Over the past few years, the Tampa Bay Rays and their mantra of “the extra 2%” has turned out a very talented roster and their farm is still stocked to continue bringing up solid talent. Other teams have taken note of this, especially other small market teams and have begun to reap the benefits. None have been more apparent than the Kansas City Royals who at the moment have a minor league system just brewing with talent.
Recently the Royals called up Mike Moustakas, a former first round pick who has learned to dominate the minors. Earlier this year they called up Eric Hosmer, who has not disappointed statistically speaking and both are handling major league pitching very well. Both of these guys are considered above average power hitters and should hit in the 0.270-0.290 area.
With the emergence of five tool hitter Alex Gordon in the outfield and the speed of Chris Getz and Alcedies Escobar in the infield, the Royals will come around. Their pitching talent in the minors is outstanding, and although Danny Duffy hasn’t lived up to his minor league dominance, he is still very young and as his control settles down, he can become a top of the rotation starter.
Other pitchers that will allow the Royals to emerge as a special team in years to come are: Mike Montgomery, John Lamb, Jake Odorizzi, Jeremy Jeffress, Chris Dwyer, and Aarom Crow. Also allow for hitters such as Wil Meyers and Christian Colon (both should arrive in 2012) to make a meaningful impact. If the Royals can sway Bubba Starling away from Nebraska football (their first round pick earlier this month), he could end up in KC by 2013 (as good a hitter and athlete as Bryce Harper).
I am not a Royals fan but if I were I would be very excited about this up and coming team. In a division such as the AL central, really anyone who can get hot at the right time can win it. With only 10 games separating first from last place, the infusion of young talent into the team might make the difference as early as 2012.
Am I off base here? Is this a good up and coming team?
The Royals have made some very shroud choices in the draft and the fruits of their labor will become apparent in the coming se
This is a GREAT young team! As a Royals fan I haven’t been this excited since George Brett retired. Hosmer and Moose are playing really well for just coming up and having the best minor league organization in the majors can only help them get better.