How we got Parraz for Tyler Lumsden is something I'll never be able to figure out.  Apparently the Astros messed us swing (it must have been really messed up for the Royals to fix it).  Parraz was a third round pick out of college in Nevada in 2004.  As you can see, he's posted pretty good OBP as he's climbed the ladder.  Last year, he was out of his mind in AA and then went to AAA where he got a handful of at bats before getting injured.  He plays OK defense in the outfield and has good athleticism.  It's a shame he got hurt because with a good showing at AAA he could have thrown his name in the ring for 2010 with the big club.  Instead, we will have to wait until 2010 to see how he does at AAA.  He could be a mid season call-up.

John Lamb was projected to be a high draft pick coming out of high school in California.  But he had a car accident that didn't allow him to pitch his Senior season.  The Royals took him in the 5th Round--knowing he wouldn't make his pro debut for a year (a little bit similar to Keaton Hayenga) and signed him for a very reasonable $160,000.  He has a good fastball and decent curve but still needs to work on his change.  He commands his pitches well.   He pitched better as the season went on last year--starting in short-season Burlington and moving up to Idaho Falls.  He was young for a 2008 HS draftee and he could still grow and add velocity.  He should start 2010 in Low-A Burlington.

#9--David Lough--OF--Age:23

David Lough was our 11th Round pick in the 2007 draft from Mercyhurst College.  He was known as a good athlete but not much was expected from him.  His first full season was 2008 when he put up some intriguing numbers at Burlington, Iowa.  In 2009, he took off and established himself as a legitimate outfield prospect.  He broke out at Wilmington and then was even better at Northwest Arkansas.  The knock on Lough is that he may not cut it in CF so the bat needs to be very good to play in a corner outfield.  Lough has trouble with lefties (much more so at AA than A).  He doesn't walk a ton but he did increase his walk percentage once he got use to AA. He's got good speed.  I'm guessing he'll got to Omaha for 2010.  He's been a surprise so its hard to know what to expect but he reminds me a little bit of Seth Smith.

#8--Jeff Bianchi--SS--Age:23

Melville was, at the beginning of 2008, considered the top HS prospect for that year's draft.  He got out of the gate slowly during his senior season--due to several things including getting hit in the eye by a hockey puck.  His stock dropped somewhat but was still considered a first round talent.  He had a scholarship to North Carolina--contributing towards making him a tough sign which caused him to drop in the draft.  The Royals took him in the 4th Round and eventually signed him for $1.25 million.  Melville has a good fastball and curve and an inconsistent changeup.  He had a good but not great 2009 at Burlington.  He pitched better as the season went on and upped his K rate.  He needs to reduce the walks and he'll be in good shape.  He's got as much potential as any pitcher in the system, he just needs to harness his talent.  He should go to Wilmington in 2010.