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).

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.

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.

Left-hander Zack Greinke tossed the first seven innings of the game and only allowed two hits while improving his record to 12-10. Greinke now has a 3.59 ERA for the season. Jimmy Gobble and Joel Peralta each pitched an inning of relief after Greinke was taken out of the game.

Mike Aviles led the team at the plate with a three-run home run and three rbi’s. He was then followed by Alex Gordon and Mitch Maier with two rbi each. Up next was David DeJesus, Joey Gathright, Ryan Shealy, and Mark Teahen with one rbi each.

Great series for the Royals who will now play the Chicago White Sox in a weekend series. The Royals can spoiler as the White Sox are in a battle with the Twins for the division.

Royals Blog

It was awesome watching Davies and Soria on the mound as they just made the Mariners hitters look silly at the plate. It’s too bad we didn’t see much of this during the season.

Mike Aviles scored the first run for the Royals on a wild pitch by Carlos Silva in the first inning. The second Royals run came in the fourth inning when Mark Teahen singled to score Jose Guillen. The Royals picked up an insurance run in the seventh inning when Tony Pena Jr.scored on a infield single by David DeJesus.

Good win for the Royals! Royals Blog

Esteban German got the Royals on the scoreboard in the second inning with a rbi double that plated Miguel Olivo. German’s rbi double tied the game up at 1-1. With the twins up 2-1, Jose Guillen doubled to deep left center to score the Royals run. The game would stay tied until the 10th inning when DeJesus eventually won it.

Ramon Ramirez who pitched the ninth inning ended up with the victory and is now 3-2 on the season. Joakim Soria nothced his 36th save of the season as he finished the Twins off in the bottom of the tenth.

Brandon Duckworth was the starting pitcher for the Royals and he gave up seven hits and two runs in just finve innings of action. Wasn’t that good of a start for Duckworth as he had to work out of multiple jams in his five innings.

Royals Blog

Zack Greinke got the start for the Royals on the mound and gave up six hits and five runs (only one was earned) in five innings of action. Greinke did give up one home run in the game while walking one and striking out four. Errors really hurt Greinke and the Royals as you can tell with only one of the five runs being earned.

Robinson Tejeda and Joel Peralta were both tagged for one run in relief while Josh Newman was charged with three runs in the eighth inning. Every Royals pitcher that stepped on the mound Thursday pitched terribly!

Mark Teahen led the team at the plate with two rbi as he had a two run double in the fifth inning. Teahen then scored on a rbi single by Tony Pena Jr.

Royals Baseball Blog

Mike Aviles and Jose Guillen both had rbi doubles in the eighth inning for the Royals.  Aviles double was off of White Sox starter Mark Buehrle and Guillen’s came off of Octavio Dotel.  The Royals weren’t done scoring however as Mark Teahen added a two run inside the park home run to extend the Royals lead to 4-1.

Royals starter Zack Greinke pitched awesome as he pitched seven innings and only gave up six hits and one run.  The one mistake by Greinke came in the fourth inning when Jermaine Dye it a solo home run.  That was the only run the White Sox would get however.  Ron Mahay tossed a eighth inning to get the win and then Joakim Soria closed the door on the White Sox in the ninth to record his 24th save of the season.

The Royals have one series left before the All Star break as they will start a three game series on Friday against the Seattle Mariners.

Royals Blog

Todays game was a 4-1 win that Zack Greinke pitched great in. The Royals allowed their fewest amount of hits in a game for the season with only 2 allowed. The only run by the Cardinals came on a home run. All 3 games of the series were close with the other to games being 1-run games. Mark Teahen was able to give the Royals two insurance runs in the 9th inning while they had a 2-1 lead. It was Mark’s 7th home run on the season.

Even with this sweep being over a injured Cardinals team it still feels pretty good to be a Royals fan today. Now the Royals will come home to play a series against the Giants and then the Rockies. Both of these series seam winable for KC. After the 12 game losing streak that really hurt the Royals hopefully they are playing well enough to get back in the division race.

It is great to beat the Yankee’s but it’s tough to win game’s when you only score 2 runs. Some of the offense that the Royals did get came from shortstop Mike Aviles, who had two doubles on the night. Aviles had his first major league hit in New York tonight, where he grew up and had family and friends at the game. It was good to see Aviles in the lineup after he had been called up last week and only played in one game. Maybe after showing some offense he will get some more playing time.

Alex Gordon has really fallen into a slump recently. He went 0 for 4 tonight and has been struggling for awhile now. He is essential in the Royals scoring runs. It hurts that while Teahen has been playing so well on this road trip, Alex Gordon played just as bad. There have been some streaky hitters this year and the Royals can’t seem to get everyone hitting well at the same time.

Also, today during the game the Royals were able to trade the 2003 AL rookie of the year Angel Berroa to the Dodgers. The Dodgers did not give up much, only 21 year old Juan Rivera, who was hitting .241 in single-A. Most likely the Royals were just trying to dump Berroa’s salary to sign the draft picks that they picked up.