He's Coming... Eric Hosmer Edition

I have a tendency to get a little overexcited when it comes to prospect call-ups but Eric Hosmer is kind of a big deal. Hosmer ranked fifth on Keith Law's Top 100 list coming into the 2011 season. Law's top two (Mike Trout, Bryce Harper) won't play in the majors this season, number three Domonic Brown was a little exposed during his time in Philadelphia last season and is currently hurt and number four Jesus Montero's bat is ready but there is no spot for him in the Yankees lineup. So Hosmer is basically the top prospect we can expect to make his major league debut this year and have a chance to contribute.

The timing is a little curious unless the Royals have decided the Indians aren't for real (which very well might be) and think they can make a run for the AL Central this season. Otherwise, the Royals could have left Hosmer raking in AAA for another month to prevent him from becoming a Super Two. Which he is almost guaranteed to be unless he doesn't hit for some reason and doesn't stick on the MLB roster. For the Royals, this means Hosmer would be eligible for a fourth year of arbitration which would/could cost the Royals upwards of $10M before he hits free agency.

But the move was made and it's not hard to see why the Royals swapped out Kila Ka'aihue for Hosmer. In 118 plate appearances at AAA, Hosmer is hitting .439/.525/.582 with three home runs. He's not exactly crushing the ball though. The kid is hitting a ton of singles. He has only eight extra base hits and a .143 ISO. His BABIP is also .500 so that .439 BA might not be an accurate representation. Everyone still expects Hosmer to hit and hit right away and who am I to argue with everyone?

There are exciting time ahead in Kansas City. With the Royals only 4.5 games out of first, who's to say that 2011 isn't as good a year as any to be hopeful? The division isn't very good and they have more help on the way. Which is good because I do think it's just a matter of time before Jeff Francoeur turns back into a pumpkin.

He's Coming... Dayan Viciedo Edition

I really need to decide on some criteria around here. But until I do you'll just be subject to the whims of which upcoming prospect I'd like to feature. Unfortunately, for some reason, I missed previewing Indians' catcher Carlos Santana and all he's done is hit .333/.467/.625 in his first 30 plate appearances. He was also Baseball America's number 10 prospect coming into this year. For that, I apologize. So, I'm going to make it up by previewing a guy who actually fell out of Baseball America's Top 100 prospect list in 2010. See, no criteria whatsoever*.

The 21-year-old Dayan Viciedo is scheduled to play third base for the White Sox today. Although it's doubtful he'll remain at third with his 5'11, 240 pound frame. That makes him 5-years younger and just 30 pounds lighter than Prince Fielder. I don't like Dayan's chances especially with McDonald's new Big Mac topped with a 9 piece McNugget (I plan on getting credit for the McFatty™). In 2008, the Cuban defected on a boat to Mexico and then crossed over to, wait for it, Miami. He signed a four-year, $10 million deal with the White Sox. He was BA's #61 prospect in 2009 but after an unimpressive rookie season at AA, he fell out of BA's Top 100 this year. In Triple A this year, he has 14 home runs and is hitting .290/.329/.525. He will join fellow countryman, short stop Alexei Ramirez in the Cubanest infield in the bigs. Look, I made it that whole post without making a rafting or pork sandwich joke! *blows vuvuzela*

*I think the eventual criteria for this feature will be prospects inside Baseball America's Top 50 for the season or if I'm bored or if it's someone I'm particularly excited about. Hmm, still sounds like there's no criteria.

UPDATE: Viciedo is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's White Sox game.

He's Coming...

Did I mention I love prospects? I do. They're exciting. They're the new hot girl in school. Everybody is talking about her. Everybody wants one just like her. But for every Stephen Strasburg there's a Laura Newberry. Amirite? At least two people will enjoy that. Anyhoo, I covered Strasburg (in great detail later) and Mike Stanton. So who's next?

Word has it, Pirates' top prospect, Pedro Alvarez, might be called up as soon as tomorrow. The third base slugger was the second overall pick in 2008 and hit 40 home runs and .286/.374/.537 over his two minor league seasons. He has 196 strikeouts against 102 walks so, you know, that's not great. For him. For me, it means I might get to hand out a Golden Sombrero or two.

The big loser in all of this is Andy LaRoche. LaRoche has been playing third for the Pirates since being acquired from the Dodgers in the Manny Ramirez trade. LaRoche was once a highly touted prospect ala Brandon Wood. *sigh* Andy looks to be headed to a super utility role until he eventually lands on another team. I hate when prospects flame out. I'm looking at you, Laura.

He's Coming...

Now that Super Two season has just about wrapped up, it looks like we'll be seeing the influx of the surefire, can't miss Hall of Fame prospects. Stephen Strasburg is set to make his debut on Tuesday. I believe his game will interrupt every television broadcast like a Presidential State of the Union.

The 6'5, 230 pound home run machine, Mike Stanton, will probably make his MLB debut on Tuesday as well. The Marlins' top prospect has 21 home runs and is hitting .311/.441/.726 in AA this year. It's rumored that he has the Eye of Thundera embedded in his bat to help him hit those moon shots.[citation needed] What are you waiting for fantasy nerds? Go pick him up. And baseball nerds, buckle in. We have a busy week ahead of us.

He's Coming...

MLB.com put the world on alert today when they announced Jesus Christ himself Stephen Strasburg will make his return to Earth debut on June 8th against the Pirates Pirates. Word on the street is that the Marlins are already selling tickets to his perfect game regardless of where it happens.

Stephen Strasburg was the number one pick in last year's amateur draft. He's already on track to lead the Nationals out of ruin and to many championships. He's a first ballot Hall Of Famer and slayed Hitler in Vietnam.

Godspeed young Jedi.