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Final RR top prospect list

Zackgreinke2_tiny by doublestix on

Royals Review
Baseball America
SickelsGreg Schaum
1. Mike Moustakas, 3B
2. Eric Hosmer, 1B
3. Daniel Cortes, RHP
4. Kila Ka'aihue, 1B
5. Danny Duffy, LHP
6. Carlos Rosa, RHP
7. Tim Melville, RHP
8. Mike Montgomery, LHP
9. Johnny Giavotella, 2B
10. Blake Wood, RHP
11. Danny Gutierrez, RHP
12. Derrick Robinson, CF
13. Jason Taylor, 1B/LF
14. Joe Dickerson, RF
15. Tyler Sample, RHP

1. Mike Moustakas, 3B
2. Eric Hosmer, 1B
3. Daniel Cortes, RHP
4. Mike Montgomery, LHP
5. Tim Melville, RHP
6. Danny Duffy, LHP
7. Danny Gutierrez, RHP
8. Carlos Rosa, RHP
9. Kila Ka'aihue, 1B
10. Blake Wood, RHP

1. Mike Moustakas, 3B
2. Eric Hosmer, 1B
3. Kila Ka'aihue, 1B
4. Daniel Cortes, RHP
5. Carlos Rosa, RHP
6. Danny Duffy, LHP
7. Mike Montgomery, LHP
8. Tim Melville, RHP
9. Johnny Giavotella, 2B
10. Danny Gutierrez, RHP
11. Blake Wood, RHP
12. Joe Dickerson, RF
13. Adrian Ortiz, CF
14. Tyler Sample, RHP
15. Chris Nicoll, RHP

1. Mike Moustakas, 3B
2. Eric Hosmer, 1B
3. Daniel Cortes, RHP
4. Danny Duffy, LHP
5. Tim Melville, RHP
6. Danny Gutierrez, RHP
7. Kila Ka'aihue, 1B
8. Carlos Rosa, RHP
9. Johnny Giavotella, 2B
10. Blake Wood, RHP
11. Mike Montgomery, LHP
12. Jeff Bianchi, 2B
13. Julio Pimentel, RHP
14. Derrick Robinson, CF
15. David Lough, CF

 

Discuss who screwed up.

3 recs | Comment 70 comments

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Wow

just looking at this you really have to love our young stable of pitchers. Plenty of talent there.

I probably like the BA list the best. I’d just bump Kaaihue up ahead of Gutierrez. I might even be tempted to knock Wood down a couple slots for Robinson and Sample.

I assume these other lists have Paulo Orlando in the White Sox system? In their top 5?

I know we left him off because he was with Rowdy Hardy in that group that doesn’t make the list because their talents are so phenomenal it just throws the perspective of the list off.

Accidentally not thedude925 anymore. I do hate this new name.

by wildthang on Dec 2, 2008 3:15 AM EST   0 recs

you're giving the white sox farm system too much credit

ha! kind of kidding, but after 2 or 3 it goes downhill fast for them.

man, all jokes aside it would be absolutely awesome to see Orlando develop into a good player. how long would the jokes go on that we got him for horacio freakin’ ramirez!!?!?

Rowdy Hardy Fan Club member.

by doublestix on Dec 3, 2008 2:27 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

Need more hitters

This is my rank: RR, Greg Schaum, John Sickels, and then BA. Sickels ranking Adrian Ortiz over Derrick Robinson is a bit controversial. I think BA was right not to rank Kila Ka’aihue so high with essentially one overwhelming year. We need to see more of Kila to determine if he is a top 10 prospect (I hope he is though). But I think the most important part of this is that we finally have enough legitimate prospects to discuss who is right. In the past most of the prospects were just fillers after the top 5. Not anymore, so that’s great. Sorry, i don’t understand why Joe Dickerson is on the list. He is a COF with little power and a mediocre OPS. My feelings toward Jeff Bianchi is the same. I don’t really think he is a top 15 or top 20 prospect. And it’s right other than the pitchers we have no hitters or catchers.

by Rogue Buddhist on Dec 2, 2008 3:17 AM EST   0 recs

Sickels ranking Adrian Ortiz over Derrick Robinson is a bit controversial

My sentiments, exactly. I’m not a big fan of DR, but he’s almost certainly going to be a better bet to make it to the bigs than Ortiz.

This space intentionally left blank.

by marbotty on Dec 2, 2008 3:05 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

ya

Ortiz can hit, but I’m not sure he has the plate discipline to be a lead off guy. He’s still a very raw base stealer too despite having 75 or 80 speed.

If you combined Ortiz’s hit tool with the rest of Robinson’s tools, you’d have an awesome prospect.

Rowdy Hardy Fan Club member.

by doublestix on Dec 2, 2008 4:39 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

frankenstix

OMG Banny. FWIW I am only crdtng u w/3 runs allwd bc of DDJ OMFG

by devil_fingers on Dec 2, 2008 4:41 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Really?

Ortiz can handle the bat better than DR and that ability puts him a step ahead IMO. I would rather teach a guy who can hit plate discipline as opposed to having to teach both to another player. Ortiz has DRobs tool Speed.

I stand by my DRobinson Florida WR stance by’10. Go Gators !!!

It takes 46 muscles to frown but only 4 to flip 'em the bird.

by kcscoliny on Dec 4, 2008 5:06 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

I agree

David Ortiz is a better hitter than Robinson

OMG Banny. FWIW I am only crdtng u w/3 runs allwd bc of DDJ OMFG

by devil_fingers on Dec 4, 2008 7:56 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Jason Taylor only shows up on the RR list

I think there’s a reason for that. Most people don’t particularly like his tools or his body. I think he’s a borderline top 20 prospect in this system.

This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.

by NYRoyal on Dec 2, 2008 4:14 PM EST   0 recs

probably his jugs

OMG Banny. FWIW I am only crdtng u w/3 runs allwd bc of DDJ OMFG

by devil_fingers on Dec 2, 2008 4:26 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

that being said

he’s in the rankings range where things start to be really speculative anyway

I like his inclusion

by royalsreview on Dec 2, 2008 5:32 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

haha

I was waiting for the objection to Taylor. Don’t you think Dickerson should be up there near Giatovella too?

by kcdc1 on Dec 2, 2008 11:57 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Without a doubt

As are about 13 or 14 others in the organization too, but hey, that’s just my opinion.

Rowdy Hardy Fan Club member.

by doublestix on Dec 3, 2008 12:29 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

I really truly think

that Jason Taylor is going to surprise many of us.

Alex Gordon in '08

by RoyalJHWKR on Dec 6, 2008 4:46 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

He may well surprise many of us (like me) and I hope he does

If he hits well in high-A next year, I’ll turn into a believer.

This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.

by NYRoyal on Dec 6, 2008 10:05 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

Kila and Montgomery are the most disagreed upon

the difference across the board with Kila is obvious – some are convinced his 2008 breakout was real enough to make him a very good prospect (RR and Sickels), while Schaum and BA are more skeptical.

Montgomery is more of a head-scratcher.

Waiting for April.

by DC Royal on Dec 2, 2008 5:31 PM EST   0 recs

looks like there's basic agreement

mixed in with some (random?) BA love

by royalsreview on Dec 2, 2008 5:33 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Yep i would say so

Though it gets a little murky in the 11-15 range, but that’s to be expected

Waiting for April.

by DC Royal on Dec 3, 2008 12:10 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Montgomery

might have the most upside of the pitchers listed. BA has been very impressed from him and he could fill out more and become very dominant. All the things that I read about him make me think he will zoom thru the system.

It takes 46 muscles to frown but only 4 to flip 'em the bird.

by kcscoliny on Dec 4, 2008 5:26 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

No Cegarra?

I know he doesn’t have the body frame of a top prospect but he was on the same staff as Gutierrez, Mitchell and Duffy and he was the Royals chose to advance up the ladder.

He was only 19 and handled himself fairly well in his go at A+ ball.

It takes 46 muscles to frown but only 4 to flip 'em the bird.

by kcscoliny on Dec 4, 2008 5:51 PM EST   0 recs

His tools aren't great

His stuff is a little light and his pitch complement may not be enough to keep him as a starter. And while he didn’t completely fail in high-A, he didn’t perform well.

This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.

by NYRoyal on Dec 4, 2008 6:03 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

I don’t know a 90-92 MPH fastball with a curve and a good changeup are a good start to me especially when he possesses good control on all three at such a young age.

It takes 46 muscles to frown but only 4 to flip 'em the bird.

by kcscoliny on Dec 4, 2008 6:49 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

I don’t think that is an accurate description of his pitches. He doesn’t have 3 good pitches. He has a fastball with plus control and average velocity. His curveball is just ok. His change is still developing and currently below average. So he has one plus pitch and very good overall control. In order to be a major league reliever, he’ll have to either add velocity or develop that curveball into a considerably better pitch, or both. In order to be a major league starter, he’ll have to either improve all three pitches or improve the second two greatly. Many pitchers work on a change all their lives and it never becomes even an average offering. And his diminutive size also somewhat hurts his projection. I’m not saying he’s a non-prospect. I’m saying there are some good reasons to be suspicious of his future and good reasons that none of the above rankings include Cegarra (btw, he’s #13 on my own personal list).

This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.

by NYRoyal on Dec 4, 2008 7:09 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

#13 seems about right
  1. Moose
  2. Hosmer
  3. Cortes
  4. Montgomery
  5. Melville
  6. Duffy
  7. Kila
  8. Rosa
  9. Gutierrez
  10. Dickerson
  11. Giavotella
  12. Sample
  13. Pimentel
  14. Cegarra
  15. Bianchi

This would be my list I think just put it together quickly. I like Bianchi’s upside still thats why I keep him in the list I wanna see how he performs in Arkansas this season. Monty/Duffy/Melville could be moved around I think I like Monty because of the seasoning everyone says he has plus at 6’5 he can add weight and more velocity.

I could also see Rosa and Cortes flip flopping this season depending on if Cortes can develop control of his change up. IMO Cortes status drops if he can only be a bullpen guy. I believe we saw enough last year out of Rosa last season to believe he is already a bp guy if he can stay healthy and if he can trust that slider more and develop a third pitch he could be a #3 starter type.

Everybody dogs Dickerson which I don’t understand he sounds like Mark Teahen jr. and he is pretty loved on here (not by me). Maybe they just don’t want another Teahen Type.

I think Derrick Robinson is the biggest stretch in any list. Looking at his skill set it is all built on speed and not much else. A switch hitter who can’t hit righties is gonna have a tough time getting on base .231 BA .305 OBP vs righties. Also he stole 25 out of 26 bases against lefties and 37 out of 53 against righties as he moves up in the system he is gonna face lefties with better moves and a player with his type of speed and inability to get on base needs to steel in that 80% range. I think his 25/26 speaks more to lefties typical slower approach and less velocity than it does to his knowledge ot the game. I think people confuse speed with being a great athlete just because he can run fast that doesn’t mean he can handle a bat or has the hand-eye coordination to develop into a average to above average hitter.

It takes 46 muscles to frown but only 4 to flip 'em the bird.

by kcscoliny on Dec 4, 2008 8:24 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

That's a pretty good list

It is quite similar to my top 15. There are several players I could easily move a few spots as well.
1. Mike Moustakas, IF
2. Eric Hosmer, 1B
3. Dan Cortes, RHP
4. Carlos Rosa, RHP
5. Tim Melville, RHP
6. Dan Duffy, LHP
7. Blake Wood, RHP*
8. Kila Kaaihue, 1B
9. Michael Montgomery, LHP
10. Joe Dickerson, OF
11. Julio Pimentel, RHP
12. Daniel Gutierrez, RHP
13. Edward Cegarra, RHP
14. Tyler Sample, RHP
15. Johnny Giavotella, 2B

This was the list I made for my “Reshaping the Roster” post about how Moore has rebuilt the minor league system, which I think was in August. I’d probably tweak it a little now by moving Rosa down a bit, moving Duffy up, moving Gia up and maybe a couple other minor tweaks.

This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.

by NYRoyal on Dec 4, 2008 8:56 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

My Spidey Senses

Are tingling; I think Rosa will be traded this winter, probably as part of a package. I have NFI what we’d get.

I used to be an A's fan until they left town and got good.

by philofthenorth on Dec 4, 2008 11:35 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

That's quite possible

This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.

by NYRoyal on Dec 5, 2008 12:02 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

Seems like if he can't start, he could be the new RamRam

OMG Banny. FWIW I am only crdtng u w/3 runs allwd bc of DDJ OMFG

by devil_fingers on Dec 5, 2008 12:19 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

I think he will be the new RamRam

Actually, he might not start the season as the #1 RH setup man, but I think he’ll slide into that role pretty quickly.

This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.

by NYRoyal on Dec 5, 2008 1:45 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

Yabuta can hold down the fort until then!

OMG Banny. FWIW I am only crdtng u w/3 runs allwd bc of DDJ OMFG

by devil_fingers on Dec 5, 2008 1:53 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

Farnsworth!

He’ll be zipping ’em in at 94 mph! Who could hit that?

This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.

by NYRoyal on Dec 5, 2008 2:03 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

yes

i think he could even be a closer if for some reason they decide to move soria to the starting rotation.

Founder of the Johnny Giavotella fan club.

by doublestix on Dec 5, 2008 1:55 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

I think a better move

would be to sign Russ Ortiz and make Zack the setup man

psychological edge, baby!

OMG Banny. FWIW I am only crdtng u w/3 runs allwd bc of DDJ OMFG

by devil_fingers on Dec 5, 2008 2:03 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

why the asterisk next to Blake Wood?

I would also have moved Pimentel off that list—his stock plummeted this year. He’d possibly make my top 20, but not my top 15.

1. Moustakas, 3b/ss, A- (I use the ‘ss’ tag charitably)
2. Hosmer, 1b, A-
3. Cortes, rhp, B+
4. Melville, rhp, B
5. Duffy, lhp, B
6. Rosa, rhp, B
7. Montgomery, lhp, B
8. Wood, rhp, B-
9. Ka’aihue, 1b, B-
10. Giavotella, 2b, B-
11. Gutierrez, rhp, B-
12. Tyler Sample, rhp, C+
13. Edward Cegarra, rhp, C+
14. Joe Dickerson, of, C+
15. Adrian Ortiz, of, C+

by DarthYoshi on Dec 5, 2008 12:22 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

why is the asterisk next to Blake Wood?

Because it was a cut-and-paste from my “Rebuilding the Roster” post about the minor league system. It was an asterisk about something unrelated to his prospect status.

And I think Pimentel probably deserves to be in the top 15 based on his tools. I think one mediocre year in AA (4.25 FIP) shouldn’t make his stock plummet.

This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.

by NYRoyal on Dec 5, 2008 1:49 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

I thought it was Viagra use

new testing policy means that dudes can’t wear cups — gotta see who’s got unnatural wood

OMG Banny. FWIW I am only crdtng u w/3 runs allwd bc of DDJ OMFG

by devil_fingers on Dec 5, 2008 1:54 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

robinson is the best athlete in the system, bar none

as I’ve said a bazillion times, it is all about projection with robinson. he’s fast as hell, awesome defense already, and showed improved plate discipline as the season went along. the platoon splits I don’t even pay attention to yet. like i’ve said another bazillion times, he did not bat switch in high school and devoted all time outside of the spring to football. also, no offense, but you probably don’t know jack shit about his knowledge of the game. i don’t either for that matter.

yes, his game is built around speed. the swing will allow some power to the gaps as he gets stronger. he doesn’t have the weak ass swing of gathright or juan pierre, it’s more of a slashing type swing (that’s the best way i can describe it) that should be able to lace liners in to the center field gaps.

look, i might be wrong and he might not turn out. but i was high on him from the day he got drafted, and just because he was raw as hell i’m not going to turn my back yet. i will admit it in a few years if i am wrong.

Founder of the Johnny Giavotella fan club.

by doublestix on Dec 5, 2008 12:55 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

when was he drafted, what round?

OMG Banny. FWIW I am only crdtng u w/3 runs allwd bc of DDJ OMFG

by devil_fingers on Dec 5, 2008 1:55 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

2006, round 4

He was supposedly going to be an late round 1/supplemental round pick, but the scholly to florida to play football and baseball scared most teams off. this was basically the start of the royals spending spree in the drafts when they spent almost 900k on Robinson.

Founder of the Johnny Giavotella fan club.

by doublestix on Dec 5, 2008 1:57 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

not that it matters now

but those are the kind of risks teams have to take in the draft, right? At least some high upside guys. 900K is nothing compared to what all teams (including the Royals) waste on shitty major league guys

OMG Banny. FWIW I am only crdtng u w/3 runs allwd bc of DDJ OMFG

by devil_fingers on Dec 5, 2008 2:04 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

ya, without a doubt

even with the record amount (11.5 million or whatever), just producing two average players would basically pay itself off with years 1-3 being so cheap. paying for potential superstars (hosmer and melville, maybe montgomery) just makes it all the more worthwhile.

Founder of the Johnny Giavotella fan club.

by doublestix on Dec 5, 2008 3:41 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

I don't buy it

His size/weight show that he doesn’t have the frame to develop true gap to gap power he only has 57 extra base hits in 1000+ ab’s. He will have to make a major jump in the next year or two to be considered a decent CF option. Otherwise he is Joey Gathright jr.

It takes 46 muscles to frown but only 4 to flip 'em the bird.

by kcscoliny on Dec 6, 2008 10:28 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

Guys his age can develop from scrawny kids with poor hitting stats...

…to somewhat bigger guys who hit a lot better. Look at Carlos Beltran’s stats early in his pro career in the low minors. They were crap, and he was a scrawny kid. He beefed up a little (not a lot) and power developed. Being athletic helps give you that potential. I’m not saying D-Rob is going to turn into C-Belt. He likely won’t. But it is not uncommon for young, light-hitting, athletic speedsters to add some muscle and add gap power.

This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.

by NYRoyal on Dec 6, 2008 10:57 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

I agree

people can develop but he doesn’t seem to have the frame to put much more weight and muscle on than what he already has.

It takes 46 muscles to frown but only 4 to flip 'em the bird.

by kcscoliny on Dec 6, 2008 12:50 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Moore has mentioned Robinson

time and again as the top OF prospect in the system. When the competition is Joe Dickerson and Adrian Ortiz, I’ll take his word for it.

by kcdc1 on Dec 8, 2008 11:18 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

as have all the development people

like i have said, they think robinson is similar to beltran in that something will just click eventually. no, that does not mean robinson will be swatting 30+ bombs, but it means they think it will all come together for him, and he’ll be in the majors quite quickly after that.

Founder of the Johnny Giavotella fan club.

by doublestix on Dec 8, 2008 1:15 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

I hope one of two things happen with Robinson

1) You guys are right
2) Urban Meyer opens that scholarship offer back up.

It takes 46 muscles to frown but only 4 to flip 'em the bird.

by kcscoliny on Dec 8, 2008 6:20 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

I'd take Kelvin Herrera over Cegarra

Better fastball at a younger age, better breaking ball, already has decent changeup.

Founder of the Johnny Giavotella fan club.

by doublestix on Dec 5, 2008 12:57 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

I'll go ahead and post my updated Top 20

I actually compiled a top 50 list, and organized the prospects via letter grades and stars. Basically…..

  • = Excellent/elite
    ****1/2 = Very, very, very good
  • = Very good
    ***1/2 = Good
  • = Average
    **1/2 = Fair
  • = Mediocre…could be something, but very likely no

    1. Mike Moustakas *
    2. Eric Hosmer *
    3. Kila Kaaihue ****1/2
    4. Daniel Cortes ****1/2
    5. Daniel Duffy ****1/2
    6. Tim Melville ****
    7. Mike Montgomery ****
    8. Carlos Rosa * (* reliever, *1/2 closer)
    9. Daniel Gutierrez *    1/2
    10. Jason Taylor *    1/2
    11. Johnny Giavotella *    1/2
    12. Blake Wood *    1/2
    13. Jeff Bianchi *    1/2
    14. Julio Cesar Pimentel *    1/2
    15. Joe Dickerson *    1/2
    16. Tyler Sample *    1/2
    17. Derrick Robinson *    *
    18. David Lough *
    19. Blake Johnson *
    20. Sam Runion *

    • The Nation at large.

    by Royals Nation on Dec 5, 2008 1:56 AM EST   0 recs

    Yikes!

    Here we go again:

    5 stars = Excellent/elite
    4 1/2 stars = Very, very, very good
    4 stars = Very good
    3 1/2 stars = Good
    3 stars = Average
    2 1/2 stars = Fair
    2 stars = Mediocre…could be something, but very likely no

    The Nation at large.

    by Royals Nation on Dec 5, 2008 1:56 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

    Aaaaand

    1. Mike Moustakas 5
    2. Eric Hosmer 5
    3. Kila Kaaihue 4 1/2
    4. Daniel Cortes 4 1/2
    5. Daniel Duffy 4 1/2
    6. Tim Melville 4
    7. Mike Montgomery 4
    8. Carlos Rosa 3 (5 reliever / 4 1/2 closer)
    9. Daniel Gutierrez 3 1/2
    10. Jason Taylor 3 1/2
    11. Johnny Giavotella 3 1/2
    12. Blake Wood 3 1/2
    13. Jeff Bianchi 3 1/2
    14. Julio Cesar Pimentel 3 1/2
    15. Joe Dickerson 3 1/2
    16. Tyler Sample 3 1/2
    17. Derrick Robinson 3
    18. David Lough 3
    19. Blake Johnson 3
    20. Sam Runion 3

    The Nation at large.

    by Royals Nation on Dec 5, 2008 1:58 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

    good list

    Founder of the Johnny Giavotella fan club.

    by doublestix on Dec 5, 2008 2:00 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

    Ka'aihue up higher than Cortes, and Duffy and others?

    Based on one impressive minor league season?

    This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.

    by NYRoyal on Dec 5, 2008 2:06 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

    I was about to ask the same question

    …along with, Jason Taylor in the top 10? Really?

    by DarthYoshi on Dec 5, 2008 2:09 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

    Yeah, that too

    Neither BA nor Sickels has him in their top 10 (top 20 in the case of Sickels). I’d bet a month’s pay that Goldstein at BP doesn’t have him in his top 11 (or in the “just missed” group either). I’m not saying that BA, BP and Sickels are right all the time, but when they all agree about a prospect, then one should seriously consider that they are probably right.

    This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.

    by NYRoyal on Dec 5, 2008 2:40 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

    I'm obviously no scout

    …or professional sabermetrician, for that matter. Most scouts don’t like Taylor’s body type. The questionable attitude might fall a little further down the list. However, for me, I see Taylor as versatile (at least capable of playing any corner position). He carries a tremendous power potential, plate discipline, and good speed. Given his body type, his speed will likely diminish as he gets older, but it’s nice to have that foundation of athleticism. If he merely exerted ‘old player skills’ through Low-A ball, I’d be a little more concerned.

    Plus, Taylor’s a personal favorite of mine. I rooted for the kid to rebound next season. I feel he can keep his speed if he sheds a bit of weight. He looks extremely built, and although he’s two years younger, I feel like he’s a couple years older than me.

    His value might diminish a bit, though, if a) he loses speed significantly in ’09 and b) the organization states he cannot play any corner position but 1B.

    The Nation at large.

    by Royals Nation on Dec 5, 2008 4:58 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

    i very much doubt

    they’ll confine him to 1B. i think a move to the OF is in order, probably left. his instincts should help him translate.

    he is my #2 breakout guy for next year behind Keaton Hayenga, which i mentioned on the radio show with greg.

    Founder of the Johnny Giavotella fan club.

    by doublestix on Dec 5, 2008 5:30 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

    is he like a russ branyan type? :)

    Don't forget to send your broken maples to the US Forest Service.

    by 306008 on Dec 5, 2008 10:55 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

    nah

    he doesn’t have the severe contact problems of branyan, but he doesn’t have the power of him either. i’d say his absolute upside is pat burrell. we’ll get a better read on him next year.

    Founder of the Johnny Giavotella fan club.

    by doublestix on Dec 6, 2008 1:18 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

    I can handle pat burrell

    Don't forget to send your broken maples to the US Forest Service.

    by 306008 on Dec 8, 2008 3:33 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

    Yes

    The plate discipline – combined with freakishly low K-totals with pitches per at-bat – is an excellent, excellent foundation. I feel he can post .250/.350/.450, conservatively, next season. I understand it’s only one season, but power in young players is generally not a fluke, and plate discipline is never a fluke.

    The Nation at large.

    by Royals Nation on Dec 5, 2008 5:00 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

    perhaps a Kila-esque career path?

    OMG Banny. FWIW I am only crdtng u w/3 runs allwd bc of DDJ OMFG

    by devil_fingers on Dec 5, 2008 5:01 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

    You mean mediocrity in obscurity year after year after year and then suddenly a massive breakout at 24? That would be weird. I wouldn’t expect that from anyone.

    This is just my opinion. I could easily be wrong.

    by NYRoyal on Dec 6, 2008 10:07 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

    If he regresses to his pre-age 24 levels

    Then his 2008 season would have to go down as one of the greatest flukes in the history of Minor League Baseball. Even if he does drop off massively, I see him as a capable Major League first baseman.

    The Nation at large.

    by Royals Nation on Dec 9, 2008 5:01 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

    He regressed in winter ball, only hit about .220

    Kila still had an OPS of .850.

    Go Royals!

    by BabyBlues on Dec 9, 2008 5:51 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

    Putting much stock into winter ball stats

    …is a little like still believing in Santa Claus. I wouldn’t worry too much based on a .220 BA in winter ball.

    by DarthYoshi on Dec 9, 2008 6:01 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

    Do you think it is uncommon for minor leaguers to have an aberrant season which is much better than prior seasons? It isn’t. I’m not saying he’s a poor prospect and that he’s likely to fall back to