Royals Review Community Prospect Rankings Who's #9?

The 2010 1st round pick stretches out the lead over Cuthbert and Collins to win the #8 vote.

#1 Wil Myers C 2009 3rd Round Pick currently at A+ Wilmington  .334/.434/.544 16 HR Career Minor league stats
#2 Eric Hosmer 1b #3 Overall pick 2008 currently at AA NW Arkansas .292/.372/.469 23 HR
#3 Mike Montgomery SP Supplementary Pick #36 Overall 2008 3.06 FIP 242 IP 214 Ks 72 BBs 171 Hits allowed
#4 Mike Moustakas 3b #2 Overall pick 2007 Omaha Royal .279/.336/.492 67 HR
#5 John Lamb SP 5th Round Pick 2008 3.22 FIP 205 IP 9.35 K/9 2.63 BB/9
#6 Danny Duffy SP 3rd Round Pick 2007 3.04 FIP 311.3 IP 10.32 K/9 2.92 BB/9
#7 Chris Dwyer SP 4th Round Pick 2009 3.63 FIP 99.3 IP 10.15 K/9 4.35 BB/9
#8 Christian Colon SS 1st Round Pick 2010 .273/.319/.364 3 HR in 57 gms

Brett Eibner 2nd round pick 2010 #54 overall-  This years 2nd round pick Eibner is a multi-tool centerfielder from the University of Arkansas has a great arm that has hit high 90s on the gun when he pitched and showed plenty of power at the University of Arkansas hitting 22 home runs his last season there.  Eibner appears to have some struggles making contact as he struckout in 26% of his plate appearances between college and the Cape Cod League and will need to continue to refine his approach.  At 6'4 210 lbs with big pop, speed and arm strength he definitely has alot of upside and that potential was enough of a reason the Royals took him in the 2nd round and gave him low first round type money.  He'll start soon in Idaho Falls and should be ready to play in Wilmington next season.

Tim Collins Acquired in Rick Ankiel/ Kyle Farnsworth Trade-  We've all heard the stuff about Collins 5'7 155 lbs small, diminutive, doesn't look like a prospect but that just doesn't seem to matter as he continues to overpower at every level he's been.  Collins arsenal of pitches reads more like that of a starter than reliever but with his size don't expect a switch anytime soon.  Collins fastball touches 94 while regularly sitting 91-92 mph his motion is deceptive and appears almost like a short lefthanded Tim Lincecum.  After the fastball Collins features a plus 12-6 curveball and average changeup and is also working on a cut fastball to go against righties.  While I usually go against rating a reliever in the Top 10 of most prospect systems especially a system as deep as the Royals, young Collins(20) is hard to ignore and could become a quality lefty arm in KC next season.

Cheslor Cuthbert International Free Agent 2009 - Nicaragua’s top prospect probably ever Cheslor's father groomed him to be a pro baseball player from the second he was born.  As a 17 year old he got off to a decent start hitting for good power and showing an advanced approach.  In his first 10 games at Idaho Falls he went 14 for 44 with 10 extra base hits, not too bad for a youngster facing opponents 3 and 4 years older than him.  He's got a great frame and could add to it as he continues to grow; he'll likely start next season in Burlington (IA) as an 18 year old. 

Aaron Crow 1st round pick 2009 #12 overall-  Last seasons first round pick shined in spring training but has struggled in his first stint as a minor leaguer.  Reports are that Crow's fastball and slider combo are still solid but that he still hasn't found a third pitch to add to the mix .  While he has been a victim of some bad luck having a 15.8% HR/FB rate it is more concerning that his change up hasn't come along yet.  As a two pitch power righty his best role could be in the bullpen where his low to mid 90s fastball and tight slider could really shine.  Crow did take a year away from baseball after not signing with the Washington Nationals after the 2008 draft and perhaps this is just a bump in the road.

Johnny Giavotella 2nd Rd Pick #49 overall 2008- I don't like this choice but a few have asked for him so I obliged.  Giavotella is having a monster 2nd half this season for the Naturals .375/.435/.534 after posting a .727 first half OPS.  It's a great second half that has restored his status as a possible top Royals prospect after struggling in the RH difficult Frawley field (.674 Hm OPS vs .784).  Gio has a patient approach drawing 57 walks compared to only 63 strikeouts and has been a significantly better second half performer in both of his two full seasons in the minors.  That is a positive sign that he is patient and can make adjustments after seeing pitchers multiple times which definitely is a positive sign.  A not so positive sign is Giavotella's poor defense which doesn't seem to be getting much better with 13 errors in 126 AA games.  Gio according to BA has poor footwork a slow first step and poor range to his right although he does possess an above average arm. 

.294/.370/.415 16 HR 145 BB/ 146 K

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