1/24/14

Fangraphs - 2014 Top 10 Prospects - Kansas City Royals



AgeGGSIPHHRK/9BB/9ERAFIP
212222108.1911111.632.994.323.07
The Year in Review: The University of San Francisco alum got off to a slow start in 2013 but he was nearly untouchable in the second half. Even with his struggles, Zimmer still struck out 140 batters in 108.1 innings of work. After making 18 starts in High-A ball he was promoted to Double-A for another four appearances.
The Scouting Report: Zimmer has all the ingredients necessary to develop into a top-of-the-rotation arm. He has a fastball that works in the mid-90s and can touch the upper levels; it’s an overpowering offering when he can consistently command it. Both his breaking balls — a curveball and a slider — show the potential to develop into plus offerings. He also has a changeup that is a few steps behind in its development but has average potential. Zimmer’s athleticism helps him remain consistent with his delivery and his relative inexperience on the mound hints at further untapped potential.
The Year Ahead: Zimmer should return to Double-A to open the 2014 season but a quick start could see him promoted to either Triple-A or all the way to the Majors.
The Career Outlook: If he can stay healthy, Zimmer has the ceiling of a No. 1 or 2 starter if everything clicks. Even if his fastball command remains inconsistent or he fails to further develop the changeup it’s hard to envision him being anything less than a No. 3 starter.

AgeIPK/9BB/9GB%ERAFIPxFIPRA9-WARWAR
2215.16.463.5248.9 %3.525.334.300.30.0
The Year in Review: Ventura, 22, opened the year in Double-A but didn’t stay there long. After just 11 starts he was promoted to Triple-A for another 15 appearances. In total, the right-hander struck out 155 batters in 134.2 innings. He earned a late-season promotion to The Show and held his own in three starts.
The Scouting Report: Small but mighty, Ventura can routinely hit triple digits with his heater. He backs that up with an above-average curveball but his changeup still needs further refinement to be a reliable offering. His lack of premium size could preclude him from routinely breaking the 200-inning barrier but he’s held up well to date. Ventura’s control waivers at times and I’d like to see him change eye levels with the fastball a little more consistently.
The Year Ahead: Ventura will look to parlay his 2013 success into a permanent gig at the big league level but he’ll have to battle both Wade Davis and Danny Duffy for the fourth or fifth starter’s spot.
The Career Outlook: The Dominican native will always have his detractors due to his lack of premium size but Ventura has the ceiling of a No. 2 or 3 starter if his body holds up to the rigors of pitching 200+ innings a season.

AgePAH2BHRBBSOSBAVGOBPSLGwOBA
175361261373411824.261.311.361.312
The Year in Review: It was an up-and-down year for Mondesi during his first taste of full season ball, which is not surprising given his age (17). When the dust settled at the end of the year, though, he had compiled respectable numbers across the board — although he struck out a fair bit and his on-base percentage left a little to be desired.
The Scouting Report: Mondesi is a dynamic player both in the field and at the plate. He has a good idea at the plate for his age but needs more at-bats to improve his pitch recognition, contact rate, and consistency with his hitting mechanics. He shows good, but inconsistent, pop and should hit with more authority as he matures. Defensively, he is an excellent fielder with above-average range, a strong arm and improving actions. He could steal 30+ bases at the big league level.
The Year Ahead: One of the youngest players in every league he’s appeared in, it will be more of the same for Mondesi in 2014 when he moves up to High-A ball. Just 18 years old, he’ll likely spend the bulk of the year in A-ball but could sniff Double-A by the end of the season.
The Career Outlook: Mondesi has the tools necessary to develop into an impact player — both on offense and defense. He has a shot of reaching the Majors before his 20th birthday.

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/2014-top-10-prospects-kansas-city-royals/ 

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