Kane County Vs. Burlington Impressions

by John Sickels on May 23, 2008 6:21 PM EDT

I am working on a report for Baseball Prospect Report subscribers about my trip to Burlington. I will post some photos here later this evening once we get a digital camera issue resolved.

*Mike Moustakas made several fine plays at shortstop. His arm is certainly strong enough for the position, and he's got quick hands. Main limit could be range to his right. I can understand why they are leaving him there for now, but I think he's a third baseman eventually, or perhaps a corner outfielder.

*Matt Mitchell: fastball ranged 86 to 91 on my gun, also had an 81-83 MPH hard breaking ball and a 73-74 MPH softer breaking ball. Good athlete, command within the zone still needs some work.

*Jamie Richmond: 85-88 MPH fastball. 83-84 slider, 74-76 curve.

*Corey Brown: good-looking athlete, patient, works the count, tends to swing over breaking balls and changeups even when ahead. Power to all fields, very good speed.

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Mitchell

I’ve heard he’s got a very good (for his age) palmball changeup. Was that evident during his outing? Thanks.

That’s basically the idea I get with Moustakas. He can handle everything that he gets, but just doesn’t get to very much.

Rowdy Hardy Fan Club member.

by doublestix on May 23, 2008 7:58 PM EDT reply actions

palmball

I had a hard time identifying it…he threw some pitches that acted like hard changeups, that could have been the palmball.

by John Sickels on May 24, 2008 12:49 AM EDT up reply actions

Wasted Trip

If the pitch speeds are correct Mitchell and Richmond are going to be a waste of time. Sure a Greg Maddux happens every couple of decades, but he’s still playing. lol

by batonball on May 23, 2008 9:41 PM EDT reply actions

Moustakas...

Could he play SS in MLB considering Gordon and Callaspo’s plus defense at their positions?

by adschofield on May 24, 2008 5:38 PM EDT reply actions

Mitchell and Moustakas

I was at the game on Wed. night and Mitchell did look pretty sharp. He has looked good both times I have seen him. I was surprised to read that he topped out at 91. I thought he looked fast only because the opposing pitcher was throwing a lot of slow breaking balls.

I have seen Burlington play 5 times this year both home and away and my memory of Moustakas’s errors were on plays to his left, thats just my memory I don’t chart them in my score book. He made three errors the first night I had seen him play. I am baffled by his splits on why he hits so well on the road and so poor in Burlington. He needs to hit better with guys in scoring position.

by kavh on May 25, 2008 9:33 AM EDT reply actions

Thanks for the report...

Rowdy Hardy Fan Club member.

by doublestix on May 25, 2008 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions

Moustakas. If not SS, then why not 2B

Let’s say as Moustakas moves up in the minors the Royals don’t want to move him to 3B because of Gordon. Wouldn’t 2B be the next place to try him? Range is considerably less important there than SS and if he has good MIF skills overall, wouldn’t you think he could handle 2B?

I probably disagree with you.

by Scott McKinney on May 26, 2008 3:18 PM EDT reply actions