Quote:
Originally Posted by duncan_idaho
If they're going to draft bats, I'd prefer to see them draft an advanced college guy or two, guys that are more finished products. They typically have tended towards HS bats with elite upside, but I could see them stepping away from that this year (just like they did in 2009 and 2010) to try to fill in holes in the next "wave" of players (A+ and AA). There are really not any OF bats other than Bonifacio, unless you're counting on Starling figuring it out (bad proposition). A college player or two could help with that.
Kyle Schwarber of Indiana fits that bill. Good plate discipline, elite power (not that it means anything with the Royals, who seem to thrive at turning guys with elite power into contact hitters). Probably is a LF/DH/1B type in the majors, but he'll be available at 17 and maybe even at 28.
Other names to watch:
Kodi Madeiros (Hawaiian who keeps getting connected to KC... raw lefty HS kid who throws from weird arm angles and seems very anti-KC approach)
Jeff Hoffman (East Carolina college hurler is currently on the shelf with TJ but might slip. Should be ready to throw by mid-season next year.)
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It'll be a HS pitcher who will need TJ surgery in the next 18 months. Book it.