Down on the Farm

With this weekend being our nation's most celebrated Patriotic holiday, we'd like to take a moment (before the baseball talk) to recognize the constant struggle, perseverance and sacrifice our uniformed men and women endure around the world. Please remember our great nation's soldiers tomorrow while you're enjoying fireworks, family and participating in good old fashioned American fun. And, as a favor to Beer League, throw in a "Pledge of Allegiance", "Star Spangled Banner", "America the Beautiful", or any other Patriotic song. That being said; stay safe, savor the taste of your favorite ice cold beverage, and have a fantastic Fourth of July!

Speaking of the 4th, this weekend roughly marks the halfway point for Major League Baseball. As you're reading this, your crazy Uncle Jerry is probably in the next room ranting and raving about his beloved Cardinals and their chances of winning the NL Central. Oh wait, their chances are actually pretty good. Maybe he's not so crazy. Or, maybe you're just jealous because every year he "knight's" his Cards and you have to sit back and take it because you know whatever comes out of your mouth in defense of your Royals will end up sounding like a Ron White comedy routine.

Wouldn't it be great to be able to sit down across the table from Uncle Jerry and talk about how the Royals are actually above 500 and have a promising chance of being more than just a flickering flash in the pan (Hello 2003. We knew you'd pop your head in there. Now, go away)?

If you read last week's farm report, you understand the "process" set in place by Dayton Moore and Company. You also understand that the Royals are still two years away from being competitive. In honor or your Uncle Jerry, we're going to give you the ammunition necessary to participate in an epic battle of back-and-forth smack talk--looking forward to 2014.

It's July 4th, 2014. Maybe you've got a Boulevard Wheat in hand. Maybe its an ice cold Mountain Dew. Or, maybe you're not thirsty and you're munching on a fresh batch of Chex Mix. Whatever the case, your Royals are sitting at 46-34 and have a strong 5 game lead on the division. It's a team with a lot of young talent and a few sprinkled veterans to keep them in line (a la 2008 Rays). The town of Kansas City is salivating, and it ain't because of the BBQ. They remember 1985 and how it felt. They remember the celebratory riots, the 10 decibel eruption of excitement after that nerve racking 9th inning, and the hugging and sprinting through the streets with strangers they'll never see again in their lives. The air is full of adrenaline and they can smell it. They want it. They need it.

Ok, maybe that smell IS barbeque afterall--that doesn't change the strong desire and passion those 2014 Kansas Citians have pulsing through their veins. So, without further ado, let's introduce you to your future Royals.

Catcher= Wil Myers
-At 19, Myers just got his promotion papers to High A (Wilmington). He's a player with 5 good tools. He hits for average, hits for power, runs like a gazelle, has an outfitted Civil War cannon as his right arm, and he's got the defensive potential to be great. The bat's going to be there. His defense is developing more at each level he climbs in the minors and should be relatively polished by this time. MLB Comparison: Brian Mccann with wheels

First Base= Eric Hosmer
-Hosmer is a 20 year old power lefty with eagle-eye plate discipline and Golden Glove-caliber defense. His glove could have played first base in the Majors out of high school, but his power was raw and his bat needed some polishing. After a down 2009, he's absolutely spraying the ball to the outfield with almost 30 doubles, 6 triples and 5 homers--all while hitting a smooth 349.
MLB Comparison= Casey Kotchman with much better power

Second Base= Johnny Giavotella
-Coming out of college (New Orleans), Gia was was a crafty hitter with a tenacious personality on the field. The tenacity is still full-fledged, but the bats been up and down. He's hitting for average and seeing the ball extremely well, but his power numbers have taken a dive. Likely, this is a down trend before an up trend and he'll rediscover his gap power. He should be able to smack between 10-18 homers at the Major League level.
MLB Comparison= Poor man's Dustin Pedroia

Third Base= Mike Moustakas
-He's 21 and already the best player in the Texas League. Everyone raves about the "crack" of his bat. He's finally put it all together in his third year and looks like he should pan out as one of the better hitters in the Majors. He'll never win a Gold Glove, but his offense will be good enough to make you forget about his 18 errors. MLB Comparison= Jim Thome

Short Stop= Christian Colon
-Colon is "fresh meat" at High A (Wilmington). His numbers aren't even worth talking about until the end of this season. He's an all around player who does everything above average and nothing great. Some scouts are worried he won't stick at short stop. None of these scouts are employed by the Royals. MLB Comparison= Placido Polanco with more pop

Left Field= Alex Gordon
-We know the story. He was the next George Brett at one point. He struggled at third base through his first 3 professional seasons and has now been moved to left. The word out of Omaha is that he looks natural roaming the outfield and his confidence has returned at the plate as a result. It sounds like a great combo. MLB Comparison= Can we hope for a Ryan Braun type turn around?

Center Field= Derrick Robinson
-Robinson might be the best overall athlete in anyone's farm system. If he wasn't playing center field at Double A (NW Arkansas), he'd most likely be playing defensive back in the NFL (turned down a scholarship to play for the Gators). While he'll never hit many over the fence, he speed should provide the opportunity for plenty of doubles, triples and stolen bases. He's also hitting for average after a tweak in his stance. MLB Comparison= Jacoby Ellsbury

Right Field= Brett Eibner
-As of right now, Eibner (drafted in the second round this year) hasn't signed. But, the Royals would not have drafted him if they didn't believe they'd be able to ink him. Besides, they're one of the few teams who will let him do what he wants to do--hit. Eibner is an ultra athlete with a truly outstanding arm. His speed-size combo is a freakish attribute that causes scouts to drool. When it comes to hitting, the massive raw power is just waiting to explode. However, he's aways going to collect strikeouts like your little brother collected Pokeman cards.
MLB Comparison= Matt Kemp

DH= Billy Butler
-He's already one of the best all-around hitters in the game, and he should continue to improve. In 2014, he will most likely learned to lift the ball a little better and compete each year for the batting title. A 300 average and 30 homers should be a normalcy.

With Dayton Moore's tendency to trade away young arms in order to fill holes elsewhere, it's nearly impossible to predict which guys will be around in 4 years. Just know that Greinke will still be around. Quiet down. We understand the royals have a history of trading away their best players, but Zack wants to be here. He understands the process in place and will resign when his current deal is up. The rest of the rotation will be filled with a combination of the many talented and exciting young arms (6 lefty starters in the farm system) in the Minor Leagues.

Well, that should just about do it. You should have everything you need to battle it our verbally with crazy Uncle Jerry. Although, you may want to wait 4 years before you do it. And, make sure you confront him with your new-found knowledge before he polishes that 6 pack.

2014. 2014. 2014. Just keep repeating it like a mantra. It's going to happen. You hear it here first.

Enjoy your Holiday. Take it easy on the bottle rocket wars. Keep the ice fresh and the coolers stocked. Fill up on brauts, dogs and burgers. And, above everything else, salute the brave men and women who have served or are currently serving in the military.

God bless the USA!