Sep. 26, 2008

Highlighting top Royals prospects for '09

By Eric Mack | Senior Fantasy Writer

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With September here and minor league seasons over, we turn our prospect attention to breaking down the top talents in each division. We break down the top five prospects for each organization for 2009, taking into consideration: games, at-bats, innings and major-league service time. We expect these players to have rookie status remaining heading into next year.

According to MLB rules: "A player shall be considered a rookie unless, during a previous season or seasons, he has (a) exceeded 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched in the major leagues; or (b) accumulated more than 45 days on the active roster of a major league club or clubs during the period of 25-player limit (excluding time in the military service and time on the disabled list)."

Note: Statistics are those at each stop in the minors this season and age represents how old they will be on opening day 2009.

Kansas City Royals

After years of being a moribound franchise with a strangely weak farm system, the Royals have graduated a nice mix of young hitters and pitchers. Another nice class will be on its way in 2009, but the blue chippers figure to be a few years from becoming stars.

For now, the focus will be on making disappointing Alex Gordon and Billy Butler the stars they should be.

1. 3B Michael Moustakas, 20

Moustakas got off to a slow start as a pro, but he really turned it on this summer. It is pretty clear he is going to be a big-time player in the majors now. The Royals were giving him a chance to prove capable of playing shortstop, which would have made him a ridiculously good Fantasy prospect, but he moved to third and will slot there until Alex Gordon gets going or gets out of Kansas City. One could move to first, but we don't like that ideas in Fantasy circles.

Level	AVG	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	BB	SO	SB	CS	OBP	SLUG	OPS
Low A	.272	126	496	77	135	25	3	22	71	232	43	86	8	4	.337	.468	.805

2. 1B Kila Ka'aihue, 25

What a monster year for someone who wasn't even considered one of the Royals' top 30 prospects, according to Baseball America. It was an oversight, pretty obviously, because Ka'aihue can mash and does it with a great strikeout-to-walk ratio. That is historically a great characteristic for a future superstar. He swings at good pitches and mashes them. He will complete for the starting job in spring training and we like his chances to be a big-time sleeper on Draft Day.

Level	AVG	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	BB	SO	SB	CS	OBP	SLUG	OPS
Double-A	.314	91	287	64	90	11	0	26	79	179	80	41	3	2	.463	.624	1.086
Triple-A	.316	33	114	27	36	4	0	11	21	73	24	26	0	0	.439	.640	1.079
Totals	.314	124	401	91	126	15	0	37	100	252	104	67	3	2	.456	.628	1.085

3. SP Daniel Cortes, 22

Cortes is widely regarded as the Royals' best pitching prospect without debate. The Royals have making of a decent rotation, but a great spring could put Cortes in the mix out of camp. They won't be a winning team again, though, so Cortes' Fantasy value in 2009 will be limited.

Level	W	L	ERA	G	GS	CG	SHO	SV	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	SO	GO/AO	BAA
High A	10	4	3.78	23	23	0	0	0	116 2/3	103	51	49	13	55	109	.760	.241

4. SP Carlos Rosa, 24

Rosa got a September call-up as a reliever, but he projects to be a solid big league starter -- if the Royals so choose. He has a good fastball and might even be a candidate to close down the road, if they overwhelmed for breakout closer Joakim Soria this winter. As with Cortes, Royals pitchers don't figure to be great winners for Fantasy owners in 2009, though.

Level	W	L	ERA	G	GS	CG	SHO	SV	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	SO	GO/AO	BAA
Double-A	4	2	1.20	8	8	0	0	0	45	30	8	6	2	7	42	1.31	.189
Triple-A	4	3	4.09	11	11	0	0	0	50 2/3	51	24	23	3	12	44	1.86	.267
Totals	8	5	2.73	19	19	0	0	0	95 2/3	81	32	29	5	19	86	1.58	.231

5. 1B Eric Hosmer, 19

Hosmer was one of the best high school sluggers in the 2008 draft and he winds up with the Royals, who gave him a nice bonus. It will take him years before he is considered for a call-up, but his long-term Fantasy prospects are great.

Level	AVG	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	BB	SO	SB	CS	OBP	SLUG	OPS
Low A	.364	3	11	2	4	2	0	0	2	6	3	2	0	0	.533	.545	1.079

Best of the rest: SP Mike Montgomery, SP Danny Duffy, SP Danny Gutierrez, SP Kelvin Herrera, OF Mitch Maier, SP Blake Wood, OF Chris Lubanski, OF David Lough, SP Matt Mitchell, SP Brent Fisher, 2B Jeff Bianchi, SP Sam Runion, SS Yowill Espinal, C Jose Bonilla, SP Blake Johnson, SP Tyler Lumsden, RP Ray Liotta, OF Derrick Robinson, SP Julio Pimentel, 2B Johnny Giavotella, SP Tyler Sample, SP Tim Melville, SP Juan Abreu, OF Jose Duarte, OF Joe Dickerson, SP Bryan Casey, SP John Lamb, SP Dusty Hughes, SP Rowdy Hardy, C Damaso Espino, 2B Fernando Cruz, SS Chris McConnell and RP Devon Lowery.

2008 rookies to exhaust eligibility (expected): SS Mike Aviles, SP Luke Hochevar, RP Yasuhiko Yabuta.

Last year's top five here: Hochevar, RHP Billy Buckner (traded to D-Backs for 2B Alberto Callaspo), Moustakas, 1B Craig Brazell (signed to play with Seibu Lions in Japan) and Lubanski.

You can e-mail Emack your Fantasy Baseball prospect questions to DMFantasyBaseball@cbs.com. Be sure to put Attn: Royals prospects in the subject field. Please include your full name, hometown and state. Be aware, due to the large volume of submissions received, we cannot guarantee personal responses to all questions.

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Oswalt waiting to sign with Texas?
Roy Oswalt, SP, PHI
5:11 PM

News: The Cincinnati Enquirer reports Reds GM Walt Jocketty said he hasn't had contact with Roy Oswalt's agents in the last week, and Jocketty offered up his own opinion on the Oswalt sweepstakes. “I think he’s waiting for Texas to clear money,” Jocketty said.

Analysis: It's interesting to hear Jocketty say Oswalt wants to sign with Texas. At least it's a legit reason why the veteran right-hander hasn't signed with a team yet, despite being linked to the Reds and Cardinals. Oswalt is likely going to sign somewhere before the start of the 2012 season and should be in a rotation. Consider Oswalt more of a mid-to-late-round Fantasy pick on Draft Day. Don't forget about his chronic back problems.

Santana looks 'great' playing catch
Johan Santana, SP, NYM
2:25 PM

News: The Wall Street Journal reports Mets SP Johan Santana (shoulder) played catch from 175 feet Monday. Manager Terry Collins said Santana looked "great" and he hopes the left-hander will throw off a mound by the end of the week.

Analysis: Collins' assessment of Santana sounds like cautious optimism. After all it was just catch. Santana has bigger hurdles to clear in hopes of pitching for the first time since the 2010 season. Santana is coming off a serious shoulder injury and who knows if he can return to the dominant arm he once was. Fantasy owners should bear in mind that Chien-Ming Wang, who underwent the same procedure, needed two years to make it back to the majors, so Santana could wind up providing far fewer than 25 starts -- which is the Mets' goal for the lefty this season. Because of the playing time risk, he is a late-round option in mixed leagues at best.

Braun ruling coming soon?
Ryan Braun, LF, MIL
1:51 PM

News: The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports there is no indication that a ruling will be announced Monday regarding Ryan Braun's appeal of a 50-game suspension for testing positive for a banned substance. It appears the recommended guideline for a ruling will be extended.

Analysis: The entire baseball world want this issue to be put to bed, but it seems we might have to wait a little longer for a ruling. The Brewers remain upbeat about Braun's situation, but only time will tell what happens. If Braun avoids a suspension, then he remains a first-round Fantasy pick. If he is suspended 50 games, then he is going to tumble down draft boards a bit, but Braun would still be an early-round Fantasy selection based on potential once he becomes active.

Cespedes to bump Smith?
Seth Smith, RF, OAK
1:37 PM

News: Cuban defector Yoenis Cespedes and the Oakland Athletics have agreed to a $36 million, four-year contract. Agent Adam Katz confirmed Monday the sides had reached agreement, with details still to be finalized. Cespedes' arrival means the A's could eventually bump Seth Smith to designated hitter.

Analysis: We will have to wait and see what happens when Cespedes finally arrives at A's camp, but the speculation is that the A's outfield alignment will eventually be Josh Reddick in right field, Coco Crisp in center field and Cespedes in left, which is where Smith is currently penciled in as the starter. But the A's could use a rotation at DH, which would still allow Smith to see regular at-bats, if Cespedes doesn't have to begin the year in the minors, which remains an option as well. Smith struggles against left-handed pitchers, so he might still be in a platoon situation like he was with the Rockies. Smith remains more of a late-round Fantasy option on Draft Day.

Napoli's ankle still an issue
Mike Napoli, C, TEX
12:48 PM

News: ESPN.com reports Rangers catcher Mike Napoli said his injured left ankle is progressing, but he is still not 100 percent. Napoli turned his ankle in the World Series against the Cardinals last year. "I think I’m close," Napoli said. "I’m not really going to know until I get into the wear and tear of spring training and catching all the time. But I've been feeling good and getting better day by day." Napoli said he has been running on the ankle, and he is also hitting and throwing without pain. However, he is still concerned about how it will hold up with the constant squatting and baseball activity. "But I'm trying not to do that all the time so I'm not depending on that," Napoli said. "I'm working on getting my little muscles stronger."

Analysis: The Dallas Morning News reports GM Jon Daniels said exams by team physician Keith Meister said Napoli's ankle shows no structural damage, but Napoli is still experiencing soreness. "The fact he's still feeling it a few months later speaks to what he went through to play the rest of Game 6 and go back out for Game 7," Daniels said. "It was about as bad as it looked to the rest of us." You have to wonder if Napoli can't shake this injury if it will play into how much time he gets behind the plate. Nonetheless, if Napoli catches less that just means he will likely see more PT at DH and first base. The Rangers aren't going to take his bat out of the lineup. Napoli remains a top 5 Fantasy catcher on Draft Day.

Indians still belive in LaPorta
Matt LaPorta, 1B, CLE
5:39 PM

News: The Plain Dealer reports Indians GM Chris Antonetti said he reached out to 1B Matt LaPorta and his agent, Scott Boras, before he signed Casey Kotchman this offseason. "I think most importantly the message I communicated to Matt is that we as an organization continue to believe in him," Antonetti said. "We still think he has a chance to be a very good major league player. But our focus is to trying to win this year. And trying do everything we can to do that. And he's going to have to come to camp to compete for a spot. If that doesn't happen, he may to continue to develop in Triple-A. Most importantly, we continue to committed as an organization to him and to his develop."

Analysis: Antonetti added that the team's hitting coach worked for four days this offseason with LaPorta on his swing and fundamentals. The signing of Kotchman could also be a way to motivate the former first-round pick, who hasn't quite lived up to expectations as a major leaguer. Track LaPorta's progress this spring, but he is shaping up to be at best an AL-only Fantasy option on Draft Day.

Hanley the 'happiest man on earth'?
Hanley Ramirez, SS, MIA
5:34 PM

News: Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen talked with 790 AM in Miami on Monday about Hanley Ramirez, who is moving to third base after the signing of Jose Reyes. "If If I was Hanley, I'd be the happiest man on earth," Guillen said. "You got Boni (Emilio Bonifacio) and Reyes in front of you and you have (Mike) Stanton behind you."

Analysis: The early reports have been positive regarding Ramirez's recovery from surgery to repair his left shoulder. He might not have been overly happy initially that he had to change positions, but Guillen is right. The addition of Reyes will mean more RBI chances for Ramirez, who could be a top bounce-back candidate in 2012. Continue to target Ramirez in the early rounds of all Fantasy formats.

Bonifacio was always the choice in CF
Emilio Bonifacio, SS, MIA
5:28 PM

News: The news broke Monday that OF Yoenis Cespedes agreed to a four-year contract with the A's, turning down the Marlins offer. Cespedes signing with the A's means Emilio Bonifacio will start in center field for Miami. However, manager Ozzie Guillen said that was going to be the case all along. "Bonifacio would've have been my center fielder no matter if Cespedes was here," Guillen told 790 AM in Miami. "If Cespedes (came) to the Marlins, he would have had to make the ballclub."

Analysis: Finally, Guillen steps up in front of this situation and stands behind Bonifacio as an everyday player. He absolutely deserved it after the season he put together in 2011. The 26-year-old took a big step forward last year as both a hitter and a base-stealer and is a viable starter in mixed Fantasy leagues at either shortstop or third base. He's worth targeting with a middle-round pick on Draft Day.

Rolen 'swinging bat really well'
Scott Rolen, 3B, CIN
5:21 PM

News: The Cincinnati Enquirer reports Reds GM Walt Jocketty said 3B Scott Rolen (shoulder) should be full-go for the start of spring training. “I talked to his offseason trainer a 10 days or two weeks ago. He said Scott is 100 percent and swinging the bat really well," Jocketty said.

Analysis: Rolen had shoulder surgery in August and his recovery seems to be going well. While Jocketty expects Rolen to have a productive season, we have to look at the facts. He will be 37 years old in 2012 and hasn't played more than 133 games the last five seasons. Rolen will sit at times in 2012, whether it is by design or because of injury. He did hit 20 homers in 2010, but Fantasy owners can't bank on that come Draft Day. Rolen is at best a late-round, injury-risk Fantasy option.

Chapman 'healthy and feels good'
Aroldis Chapman, RP, CIN
5:18 PM

News: The Cincinnati Enquirer reports Reds GM Walt Jocketty said pitcher Aroldis Chapman is at the team's spring complex in Arizona and throwing. “He’s healthy and feels good,” Jocketty said.

Analysis: The plan is for the Reds to stretch out Chapman as a starter this spring. He isn't guaranteed a starting spot, but the Reds want to see if he can bring his electric stuff to the rotation. If Chapman can stretch out and utilize his 100 mph in the rotation, then he could end up as a very good Fantasy option. Chapman will be a player Fantasy owners will want to keep tabs on this spring. He has breakout appeal written all over him.

More Updates

1	Miguel Cabrera, DET, 3B
2	Albert Pujols, LAA, 1B
3	Adrian Gonzalez, BOS, 1B
4	Joey Votto, CIN, 1B
5	Carlos Santana, CLE, C
6	Prince Fielder, DET, 1B
7	Mark Teixeira, NYY, 1B
8	Mike Napoli, TEX, C
9	Michael Young, TEX, 3B
10	Lance Berkman, STL, RF
All Rankings

1	Dustin Pedroia, BOS, 2B
2	Robinson Cano, NYY, 2B
3	Ian Kinsler, TEX, 2B
4	Ben Zobrist, TB, 2B
5	Rickie Weeks, MIL, 2B
6	Dan Uggla, ATL, 2B
7	Brandon Phillips, CIN, 2B
8	Chase Utley, PHI, 2B
9	Howard Kendrick, LAA, 2B
10	Ryan Roberts, ARI, 2B
All Rankings

1	Jose Bautista, TOR, RF
2	Evan Longoria, TB, 3B
3	David Wright, NYM, 3B
4	Adrian Beltre, TEX, 3B
5	Kevin Youkilis, BOS, 3B
6	Ryan Zimmerman, WAS, 3B
7	Pablo Sandoval, SF, 3B
8	Brett Lawrie, TOR, 3B
9	Michael Young, TEX, 3B
10	Alex Rodriguez, NYY, 3B
All Rankings

1	Troy Tulowitzki, COL, SS
2	Hanley Ramirez, MIA, SS
3	Jose Reyes, MIA, SS
4	Starlin Castro, CHC, SS
5	Asdrubal Cabrera, CLE, SS
6	Jimmy Rollins, PHI, SS
7	Elvis Andrus, TEX, SS
8	Emilio Bonifacio, MIA, SS
9	Derek Jeter, NYY, SS
10	Erick Aybar, LAA, SS
All Rankings

1	Carlos Santana, CLE, C
2	Alex Avila, DET, C
3	Brian McCann, ATL, C
4	Mike Napoli, TEX, C
5	Joe Mauer, MIN, C
6	Miguel Montero, ARI, C
7	Buster Posey, SF, C
8	Matt Wieters, BAL, C
9	Russell Martin, NYY, C
10	J.P. Arencibia, TOR, C
All Rankings

1	Jose Bautista, TOR, RF
2	Matt Kemp, LAD, CF
3	Jacoby Ellsbury, BOS, CF
4	Curtis Granderson, NYY, CF
5	Carlos Gonzalez, COL, LF
6	Justin Upton, ARI, RF
7	Andrew McCutchen, PIT, CF
8	Josh Hamilton, TEX, LF
9	Matt Holliday, STL, LF
10	Mike Stanton, MIA, RF
All Rankings

1	Michael Young, TEX, 3B
2	Paul Konerko, CHW, 1B
3	David Ortiz, BOS, DH
4	Billy Butler, KC, 1B
5	Edwin Encarnacion, TOR, DH
6	Josh Willingham, MIN, LF
7	Jason Kubel, ARI, LF
8	Johnny Damon, TB, DH
9	Adam Dunn, CHW, 1B
10	Bobby Abreu, LAA, LF
All Rankings

1	Clayton Kershaw, LAD, SP
2	Roy Halladay, PHI, SP
3	Justin Verlander, DET, SP
4	Cliff Lee, PHI, SP
5	CC Sabathia, NYY, SP
6	Felix Hernandez, SEA, SP
7	Jered Weaver, LAA, SP
8	Cole Hamels, PHI, SP
9	Zack Greinke, MIL, SP
10	Tim Lincecum, SF, SP
All Rankings

1	Craig Kimbrel, ATL, RP
2	Heath Bell, MIA, RP
3	Drew Storen, WAS, RP
4	John Axford, MIL, RP
5	Matt Moore, TB, SP
6	Jonathan Papelbon, PHI, RP
7	J.J. Putz, ARI, RP
8	Mariano Rivera, NYY, RP
9	Ryan Madson, CIN, RP
10	Brian Wilson, SF, RP
All Rankings