2014 Prospect Countdown: #35 Daniel Rockett

35. Daniel Rockett Outfielder

www.chukarsextra.com

Age: 23
Position: OF
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 200
B/T: R/R
Acquired: Drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 9th Round of the 2013 Amateur Draft
From: Sugar Land, TX

Landon Adams (27): Daniel Rockett makes my list in part due to a strong debut showing in the Pioneer League, but more so because of the positive comments that I have read regarding him from Royals officials. A natural athlete, the former second team All-WAC performer can handle center field while also being a threat with the bat. Rockett enters the system with question marks regarding his make up (was arrested at the University of Texas San Antonio for beating a track player) and baseball bloodlines (his uncle Pat was a former 10th round pick and manager of the Atlanta Braves). I look for the Royals to play it aggressive with Rockett moving forward, considering he is already 22 years old. For now he is just a guy to keep your eye on.

Paden Bennett (NR): Rockett is a toolsy outfielder with good power and good defensive skills in CF.  However, at age 23 he is considered "old" for a rookie league player.  Rockett showed good power in the Pioneer League last year with 11 homers in 226 at bats but did not walk very much with 13 walks.  Rockett also will strike out a fair amount.  He is a toolsy, exciting player that I would love to get on board with but I just can't yet because of his age.  He is going to have to make some serious strides this year and move through the system a couple levels THIS SEASON for me to jump on the "Rockett".

Joe Cox (NR): Rockett was the 9^th round pick for the Royals in last year’s amateur draft out of UTSA.  He represents yet another young toolsy outfielder with very little professional experience; receiving 247 PA’s in the Pioneer League.  At 22 years of age Rockett showed solid power (11 HR) and hit for a solid average of .310 (.349 BABIP).  He did not take very many walks and did strike out just under 20% of the time.  Seeing that he will be 23 next season, he will be old for his level regardless of where the put him.  He did play 54 games in center next year which is a good sign, but he is a long ways away from making an impact for the Royals.  For what it is worth, he did have some off the field issues in college, so one would suspect he could have some maturity issues.

Dan Ware (28): Besides having an awesome name, Daniel put up very solid numbers in his rookie debut as a Chukar. He compiled a strong line of .310/.351/.531 with 11 HR, 53 RBI, 16 XBH, and showed great defensive skills in center field.  Known as an aggressive-minded player, it definitely shows at the plate.  His 49/13 K to BB ratio, along with a KSwinging rate of 15.4%, shows that he lacks a little patience at the plate.  If he can add a little plate discipline as he progresses through the system, he'll be a player you can't ignore. The 23 year old will likely start 2014 in Lexington, and at his age in Low-A ball, Daniel will need to impress the coaches a little more to move up in the organization.

Total Points: 7