Quote:
Originally Posted by Deberg_1990
Whats your current take on Moose? Do you think he will ever play up to potential and become a 30+ 100 RBI guy? Or should the Royals be looking at alternatives?
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His floor (bust chance) is lower, but the ceiling remains the same.
I don't think the window is closed on Moustakas being that guy/playing up to that potential, but I do think it's a lower percentage chance than it was at one time (especially a year ago today, when it looked like he had started maturing INTO that player).
It's more likely he is a .260/25/.300 OBP/.475 SLG guy than a .280/.330/.550 SLG guy at this point. That still plays at 3B if he's above-average defensively. And probably still is "plus."
As for alternatives... in-system, you're looking at Orlando Calixte and Cheslor Cuthbert. Both are at Northwest Arkansas. Calixte got off to an awful start (sub-.600 OPS in April) but has posted a .771 and .819 OPS in May and June, respectfully. He's a SS right now but likely a 2B or 3B in the show. Calixte likely finishes the year at NWA and starts next season at Omaha. Mid-season 2014 is probably his earliest arrival date.
Cuthbert was terrible a year ago but has really bounced back. He put up very nice numbers in Wilmington for a RH power bat (.771 OPS) and has flashed nice extra-base pop since being promoted to NWA (he's 4/26 at the plate but all 4 hits have been extra base knocks).
He's probably a half-season behind Calixte in development.
There's also Dozier, who started at Idaho Falls and probably moves to Burlington fairly soon.
None are able to contribute this year, though, and unless Calixte just goes off, probably not at the start of next season, either.
If Moose doesn't turn it around, you can either count on him to figure it out NEXT year or try to bring in someone through FA. I'd hope for the latter but am not counting on it...