Prospect Notes, March 26, 2012

**The Kansas City Royals sent second baseman Johnny Giavotella to the minors, in favor of Chris Getz and Yuniesky Betancourt. I have to say that I agree with Rob Neyer's take on this.

Maybe there is some sort of underlying issue here that isn't public knowledge, but based on what we do know, this looks like an unwise move to me. Getz and Yuniesky aren't going to improve beyond what they already are, while Giavotella can still do so. As Rob says, "the Royals, by any measure, have chosen an older, lesser player over a younger, greater player. And this is a team supposedly defined by its young players."

**Boston Red Sox first base prospect Lars Anderson is having a very good spring, 11-for-32 (.344) with three doubles, a homer, five walks, and 11 strikeouts. He's blocked of course by Adrian Gonzalez and David Ortiz, although Anderson has seen a few innings in the outfield this spring in an attempt to enhance his versatility. At this point his best value to the Sox is as trade bait and injury insurance. Let's see if he can maintain his spring momentum in Triple-A.

**Milwaukee Brewers second base prospect Scooter Gennett hit for the cycle Sunday, giving him a 5-for-10 mark in five games this spring. Destined to begin the season in Double-A, Gennett was drafted in the 16^th round in 2009 from high school in Sarasota, Florida. He hit .300/.334/.406 last year for High-A Brevard County in the Florida State League, and is renowned for his contact hitting skills, although his defense at second base needs more refinement. He turns 22 in May.

**New York Mets pitching prospect Matt Harvey had a bad day yesterday against the Washington Nationals, giving up seven hits, five runs, and three homers in just one inning of work. Harvey was already in minor league camp so this bad game has no real impact on his future. Harvey attributes the poor performance to being "amped up" and rushing his delivery.