Prospect Countdown: #16 David Lough

#16 David Lough


Age: 26
Position: OF
Height: 5-11
Weight: 180
B/T: L/L
Acquired: Drafted in 11th Round of 2007 Amateur Draft
From: Akron, OH




Former Division 2 standout David Lough has always been a personal favorite of mine. Most wouldn't rank him as high as I have him, but this is my list and I'm confident that Lough is a safe bet to be a solid Major League 4th outfielder or second division regular. I see Lough as a Major League ready prospect.

Unfortunately for Lough in the past 12 months the outfield has transitioned from question mark to set in stone for the 2012 season. Due to Lough's weak arm left field is the best fit defensively and as you might know the Royals are set there for at least the next two seasons. Long term the Royals have added a  bevy of outfield prospects and are now among the games deepest farm system's in that regard.

Lough has good gap power as evidenced by his 41 doubles and 23 triples in his last two AAA seasons. He's extremely athletic and is a plus runner, but his limited home run power and age limit his ceiling. At this point Lough sits behind Mitch Maier, and Jarrod Dyson on the Royals back up outfield depth chart. He gives the organization good outfield depth, but if he gets a shot in the Majors I envision it coming for another organization.

Picture taken from OmahaBaseball360.com