#1 Mike Moustakas, 3B
#2 Eric Hosmer, 1B
#3 Daniel Cortes, RHP
#4 Kila Ka'aihue, 1B
#5 Daniel Duffy, LHP
#6 Carlos Rosa, RHP
#7 Tim Melville, RHP
#8 Mike Montgomery, LHP
#9 Johnny Giavotella, 2B
#10 Blake Wood, RHP
#11 Daniel Gutierrez, RHP
#12 Derrick Robinson, CF
#13 Jason Taylor, 1B/LF
#14 Joe Dickerson, RF
#15 ???

Dickerson gets on finally.

Bianchi and Pimentel back on, Runion off.

Short scouting reports:

Jeff Bianchi | 2B/SS | 22-years-old | 6-foot-0, 180 pounds
Acquired - 2nd Round, 2005 | '08 Level - Wilmington (High A)
Vitals - .255/.290/.442, 95/20 K/BB, 13-for-17 SB
-Athletic player with sound defensive actions. Excellent power for a middle infielder. Strike zone judgment a work in progress. History of injury problems, but nothing major this past season.

Edward Cegarra | RHP | 19-years-old | 5-foot-11, 175 pounds
Acquired - UDFA: Venezuela | '08 Level - Burlington (Low A)/Wilmington (High A)
Vitals - 8-11, 3.99 ERA, 160.0 IP, 112/26 K/BB, 0.88 FB/GB
-Undersized strike thrower that does an excellent job of not giving free passes. Currently possesses average fastball that runs up to 93. Flips in curveballs for strikes to keep hitters off balance. Working on changeup which he'll need to remain a starter.

Kelvin Herrera | RHP | 18-years-old | 5-foot-10, 165 pounds
Acquired - UDFA: Dominican | '08 Level - Burlington (R)/Burlington (Low A)
Vitals - 4-2, 1.56 ERA, 63.1 IP, 52/7 K/BB, 1.67 FB/GB
-Small pitcher with pitchability and maturity beyond his years. Fastball ranges 89-91 and runs to 94 with boring action in on RHP. Shows plus curve on occasion as well as average changeup. Superb command for his age.

Julio Pimentel | RHP | 22-years-old | 6-foot-1, 190 pounds
Acquired - Trade w/ Dodgers in 2006 | '08 Level - NW Arkansas (AA)
Vitals - 7-13, 5.38 ERA, 157.1 IP, 115/52 K/BB, 1.26 FB/GB
-Hard throwing prospect acquired in 2006 from the Dodgers. Has three pitches, a 91-93 sinking fastball (slightly higher velocity in relief), a plus changeup, and a curveball. Still needs to work on command. Profiles better as a reliever in the mold of Fernando Rodney.

Tyler Sample | RHP | 19-years-old | 6-foot-7, 240 pounds
Acquired - 3rd Round, 2008 | '08 Level - Arizona (R)
Vitals - 0-5, 9.00 ERA, 27 IP, 39/29 K/BB, 2.60 FB/GB
-Huge frame with big time fastball/curveball combination. Changeup is a work in progress, as is command of all his pitches. Sample has huge upside but is light years away from helping out the Royals.

#1 Mike Moustakas, 3B
#2 Eric Hosmer, 1B
#3 Daniel Cortes, RHP
#4 Kila Ka'aihue, 1B
#5 Daniel Duffy, LHP
#6 Carlos Rosa, RHP
#7 Tim Melville, RHP
#8 Mike Montgomery, LHP
#9 Johnny Giavotella, 2B
#10 Blake Wood, RHP
#11 Daniel Gutierrez, RHP
#12 Derrick Robinson, CF
#13 Jason Taylor, 1B/LF
#14 ???

Taylor wins.

Herrera and Runion on, Pimentel off.

Short scouting reports:

Edward Cegarra | RHP | 19-years-old | 5-foot-11, 175 pounds
Acquired - UDFA: Venezuela | '08 Level - Burlington (Low A)/Wilmington (High A)
Vitals - 8-11, 3.99 ERA, 160.0 IP, 112/26 K/BB, 0.88 FB/GB
-Undersized strike thrower that does an excellent job of not giving free passes. Currently possesses average fastball that runs up to 93. Flips in curveballs for strikes to keep hitters off balance. Working on changeup which he'll need to remain a starter.

Joe Dickerson | RF | 22-years-old | 6-foot-1, 190 pounds
Acquired - 4th Round, 2005 | '08 Level - Wilmington (High A)
Vitals - .297/.376/.442, 48/31 K/BB, 24-for-38 SB
-Tweener outfielder with very good hit tool and good eye. Good speed underway, but doesn't translate well on the basepaths. Uses the gaps for extra base hits, enough strength to hit one out on occasion. Must keep hitting to remain prospect as he's likely locked into a corner spot.

Kelvin Herrera | RHP | 18-years-old | 5-foot-10, 165 pounds
Acquired - UDFA: Dominican | '08 Level - Burlington (R)/Burlington (Low A)
Vitals - 4-2, 1.56 ERA, 63.1 IP, 52/7 K/BB, 1.67 FB/GB
-Small pitcher with pitchability and maturity beyond his years. Fastball ranges 89-91 and runs to 94 with boring action in on RHP. Shows plus curve on occasion as well as average changeup. Superb command for his age.

Sam Runion | RHP | 20-years-old | 6-foot-4, 220 pounds
Acquired - 2nd Round, 2007 | '08 Level - Burlington (Low A)/Burlington (R)
Vitals - 5-9, 4.45 ERA, 89.0 IP, 41/19 K/BB, 1.45 FB/GB
-Big physical pitcher with lively 90-92 fastball that touches 94. Strike thrower. Below average curve and changeup that need improvement. Struggled in Low A before moving back to Rookie ball where he had significantly more success.

Tyler Sample | RHP | 19-years-old | 6-foot-7, 240 pounds
Acquired - 3rd Round, 2008 | '08 Level - Arizona (R)
Vitals - 0-5, 9.00 ERA, 27 IP, 39/29 K/BB, 2.60 FB/GB
-Huge frame with big time fastball/curveball combination. Changeup is a work in progress, as is command of all his pitches. Sample has huge upside but is light years away from helping out the Royals.

From poster sleekroyal at Royals Corner

DM said that if we had signed Torii Hunter last year our 2009 payroll would have been close to $85 million.

DM said that he has the ability to raise the payroll 20%-25% from last year, and insinuated that if the right players was there, it could possibly go even a little higher.

After talking about the problems that Jose caused in the clubhouse, he said that he has a lot of patience for people, but when they cross the line one too many times, he's done with them.  And Jose isn't at that point.

He talked a lot about acquiring (not necessarily signing) a difference-making shortstop that could hit at the top or in the middle of the lineup, and also provide strong defense.  It sounded like offense was the main thing for a possible shortstop.  Then, instead of asking about Furcal (top of the order) or JJ Hardy (middle of the order), Jack Harry goes into possibly acquiring Yuniesky Betancourt.  DM was polite and complimentary about Betancourt, but he didn't sound like a move was going to happen there.

He mentioned that other clubs will take notice that the Royals have a surplus of 1B/DH, but he's not actively shopping Shealy or Butler.  He thinks a Shealy/Butler/Jacobs platoon at 1B/DH could work well.  He mentioned specifically that Jacobs was very good against RHP, and Butler struggles against RHP.

Olivo will get the majority of at-bats at least through the first couple months.

Teahen will be with the team - he is very versatile (can play LF, RF, 1B, and obviously 3B).  Seitzer thinks that he can improve Teahen.

#1 Mike Moustakas, 3B
#2 Eric Hosmer, 1B
#3 Daniel Cortes, RHP
#4 Kila Ka'aihue, 1B
#5 Daniel Duffy, LHP
#6 Carlos Rosa, RHP
#7 Tim Melville, RHP
#8 Mike Montgomery, LHP
#9 Johnny Giavotella, 2B
#10 Blake Wood, RHP
#11 Daniel Gutierrez, RHP
#12 Derrick Robinson, CF
#13 ???

Robinson FTW.

Dickerson replaces Robinson on the poll.

Short scouting reports:

Edward Cegarra | RHP | 19-years-old | 5-foot-11, 175 pounds
Acquired - UDFA: Venezuela | '08 Level - Burlington (Low A)/Wilmington (High A)
Vitals - 8-11, 3.99 ERA, 160.0 IP, 112/26 K/BB, 0.88 FB/GB
-Undersized strike thrower that does an excellent job of not giving free passes. Currently possesses average fastball that runs up to 93. Flips in curveballs for strikes to keep hitters off balance. Working on changeup which he'll need to remain a starter.

Joe Dickerson | RF | 22-years-old | 6-foot-1, 190 pounds
Acquired - 4th Round, 2005 | '08 Level - Wilmington (High A)
Vitals - .297/.376/.442, 48/31 K/BB, 24-for-38 SB
-Tweener outfielder with very good hit tool and good eye. Good speed underway, but doesn't translate well on the basepaths. Uses the gaps for extra base hits, enough strength to hit one out on occasion. Must keep hitting to remain prospect as he's likely locked into a corner spot.

Julio Pimentel | RHP | 22-years-old | 6-foot-1, 190 pounds
Acquired - Trade w/ Dodgers in 2006 | '08 Level - NW Arkansas (AA)
Vitals - 7-13, 5.38 ERA, 157.1 IP, 115/52 K/BB, 1.26 FB/GB
-Hard throwing prospect acquired in 2006 from the Dodgers. Has three pitches, a 91-93 sinking fastball (slightly higher velocity in relief), a plus changeup, and a curveball. Still needs to work on command. Profiles better as a reliever in the mold of Fernando Rodney.

Tyler Sample | RHP | 19-years-old | 6-foot-7, 240 pounds
Acquired - 3rd Round, 2008 | '08 Level - Arizona (R)
Vitals - 0-5, 9.00 ERA, 27 IP, 39/29 K/BB, 2.60 FB/GB
-Huge frame with big time fastball/curveball combination. Changeup is a work in progress, as is command of all his pitches. Sample has huge upside but is light years away from helping out the Royals.

Jason Taylor | 1B/LF | 20-years-old | 6-foot-0, 200 pounds
Acquired - 2nd Round, 2006 | '08 Level - Burlington (Low A)
Vitals - .242/.372/.418, 97/81 K/BB, 40-for-54 SB
-Physical, athletic player with excellent plate discipline and projectable power. Very instinctual player, as noted by 40 SB's despite average at best speed. Likely will move to the outfield in the future.

#1 Mike Moustakas, 3B
#2 Eric Hosmer, 1B
#3 Daniel Cortes, RHP
#4 Kila Ka'aihue, 1B
#5 Daniel Duffy, LHP
#6 Carlos Rosa, RHP
#7 Tim Melville, RHP
#8 Mike Montgomery, LHP
#9 Johnny Giavotella, 2B
#10 Blake Wood, RHP
#11 Daniel Gutierrez, RHP
#12 ???

Gutierrez is the winner.

Dickerson off, Cegarra and Pimentel on.

Short scouting reports:

Edward Cegarra | RHP | 19-years-old | 5-foot-11, 175 pounds
Acquired - UDFA: Venezuela | '08 Level - Burlington (Low A)/Wilmington (High A)
Vitals - 8-11, 3.99 ERA, 160.0 IP, 112/26 K/BB, 0.88 FB/GB
-Undersized strike thrower that does an excellent job of not giving free passes. Currently possesses average fastball that runs up to 93. Flips in curveballs for strikes to keep hitters off balance. Working on changeup which he'll need to remain a starter.

Julio Pimentel | RHP | 22-years-old | 6-foot-1, 190 pounds
Acquired - Trade w/ Dodgers in 2006 | '08 Level - NW Arkansas (AA)
Vitals - 7-13, 5.38 ERA, 157.1 IP, 115/52 K/BB, 1.26 FB/GB
-Hard throwing prospect acquired in 2006 from the Dodgers. Has three pitches, a 91-93 sinking fastball (slightly higher velocity in relief), a plus changeup, and a curveball. Still needs to work on command. Profiles better as a reliever in the mold of Fernando Rodney.

Derrick Robinson | CF | 20-years-old | 5-foot-11, 170 pounds
Acquired - 4th Round, 2006 | '08 Level - Wilmington (High A)
Vitals - .245/.316/.322, 97/51 K/BB, 62-for-79 SB
-Absolute burner with exciting top of the order hit tools. Still learning the game after football was his #1 sport in high school, and thus hasn't shown much in the way of results yet. Can play defense, has a good arm, and projects for gap power much like Kenny Lofton or Shane Victorino (away from that tiny ballpark in Philly).

Tyler Sample | RHP | 19-years-old | 6-foot-7, 240 pounds
Acquired - 3rd Round, 2008 | '08 Level - Arizona (R)
Vitals - 0-5, 9.00 ERA, 27 IP, 39/29 K/BB, 2.60 FB/GB
-Huge frame with big time fastball/curveball combination. Changeup is a work in progress, as is command of all his pitches. Sample has huge upside but is light years away from helping out the Royals.

Jason Taylor | 1B/LF | 20-years-old | 6-foot-0, 200 pounds
Acquired - 2nd Round, 2006 | '08 Level - Burlington (Low A)
Vitals - .242/.372/.418, 97/81 K/BB, 40-for-54 SB
-Physical, athletic player with excellent plate discipline and projectable power. Very instinctual player, as noted by 40 SB's despite average at best speed. Likely will move to the outfield in the future.

#1 Mike Moustakas, 3B
#2 Eric Hosmer, 1B
#3 Daniel Cortes, RHP
#4 Kila Ka'aihue, 1B
#5 Daniel Duffy, LHP
#6 Carlos Rosa, RHP
#7 Tim Melville, RHP
#8 Mike Montgomery, LHP
#9 Johnny Giavotella, 2B
#10 Blake Wood, RHP
#11 ???

Wood wins #10.

Pimentel off, Dickerson and Taylor on.

Short scouting reports:

Joe Dickerson | RF | 22-years-old | 6-foot-1, 190 pounds
Acquired - 4th Round, 2005 | '08 Level - Wilmington (High A)
Vitals - .297/.376/.442, 48/31 K/BB, 24-for-38 SB
-Tweener outfielder with very good hit tool and good eye. Good speed underway, but doesn't translate well on the basepaths. Uses the gaps for extra base hits, enough strength to hit one out on occasion. Must keep hitting to remain prospect as he's likely locked into a corner spot.

Daniel Gutierrez | RHP | 21-years-old | 6-foot-1, 185 pounds
Acquired - 33rd Round, 2005 | '08 Level - Burlington (Low A)
Vitals - 4-4, 2.70 ERA, 90 IP, 104/25 K/BB, 1.78 FB/GB -Late round draft pick in '05 with electric arm. Fastball is in the low 90's and has been higher. Curveball is a plus pitch for him. Changeup self admittedly needs some work. Might have best mix of stuff and command in system.

Derrick Robinson | CF | 20-years-old | 5-foot-11, 170 pounds
Acquired - 4th Round, 2006 | '08 Level - Wilmington (High A)
Vitals - .245/.316/.322, 97/51 K/BB, 62-for-79 SB
-Absolute burner with exciting top of the order hit tools. Still learning the game after football was his #1 sport in high school, and thus hasn't shown much in the way of results yet. Can play defense, has a good arm, and projects for gap power much like Kenny Lofton or Shane Victorino (away from that tiny ballpark in Philly).

Tyler Sample | RHP | 19-years-old | 6-foot-7, 240 pounds
Acquired - 3rd Round, 2008 | '08 Level - Arizona (R)
Vitals - 0-5, 9.00 ERA, 27 IP, 39/29 K/BB, 2.60 FB/GB
-Huge frame with big time fastball/curveball combination. Changeup is a work in progress, as is command of all his pitches. Sample has huge upside but is light years away from helping out the Royals.

Jason Taylor | 1B/LF | 20-years-old | 6-foot-0, 200 pounds
Acquired - 2nd Round, 2006 | '08 Level - Burlington (Low A)
Vitals - .242/.372/.418, 97/81 K/BB, 40-for-54 SB
-Physical, athletic player with excellent plate discipline and projectable power. Very instinctual player, as noted by 40 SB's despite average at best speed. Likely will move to the outfield in the future.

#1 Mike Moustakas, 3B
#2 Eric Hosmer, 1B
#3 Daniel Cortes, RHP
#4 Kila Ka'aihue, 1B
#5 Daniel Duffy, LHP
#6 Carlos Rosa, RHP
#7 Tim Melville, RHP
#8 Mike Montgomery, LHP
#9 Johnny Giavotella, 2B
#10 ???

The Gritster wins vote #9. DOUBLESTIX RIGGED THE VOTE!!!!!!!1!1one!!1!

Bianchi off for now, Derrick Robinson and Julio Pimentel on. Again these are just temporary to see how they do on the polls.

Short scouting reports:

Daniel Gutierrez | RHP | 21-years-old | 6-foot-1, 185 pounds
Acquired - 33rd Round, 2005 | '08 Level - Burlington (Low A)
Vitals - 4-4, 2.70 ERA, 90 IP, 104/25 K/BB, 1.78 FB/GB
-Late round draft pick in '05 with electric arm. Fastball is in the low 90's and has been higher. Curveball is a plus pitch for him. Changeup self admittedly needs some work. Might have best mix of stuff and command in system.

Julio Pimentel | RHP | 22-years-old | 6-foot-1, 190 pounds
Acquired - Trade w/ Dodgers in 2006 | '08 Level - NW Arkansas (AA)
Vitals - 7-13, 5.38 ERA, 157.1 IP, 115/52 K/BB, 1.26 FB/GB
-Hard throwing prospect acquired in 2006 from the Dodgers. Has three pitches, a 91-93 sinking fastball (slightly higher velocity in relief), a plus changeup, and a curveball. Still needs to work on command. Profiles better as a reliever in the mold of Fernando Rodney.

Derrick Robinson | CF | 20-years-old | 5-foot-11, 170 pounds
Acquired - 4th Round, 2006 | '08 Level - Wilmington (High A)
Vitals - .245/.316/.322, 97/51 K/BB, 62-for-79 SB
-Absolute burner with exciting top of the order hit tools. Still learning the game after football was his #1 sport in high school, and thus hasn't shown much in the way of results yet. Can play defense, has a good arm, and projects for gap power much like Kenny Lofton or Shane Victorino (away from that tiny ballpark in Philly).

Tyler Sample | RHP | 19-years-old | 6-foot-7, 240 pounds
Acquired - 3rd Round, 2008 | '08 Level - Arizona (R)
Vitals - 0-5, 9.00 ERA, 27 IP, 39/29 K/BB, 2.60 FB/GB
-Huge frame with big time fastball/curveball combination. Changeup is a work in progress, as is command of all his pitches. Sample has huge upside but is light years away from helping out the Royals.

Blake Wood | RHP | 23-years-old | 6-foot-5, 240 pounds
Acquired - 3rd Round, 2006 | '08 Level - Wilmington (High A)/NW Arkansas (AA)
Vitals - 8-9, 4.25 ERA, 144 IP, 139/47 K/BB, 1.07 FB/GB
-Big, workhorse type frame. Fastball in the low-90's that runs up to 95. Plus curveball with a noticeably improved changeup this year. Command still needs work, but showed flashes of brilliance at times this year.

#1 Mike Moustakas, 3B
#2 Eric Hosmer, 1B
#3 Daniel Cortes, RHP
#4 Kila Ka'aihue, 1B
#5 Daniel Duffy, LHP
#6 Carlos Rosa, RHP
#7 Tim Melville, RHP
#8 Mike Montgomery, LHP
#9 ???

Montgomery wins with nearly 50% of the vote.

Dickerson off for now, Sample and Bianchi on. Remember these are temporary just to get a feel for where the stand.

Short scouting reports:

Jeff Bianchi | 2B/SS | 22-years-old | 6-foot-0, 180 pounds
Acquired - 2nd Round, 2005 | '08 Level - Wilmington (High A)
Vitals - .255/.290/.442, 95/20 K/BB, 13-for-17 SB
-Athletic player with sound defensive actions. Excellent power for a middle infielder. Strike zone judgment a work in progress. History of injury problems, but nothing major this past season.

Johnny Giavotella | 2B | 21-years-old | 5-foot-8, 185 pounds
Acquired - 2nd Round, 2008 | '08 Level - Burlington (Low A)
Vitals - .299/.355/.421, 34/25 K/BB, 10-for-17 SB
-Small second baseman that can hit. Quick hands, good eye, lets ball travel deep into zone which gives him some power. Average defender. Does everything well, but nothing great -- similar to David DeJesus. GRITTY.

Daniel Gutierrez | RHP | 21-years-old | 6-foot-1, 185 pounds
Acquired - 33rd Round, 2005 | '08 Level - Burlington (Low A)
Vitals - 4-4, 2.70 ERA, 90 IP, 104/25 K/BB, 1.78 FB/GB
-Late round draft pick in '05 with electric arm. Fastball is in the low 90's and has been higher. Curveball is a plus pitch for him. Changeup self admittedly needs some work. Might have best mix of stuff and command in system.

Tyler Sample | RHP | 19-years-old | 6-foot-7, 240 pounds
Acquired - 3rd Round, 2008 | '08 Level - Arizona (R)
Vitals - 0-5, 9.00 ERA, 27 IP, 39/29 K/BB, 2.60 FB/GB
-Huge frame with big time fastball/curveball combination. Changeup is a work in progress, as is command of all his pitches. Sample has huge upside but is light years away from helping out the Royals.

Blake Wood | RHP | 23-years-old | 6-foot-5, 240 pounds
Acquired - 3rd Round, 2006 | '08 Level - Wilmington (High A)/NW Arkansas (AA)
Vitals - 8-9, 4.25 ERA, 144 IP, 139/47 K/BB, 1.07 FB/GB
-Big, workhorse type frame. Fastball in the low-90's that runs up to 95. Plus curveball with a noticeably improved changeup this year. Command still needs work, but showed flashes of brilliance at times this year.

#1 Mike Moustakas, 3B
#2 Eric Hosmer, 1B
#3 Daniel Cortes, RHP
#4 Kila Ka'aihue, 1B
#5 Daniel Duffy, LHP
#6 Carlos Rosa, RHP
#7 Tim Melville, RHP
#8 ???

Melville jumped out to an enormous lead so we'll just call this one.

Robinson is off, Dickerson and Wood on.

Short scouting reports:

Joe Dickerson | RF | 22-years-old | 6-foot-1, 190 pounds
-Tweener outfielder with very good hit tool and good eye. Good speed underway, but doesn't translate well on the basepaths. Uses the gaps for extra base hits, enough strength to hit one out on occasion. Must keep hitting to remain prospect as he's likely locked into a corner spot.

Johnny Giavotella | 2B | 21-years-old | 5-foot-8, 185 pounds
-Small second baseman that can hit. Quick hands, good eye, lets ball travel deep into zone which gives him some power. Average defender. Does everything well, but nothing great -- similar to David DeJesus.

Daniel Gutierrez | RHP | 21-years-old | 6-foot-1, 185 pounds
-Late round draft pick in '05 with electric arm. Fastball is in the low 90's and has been higher. Curveball is a plus pitch for him. Changeup self admittedly needs some work. Might have best mix of stuff and command in system.

Mike Montgomery | LHP | 19-years-old | 6-foot-5, 180 pounds
-Long, athletic, projectable southpaw that scouts can dream on. Fastball currently 89-92, with very good changeup already, and a slow curveball. Also has a palmball. A couple improvements in mechanics will help his long term stock.

Blake Wood | RHP | 23-years-old | 6-foot-5, 240 pounds
-Big, workhorse type frame. Fastball in the low-90's that runs up to 95. Plus curveball with a noticeably improved changeup this year. Command still needs work, but showed flashes of brilliance at times this year.