Spring Training Quote of the Day

“It was the first time. The next time will be better, for sure.”

-- Royals lefty Danny Duffy, who could have been speaking for several pitchers.

This is the idea to take away from spring training with so many young players in camp. The lefties Danny Duffy, Chris Dwyer, Everett Teaford and Blaine Hardy took a bit of beating today which is going to happen during the spring. Fortunately the lefty bats of Moustakas and Hosmer did their own damage. Take all these results with a grain of salt and pay attention more to the pitchf/x than the results.

The good
Danny Duffy was throwing 92-94 according to pitchf/x
Mike Moustakas hit a HR off a lefty and drew a walk
No defensive errors in two games

Next
Mike Montgomery throws tomorrow along with Aaron Crow and Luke Hochevar. If there is a young pitcher that could force his way into the rotation by midseason it will likely be either Crow or Montgomery.

Super 2 arbitration with the Royals

Comments made by Dayton Moore make it seem like the Royals aren't afraid of Super 2 arbitration on any of their prospects. He's clued in that Moustakas will be going to AAA to get more at bats Hosmer will be joining him and could push that issue on the Royals sooner than later. While Moustakas is only 12 days away from saving that sixth season of free agency for KC he is also only a couple months from saving this season entirely so while it is the smart move to make him play in Omaha until June to save that Super 2 money, there is another scenario that the Royals may want to consider for any prospect they deem is valuable and ready. That is to sign them to an extension sooner rather than later, ala Evan Longoria.



Andrew Friedman and Evan Longoria set this precedent a few years ago and it has paid major dividends for the Rays. Longoria on April 18, 2008 signed a 6 year $17.5M extension with club options of 7.5, 11 and 11.5M in years 2014-16 just six days after his major league debut. Considering Longoria had only played in six major league games there was plenty of risk taken on by the Rays but weighing that risk against what they are going to pay him for his prime years shows you it was a risk well worth taking. Not only are they saving money in his arbitration years(13M over 3 years) they are saving huge during his free agency years. Then enter the likelihood that Evan wouldn't have signed with the Rays at all if he would've made it to free agency due to the bidding going over what they could afford and you can really see why this was a intelligent decision.

Every player is different and some are more eager for security than others but I bet most players would have a hard time turning down this type of deal only 6 days into their career. Not only does it assure them of plenty of money regardless of success, it also undoubtedly offers them more chances than a normal player if they should struggle because of the weight of the money.

For a small market club like the Rays or Royals a deal like this isn't going to cripple them if it fails but it pays huge when successful. There is also a middle ground where the player doesn't reach Longoria heights and makes it worth close to what his value is so it isn't just a hit or miss. Moustakas plays a more valuable defensive position than Hos so he can offset this risk by playing average defense making the move a little less risky.

Should the Royals make this type of offer to Moustakas, Hosmer or any position prospect that is high profile and ready? Would they be interested? Both Hos and Moose are represented by Scott Boras who in most cases wants his players to go to free agency and would probably be pretty persuasive in not signing a longterm deal if either player would enjoy early success so this type of offer could be the only way KC can ink them longterm. Scott's past Royal players haven't been eager to sign extensions prior to becoming free agents. Off the top of my head Robinson Cano appears to be the only client of his I can remember signing early and of course he plays for the richest and most successful team in the league.

Whether you like this idea or not this could be the only way KC can lock up two key pieces for more than a six year stay in Kansas City.

Pic via Around the Horn in KC blog

A Ball Players

Please do not fill this out without seeing the players playing in games. This isn't a questionnaire of how you grade the player from what you've heard. Fills this out everytime you see them and hopefully we will be able to put something interesting together.

Brett Eibner
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dGFnVk85UzRIMjBHS29KVlBvb1JycVE6MA

Brian Fletcher
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dF9pY2szYU9xX0JiS0txTGZEUllTX0E6MA

Kevin David
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dGJRcHRFWFZ2MDZMYmM5SUFfZnUzOHc6MA

Tim Ferguson
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dGRiejJhR1ZkcUJ2WFJ3cDZWdWZ0UXc6MA

Michael Antonio
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dFZMZVRselAwVVJZb3dJZlE3NDRHWHc6MA

Cheslor Cuthbert
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dFpTdEVLek9XN2lzbHFWUTlzaHRuc0E6MA

Ryan Jenkins
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dHpEUWxkbDZqT3VTQ3FrNElSTWlEUGc6MA

Travis Jones
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dFRNbXN3QXJDeWt4TmNhTTlaNUFpcWc6MA

Yowill Espinal
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dHlPcGl4ZVlPQXQ4OUlyajU5RURCQXc6MA

Angel Franco
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dDd1dDBJRHMwTFpQX254c3M2dlBRR1E6MA

Jacob Kuebler
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dHcxNV93VUw5Z1dKOUhla3ZZUGJwbUE6MA

Alex McClure
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dEpmekpaRGljZ2JJVkVGWW5oajVPbFE6MA

Murray Watts
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dDFRcTl4QkIwVnJIbFZqbzRoOEFyYWc6MA

Geulin Beltre
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dHpJbjhTTC16eVN1N3oyUW13OE51NWc6MA

Alex Llanos
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dFRvNElJd3ZtRWNwcTVwM0RwSDViM3c6MA

Deivy Batista
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dHZqU09vM0ZiN2ZrTU5OeG1Uak9faGc6MA

Fernando Cruz
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dGJydzI2cHIxLU5YTUM5NjdVdkt1SFE6MA

Gerald Hall
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dDM0TUxDbzg5WVNneHloLTByZW5Oc2c6MA

Whit Merrifield
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dEJHME9PMnpEX0l0WDRucHVYaGswWnc6MA

Carlo Testa
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dDg4bnAxZkR5dVRROTNNbkFZLWtCYlE6MA

Michael Liberto
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dG5oM201Z2JVWkItNnhTSkM4UWYza2c6MA

Justin Trapp
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dGtfN0VhQ1ZNTDdEckFSNWxxQXBxNkE6MA

Fernando Garcia
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dEtZbXZ4cWhHcERJcGRvNW9iQXpTOUE6MA

Orlando Calixte
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dHRpYU9SNC1NX1czdlRpVkFXM1oxRFE6MA

Ryan Stovall
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dEVyUWEzNkhwR3NvckJmdFpESkxpcEE6MA

Nick Francis
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dEh3a08wd3hZbEpzR1lNang5b2tlYWc6MA

Rey Navarro
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dFZWUGhxclVkbTIxTjlKbHhfeEh5Umc6MA

Jose Bonilla
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dDZOZ1hrSGpjcUE0VV9BMUpzQVNNdlE6MA

Lane Adams
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dHFTT3ozaXJtdDB1WkpFYVM2LVlOVmc6MA

Adam Frost
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dEo5MWNjblJFNEhhekRadUtEaGdrb3c6MA

Joey Lewis
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dGNBUEJ6dEJFcUhyTTVLeF9DbXg5NlE6MA

John Whittleman
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dF82NTcxS0dvMi1JWktvU0ZPVzZqbXc6MA

Juan Graterol
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dEhlZ0UyX1pZLUVNT1FCUWNkUzF4b1E6MA

Introducing the Royals Minor League Fan Scouting Report Cards

As the season progresses I'll let everyone know how it goes. And we'll see how we do at the end of the year as anonymous scouts. It should be fun and all I ask is that no one fills it out without seeing the players play in games. This isn't a questionnaire of how you grade the player from what you've heard.

AAA

Hyperlink and address to the link so you can copy and paste it if you would like to post that link somewhere so you can find it easier.

Mike Moustakas
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dG1YbDhyc0x5MzhYWXFSN0psbkhBb2c6MA

Eric Hosmer
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dENScTNtS3c5QnlqMVplNlJteHRWRFE6MA

Lorenzo Cain
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dElIcHpMMFVVZC1ydldsQjU5MW1ReUE6MA

David Lough
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dHNyNDVkTGtjUEN1SFA1Vk5nV29QdUE6MA

Johnny Giavotella
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dFV0ZGczVHkwT2wxQUNMbXlOVWdDZ1E6MA

Jarrod Dyson
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dHhUZ3RlUEt2RDh0YW5tVmgwNlRtcWc6MA

Clint Robinson
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dE9SblI0a3lyV0dVMjVRUGNqU3V3ZVE6MA

Paulo Orlando
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dHRZODdFMGpEUktuSVBqampvUVhWVFE6MA

Irving Falu
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dHZ6TVRQZ0Z4anhHa1ZLY3N4Qmp5bWc6MA

Tim Smith
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dHFIZ3ZvWmJaYzJSZ3BSUV9ma04wOGc6MA

Jeff Bianchi
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dE5pYW1ZSE1zelVIVmN0MHZjcFZDQUE6MA

Manny Pina
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dFhNckdMa3BqOHIyR0lxdm1BaDl6alE6MA

Derrick Robinson
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dGo4OFBSY3VhWkxyOHZua3RHQUFYeGc6MA

Lance Zawadzki
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dHcweXlBUjZpSDJvdm5HelQwTGdMN3c6MA

Joaquin Arias
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dHdKenRDR1BQeklQemlfUTVnTmVYaGc6MA

Kurt Mertins
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dC1PODF2UTVnNlBaQjcwRUZzMzl3U0E6MA

AA

Wil Myers
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dHZuMmNwQ2NYY0pOb01UV25SQW9JeHc6MA

Salvador Perez
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dEkyRHdvZ25OWDFtS3BTakE0bGdVYmc6MA

Christian Colon
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dHlWZVI2eVFQdktsbmEzQTRGWjZQSWc6MA

Jamie Romak
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dGNBNUc0dWM5WGRYRzZpMXVQTWIxd3c6MA

Anthony Seratelli
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dDhtN1o2STFRWnJhUnNjOVhqTXBPMlE6MA

Rey Navarro
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dFZWUGhxclVkbTIxTjlKbHhfeEh5Umc6MA

Nick Francis
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dEh3a08wd3hZbEpzR1lNang5b2tlYWc6MA

Adrian Ortiz
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dC1Ndks4Z2pjOG1YU1BYYXpPTDhUb2c6MA

Nick Van Stratten
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dEZnbmQzS01KWU03cVBUbFQyNkxLZUE6MA

José Bonilla
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dDZOZ1hrSGpjcUE0VV9BMUpzQVNNdlE6MA

Ben Theriot
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dGdERV9jcHJ3V1RQaVFMNThvX25XSWc6MA

Tom Tango introduced fan scouting to us a few years ago and I wanted to offer that same type of thing to fans of the Royals, in particular to the fans watching the prospects. This tool is simple, easy and hopefully can give us a small glimpse of what people who watch a player looks like currently. Obviously the majority of us aren't or won't be scouts but the majority of us attend and watch games regularly so it could be an interesting tool to see how these players compare in our eyes as compared to what the scouts say to BA, BP or Keith Law.

This is a position player tool only as it is much easier for fans to scout position players as opposed to what type of pitches a pitcher throws.

The card is simple, easy, contains eight questions and allows you to post any other notes you may like. The first four questions pertain to the players defense while the last four are geared at his offensive ability.

1. How would you rate the players defensive movement?
2. How would you rate his 1st step quickness on defense?
3. How would you rate his arm strength?
4. How would you rate his glove ability?
5. How would you rate his ability to make solid contact with the bat?
6. How would you rate his power?
7. How would you rate his speed down the 1st baseline?
8. How would you rate his approach at the plate?

I wanted to do it on the scouting 2-8 scale but google docs wouldn't allow me to change the scale starting at 2 so I used 1-8. As examples I show you that Benji Molina's speed would score a 1 while Barry Bonds plate approach would rate as an 8. I was thinking Bonds in his 01-04 years if you want to be picky. I've never seen a hitter so focused on knowing exactly what he was doing at the plate and never seemingly wavering.

This isn't a projection tool so it probably will have more error at the lower levels but we'll see how it grades out. Maybe an unknown at a lower level will grade out better with us and turn into something down the road ala a Mike Aviles.

I'll keep the link to this post at the top right hand of my blog all year long so it will be easily accessed as well as hopefully getting some of the other Royal blogs to add it. I hope to add all players at the A ball level on up prior to the start of minor league spring training games on March 18th.

Royals sign another Dominican pitcher

IGORRRRRR could be the chant at the K in 7 to 8 years with the news from dplprospects.com that the Royals inked another Dominican prospect. Igor Feliz is a 17 year old prospect who already throws 91-93 while touching 95. Dpl also says Feliz has a good feel for his offspeed stuff but no word on his size or frame just yet. The 225k the Royals gave Feliz is essentially the same as adding a extra 5-10 rounder.

From Dick Kaegel interview with Rene Francisco “He’s been up to 95 [mph] and worked at 90 to 93 in his last outing with a good breaking ball,” Francisco said from the Dominican. “He was an outfielder and he’s just been pitching for a year and a half. We’re lucky to get him.”

Prospect Additions 2011
Darwin Castillo 300k
Igor Feliz 225k

Baseball America announced their Top 100 today.
9 Royals were on the list
#8 Eric Hosmer
#9 Mike Moustakas
#10 Wil Myers
#18 John Lamb
#19 Mike Montgomery
#51 Christian Colon
#68 Danny Duffy
#69 Jake Odorizzi
#83 Chris Dwyer

Whats coming:
I've already told you what is on the horizon as far as prospects I'll be seeing in March but I also am in the middle of creating a fun tool for Royals fans attending minor league games this year. Hopefully I'll get that finished sometime this weekend prior to he start of minor league camp opening.

Spring Quote of the Day

I think the Royals are treading water until Salvador Perez is ready. You want to know who is making a bigger camp impression than anyone, it's Perez... Bob Dutton KC Star Chat

Perez definitely seems to be heading in a positive direction with his bat as he had probably his best season considering the tough environment Wilmington is for right handed hitters.
.290/.322/.411 7 HR 21 2b 18/38 BB/SO in 396 PA
It's a very positive sign that he has never had higher than a 12.6% K rate at any level which means he shouldn't have much trouble making contact at the upper levels. Hopefully he can do more damage as he gains strength(still just 20) even though he needs to be more patient at the plate where he carried only a 4.5% walk rate last season.

While Salvador's bat will be the final factor in deciding whether he's a everyday starter in the bigs his defense has pretty much already assured him as at least a backup career. We've seen countless numbers of lighthitting catchers who can play a couple days a week just based on their decent defense, supposed good game-calling ability and great makeup, all things Sal is off the charts at.

Perez might be one of the youngest Royals (3rd behind Myers and Lamb) at AA or higher but he is probably the closest thing to a lock that there is just due to his position and defensive ability.

Quote of the day

"It's obviously very prudent for him to start in Triple A." Dayton Moore talking about Eric Hosmer

For those of us living in the Omaha area is a great thing. Some have said Hos might restart the year in AA but this signal by Moore could lead to a tremendous lineup to watch everyday.

1. David Lough LF
2. Johnny Giavotella 2b
3. Eric Hosmer 1b
4. Mike Moustakas 3b
5. Clint Robinson DH
6. Paulo Orlando RF
7. Manny Pina C
8. Irving Falu or Joaquin Arias SS
9. Jarrod Dyson CF

Would love Jirschele to hit Lough in that leadoff spot so he can try to expand on his patient approach from the second half(.403 OBP) last season. Also it should push David into trying to steal more bases which he should be able to do with his above average speed.

Constructing a Royals bullpen

Next to Billy Butler's swing the best thing to watch this season should be the young arms coming out of the bullpen.

Bob McClure said this to Bob Dutton the other day.

“There’s nothing herky-jerky with Jeffress,” McClure said. “It’s smooth. It’s hard, too. It is firm. We’re telling him not to go overboard, and he’s faster than anyone else by far. You’ll see it.

“Keating has surprised the heck out of me. His control is good. He throws hard, and his control is good. You know who else has thrown well? Coleman. But it’s so early, and there are a lot of good arms out here.”

While I expected Coleman to challenge for a roster spot early this season I didn't see Jeffress or Keating with that same opportunity early on. Having McClure on your side is a great start for all three of these guys.

The Royals essentially have four possible spots open in the bullpen after you consider Soria, Tejeda and Wood locked in so lets breakdown the possible positions and where each arm in camp settles in.

The Lefty (2 possible)
Everett Teaford, Blaine Hardy, Brandon Sisk, Danny Duffy or Tim Collins - In January I predicted Tim Collins to win this job. While I'm not changing my prediction it wouldn't shock me if the Royals challenged Danny Duffy with a bullpen spot in the bigs. From some of the reports on Duffy's hiatus last season Danny was questioning his role in life as well as his life within baseball. He doesn't act like a young player from what I've read and could be up for the challenge of big league hitters. If the Royals decide they want two which Dutton has hinted at then I definitely give Duffy and Collins the edge with Blaine Hardy as the possible LOOGY darkhorse

The Long Man (1)
Sean O'Sullivan, Kevin Pucetas, Nate Adcock, Kanekoa Texeira - This isn't really much of a competition as O'Sullivan probably has the most talent and already has a major league track record even if it is bad. Texeira is not really a classic long man but could come in to play if the Royals decide to go with more veterans than youngsters.

The Power Arm (2 possible)
Henry Barrera, Jesse Chavez, Aaron Crow, Greg Holland, Louis Coleman, Patrick Keating and Jeremy Jeffress - If you like hard throwing you'll love this group. Coleman is the lightest thrower of the group but probably has the best combination of talent and current ability. In January I leaned heavily to Holland making it out of this group and while I think it makes the most sense for him to make it he might not have the control that McClure and Yost desire.

My Picks as of Jan. 24
O'Sullivan
Texeira
Holland
Collins

I still like my January picks for now but wouldn't be shocked if Tex or Holland got switched out in favor of Jeffress.


Baseball Intellect

What's coming !

Baseball gets closer and closer everyday so I thought I would take this time to let you in on what is coming in March.

March 4,5,6 UCLA @ Nebraska
Prospects
Gerrit Cole #2 overall draft prospect
Trevor Bauer #12 college draft prospect (BA)
Cody Asche #88 college draft prospect (BA)

Trevor Bauer via SBNation

Cole won't be available to the Royals while Bauer would need to have a transcendent season to move into that position.










March 13-18 Spring Training
I'll be trying to get as much video as possible on the Royals minor league prospects.
Already have my Brewers-Royals tickets March 13th !

March 19-20, 26-27, 29 University of Nebraska-Omaha
Joe Holtmeyer #2 Division II prospect(BA)

Joe Holtmeyer - 6'3 230 lbs rhp w low 90s FB, power curve. Gonna be my main target college prospect this season as I'll try to see him as much as possible. He enjoyed some success in the Cape Cod league during the summer going up in more advanced competition. 39.2 IP 37/13 K/BB 26 H 3.18 ERA This is a guy the Royals should have their eyes on as a 5-10 Rd guy who could move quickly.

MIAA.com

March 27, 29 DH Iowa Western CC
IWCC is the defending JUCO national champs (1st Northern Region ever) and usually have quite a few division I or draftee types.

Damek Tomscha Freshman 3b was a 2010 Phillies 50th rd draft pick.

April 2 Royals-Angels and Royals Future Game

Can't wait for all that baseball and watchign potential prospects. Should be a blast if my wife doesn't leave me for never being home !

Kane County Pitchers

Nick Scott was tossing out some great tweets today from the GMDM business meeting. I'll let him comment on the majority of what he heard but I thought I'd like to tie one of the messages to what I talked about before.

"Arguelles will probably start in Kane County this year."

That's interesting stuff to me because it adds to an already interesting staff of young starters.

The Repeaters
Kelvin Herrera-3rd try to see if he can stay healthy.
Matt Mitchell-2nd year after TJ surgery.
Keaton Hayenga- Brutal '10 season 47 BB v. 43 Ks and 11.1 H/9

The New guys
Crawford Simmons- My pick as a "Breakout Performer in 2011"
Willian Avinazar- 8.4 K/9 1.083 WHIP in Appy League last year.
Leonel Santiago- 7.3 K/9 1.111 WHIP in Appy League in 2010.
The 3 arms from last seasons Burlington(NC) Royals playoff team. None of which has huge upside according to scouts but performed at decent levels.

Dynamos
Noel Arguelles-Cuban signee w/big arm and physical body. ML Contract
Jason Adam- A 6'4 200+ lbs who was reported to be touching mid 90s during instructs.
Robinson Yambati- BP #11 Ranked Royals prospect
Yordano Ventura- Reports said he was touching 98-99 mph in AZL last year.

That's an impressive list of arms which will help make Kane County one of the fun teams to pay attention to all year long.

Off the Radar !

Trying to locate a off the radar prospect in the most hyped system in baseball is akin to locating a pantyline in the HBO show Big Love, it's a difficult task to say the least but I think I located a player that could surprise in 2011.

Al.com

Son of a major league player (Scott Fletcher)Brian Fletcher was projected as a Top 10 Round college outfielder but fell to the Royals in the 18th round last year. Fletcher's career so far is very similar to another 2010 Royal draftee, Brett Eibner. Like Eibner, Fletcher is a power hitting outfielder who elected to go to a SEC school as opposed to signing with the Houston Astros after being drafted in 2007(39th rd), also like Eibner he has the tendancy to strikeout quite a bit despite a very quick bat. Fletcher isn't the athlete that Eibner is so he'll best project as a left fielder defensively but he has a very quick bat and some nice power (HR per 12.91 AB @ Auburn). If he can monitor his aggressiveness and use that bat speed more effectively he could jump on the radar of some. Expect him to start in Burlington or Wilmington where he'll need to adjust to a different type hitting environment than what he's used to.

2010 Burlington Rookie League 5-16 2 HR 1/5 Bb/K
2010 Auburn .357/.430/.694 22 HR 17 2b 23/67 BB/K
2009 Auburn .301/.420/.628 17 Hr 9 2b 32/76 Bb/K
2009 Cape Cod .291/.320/.436 2 HR 11 2b 2/36 BB/K
2008 Auburn .324/.408/.611 10 HR 17 2b 21/53 BB/K

2007 Baseball America Draft scouting report
Brian Fletcher has the bat speed and strength to develop into a prospect as well. He's improved his approach this season, using the whole field more often, though his swing has holes. When he squares the ball up, it jumps off his barrel. He's well-below-average defensively in the infield, and has had trouble making accurate throws this spring.

2010 Baseball America Draft scouting report
The son of ex-big league infielder Scott, Fletcher is a different player than his dad. Scott was a bat-control middle infielder, while Brian is a slugging left fielder known for his power. Fletcher should join Chad Bettis, Derek Dietrich and Brett Eibner as unsigned members of the Astros' 2007 draft class who go in single-digit rounds in 2010. Fletcher has a pro mentality, shaking off failure well, which comes in handy because he has 192 strikeouts in 612 at-bats at Auburn (31 percent). Fletcher's more athletic than Kevin Patterson, so he's capable of being an average left fielder as a pro. While he lacks Patterson's pure strength and size, he has electric bat speed and can catch up to good fastballs. He's just too aggressive early in counts and gets himself into pitcher's counts too often.

JJ and the 10 Royal dwarfs

Since GMDM was hired in 2006 he said that the Royals success would hinge on drafting and developing players, thus the day of following Royals prospects was reintroduced for the first time since the days of Dee Brown.

For folks like myself who love to follow these Royals and minor league games there is one day every year that is bigger than Christmas, of course it's the newest release of Baseball America's Prospect Handbook, the most in depth coverage of minor league players by organization in the business. And while I've read past BA Handbook's, since the '08 draft the Handbook's arrival has become a bigger and bigger deal every year since I actually use it while I try to learn about players at minor league games and try to interact with scouts.

Since that 2008 draft class BA has had one consistent writer cover their system and has had 10 prospects that have appeared in the books the past three seasons. I thought it would be interesting to interpret what JJ Cooper thought each year and see if much had changed in their game along the way.

2009-11
Mike Moustakas #1, 4, 3
Eric Hosmer #2, 5, 1
Mike Montgomery #4, 1, 5
Tim Melville #5, 6, 14
Danny Duffy #6, 8, 7
Johnny Giavotella #11, 16, 18
Kelvin Herrera #12, 18, 30
David Lough #15, 10, 25
Derrick Robinson #16, 22, 26
Salvador Perez #19, 20, 17

Mike Moustakas
'09
Power 70
Makes consistent contact and should hit for average.
Can turn on any fastball but can get pull conscious
Needs to recognize breaking balls better
Lacks athleticism and will have to work on first step quickness.
Above average arm
'10
Two above average tools Raw Power and Arm strength
Too pull happy
Footwork raw and thick body
Good hand eye coordination and quick wrist
Struggled to adjust to offspeed stuff early in the count.
'11
Plus Plus power
Excellent bat speed that allows him to drive balls to any field
Uncanny contact ability
Below average runner
Better approach
Defense
Above average arm
Average first step quickness
Average hands
Mechanics lacked consistency

The Constant- Plus plus power, excellent bat speed, plus arm,doesn't walk, great contact ability, below avg runner
Improvements- First step, improved approach
What GMDM said- GMDM mentioned that they've discussed with Moose and other prospects that they need to be patient at the plate. This is big because Moose is not going to be a big strikeout guy as JJ pointed out he has an uncanny ability to make contact. If he is in positive count situations his ridiculous power will dominate. His power will touch parts of the K that haven't been seen by many Royals and his hard hit balls will allow him to carry a solid average which will help Royals fans forget he is only walking 6% of the time.
My opinion-I like to compare his game to two Brewers he'll either be Casey McGehee, as I just can't see a real low failure rate with an outside shot of becoming a Ryan Braun type peak.

Eric Hosmer
'09 Handbook-
Big time Raw power and bat speed
Ability to go the opposite way.
Soft hands with good athleticism
Enough athleticism to play OF
Very good arm
Needs a better gameplan at the plate
'10
Offense- Outstanding raw power, struggled w/pitch recognition(possibly due to eyes), below average speed
Defense- Plus Arm, average defender, less athletic than advertised w/heavy feet.
'11
Offense-Uses the opposite field, Bat speed to turn on pitches and drive them out the opposite way. Lasik improved his eyesight which led to better results, Below average runner
Defense- Plus arm, showed increased agility and good range w/ability to occasionally play OF.

The Constant- Plus Arm, uses the opposite field, outstanding raw power
The Improvement- His eyes and agility and range
Look ahead- As pointed out by others Hosmer's breakout 2010 was similar to what Billy Butler did for his minor leaguer career (Hos .977 OPS v. Butler's career .978 OPS). Hos initially could be very similar to Billy when he arrives at the K but should have more projection longterm as he adds more strength to that big frame.

Mike Montgomery
'09
Fastball 90-92 touches 95 with plenty of life on the fastball.
Changeup-80 mph changeup already rates average and could become an outpitch.
Curve-Palm curve puts little stress on arm. Can spin a breaking ball
Makeup- Extremely competitive
'10
FB sits 90-92 while touching 94-95.
Curve- Switched to traditional downward curve grades as slightly above avg when he stays on top of it.
Changeup- shows flashes of being a plus pitch.
Mechanics- Solid, able to repeat delivery, excellent arm spped
'11
FB sits 91-93 and can run it up to 95-96.
CB Benched the palmball, Throws above avg curve 74-76 He is still learning to locate it however.
Change- Plus pitch w/late fade and excellent arm spped
His mechanics are solid.

The Constant- FB Velocity, solid mechanics, competitive
Improvements- Changeup and Curve have both improved flashing plus
My opinion- An arm problem kept Montgomery from possibly taking the top minor league pitching honors last season. His drive and stuff could push the Royals to a callup this season and will take over the void left by Zack in a couple seasons.


Tim Melville '09
FB 91-95
Curve Plus Curve
Changeup- Adequate
Other- Plenty of athleticism and repeats his free and easy delivery so he has no trouble throwing strikes. Needs consistency w/ curve and changeup.
'10
FB sits 92-93 touches 95.
CB True 12-6 downer, plus pitch when he can command it.
Changeup Lacks conviction w/this pitch
Other- Has to work on keeping delivery in sync and tends to lose tempo. Inconsistent mechanics, adequate athleticism and clean arm action w/durable build.
'11
FB-91-93 mph Fb that touches 96 with good downhill plane.
CB-12-6 curveball can be a plus pitch
Changeup- Improving can stay up in zone when he loses proper mechanics
Other-Inconsistent tempo and slow down delivery = problems w/control. Tends to nibble on the corners too much and curve loses tightness when mechanics are off.

The Constant- Most things seem consistent.
The Change- With no fault of JJ's Melville went from his draft year being a solid no problem mechanics guy to the last two seasons being a struggling control/mechanics guys.
Other- Melville is less athletic than some of the other Royals pitchers and almost more robotic but still is young and has a nice ceiling. He'll be one of the guys I definitely try to get alot of video of at Spring training.

Danny Duffy
'09
FB sits 88-92 and touches 94.
Curve plus pitch at times
his changeup rates as slightly above average.
Rarely has the feel for both secondary pitches on the same day. August shutdown w/shoulder discomfort
'10 Fastball
88-92 on a good downward plane.
His curve is slow and big breaking which is a good complement to his fastball allowing it to play up.
Changeup got better but he still hasn't fully embraced it.
Other-Motion has improved but still throws across his body. Good at messing w/hitters timing which lets his stuff play up.
'11
FB was as good as ever touching 95-97 regularly. Paces himself early in gms 90-92 then gets to the mid 90s later.
Changeup is his best secondary pitch although his feel for it wavers it is slightly above average at times.
CB- Slow w/plenty of depth
Other- Probably switch to his slider-Crossfire delivery, gotten better at staying online w/plate. Sidelined in April w/elbow soreness
Elbow injury sidelined him in April

The Constant- Crossfire motion
Improvements- Fastball has popped up anywhere from 5-7 Mph from 2009 BA book. Changeup has improved
Watch out- Twice in three years he's had arm problems.
Other- I've heard for sometime Duffy's best secondary pitch could be the slider the Royals made him bench in the low minors. It concerns me though with his mechanics that a slider might put too much pressure on his arm leading to more arm injuries even if it's the best secondary pitch for his arm motion.

Johnny Giavotella
'09
Offense
Compact swing that allows him to turn on a fastballs and wait on offspeed stuff
Advanced pitch recognition w/good eye
Vulnerable to pitches on outerhalf
Defense
Overall 45
Improved hands on double play exchange
Lacks range to his right
'10
Good knowledge of strikezone
Short stroke adequate power
Defense
Played like a below-average defender
Range to his right was poor
Slower first step and shoddy footwork
Above average arm
Other-Took bad at bats into the field
'11
Offense
Gap to gap power
Good awareness of strikezone
Defense
Improved agility
Range still leaves something to be desired especially on balls up the middle
His arm is good and improved at turning the Double play

The Constant- Quick short swing, gap power, below avg defense, poor range up the middle
Improvements- agility improving



Kelvin Herrera
'09
FB- 91-92 touches 95
Curve- slurvy w/command for his age
Changeup- Solid w/ command for his age
'10
Injured due to overcompensating for a change in his landing.
'11
Injured elbow problems caused by his landing
Returned at instructs
FB Low 90s touching 95
Curve- Average/slurvy
Changeup Potential plus pitch

The Constant- Everything is the same due to injuries
My Opinion- Kelvin has an electric arm and has been one of my off the top prospect faves for sometime now but a move to the bullpen is probably needed unless his landing has been changed and is completely comfortable to him. His injury probs should temper some enthusiasm on Yordano Ventura who is jumping toward the Top 10 of most Royals prospects charts at 5'10 with a high 90s fastball.

David Lough
2009
Raw Power
Plus speed
Avg in CF
Below Avg Arm
2010
Above avg speed
Lack of weakness
Arm tick below avg
2011
Quick stroke=double power
Solid on base ability
Above average speed
So so reads on balls
Avg CF
Below avg arm

The Constant- Avg tools, below avg arm, above avg speed, lack of weaknesses
The New- Solid on base ability
My Opinion- JJ mentioned in the '11 book that Lough is probably a 4th OF. I think this is misplaying his skillset, David's 2nd half on base ability if developed could lead him to a DDJ type career in my opinion. I've always been a huge Lough fan and believe in his skillset very much and a lack of corner outfielders at the upper levels will give him a opportunity this year if he can take advantage of it.

Derrick Robinson
'09
3.8-3.9 sec speed from leftside
Left-handed swing looks unnatural
Improved pitch recognition
Doesn't read pitchers moves well
Defense
Speed to run balls down
Arm a tick below average
'10
Offense
Movement of feet allows him to get bat thru left stance faster
Posted sub 4.0 times to first after switch in stance
Defense
Speed allows him to play above avg CF
Arm Fring-average
'11
Offense
70-75 speed on a 20-80 scale.
Gets thrown out stealing too often for his speed
Very little power
Defense
Poor jumps at times
Plus defender in CF
Arm Below average

The Constant- Plus defense in CF, 70 speed, doesn't get good read on pitchers, little power
Improvement(s)- Left handed swing
Not looking good- Arm strength, Jumps on hit balls,


Salvador Perez-
'09
Offense- Bat spweed improving but swing path is long due to long arms
Defense
Sets a good target, soft hands, decent job at blocking balls
Arm is 55 on the scale plays up due to quick exchanges
'10
Offense- Gap to gap power
Lacks athleticism and projection
Defense
Tick above average arm
Receives ball well, handles pitchers like a veteran
'11
Gap to gap power
Consistent contact
25 grade speed
Defense
Slightly above average arm
Good job framing pitches
Handles velocity and calls a good game

The Constant- Defense Receives ball, handles pitchers, above average arm, gap to gap power
Improvement(s)- Improved contact
On the downswing- Speed

Royals ink a Dominican All Star

According to DPL Baseball the Royals signed Darwin Castillo from the Dominican All Star game for 300k pending a physical. Castillo is huge at 6'5 212 lbs and throws his fastball in the 88-92 range currently. No reports of his age.

Darwin Castillo Youtube Video