Prospect Stock Watch: First Base

The following is a review of the Royals first basemen that intrigue me enough to make a post about. I'm going to offer whether or not the player performed as well, better, or worse than what I personally expected. I'll also give a brief explanation on my thoughts.

Kila Ka'aihue (Gain): This could be the last time I mention Kila Ka'aihue as a prospect, but that is not a bad thing. After posting solid yet mildly disappointing numbers a season ago, Kila returned to Omaha in 2010 and decided he would dominate the Pacific Coast League Circuit. His major league numbers were influenced by some hard luck so I'm optimistic when I project Kila's numbers in 2011.

Clint Robinson (Gain): The 'Alabama Hamma' has been a guy that has intrigued me since he began his professional career by leading the Pioneer League in RBIs and finishing second in home runs. In A ball he continued to post the numbers needed to progress thru the system, but this year in Northwest Arkansas, Robinson decided to go Rogers Hornsby on the Texas League and win the triple crown and now his name is thrown into the discussion of a potential logjam at first base.

Eric Hosmer (Gain): Hosmer was a key factor in 2009's disappointing minor league performance, but he as much as anyone is responsible for the system's incredible rebound in 2010. Hosmer is as complete a hitter as they come and he dominated the Carolina and Texas Leagues despite being under the legal drinking age for the summer. It'll be interesting to see if he returns to Springdale to open 2011, or if the Royals will send him to Omaha.

Ernesto Mejia (Loss): After Mejia won rookie of the year and most valuable player honors in the Venezuelan Winter League I had high hopes that he could be a steal of a minor league signing. Unfortunately his season was okay and he was passed by both Clint Robinson and Eric Hosmer. You could very easily say that Robinson was already ahead of him and that he was merely a stop gap until Hosmer was ready for double A and I wouldn't argue with you. Nonetheless the guy has displayed above average power as a pro and I entered the season optimistically thinking he could put it together.

Joey Lewis (Loss): Lewis had some big time power during his SEC days and while I never expected too much of him I'm disappointed that his power hasn't translated into his professional career.

Jacob Kuebler (Steady): The only reason Kuebler makes this list is because he displayed decent power during his stint with Idaho Falls this season. He is still young and maybe, just maybe he can figure something out.

Murray Watts (Gain): Could be this draft's version of Clint Robinson. Posted very similar numbers to Clint in the Pioneer League and has a good blend of power and plate discipline. He's old for his league so he has little room for error and must continue to prove himself at ever level.

Henry Moreno (Gain): After posting extremely unimpressive numbers in the Arizona League a season ago, Moreno returned to Surprise with a vengence in 2010. He tore up the league to a slash line of .327/.396/.599. Out of the guys on the bottom part of this list, he probably has the best shot at a major league career.