Either/Or: Eric Hosmer or Mike Moustakas

And I don’t think that Moustakas lasts more than a few years at 3B without becoming a legitimate liability.

I just like Hosmer’s bat more, and realistically the offense is what’s going to separate these guys.

and for me it’s not even close. Hosmer’s younger, he walks more, he strikes out less, he’s more athletic, he’s faster and a better baserunner, he’s a better defender, and his body type is more conducive to a longer career than Moustakas’. Moustakas’ sole edges on Hosmer are power, arm strength, and experience.

From an offensive standpoint, Hosmer just seems to be more advanced. This is especially apparent if you compare their sophmore year performances at a tough hitters park in Wilmington, Hosmer’s slash line of .354/.429/.545 is so much more impressive than Moustakas’ .250/.297/.421

partly because of his ability to play 3B even though I personally feel that Hosmer will slightly have the better bat.

I’m just not sold on the idea that he is going to be a liability there quite yet, although I admittedly may be putting too much stock in the stong TZ numbers. This year’s numbers may change things for me. He has the arm for it for sure, though, and I feel as a former shortstop and not an absolutely terrible runner that his range will be fine at least for the time being.

In terms of the bat, Hosmer has answered questions about his power for the most part, although I’d still say Moose has more power in the long run. Hosmer has the better approach though. This pretty much comes down to how close Moose is and that I think he will be at least an adequate defensive 3B.

Huge advantage in ISO and in the level of competition he succeeded against (AA and AAA versus A+ and AA). Then you get into the positional advantage between 1B and 3B.

just decided on this yesterday for my top 20. which will be done shortly. want to get this bad boy out before all the other ROYALS lists come out.

Hosmer is just a more complete hitter. he does everything well. i think he hit LHP better than RHP at AA.

BUT I’M TAKING MOUSTAKAS!

And the reason is makeup. Moose is a no nonsense I’m going to kick your butt kind of make up> He’s going to do what he has to do. Hosmer is more of a follower type of personality. He can get distracted. Hosmer also had questionable character issues from some Facebook incidents. Knowing what I know, I want the guy who is going to be a leader and a guy who pushes the other guys around him to get better.

I take Moustakas.

1. I’m skeptical of Moustakas’s prolonged success. His inconsistency at the plate, lack of plate discipline, and questionable D mean that Moose has a very low floor and he’s basically got to do it all with power.
2. I’m assuming that Hosmer should be a good enough fielder at 1B or RF that he’ll make up most if not all the positional adjustment, considering Moustakas’s defensive deficiencies. Although, I’ve heard that Hosmer’s 1B defense isn’t coming along as hoped, considering that he’s pretty athletic.

I just look at Moustakas and I am afraid he will be Alex Gordon; exceptional minor leaguer, forgettable big leaguer.