plenty of videos online of this guy mashing the ball in AA. He's got a sweet stroke and will probably be saying so long to Arkansas in the near future and may be saying hello to Omaha...or possibly even Kansas City before the 2010 season is over.
Roads? Where we're going, we don't need......roads.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Royals Kingdom Prospect Review 6-10
The future's so bright, I gotta wear shades...
10. John Lamb, LHP, 19 years old, Low-A Burlington Bees- Once viewed as a legitimate hitting prospect, Lamb has been mentioned as one of the best young left handed arms in all of minor league baseball. He's drawn early comparisons to Tom Glavine and has an outstanding changeup that is causing Midwest Leaguers fits in 2010 as Lamb is posting a miniscule 1.58 ERA in Burlington. He suffered an unfortunate injury in 2008 when he broke his elbow in a car accident, but he's rebounded nicely and there seem to be no injury concerns with Mr. Lamb. He doesn't blow batters away, his fastball tops out at 92 MPH, but his control and quality of stuff is what is going to get him to Kansas City. Still several years away, he's going to be fun to watch as he ascends through the Royals minor league ranks.
9. Louis Coleman, RHP, 24 years old, AA Northwest Arkansas Naturals- I've heard some people say that he's the next big thing, as far as set up men go. I've also heard he has limited upside. But my gut is telling me that this guy is the closest prospect we have to the big leagues after Blake Wood. He's dazzling in Northwest Arkansas. His WHIP is at an unheard of 0.811. He's only walked 7 batters in 24.1 innings and has struck out 20 batters. Another guy who is likely to get a shot at a September call up and will undoubtedly be competing for a spot in the bullpen come February 2011. He's a guy that you should keep an eye on, as the Royals bullpen future is looking pretty impressive. A pleasant thought after seeing the kind of disaster that is currently occupying the area beyond the right field wall in Kauffman Stadium...
8. Noel Arguelles, LHP, 20 years old, Whereabouts Unknown- One of the biggest international free agents this past offseason, the Royals made a big splash in the international market landing Arguelles and signing him to a 5 year deal. Not much is known about Arguelles as he is yet to pitch a professional inning. There were injury concerns as he had been pitching for 18 consecutive months before signing with the Royals, which is probably the reason why he has been inactive for some time. What is known about Arguelles is that he has fantastic stuff and outstanding control. The Cuban defector should show up soon in the Royals minor leagues, likely at Northwest Arkansas or Wilmington. He's a good candidate to rocket through the minor league system. That is if he can stay healthy...
7. David Lough, OF, 24 years old, AAA Omaha Royals- I have him high on this list simply because he's a hitter. But his stock is quickly dropping. He bat .325 last year in AA and High-A, but his plate discipline is an issue. He doesn't walk enough to sustain a lengthy stay in the top 10. He's got tremendous potential when it comes to handling the bat, but as far as plate discipline goes, he's got a lot of work to do. But time is running out on the 24 year old. He isn't blowing many people away this year in Omaha, posting a meager .273/.302/.377/.679 line. If he doesn't turn it up soon, he'll be falling into Chris Lubanski status. The only reason he is so high on this list is due to the fact that he is older and perhaps more ready for the big leagues than most on this list. But as I said before, if his current trend continues, it could be a not-so-happy ending for David Lough.
6. Tim Melville, RHP, 20 years, High-A Wilmington Blue Rocks- Another guy who is on the rocks. He's got worlds of potential, but he's struggling to put it all together in Advanced A-ball Wilmington this year, with an 8.64 ERA in 33.1 innings pitched. He's got the benefit of the doubt, as he is still at the age where many pitchers are trying to find an identity, but the Royals have a lot of money invested in him. They took him in the 4th round of the 2008 draft and gave him first round money. The St. Louis native has some work to do, but Royals fans should take comfort in the fact that this kid has some seriously good stuff and a tremendous work ethic. I am confident he'll get everything back on the right track. Look for a big second half turnaround from Tim. I'm rooting for him. And if this year is a disaster for him, hopefully he realizes he's still very, very young and has plenty of time to straighten it out.
Things are goin' great, and they're only gettin' better...
10. John Lamb, LHP, 19 years old, Low-A Burlington Bees- Once viewed as a legitimate hitting prospect, Lamb has been mentioned as one of the best young left handed arms in all of minor league baseball. He's drawn early comparisons to Tom Glavine and has an outstanding changeup that is causing Midwest Leaguers fits in 2010 as Lamb is posting a miniscule 1.58 ERA in Burlington. He suffered an unfortunate injury in 2008 when he broke his elbow in a car accident, but he's rebounded nicely and there seem to be no injury concerns with Mr. Lamb. He doesn't blow batters away, his fastball tops out at 92 MPH, but his control and quality of stuff is what is going to get him to Kansas City. Still several years away, he's going to be fun to watch as he ascends through the Royals minor league ranks.
9. Louis Coleman, RHP, 24 years old, AA Northwest Arkansas Naturals- I've heard some people say that he's the next big thing, as far as set up men go. I've also heard he has limited upside. But my gut is telling me that this guy is the closest prospect we have to the big leagues after Blake Wood. He's dazzling in Northwest Arkansas. His WHIP is at an unheard of 0.811. He's only walked 7 batters in 24.1 innings and has struck out 20 batters. Another guy who is likely to get a shot at a September call up and will undoubtedly be competing for a spot in the bullpen come February 2011. He's a guy that you should keep an eye on, as the Royals bullpen future is looking pretty impressive. A pleasant thought after seeing the kind of disaster that is currently occupying the area beyond the right field wall in Kauffman Stadium...
8. Noel Arguelles, LHP, 20 years old, Whereabouts Unknown- One of the biggest international free agents this past offseason, the Royals made a big splash in the international market landing Arguelles and signing him to a 5 year deal. Not much is known about Arguelles as he is yet to pitch a professional inning. There were injury concerns as he had been pitching for 18 consecutive months before signing with the Royals, which is probably the reason why he has been inactive for some time. What is known about Arguelles is that he has fantastic stuff and outstanding control. The Cuban defector should show up soon in the Royals minor leagues, likely at Northwest Arkansas or Wilmington. He's a good candidate to rocket through the minor league system. That is if he can stay healthy...
7. David Lough, OF, 24 years old, AAA Omaha Royals- I have him high on this list simply because he's a hitter. But his stock is quickly dropping. He bat .325 last year in AA and High-A, but his plate discipline is an issue. He doesn't walk enough to sustain a lengthy stay in the top 10. He's got tremendous potential when it comes to handling the bat, but as far as plate discipline goes, he's got a lot of work to do. But time is running out on the 24 year old. He isn't blowing many people away this year in Omaha, posting a meager .273/.302/.377/.679 line. If he doesn't turn it up soon, he'll be falling into Chris Lubanski status. The only reason he is so high on this list is due to the fact that he is older and perhaps more ready for the big leagues than most on this list. But as I said before, if his current trend continues, it could be a not-so-happy ending for David Lough.
6. Tim Melville, RHP, 20 years, High-A Wilmington Blue Rocks- Another guy who is on the rocks. He's got worlds of potential, but he's struggling to put it all together in Advanced A-ball Wilmington this year, with an 8.64 ERA in 33.1 innings pitched. He's got the benefit of the doubt, as he is still at the age where many pitchers are trying to find an identity, but the Royals have a lot of money invested in him. They took him in the 4th round of the 2008 draft and gave him first round money. The St. Louis native has some work to do, but Royals fans should take comfort in the fact that this kid has some seriously good stuff and a tremendous work ethic. I am confident he'll get everything back on the right track. Look for a big second half turnaround from Tim. I'm rooting for him. And if this year is a disaster for him, hopefully he realizes he's still very, very young and has plenty of time to straighten it out.
Things are goin' great, and they're only gettin' better...
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Royals Kingdom Prospect Review 11-15
Here we go, again:
15. Tyler Sample, RHP, 20 years old, Low-A Burlington Bees- A giant on the mound at 6'7", Sample is viewed as a big time relief prospect with Closer written all over him. He already throws in the mid-90s, an impressive feat for a 20 year old. The only reason he isn't higher on this list is major injury concern. He had Tommy John surgery as a sophomore in high school. He's still several years away as he still has control issues, he's already walked 33 batters this year in 42.1 innings pitched. He's also struck out 32 batters though...
14. Danny Duffy, LHP, 21 years old, Currently Inactive- Duffy made headlines this offseason by announcing that he would be taking a leave from baseball. He's a top five prospect if he's playing. But since he decided to step away from the game, he takes a little dip on our list. He's a big lefty hurler who has posted ERAs under 3.00 in his first three professional seasons. He's struck out 290 batters in 245.2 professional innings pitched up against just 83 walks. Here's to hoping Danny returns soon to the Royals organization.
13. Blake Wood, RHP, 24 years old, MLB Kansas City Royals- He's blown us all away this year. He's only allowed one run so far (Home run to Corey Patterson, welcome to the big leagues kid.) and showcased outstanding control in his 6 innings pitched, walking just one batter. His fastball moves down and in on hitters and has a great slider. He had been struggling before getting his call to the big leagues, posting a career 4.26 ERA in the minors, but blew everyone away in the Pacific Coast League with a 2.16 ERA in 2010. He's definitely going to be showcased on the big stage this year as he earned a call to the big leagues earlier this month.
12. Chris Dwyer, LHP, 22 years old, High-A Wilmington Blue Rocks- Curveball, curveball, curveball. That's all you will see when you look at scouting reports on Chris Dwyer. He's going to rise fast in the minor leagues with his breaking stuff, his changeup still needs work, but he is a big time bullpen prospect. He's being called a sleeper by many scouts and Royals fans should definitely look forward to seeing this lefty come up through the ranks.
11. Jordan Parraz, OF, 25 years old, AAA Omaha Royals- A contact hitting outfielder that is drawing comparisons to David DeJesus. Originally from the Astros organization, Parraz absolutely raked in AA Northwest Arkansas last year, batting .358 in 64 games. He's struggled thus far in Omaha in 2010, but a .342 OBP next to his .242 batting average shows that he is willing to work the count and lay off bad pitches. He is definitely a guy who will be getting a September call-up or compete for a spot on the 25 man roster come Spring Training in 2011.
15. Tyler Sample, RHP, 20 years old, Low-A Burlington Bees- A giant on the mound at 6'7", Sample is viewed as a big time relief prospect with Closer written all over him. He already throws in the mid-90s, an impressive feat for a 20 year old. The only reason he isn't higher on this list is major injury concern. He had Tommy John surgery as a sophomore in high school. He's still several years away as he still has control issues, he's already walked 33 batters this year in 42.1 innings pitched. He's also struck out 32 batters though...
14. Danny Duffy, LHP, 21 years old, Currently Inactive- Duffy made headlines this offseason by announcing that he would be taking a leave from baseball. He's a top five prospect if he's playing. But since he decided to step away from the game, he takes a little dip on our list. He's a big lefty hurler who has posted ERAs under 3.00 in his first three professional seasons. He's struck out 290 batters in 245.2 professional innings pitched up against just 83 walks. Here's to hoping Danny returns soon to the Royals organization.
13. Blake Wood, RHP, 24 years old, MLB Kansas City Royals- He's blown us all away this year. He's only allowed one run so far (Home run to Corey Patterson, welcome to the big leagues kid.) and showcased outstanding control in his 6 innings pitched, walking just one batter. His fastball moves down and in on hitters and has a great slider. He had been struggling before getting his call to the big leagues, posting a career 4.26 ERA in the minors, but blew everyone away in the Pacific Coast League with a 2.16 ERA in 2010. He's definitely going to be showcased on the big stage this year as he earned a call to the big leagues earlier this month.
12. Chris Dwyer, LHP, 22 years old, High-A Wilmington Blue Rocks- Curveball, curveball, curveball. That's all you will see when you look at scouting reports on Chris Dwyer. He's going to rise fast in the minor leagues with his breaking stuff, his changeup still needs work, but he is a big time bullpen prospect. He's being called a sleeper by many scouts and Royals fans should definitely look forward to seeing this lefty come up through the ranks.
11. Jordan Parraz, OF, 25 years old, AAA Omaha Royals- A contact hitting outfielder that is drawing comparisons to David DeJesus. Originally from the Astros organization, Parraz absolutely raked in AA Northwest Arkansas last year, batting .358 in 64 games. He's struggled thus far in Omaha in 2010, but a .342 OBP next to his .242 batting average shows that he is willing to work the count and lay off bad pitches. He is definitely a guy who will be getting a September call-up or compete for a spot on the 25 man roster come Spring Training in 2011.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Royals Kingdom Prospect Review 16-20
Alright, I'm gonna take a stab at this. A true test of a baseball bloggers mettle is how well they can rate and analyze their organization's prospects. Here is my attempt at it.
20. Reynaldo Navarro, SS, 21 years old, High-A Wilmington Blue Rocks- Most people may scoff at Navarro being this high on my list. But shortstop is a position that this franchise has been shallow at all decade. Navarro's skill set is still very raw, but for a 21 year old shortstop in his fourth season of minor league duty, time may be short for him as he is eligible to become a minor league free agent after the 2012 season.
19. Derrick Robinson, CF, 22 years old, AA Northwest Arkansas Naturals- Robinson was a question mark entering Spring Training. A speedster with an athletic build, he showcased his speed in 2009 with 69 stolen bases at High-A Wilmington, but lacked the ability to make solid contact. He's climbing the prospect ladder quickly though, posting a .300/.391/.415/.806 line in Northwest Arkansas this season after tweaking his batting stance. If D-Rob can keep putting up these numbers, he may be making a case for himself as a potential leadoff man or number 9 hitter.
18. Kila Ka'aihue, 1B/DH, 26 years old, AAA Omaha Royals- Kila has been languishing down in the minors, he's a long shot to even be considered a prospect anymore as he is entering the stage where he can no longer be considered a prospect, but rather a career minor leaguer. He has the best plate discipline in the entire Royals organization, but the Royals have a big time roadblock standing in his way in Jose Guillen. He is easily the most readily available player on this list as he has dominated the upper minors for the past three seasons and provides the potential for an immediate offensive impact in the middle of the order if the need arises. It is apparent that the Royals aren't too high on him, as the Royals to cite his "slider speed bat" as the reason for his lack of Major League service time.
17. Edgar Osuna, LHP, 22 years old, AA Northwest Arkansas Naturals- A strike thrower who has showcased outstanding control in AA this year after being the Royals Rule 5 Draft pick in 2010. He's walked only SIX batters in 39.1 innings pitched this year and is sporting an outstanding 1.051 WHIP. He is definitely turning into a big bullpen prospect and even a guy who could see time in the starting rotation if the need for a lefty starter arises. His star is rising fast and is making a strong case to be considered for a September call-up. I am sure we will see him sooner than that.
16. Johnny Giavotella, 2B, 22 years old, AA Northwest Arkansas Naturals- His stock is starting to drop, but with the Royals organization pretty shallow in middle infield talent, Giavotella has a lot resting on his shoulders. He has good plate discipline, but lacks pop and has never hit over .300 in the minors. He shows good range and seems to handle the glove pretty well, but if he is ever going to make a push for the big league club, his defense will be the reason.
20. Reynaldo Navarro, SS, 21 years old, High-A Wilmington Blue Rocks- Most people may scoff at Navarro being this high on my list. But shortstop is a position that this franchise has been shallow at all decade. Navarro's skill set is still very raw, but for a 21 year old shortstop in his fourth season of minor league duty, time may be short for him as he is eligible to become a minor league free agent after the 2012 season.
19. Derrick Robinson, CF, 22 years old, AA Northwest Arkansas Naturals- Robinson was a question mark entering Spring Training. A speedster with an athletic build, he showcased his speed in 2009 with 69 stolen bases at High-A Wilmington, but lacked the ability to make solid contact. He's climbing the prospect ladder quickly though, posting a .300/.391/.415/.806 line in Northwest Arkansas this season after tweaking his batting stance. If D-Rob can keep putting up these numbers, he may be making a case for himself as a potential leadoff man or number 9 hitter.
18. Kila Ka'aihue, 1B/DH, 26 years old, AAA Omaha Royals- Kila has been languishing down in the minors, he's a long shot to even be considered a prospect anymore as he is entering the stage where he can no longer be considered a prospect, but rather a career minor leaguer. He has the best plate discipline in the entire Royals organization, but the Royals have a big time roadblock standing in his way in Jose Guillen. He is easily the most readily available player on this list as he has dominated the upper minors for the past three seasons and provides the potential for an immediate offensive impact in the middle of the order if the need arises. It is apparent that the Royals aren't too high on him, as the Royals to cite his "slider speed bat" as the reason for his lack of Major League service time.
17. Edgar Osuna, LHP, 22 years old, AA Northwest Arkansas Naturals- A strike thrower who has showcased outstanding control in AA this year after being the Royals Rule 5 Draft pick in 2010. He's walked only SIX batters in 39.1 innings pitched this year and is sporting an outstanding 1.051 WHIP. He is definitely turning into a big bullpen prospect and even a guy who could see time in the starting rotation if the need for a lefty starter arises. His star is rising fast and is making a strong case to be considered for a September call-up. I am sure we will see him sooner than that.
16. Johnny Giavotella, 2B, 22 years old, AA Northwest Arkansas Naturals- His stock is starting to drop, but with the Royals organization pretty shallow in middle infield talent, Giavotella has a lot resting on his shoulders. He has good plate discipline, but lacks pop and has never hit over .300 in the minors. He shows good range and seems to handle the glove pretty well, but if he is ever going to make a push for the big league club, his defense will be the reason.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Quick Thoughts on the Beginning of the Yost Era
Hey what do you know the Royals are 3-1 under new manager, Ned Yost, and have won four out of their last five games. There are some pretty obvious changes that have been made. First, Yost has moved Jason Kendall into the 9-hole, which is awesome, considering most National League pitchers are better hitters than Jason Kendall.
The best part of NedBall is his apparent disdain for small ball. The Royals have tried to play for the big inning in nearly all of the games, which is encouraging, especially when Trey Hillman played the game like it was always the 8th inning of a National League game.
And a non-Yost thought quickly. I am sick of Jose Guillen. He is a curse. A nasty scab on this franchise. He is blocking Kila Ka'aihue. He costs this team runs and contributes very little to the success of the team. After being demoted, Kila refused to give an interview with reporters and why should he? He got treated like garbage, like every other Baird-era draftee has been treated by Dayton Moore. I think that Dayton Moore believes that Baird draftees can't play every day at the big league level until they're 28 years old.
Gotta swallow the pride Dayton. Baird drafted the Polynesian Powerbolt in the 15th round and you gave the Dominican Deficient $36 million buckaroos.
The best part of NedBall is his apparent disdain for small ball. The Royals have tried to play for the big inning in nearly all of the games, which is encouraging, especially when Trey Hillman played the game like it was always the 8th inning of a National League game.
And a non-Yost thought quickly. I am sick of Jose Guillen. He is a curse. A nasty scab on this franchise. He is blocking Kila Ka'aihue. He costs this team runs and contributes very little to the success of the team. After being demoted, Kila refused to give an interview with reporters and why should he? He got treated like garbage, like every other Baird-era draftee has been treated by Dayton Moore. I think that Dayton Moore believes that Baird draftees can't play every day at the big league level until they're 28 years old.
Gotta swallow the pride Dayton. Baird drafted the Polynesian Powerbolt in the 15th round and you gave the Dominican Deficient $36 million buckaroos.
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