2010 Draft Review: Kansas City Royals
By The Baseball Beginnings Guy
July 31, 2010
I feel for the loyal Royals fans who brave one blunder after another. Since we’ve started, I’ve learned those are good readers and good fans who appreciate the originality of our stuff and make an effort to attribute it.
DRAFT STRATEGY: The Kansas City Royals are not the first baseball team, college or pro, in the Midwest to ask the question: Can I get a California shortstop in here?
This draft placed an emphasis on up-the-middle gloves and pitching depth. Shortstop Christian Colon, here’s the deal: Yes, I put him at second base at one point. I think I had that wrong because it’s hard to find sure-handed shortstops. It’s true that he won’t have huge range or a huge arm, but if you’re going to build on defense, then his hands and footwork absolutely play there. I simply do not see him as a premium offensive shortstop, though I think .270 is plausible. You won’t get 30 home runs. I think you’ll get 10-15. Would you take 10-15 home runs, .270, maybe 20 stolen bases, and good defense at short? Then play him at short. The offense will be better than many, though Colon has a great big hole in his swing at the letters and he better learn to lay off high hard stuff as a pro or he’ll bury himself. Jake Thompson and Seth Rosin, at various times, showed you how to pitch to him. I also think that Mike Antonio is going to play his way into the plans at some point.
RISK/REWARD: I get Brett Eibner and I don’t get him. I’ve seen raw power with wood and I’ve seen the big arm. Neither tool is completely developed yet. He would be a power bat/power arm tool-set guy. I’d let him hit and see what we get.
A GOOD GET IF YOU CAN SIGN HIM: Right-hander Jason Adam.
GUYS WHO MIGHT SURPRISE: Antonio is the guy who might have the ceiling here. I also like Tim Ferguson for his athleticism, versatility and offense.
IF I HAD MY PICK: Even when it’s said and done, Colon. You know what I like. You know what I don’t like.
SUMMARY: If Colon performs, the draft is a winner, while I would look for Antonio and Ferguson to emerge as big league help in the future as well.
OLD SCHOOL SCOUTING GRADE: C
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