Quote:
Originally Posted by KCUnited
He said the Royals compared to Gordon's condition a few years ago and confirmed it was genetic and not a precursor to something bigger like bone spurs in an elbow.
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That tracks with what Boras has been saying.
It's a risky pick - the mechanics might lead to other problems down the road, even if the hip thing is not related - but it has huge upside.
Best case: Manaea gets healthy, and his size, velocity, command and solid secondary offerings come together to make him a frontline starter.
Worse case: Mechanics remain an issue, injuries become an issue, money is wasted as he busts.
I will say... that's the type of risk a team like KC SHOULD take in the draft. Many teams saw the hip injury and the declined velocity/stuff and said "See, I knew his funky delivery would cause injuries, and look how his stuff drops when hurt." and dropped him substantially.
If the Royals are right - and the injury thing is not a long-term issue, and he regains the form that dominated the Cape League at a nearly unheard-of level - this is a risk that pays off, big-time.