Crowd-sourcing Royals Prospects

For Wednesday we'll have ourselves a little fun. It's hump day after all. This is a simple exercise. I'll list off ten prospects and you give those ten prospects a grade of either A, B, or C with the standard variations of "minus" "straight" or "plus" thrown in there.

Now this isn't a grade on their season to date, but a grade on their "prospectness" or their overall grade in relation to other baseball prospects.

To define these grades and give them some theoretical backing we'll use fellow SB Nation writer John Sickels ranking criteria as defined below:

Grade A prospects are the elite. They have a reasonable chance of becoming stars or superstars. In theory, most Grade A prospects develop into major league regulars, if injuries or unanticipated problems don't intervene. Note that is a major "if" in some cases.

Grade B prospects have a good chance to enjoy successful careers. Some will develop into stars, some will not. Most end up spending several years in the majors, at the very least in a marginal role.

Grade C prospects are the most common type. These are guys who have something positive going for them, but who may have a question mark or three, or who are just too far away from the majors to get an accurate feel for. A few Grade C guys, especially at the lower levels, do develop into stars. Some end up as role players or bench guys. Many don't make it at all.

Also note that there is diversity within each category. I'm a tough grader; Grade C+ is actually good praise, and some C+ prospects (especially at lower levels) turn out very well indeed.

Remember that there may be a perceived disconnect between grades. An "A" grade prospect doesn't necessarily have to become Mike Trout, but as John states, "most Grade A prospects develop into major league regulars."

Also "B" grade prospects are still really highly regarded guys, and B+/B level prospects can be found all over a Top-100 ranking list.

Now no explanation for your grade is necessary, but it's always nice to see some reasoning behind your method.

So without further adieu, here's your list.

Kyle Zimmer

Christian Binford

Raul Mondesi

Bubba Starling

Elier Hernandez

Scott Blewett

Hunter Dozier

Chase Vallot

Sean Manaea

Julio Pinto

Miguel Almonte

Brandon Finnegan

Jorge Bonifacio

Jason Adam

Have at it.