A Minor Review of 2008: The Royals

The Graduate: Mike Aviles | Born: March 1981 | Shortstop

Mike Aviles is a great story. A former NCAA Division II player of the year, he signed as a college senior for $1,000. At 5’9” he has fought his way through the minor league system and posted solid numbers. Regardless, his ascent was a slow one and lasted six seasons. At the age of 27, Aviles not only made his debut in the Majors, he showed he belonged in the league. That said, there are some areas that need work if he is going to continue to succeed, such as his walk rate (4.1%). If he is going to be a utility player, Aviles is also going to need to improve defensively at second base and third base. His play at shortstop is solid.

The Riser: Alex Caldera | Born: October 1985 | Right-Handed Pitcher

A 2007 13th round selection out of California, Alex Caldera was second in the organization in strikeouts with 120 and allowed 141 hits in 149 innings pitched. He also did an excellent job of keeping the ball in the park with just six home runs allowed (0.32 HR/9). Caldera showed excellent control of his repertoire, which includes a low-90s fastball, with a walk rate of 2.17 BB/9.

The Tumbler: Jeff Bianchi | Born: October 1986 | Shortstop

Jeff Bianchi, a former second round pick out of a Pennsylvania high school, caught people’s attentions by hitting more than .400 in his first two seasons. Unfortunately he did it in only 40 games due to injuries. The last two seasons, though, Bianchi has struggled to hit for average and he has also posted low on-base numbers: 6.4 BB% in 2007, 4.8 BB% in 2008. On the plus side, his slugging percentage rose from .315 in 2007 to .442 in 2008 and his ISO improved from .068 to .187. He may need to begin 2009 back in High-A ball. At the age of 22, he has plenty of time to find his stroke.

The ’08 Draft Pick: Tim Melville | Born: October 1989 | Right-Handed Pitcher

It’s pretty impressive that the Royals were able to nab, arguably, both the best high school hitter (Eric Hosmer) and the best high school pitcher (Tim Melville) in the 2008 draft. Even more impressive is the fact that the Royals got Melville in the fourth round because everyone else thought he was unsignable and headed to college. In the last two seasons, the Royals have done exactly what a struggle organization (with not a lot of money) needs to do – which is develop within and do not cut corners on the draft. Melville has yet to pitch in pro ball, but he features a fastball that can touch the mid-90s, a knuckle-curve with plus potential, and a developing change-up.

The ’09 Sleeper: Jose Bonilla | Born: August 1988 | Catcher

We dip down all the way to Rookie Ball for the Royals’ sleeper. Jose Bonilla received a taste of North American ball in 2007 when he appeared in three games, but he did not see regular playing time until this past season and he made the most of the opportunity. Bonilla hit .357/.405/.625 in 112 at-bats. His walk rate was low (4.3 BB%) but there aren’t many young catchers that can mix hitting for average with power (.268 ISO). He is someone to keep an eye on in 2009.

Up Next: The Chicago Cubs