I’ve written this before, I think: I remember when the Royals had the No. 2 pick in the 2005 draft,...

I’ve written this before, I think: I remember when the Royals had the No. 2 pick in the 2005 draft, and everyone — EVERYONE — said that Alex Gordon was the pick. Gordon was the best hitter in college baseball, he was a Midwestern guy, he had a swing eerily similar to George Brett, heck, his brother was NAMED AFTER GEORGE BRETT. The Royals had no choice. They had to take him.

But there were a couple of high-ranking people in the Royals organization who seemed to think Zimmerman might end up the better player. It wasn’t that they were down on Gordon. They just thought Zimmerman’s defense was so superior that he was ready to play third base (or shortstop according to one of the Royals executives) in the big leagues immediately. As for the bat, they were not sure how good a hitter Zimmerman would become, but they thought he was such a good athlete and so adaptable that they expected he would hit.

JoPo: Hall of Fame Futures

about 2 years ago RoyalsRetro 7 comments 1 recs |

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

I read that this morning too

JoPo also lists his 10 current players that are most likely to be in the hall of fame when they retire.

Number 10 on his list? Zack Greinke.

by Boots 58 on Nov 25, 2009 11:48 AM EST reply actions

Interesting

But:

but they thought he was such a good athlete and so adaptable that they expected he would hit

Seems to be the attitude the Royals take way too often. They were right this time (though he hardly sucked in college did he?), but that doesn’t mean it’s a good strategy. He’s fast! He’s athletic! He must be able to hit at some point! Granted, this was the Baird area, but it continues just as much or more now,

by kcbottom9th on Nov 25, 2009 12:02 PM EST reply actions