I’m quite interested to read what your review on him is….the folks I hear from say that he really has become minor league roster filler now and won’t be the guy he was once thought to be….I’m wondering if he’s still got a chance at even a major league backup career, or if his star has fallen so far as to be a career minor leaguer….

The top 20s are the best time of the year.

I actually like the way the KC system is turning out: Big upside bats at the top (more reliable than big arms), followed by a fairly big stock of high upside arms (need an excess of pitchers usually to find a couple good ones). The overall depth could still use a boost, but I find the basic construction of the system aesthetically pleasing.

You can really tell the guys running this system were trained by Paul Snyder.

He basically had the same year offensively as Moose. Better if you count steals and, since he sat out 2007, he essentially has the same experience and is less than 1 year older…hmmmm?

Not sure Nicoll really is one either.

I’d have Cegarra on the list somewhere.

Overall I can’t quibble though. I’m surprised Kila is as high as he is.

He had a great MWL showing, and he’s only 19. I know almost nothing about the pitches he throws, but after his MWL showing I thought I’d see him higher on this list. Can anyone elaborate on what he brings to the table?

His numbers are not all that impressive, but I saw him play a couple of times this year and I was very impressed with what I saw. He had good range both to his right and left, and showcased a strong arm. His swing is a bit mechanical, but he seemed to have a good idea of the zone. He hit only one homer this year, but I was there to see it and it was a bomb! He did have 29 2Bs this year, and I could see him growing into some more power. His grade should probably be a C, but I see him making it to the majors as a utility infielder for a couple of years and think he should be included in the book.

David Lough is nowhere mentioned, and Julio Pimentel and Blake Johnson are honorable mentions. Really? Those three aren’t as good a prospect as Maier, Nicoll or Dickerson?

Just wanted to add I’m a huge Chris Hayes fan. Tough to say if he’s a prospect or not, as he’s an undrafted submariner, but who knows, maybe a guy like that can break through and contribute at the MLB level.

he’s gonna be good. Real good.

A point to consider: the initial run through gave me 47 players in this system who could be worth writing about. I had to pare that down to 38, which is the most I usually include in any one system. When you get down to the marginal Grade C types, it is hard to make choices.

The royals system is starting to look much better, they still have quite a ways to go to catch some of the other top systems, but the focus on drafting is starting to show up.

Strategy is to build around a nucleus of young power hitters. Add the position players now, and continue to build pitching through the draft.

I’d begin with shoring up the middle of diamond. Mark Teahen and Ryan Shealy would both be attractive trade targets for the Angels, and Chone Figgins would be a great fit as an exciting speed player. Also, take a chance on a young centerfielder and move David DeJesus to RF. Cory Sullivan, Chris Denorfia, and Shane Robinson all come to mind. Perhaps someone with more experience such as Wily Taveras would be more deserving. Or if they can afford to spend some money, Mike Cameron will be available as a free agent.