In his weekly XM Radio show "Down On The Farm", John Sickels interviewed the Kansas City Royals Director of Player Development J.J. Picollo. I admit my fantasy radar didn't really spike on any players mentioned, but here is a synopsis of some of the players mentioned. First, Mr. Picollo's comments are listed. Then I provide a blurb from John Sickels' prospect book.
- CF Jose Duarte: Can play defense in majors right now. Needs to learn to bunt as a weapon
- OF Joe Dickerson: "Blue collar guy". Well-rounded.
- OF Derrick Robinson: Expect to drive more balls. Has improved his jumps on basepaths
- RHP Blake Wood: Has strikeout pitch with curveball. AA by mid-season.
- Mike Moustakas: Left Burlington after five days feeling better about him than when he arrived. Being pitched to like a "ten-year veteran". Not swinging and missing.
- RHP Edward Cegarra: Ahead of other 19-year-olds with fastball command. Can use breaking ball and change-up to get out Low A hitters
- 3B Jason Taylor: Missed 2007 with personal issues. Consistent swing. good pitch recognition. Currently 5 HR/10 SB and 18 BB in 83 ABs.
From The Baseball Prospect Book 2008 with Grades:
- Duarte Grade C - Although he's not a walk machine, he works the count fairly well and generally makes contact. his level swing does not generate home run power, but he's got some punch to the gaps.
- Dickerson Grade C- don't see him as more than a reserve outfielder unless he shows significant offensive production
- Robinson Grade C - The wheels are certainly impressive and I like his glove, but he's got to draw more walks and hit with more authority...
- Wood Grade C+ - ...a definite breakthrough candidate for 2008...features a 92-95 MPH fastball. Both his curveball and change-up have potential to be plus pitches...keep an eye on his K/BB and K/IP ratios. If they are strong, Wood could advance a lot faster than people think.
- Moustakas Grade B+ - ...has power to all fields, should hit for average, and shows reasonable strike sone judgment.
- Cegarra - He's very young...making it in full-season ball....he gets his fastball into the low 90s and has a promising breaking ball..He has some upside if he gains some size and strength.
- Taylor - Not listed. Ranked 3rd in the organization at 3B by Baseball America behind Fernando Cruz and Mario Lisson.