Top Prospects #25: Hilton Richardson

#25 Hilton Richardson

Age: 20
HT/WT: 6-3/200
B/T: L/L
Pos: CF
Drafted: 7th Round, Pick #216 in 2007 Rule IV Draft
High School: Kirkland High (WA)
ETA: 2013

As far as pure potential goes you would be hard pressed to find many hitters in the Royals system that have more than centerfielder Hilton Richardson. Richardson was drafted out Washington as a guy oozing with raw talent but completely lacking polish. Even after a 2009 campaign which saw him hit .313 at Idaho Falls I still am not convinced that he is beginning to turn the corner. Richardson's Babip was a ridiculous .426 in Idaho Falls and his luck removed average according to minorleaguesplits.com was a paltry .234.

Richardson has been blessed with a great baseball body, and while he hasn't hit for home runs yet, it would not be hard to imagine him becoming a home run threat in the future. He also has plus speed, which has already began to translate into stolen bases. He has a plus throwing arm and if things were to break right, he could be a true five tool player at the major league level.

In 2010 Richardson should start the season in Burlington, Iowa getting everyday at bats, while splitting time with centerfielder Alex Llanos. It would be nice to see Richardson break out within the next year or so, but if he doesn't he could quickly begin to resemble prospect Derrick Robinson as just another speed guy that hasn't hit. But the potential is there and he should be a fun prospect to keep an eye on in 2010.