[duncan_idaho]

OP updated with my thoughts on the team at the mid-way point.

Also, here's a prospect update. I think I'll start with a top 15 and see if more guys jump to the forefront for me.

1) Raul Mondesi. A new name (literally) for this list, but Raul Mondesi's second son named Raul has been about everything you could hope for as a 17-year-old at A ball. The counting stats don't look great by themselves, but considering his age, they stand out. Reports on his D have also been good.

What to watch: Can he maintain everything over the course of the second half?

2) Yordano Ventura. Dominated AA and has shown some good signs while being up and down at Omaha. Stuff has taken a step forward this year, with better movement on his heater and more consistent secondary pitches.

What to watch: Ventura needs to improve his pitch efficiency, control and command, but his arsenal is MLB-ready now.

3) Kyle Zimmer. Was awesome to start the season and close June/July at Wilmington but got rocked at a troubling level in-between. Seems to have figured out some things and is now flashing an above-average changeup. Promoted to NWA this weekend.

What to watch: Does the changeup continue to show plus? Can he add some deception and improve the success of his fastball? If he has a successful second half at NWA, he probably starts 2014 in Omaha and is a potential ASB/second-half promotion.

4) Sean Manaea. Isn't going to pitch this year, but the 2013 supplemental pick offers a TON of helium and could move quickly.

What to watch: Spring training next year and where he's assigned (I'm hoping Wilmington).

5) Miguel Almonte. Kind of came out of nowhere for most (we discussed him a BIT, I think, in the offseason on this thread). BP considers him Zimmer's equal as a prospect. Good body, great changeup, fastball that has more in the tank and already sits low 90s/touches 95-96. Needs to get stronger, add a little velo, and decide on a breaking pitch (and then develop it to at least an average level). HUGE upside.

What to watch: Does he force KC to promote him to the next level this year?

6) Jorge Bonifacio. His numbers at Wilmington aren't QUITE what Wil Myers' were at the same age, but they're close enough to be excited. 19-20 year olds who can OPS 800+ at Wilmington deserve attention and excitement.

What to watch: Does he force KC to promote him to NWA? He'd probably be there already if not for a hand injury earlier this year. Either way, he's poised to start 2014 at NWA.

7) Bubba Starling. Still has the highest upside of any prospect in the Royals system. Hit tool is still an issue. Floor is still really low.

What to watch: Can he break .250 in BA over the second half?

8) Cheslor Cuthbert. Bounce-back year for CC, who performed well at Wilmington and earned a promotion to NWA, where he struggled early but has started to hit of late. STill profiles as a solid 3B with good OBP skills and 20 HR pop.

What to watch: Does he continue heating up as the summer goes on?

9) Hunter Dozier. The 2013 first-rounder is far down the list, but that's more a statement about the system than him. Dozier has had a good start to his career at the minor league level, though he hasn't set the world on fire, either.

What to watch: Where does he finish 2013? He's performed well enough to deserve a promotion, but when does it happen and where does he go from there?

10) Kyle Smith. Still is small and maxed out physically, but still has good-enough stuff and pitchability to be a solid back-end starter at the majors. Nice trade chip.

What to watch: Does he get a shot at NWA this year? And what happens if he does? This will be a key jump for Smith, as AA is where pitchability guys are made or broken.

11) Orlando Calixte. Terrible start hides some of his strong performance since then. Still probably not a SS, but offers nice pop from a 2B spot. Another good trade chip.

What to watch: Can he close the season with a .750 OPS at NWA? Considering his age and position, would be a very positive sign.

12) Alexis Rivera. Call me crazy, but I look at his age and production so far, and I see a potential star hitter for KC.

What to watch: Everything. He's just in rookie ball, but I like the package!

13) Jason Adam. Horrible start at AA had me wondering if he would be the next to bust at that level for KC, but he has turned it around since then. 3.65 ERA and 1.25 WHIP with 7.5 K/9 rate since May 1, respectable numbers for the hitter's league he pitches in.

What to watch: Does the strong rebound last the entire season?

14) Elier Hernandez. Still hasn't lived up to the hype from his signing, but still a lot to like. Power potential is still there.

What to watch: Does his production start to match his ability?

15) Chris Dwyer. The lefty has been solid at Omaha, though his K rate suffered to do it. Could be a solid back-end starter in the majors still, or a plus bullpen piece. Probably best serves KC as part of a trade package.

What to watch: Can he maintain current results while bringing his K rate back up?