Article:Kansas City Royals 2008 Top Ten Prospects

The Royals are currently in the "tweener" stage, their top prospects of the past few years are now at the Major League Level, (Alex Gordon, Mark Teahan, Zach Grienke and Billy Butler. With Luke Hochevar scheduled to arrive in Kansas City at some point in 2008, the remainder of their prospect class appears to be two or three years away, at best. Unfortunately for the Royals, being in the same division with Cleveland and Detroit doesn't give them much hope at a division title anytime soon.


 * 1) Mike Moustakas, 19, lefthanded hitting shortstop, first round, 2007

Baseball America's High School Player of the Year in 2007. Set single season (24) and career (52) homerun records for the state of California. Consensus best hitter available in draft. Nephew of Mets hitting coach Tom Robson. Despite his age, (19), Moustakas has few weaknesses in his offensive game. A short quick swing which allows him to let the ball travel further in the zone. A quick, repeating swing with ML bat speed. Already at 70 plus on the scout scale, projects to be close to 80 max when he gains more pro experience. Has a great arm, once was clocked at 98 mph while pitching in high school. Has good hands and is a student of the game. Moustakas has grown an inch since the draft and likely will outgrow the position before reaching the majors, his range right now is average at best. Royals have contemplated moving him to catcher but the change would delay his arrival in Kansas City by two years at least. Other thoughts are third base or leftfield. Low Class A in 2008


 * 2) Daniel Cortes, 19, RHP, seventh round, 2005

Obtained from the White Sox in the Mike MacDougal trade. Kept in extended spring training to work on slowing down his delivery. Once he mastered the change, his fastball went from average to plus, (95-96). Also has a plus curve and has the confidence to throw the pitch with two strikes. Weakness is a lack of a third pitch, his changeup is almost non-existant. Double A in '08


 * 3) Luke Hochevar, 24, RHP, first round, 2006

Fastball average plus, average sinker and curve. Uses change sporadically to give hitter's a different look although the pitch itself is below average. Spent time in extended spring training working on straightening his follow through, had a tendency to slide towards first and fling the ball. Learning a slider which would give him five pitches, needs work on command to become the front liner the Royals anticipate. His spring performance will determine whether he starts the season in Triple A or Kansas City.


 * 4) Blake Wood, 22, RHP, third round, 2006

Missed first half of season after surgery to repair a herniated disk. Fastball and curve average with improving change. Issues go to mechanics although his post-surgery appearances were promising. High Class A in 2008


 * 5) Danny Duffy, 19, LHP, third round, 2007

Dominated rookie Arizona League after signing, averaging 15 strikeouts per nine innings. His entire repetoire, (fastball, curve, change) all have plus potential although is weakness now is just inexperience. Has trouble repeating his delivery which causes inconsistency with his pitch location, command and control. A candidate for extended spring training with a promotion to Low Class A once he's mastered the delivery changes.


 * 6) Carlos Rosa, 23, RHP, free agent, 2001

Fastball average plus, (93-96) with movement. Average change and curve. Smooth, repeating delivery without much effort. Has struggled at times pitching inside and while the Royals would like him to continue to start his lack of a solid fourth pitch and inconsistency has them considering a move to the bullpen. Double A to start in 2008, (in the rotation).


 * 7) Julio Pimental, 22, RHP, free agent, 2003 (Dodgers)

Obtained from the Dodgers in the Elmer Dessens trade. Fastball average in velocity but becomes a plus pitch combined with movement. A plus change and an improving curveball. Working on an up and down delivery and follow through as opposed to his current across his body which flattens his pitches. Only 73 strikeouts in 153 innings in 2007, gives Royals concern on his effectiveness as a starter. Double A


 * 8) Matt Mitchell, 18, RHP, fourteenth round, 2007

Won Rookie League ERA title (1.57). Good delivery and mechanics for a high school pitcher, has drawn comparisons to Curt Schilling. Fastball and change are average for his age with an improving curve. Royals coaches have made some adjustments to him mechanically and he has taken to them well. Low Class A in 2008


 * 9) Yasuhiko Yabuta, 34, RHP, free agent, 2007

Bobby Valentine's long-time set-up man with Chiba Lotte in Japan. ML average fastball with a plus change and forkball (splitter). Lacks a serviceable breaking ball so starting in the majors is not an option. Royals signed him for the bullpen and that's where he'll be, as Joakim Soria's setup man.


 * 10) Derrick Robinson, 20, switchhitting, righthanded throwing outfielder, fourth round 2006

Good athlete, signed letter of intent to play cornerback at the University of Florida. Plus speed, has the ability to become a top basestealer at the ML level once he learns how to read pitchers and counts. Above average in CF with good gap to gap speed and reads the ball well, although his arm is below average. Won't have enough power to hit in the middle of the order, the Royals are working with him on becoming more of a contact hitter to better take advantage of his speed. Low Class A in 2008.


 * Kelsdad provides the Minor League Prospect Reports exclusively for ArmchairGM

Rankings by Baseball America, contributing text by Josh Leventhal

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