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November 18, 2007

Future Shock

Royals Top 11 Prospects

by Kevin Goldstein

Five-Star Prospects
1. Mike Moustakas, SS
Four-Star Prospects
2. Luke Hochevar, RHP
Three-Star Prospects
3. Daniel Cortes, RHP
4. Billy Buckner, RHP
5. Danny Duffy, LHP
Two-Star Prospects
6. Blake Wood, RHP
7. Carlos Rosa, RHP
8. Julio Pimentel, RHP
9. Sam Runion, RHP
One-Star Prospects
10. Mitch Maier, OF
11. Chris Lubanski, OF

Just Missing: Blake Johnson, RHP; Mario Lisson, 2B; Adrian Ortiz, OF

1. Mike Moustakas, SS
DOB: 9/11/88
Height/Weight: 6-0/195
Bats/Throws: L/R
Drafted: 1^st round, 2007, Chatsworth HS (CA)
2007 Stats: .293/.383/.439 at Rookie-level (11 G)

Year In Review: Already one of the top high school hitters in the country, Moustakas assaulted the California record book in his senior year, setting a state record for career home runs before being selected by the Royals with the second overall pick.
The Good: Moustakas’ hitting skills are nearly flawless. He has plus-plus power thanks to a lightning-quick bat and an ability to consistently get the meat of the bat on the ball. He projects to hit for both average and power, as he focuses solely on contact and lets his strength just work for him, as opposed to focusing on pulling or muscling up on pitches. He’s a solid athlete with plus-plus arm strength who reached 97 mph throwing from the mound as his high school team’s closer.
The Bad: Nearly all questions about Moustakas revolve around his defense. While he played shortstop in his pro debut, he lacks the first-step quickness or instincts to play there at the highest level. He has the athleticism to play second base, which would waste his arm, though he might profile better there than third base, which is more of a 'read and react' position. He also caught during much of his high school career, and while his arm is a major asset behind the plate, he’s a poor receiver; returning there is an unlikely scenario.
Fun Fact: As well as being an athletic powerhouse that produced another 2007 first-round pick (Matt Dominguez) and former Red Sox great Dwight Evans, Chatsworth has an even more impressive list of Hollywood alumni, including Val Kilmer and Kevin Spacey.
Perfect World Projection: A middle infielder who hits 30-40 home runs annually with an average hovering around the .300 mark.
Timetable: Moustakas will begin the year in Burlington, where a hitter with his upside has rarely been seen.