Kala Ka'aihue

by mraver on Jun 30, 2007 11:49 AM EDT

So, what're the feelings on this fellow? He's been on an absolute tear after a dismal start to the season in high-A Mrytle Beach (that hitter's haven). The K-rate has been somewhat terrifying, and even after you toss out his poor April in which he struck out 21 times in 54 ABs, we're still talking about a guy with 50 Ks in 180 ABs through the next two months.

Of course, other than that everything is nice and shiney: he's walked in nearly 15% of his total plate appearances and has 16 HRs on the season. He's doing even better away from home (.900 OPS vs. 1.150).

Is KK destined to be a Three True Outcomes player? His K-rate, BB-rate, and HR-rate seem to point in that direction. If so, how good will he be? Are we talking Adam Dunn territory? Dunn had a higher minor-league BA than KK, along with a better K/BB rate, and Dunn went through the various minor league levels at younger ages than Kala (AA, AAA, and MLB by 21 while Kala turned 22 this year and is still in High-A).

John gave him a C+ coming into the year, saying he looked like a sleeper and was worth keeping an eye on. Do we have a better sense now of what kind of player he is? Or do we have to wait until a promotion to AA for the real test?

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I'm optomistic

cautiously optimistic. I love his power and his swing. I think the reason Dunn is a three outcome player is because he is so big and has the biggest uppercut swing I have seen. Ka'aihue is not like that. He has insane power obviously and is hitting the cover off the ball this month. I took a big gamble on him and put him at number two on the braves mid-season top prospect list. I have a gut feeling that last season was more telling of his discipline so while he is going to K a lot, KK shouldn't K that much.

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by was385 on Jun 30, 2007 11:54 AM EDT reply actions

I have him at 7 so I'm fairly optimistic as well.

#1 - Elvis Andrus - SS
#2 - Jason Heyward - RF (assuming he signs)
#3 - Tommy Hanson - RHP
#4 - Brent Lillibridge - SS/CF
#5 - Brandon Jones - CF/RF
#6 - Jo-Jo Reyes - LHP
#7 - Kala Kaaihue - 1B
#8 - Josh Fields - RHP (assuming he signs)
#9 - Neftali Feliz - RHP
#10 - Eric Campbell - 3B

That is my list and assuming Harrison gets called up instead of pulling a deal for a starter like we need and loses his eligibilty. We will see what happens, was385 and I have went over how I feel in general about the Braves system. :(

Jones was a tough one, really not sure how good he really is. If a deal happens, I think Jones is part of it so it really doesn't matter if that happens. I feel fairly good about the rest of the list...I think I'd put Freeman or Gilmore on there if Jones were moved.

by jfish26101 on Jun 30, 2007 12:23 PM EDT reply actions

I want to see him

In AA first.

Mostly because his brother did the same thing (did really well at low levels), then did HORRIBLE in AA.

by doublestix on Jun 30, 2007 2:39 PM EDT reply actions

Trade

If Atlanta is in the market for a veteran starter, Kala would be my first choice as a return for Matt Morris. I think that tells you what I think of him.

by DrBGiantsfan on Jun 30, 2007 2:48 PM EDT reply actions