Quote:
Originally Posted by Codered
I don't know if this was posted ... Can this be true!?!?!
http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/blog/ey...var-to-bullpen
Royals move Luke Hochevar to bullpen
Former prized prospect Luke Hochevar will no longer be a member of the Kansas City Royals starting rotation. Royals manager Ned Yost told reporters Wednesday morning that Hochevar will be moved to the bullpen (kansascity.com).
The decision leaves Luis Mendoza and Bruce Chen in competition for the fifth starter job behind James Shields, Jeremy Guthrie, Ervin Santana and Wade Davis. None of those four already in the rotation were with the Royals at this time last year.
Hochevar's demotion is most notable due to the fact that he was the top overall draft pick in 2006 out of the University of Tennessee. He was once viewed as a future ace of the Royals' staff, but has gone 38-59 with a 5.73 ERA and 1.40 ERA in 771 career innings. He led the majors in earned runs allowed last season and is now 29 years old. So, yes, unfortunately the word "bust" can be bandied about here.
Some names that were drafted in the first round after Hochevar in 2006: Evan Longoria, Brandon Morrow, Clayton Kershaw, Tim Lincecum, Max Scherzer, Ian Kennedy.
Then again, in fairness to Hochevar and the Royals, here are some others from that first round: Greg Reynolds (second overall), Billy Rowell, Kasey Kiker, Colten Willems, Maxwell Sapp, Cody Johnson and Jason Place. |
Man, that draft sucked.
Evan Longoria was the only guy who was projected as a sure major league type.
Kershaw was a LH high school pitcher, and no LH high school pitcher has ever made it to the majors after being selected No. 1 overall.
Lincecum is a tiny, unconventional guy. His body lasted 2-4 more years than most expected, but it appears to be breaking down now.
Morrow, Scherzer, Hochevar and Kennedy were very similar (though I don't remember Kennedy being in discussion for No. 1)
They should have just taken Evan Longoria and dealt with the rest, positions be damned.