This entry could just as well be renamed 2009 Organizational Report: Alex Gordon and Mike Moustakas, because other than these two there isn’t a lot to talk about as far as third base goes. (As far as I am concerned there shouldn’t need to be.) Alex Gordon will be the starting third basemen for the Kansas City Royals this season, and will most likely be backed up by Mark Teahen and Willie Bloomquist. If the Royals desperately needed to make a callup to Omaha Mario Lisson is perhaps the best of a few options. But let’s talk about Gordon.

There aren’t a lot of prospects who climb their way through the minors with as much hype as Alex Gordon and now that Gordon has arrived in Kansas City most Royals fans would tell you that he has not lived up to that hype. This is a totally different statement than if he has been a good player, or if he has satisfied the fans. I am a fan who is satisfied with Gordon’s production and expect him to continue to improve.

In an injury shortened 2008 Gordon saw a huge rise in his on base percentage from .314 to .351 on an obp starved team it will be critical that Gordon can maintain or even improve on his .351 from a season ago. Also, Gordon saw his slugging percentage rise from .411 to .432 this is still too low for my tastes and it is frustrating because at time it really does seem that Gordon could figure it out and become a masher in the middle of the order.

Gordon’s real problem though is his inability to hit left handed pitching last season he posted a line of .234/.312/.317 against lefties compared to .273/.370/.491 against righties. While some have suggested that the Royals should platoon Gordon in order to take advantage of the split, I would argue that it would be incredibly dumb of the Royals to doom Gordon to a career as a platoon player. It is most advantageous to the Royals that Gordon becomes an all star caliber player and this will only happen if he is facing both lefties and righties on a full time basis. If Gordon can somehow figure out lefties, he could finally begin to live up to that superstar potential.

Gordon also has another interesting split and that is for the second year Gordon’s post all star numbers were much better than his first half numbers. This, for the second straight year, has led Royals fans to believe that the second half is a sign of good things to come. Although, it could simply be that Gordon will be a J.D. Drew type who will always have a better second half than first. I’d like to think that it is a sign of things to come.

First Half: .253/.334/.407

Second Half: .277/.392/.496

So here is another if. IF Gordon can produce for a whole season like he did in the second half of last season, the Royals season could go in a completely different direction. Right now Pecota predicts the Royals to win 74 games this season. However, that does not take into consideration the potential breakout for players like Zack Greinke, Alex Gordon, Billy Butler, or to a lesser extent Kyle Davies. If just one of these guys breakout it could mean an additional 3-4 wins. If two or three breakout it could mean playing in October. I’ve got my fingers crossed for the latter.

If no one breaks out this season and a few of the guys underperform, it will mean that yet again the Royals will have finished in the cellar. This would be incredibly frustrating for Royals fans who are beginning to view this season as an opportunity to display all the improvement that this organization has undergone. However, even if the Royals have a disappointing season and only win 70 games or so, there is still a lot to be excited about. I’ve already told you about 2008 first round pick Eric Hosmer, now it is time to learn about the other half of the 70 home runs per year that some scouts project by 2011. That half goes by the name of Mike Moustakas.

Moustakas was the second overall pick of the 2007 draft and just before the rookie signing deadline signed a deal for a $4 million bonus. Moustakas was originally drafted as a short stop, however made the transition to third base midway through last season in Burlington, where he became the first teenager to lead the league in homers since Prince Fielder and led the Bees to a Midwest League Championship. He ended the season with 22 home runs, 71 rbis, 8 stolen bases, a .272 batting average, .337 on base percentage, and a .466 slugging percentage. This all after Moustakas got off to a horrific start where he hit .190 in the cold an Iowa April.

Moustakas who owns the California high school record for home runs in a season (24) and a career (52), was said to have had the best power in the draft since Alex Rodriguez. This is even more impressive considering Moustakas didn’t need to cheat to obtain it (just a joke… sort of). Moustakas is expected to begin 2009 in high class A Wilmington of the Carolina League (notorious for making average pitchers look like future aces, and future all stars look like banjo hitters).

The second base spot for the Royals seems to be the one spot on the field, where the Royals are not set going into season. Even as late as a week and a half ago, the Royals were in contract discussions with type A free agent Orlando Hudson. Unfortunately the Royals could not come to terms with Hudson and he signed with the Dodgers (the same team who outbid the Royals several months ago for Rafael Furcal). Let’s take a look at the Royals’ current second base options.

Fighting for a Big League Spot:

Let’s start with Mark Teahen. I am starting with Teahen because ideally the organization probably doesn’t want to play 3+ million a year for a guy who will be serving as a utility man. Teahen is bigger than the prototypical second basemen and I’d be very surprised if he showed the ability to play an average second base, however, Teahen has already successfully transitioned to right field from third, and then to left so it may be unwise to bet against him. I am not going to hold my breath though.

Next there is free agent acquisition Willie Bloomquist. Bloomquist for seven years served as a utility man for the Mariners in a Craig Counsell type mold and it wasn’t til last season that he showed an above average ability to get on base (.377 OBP compared to a career .322 OBP). I think Bloomquist would best serve this team in a utility role and not as an everyday starter. But part of me expects him to somehow win the starting job by May, and become Ross Gload part 2.

Finally we get to Alberto Callaspo. Callaspo in my mind has the most potential to be a solid everyday second basemen, however the guy just can’t seem to get his act together. After being traded to Kansas City after a domestic dispute, he was removed from the team last season due to reported alcohol related issues. Then to make matters worse Callaspo was late to acquire his visa, and as a result was the last to report to camp this spring. If Teahen can’t cut it at second, I would prefer Callaspo be given the starting job entering the season.

Pinch Fillers:

Tug Hulett was recently claimed off waivers from the Mariners. He has some promise and in the minors has posted a strong average, on base percentage and slugging percentage throughout his career. If a man goes down on the big league club, I expect to see Hulett get the call.

Keep Your Eye On:

Johnny Giavotella: For whatever reason Giavotella has had my eye from the start. Last season he was drafted in the second round, and the promptly reported to Low A Burlington of the Midwest League where he flirted with a .300 batting average all season long. Giavotella is rated as the 11th best prospect in the Royals organization according to Baseball America and appears to be on a fast track due to the lack of depth at second base in the organization. I expect Giavotella to rise quickly through the system and if all goes well could make it to Kansas City sometime in 2010. Unfortunately Giavotella is the only prospect in the minors that really excited me as a future second basemen.

So I said that I would do this every few days, but I am bored and just itching to keep moving through the reports so today I am going to discuss First Basemen.

Fighting for a Big League Spot:

Let’s start with Mike Jacobs, because out of all the first basemen in camp I would say it is pretty clear that he is the most assured of a roster spot going into the season. Jacobs was acquired this offseason in a trade that was originally intended to send pitcher Carlos Rosa to Florida, however, after Florida backed away from Rosa due to injury concerns, the Royals shipped set up man Leo Nunez out to Miami for the left handed slugging first basemen Jacobs. This move has been heavily scrutinized in the media, considered Jacobs lack of on base percentage. While Jacobs OBP scares me, I am going to say that anytime you can acquire a 30+ home run guy for a right handed set up man, then it is a deal that you should pull the trigger on. Especially if you are a GM that seems to have a knack for putting together strong bullpens, which Dayton Moore appears to be.

 Next there is 22-year-old Billy Butler. Butler has yet to live up to the hype that has surrounded him as he arose through the Royals’ minor league system, but at the same time he is still only 22. Going into the season it seems that Royal fans have all but given up hope for Butler to figure out how to use a glove, however, sources have said that Butler thus far has played a more consistent first base than Mike Jacobs. Combine that with the fact that Butler has previously said that he feels more comfortable at the plate when he is playing the field, and that Jacobs has no problem with being a full time DH, then one could come to the conclusion that Butler will go into the year as the everyday first baseman and Jacobs as the everyday DH. I think this would be the ideal situation for the Royals as long as Butler could play average, or close to average defense. I also, expect Butler to have a very strong showing this year and flirt with a line of .295/.345/.450. Butler is one of the wild cards for the Royals this season (along with Gordon and Greinke) and if he breaks out could mean the difference between wins in the upper 70s, or getting up into the 80s and being in a playoff hunt.

Ross Gload is a gritty, hard-nosed player that does all the little things that a team needs to do to win a baseball game, or would say the Royals coaching staff. When I see Gload I see a consistent player and can provide above average defense at first base, but has one of the worst bats in the league when it comes to first basemen. (Actually there is statistical evidence to show that last season Gload was the worst among everyday first basemen.) Gload will most likely make the team again this season and provide a late inning defensive replacement, and occasional corner outfielder. This is fine by me, although I would much rather have this role, solely belong to Teahen. But Teahen can’t provide the Defense at first that Gload can, and I seriously doubt the coaching staff would even consider going into the season without the assurance of a strong glove at first.

Mark Teahen is also a possibility at first, but currently the Royals are giving him a shot at second base. But if Butler or Jacobs were to be injured and the Teahen at second experiment fails, I could see Teahen sliding to first to take up the full time job.

Ryan Shealy came to Kansas City a couple of years ago, in a trade with Colorado that sent Denny Bautista and Jeremy Affeldt to the Rocky Mountains. Shealy came with loads of promise and in some ways continues to have the same promise. For example last September when Shealy hit 7 home runs in just 73 at bats. However, Shealy has been injury prone and is out of options. The word on the street also is that GMDM is actively trying to find a trade partner to give Shealy an opportunity elsewhere. If no partner can be found, Shealy will most likely be claimed off waivers before the season starts.

Kila Ka’aihue last season won the Royals Minor League Player of the Year award after posting a line of .314/.456/.628 and being second in the minors in home runs with 37. The brass of Kansas City would like to give Ka’aihue more time in Omaha before making him a regular in the Majors. But if Jacobs or Butler go down Ka’aihue should be the first option down on the farm as a replacement.

Pinch Fillers:

With the depth of first basemen that the Royals have that are expected to make the Major League roster, the only real option in AAA will be Ka’aihue. Even if Jacobs or Butler go down with an injury, the Royals may elect to go with either Ross Gload or Mark Teahen at first before they make the call to Omaha for some Hawaiian Punch.

Keep Your Eye On:

Eric Hosmer: Hosmer was selected with the third overall selection in the 2008 draft and signed for a club record bonus of $6 million. Depending on the publication Hosmer is rated either 1st or 2nd among Royals prospects and according to Jim Callis is the 12th best prospect in all of minor league baseball. According to baseball America Hosmer is the best pure and power hitter in the Royals organization. Unlike most power hitters his age, Hosmer already has the ability to hit bombs to the opposite field. Hosmer could start the season the same place that Mike Moustakas did a year ago, Burlington Iowa in the Midwest League, or the Royals could send Hosmer to Wilmington in the Carolina League to catch him up with Moustakas, Giavotella and others.

Clint Robinson: After tearing up the Pioneer League at Idaho Falls for a .336 average and 15 homers in only 253 at bats, Robinson was sent to the Midwest League for the 2008 season. There Robinson hit .266, but continued to show decent pop by hitting 17 home runs with a .472 Slug. Unfortunately Robinson is a little old (24) for his level to be considered a strong prospect, but nonetheless if Robinson can continue to post strong numbers he could be a fun name to watch.

Jason Taylor: The other first basemen for Burlington last season, Taylor was a second round pick in 2006. Taylor is rated as the 17th best prospect in the minors by Baseball America and if not for some suspensions would probably be rated much higher. (Taylor will begin this season by serving a 50 game suspension.) Taylor has a .372 OBP in his minor league career and last season swiped a total of 40 bases while clubbing 17 home runs. Taylor is 21-years-old and hopefully can get back on the right track and be a productive player someday for the big league club.

Every few days, I am going to give a brief breakdown of a certain position for the Royals. This breakdown will include who is competing for big league spots, major league ready guys who can fill-in in a pinch, and the guys to be most excited about down on the farm. Today I am going to start with catchers.

Fighting for a Big League Spot:

There are nine catchers in big league camp this spring, but realistically there are only three who are fighting for spots on the major league roster: Miguel Olivo, John Buck, and Brayan Pena, all three of which are on the 40 man roster. (Other Spring invitees include Cody Clark, J.R. House, Jeff Howell, John Suomi, Keil Thibault, and Matt Tupman.)

In exercising Miguel Olivo’s mutual option, it seems as if both sides expect Olivo to be the primary catcher going into the season. At times this past season Olivo appeared to be displeased with his role as backup catcher heading into the season and one would assume that only by assuring Olivo the majority of the starts behind the plate the Royals would be able to lure him back for another season. Olivo had a dreadful .278 OBP last season, but with a decent power showing (12 homers and a .444 Slug) the Royals will give him a shot as the starting catcher.

John Buck is entering his sixth season as a member of the Kansas CIty Royals, and is coming off of what is arguably most dissappointing season, where he experienced career lows in home runs, and slugging percentage, while at the same time experiencing a career high in strikeouts. I expect Olivo and Buck to switch roles this season, which would mean that Buck would still get his fair share of at bats. I expect Buck to finish the season with numbers better than last season, but nothing extraordinary.

Finally, there is Brayan Pena, a catcher from the Braves organization who was snatched off waivers by Dayton Moore last season. Going into the offseason I fully expected Pena to make the team as the backup catcher, and even after the Royals and Olivo exercised their mutual option, I half expected Buck to be non tendered to save a few million and open up a spot for Pena. However, both Buck and Olivo are back meaning that unless, a move is made during spring training Pena will start the season in AAA and serve as an option if either Buck or Olivo go down with an injury.

Pinch Fillers:

Because Pena will most likely be sent to AAA and because he is the only other catcher on the 40 man roster, he will probably be the first option for the major league club. But there are also a few other guys who could get the call if they are sparkling in Omaha. These include former Pirate top prospect J.R. House, minor league rule 5 draftee John Suomi, or Matt Tupman.

Keep Your Eye On:

Salvador Perez: Perez is ranked as the top catching prospect and the 19th best overall prospect in the Royals organization by Baseball America. Last season between Rookie League Burlington and Idaho Falls the 18-year-old Perez went .361/.409/.482

Jose Bonilla: Bonilla is ranked as the second best catching prospect and 26th best prospect overall in the Royals Organization by Baseball America. Bonilla is a 20-year-old signee from the Dominican Republic who has a little bit of power (5 homers and a .625 SLUG in 112 ABs for the AZL Royals) and has more of a prototypical catcher’s build than Perez. Bonilla is 5-10, 180 while Perez is 6-3, 175.

The Kansas City Royals have released a player, optioned a player to Triple-A, and made a trade.  The Royals are waiting for opening day and putting together the final touches to their opening day lineup.

Kyle Davies was optioned to Triple-A Omaha.

Jorge De La Rosa was designated for assignement.

Chin-Hui Tsao, Roman Colon, and Ken Huckaby were sent to minor league camp.

Ramon Ramirez was grabbed from the Colorado Rockies for a player to be named later.

The Kansas City Royals couldn’t muster up enough run support to defeat the Texas Rangers as they dropped their first spring training game by the score of 6-1.

Billy Butler did well at the plate as he had a single as well as walk to reach base during both of his at bats.

Starter John Bale allowed one run in two innings. He was replaced by Luke Hochevar, who retired six straight hitters. Brian Lawrence gave up two runs in the fifth.

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The Kansas City Royals have said that pitcher Luke Hochevar will start out in the bullpen during Spring Training.  Hochevar was is the #1 draft pick for the Royals and usually a starting pitcher.

The Royals really want a veteran group of starting pitchers this year, and would rather have Hochevar come out of the bullpen.  I think that is a mistake, as Hochevar needs to be in the starting rotation as that is the best place for him.

Also, Brett Tomko will have to pitch very very bad to be taken out of the starting rotation the Kansas City Star is reporting.  Hmm, the Royals would rather keep throwing Tomko out there who is at the end of his career instead of a promising young prospect like Hochevar.  No wonder why the Royals haven’t made the playoffs in how many years…

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