John Sickels was in Omaha recently scouting the series between the O-Royals and the Las Vegas (Toronto) 51’s for his excellent Minor League Ball. Check the site to get more analysis (and some video!) from John’s trip to Rosenblatt Stadium.
This post is the big treasure for Royals fans, though. As with any AAA team, it’s clear that while many players are having good seasons, they aren’t necessarily good prospects as well, and the players seem to fall into the expected categories. It’s just nice to hear about these guys from an authoritative perspective.
Good prospect, ready for a chance: 1B Kila Ka’aihue, RF Jordan Parraz
Minor prospect, ready for a chance: 2B Tug Hulett, LF Chris Lubanski, MR Carlos Rosa
Minor prospect, needs some time in Omaha: MR Greg Holland, MR Dusty Hughes
Not a prospect, possible fringe ML player: SS Luis Hernandez, LF Scott Thorman
AAA lifer: IF Irving Falu, C J.R. House, MR Victor Marte, SP Heath Phillips
Not mentioned: 3B Travis Metcalf, SS Mario Lisson, CF Tim Raines, Jr., MR Disco Hayes
After his breakout 2008 season, the Royals infamously denied Ka’aihue a chance to compete for a major league job when they traded for Mike Jacobs, and Kila is still waiting to see if that chance will come in Kansas City or elsewhere. The Royals famously stole Parraz from the Astros for Tyler Lumsden, who had been part of the return for Mike MacDougal. Now six years after Mac’s short prime in Kansas City, the agile Parraz is making his case for a September call-up. If he can defend well in center field, there’s a chance Parraz could land a steady roster spot in 2010.
Unfortunately, that’s the list of the true prospects in Omaha. Hulett has a good bat for a middle infielder, but there’s no room in Kansas City to see if he can hit at all in the majors. If he can, there’s a long career as a AAAA superstar awaiting him. Lubanski is 25, and he could still hit well enough to become a reserve outfielder in the majors. But he will never live up to his original promise. Rosa has also fallen far after losing his control and becoming a reliever. The stuff is still there, and he deserves a shot this season to get major league hitters out.
The remaining players aren’t likely to help the big league club at any point. Holland has an intriguing arm that needs more development, and Hernandez will always be a solid defensive option. Sickels sees a bit of Garrett Jones in Thorman.
The Disco Hayes scouting report will have to come another time.