Prospects in the Mike Aviles Trade

Prospects in the Mike Aviles Trade

The Kansas City Royals traded infielder Mike Aviles to the Boston Red Sox on Saturday, July 30^th. In return, the Royals received a pair of prospects: infielder Yamaico Navarro, and pitcher Kendal Volz. Let's take a look at what the Royals have here.

Yamaico Navarro, INF: Navarro is a 23-year-old Dominican, signed by the Red Sox in 2005. He moved steadily through the Red Sox system, reaching the majors for the first time last year and splitting this year between Triple-A Pawtucket (.258/.362/.469 with 17 walks and 25 strikeouts in 128 at-bats) and Boston (.216/.275/.351 in 37 at-bats). Scouts have always been intrigued with his tools, particularly his throwing arm, and he'll flash above-average hitting ability, with moderate power and decent plate discipline. However, he lacks running speed, has a hard time staying in shape, and has never fully lived up to expectations. He could carve out a career as a utility player, but his stock is down from where it was two years ago. Grade C.

Kendal Volz, RHP: Volz was drafted by the Red Sox in the ninth round in 2009, out of Baylor University. He had a fair year in the Low-A Sally League in '10 (3.71 ERA, 94/14 K/BB in 116 innings, 127 hits), but moved to the bullpen this year in the High-A Carolina League, with better results (3.33 ERA, 56/12 K/BB in 51 innings, 42 hits, 1.61 GO/AO). Volz works with an 88-92 MPH sinker which generates plenty of ground balls. His slider and changeup are decent, and he has sharp command. In the majors he projects as a middle reliever, though given his background as a starter in college and the low minors, you can stretch him out a bit if you need to. Grade C.