Here's my premise - by definition almost anyone would be a quantum leap over 2006's Reggie Abercrombie experiment and bambi, better known as Eric Reed whose major league career may have ended faster than Scott Pose's.

 

I've been compiling my own list of centerfield candidates and as most already know, it's headed by Angels' prospect Reggie Willits. Recently I added Joey Gathright and Shane Costa from Kansas City even though Costa is more of a corner outfielder he's played enough center to be considered a legitimate candidate and Gathright rekindled his career after the gods shone down on him and got him the hell out of Tampa for a new start in KC. Looking at his August and September numbers the now affordable Gathright has to be considered.

 

Now I'd like to add another KC player who might be the best fit yet, Mitch Maier. Ranked seventh among KC prospects with numbers 3, 4 and five all outfielders ahead of him, Maier put up great numbers at AA Wichita (.306/.357) before heading off to the Arizona Fall league and batting .350/.371.

 

He's 24, supposedly an excellent defensive player who had 14 homeruns and 92 rbis this season. For the right prospect and minimum wage - and a little patience - Maier could very well be the guy the Marlins are looking for. He does strike out a bit on the high side 96 in approx 550 ABs so he's a work in progress, but one to consider for 2007.

 

Here's a review -Mitch Maier, OF Age: 24 B-T: L-R HT: 6-2 WT: 210

 

 

Maier came into the 2006 season looking to shed the "tweener" label that had been attached to him for the previous couple of seasons, and he may have done just that. He returned to Wichita and put up solid numbers, finishing the year with a line of .306/.357/.473 and 14 home runs in 543 at bats. Maier struggled with the adjustment to Double-A in 2005 after two excellent months in High Desert, but he improved so much this season that the Royals placed him on the 40-man roster and gave him a September cup of coffee in Kansas City. He followed that up with an outstanding showing in the Arizona Fall League, where he led the Grand Canyon Rafters with a .350 BA.

 

Originally drafted as a catcher, it's amazing how well the athletic Maier has taken to the outfield. He gets excellent reads, and he's now widely regarded as the Royals' best defensive outfielder in the system. His arm is good enough to play at either corner, and it's even better in center. At the plate, Maier has steadily improved each year, and both his power and plate discipline both improved in 2006. He's got a smooth swing, and he worked hard this season on keeping his weight back and not getting out in front of offspeed pitches.

 

Maier will enter spring training with an outside chance at winning a spot in the KC outfield, but it seems nearly certain that he'll begin the season playing center in Omaha. With the Royals' crowded outfield mix, Maier could also attract some interest from other clubs. Either way, if he continues to improve at his current pace, Maier could one day become a quality everyday Major League outfielder.

 

http://royals.scout.com/2/592932.html

So with all these KC guys as potential targets, what exactly is KC looking for in trades?

Pitching. But they're probably not looking for starting pitching like most other teams (though you can never have enough, they do have some good prospects who are starters), they're probably looking for bullpen help more than anything, something which we can't really provide.

I am sure we can work something out.

Maier put up great numbers at AA Wichita (.306/.357) before heading off to the Arizona Fall league and batting .350/.371.

 

He returned to Wichita and put up solid numbers, finishing the year with a line of .306/.357/.473

For the love of god man. If you're going to do a .350/.450 type line, you ignore the AVERAGE, not the SLUGGING percentage. I almost had a heart attack that you're recommending someone with a .663 OPS in AA.

Maier has some work to do just to make it as a 4th OFer in this league.

I'd be willing to aquire anyone.

This guy sounds good. I wouldn't mind going after someone like maier, because he won't cost much. But what if he didn't play well enough up here and needed another year or so down in the minors? so, if we got him, I think we should get a rental veteran, dave roberts for ex.

 

If the kid earns the spot, then roberts (or other veteran) could service as a pinch-runner, bench-warmer, or forth-outfielder.

 

but as TheNewZo(you know the rest) said, I'll take anyone. anyone, even loria, would be a better option than abercrombie/reed.

Royals fans are expecting big things from him this year. I'd be surprised if the Royals traded him. He had a damn good year last year with Omaha and Witchita.

no thanks on this guy

Maier put up great numbers at AA Wichita (.306/.357) before heading off to the Arizona Fall league and batting .350/.371.

 

He returned to Wichita and put up solid numbers, finishing the year with a line of .306/.357/.473

For the love of god man. If you're going to do a .350/.450 type line, you ignore the AVERAGE, not the SLUGGING percentage. I almost had a heart attack that you're recommending someone with a .663 OPS in AA.

 

Lou, first of all happy Thanksgiving.

 

What I'm trying to do is look for guys who get on base with enough frequency to equate with Hanley Ramirez' (.353 OBP) rookie season, so that Fredi Gonzalez is then in a position to move Hanley down in the lineup as he's suggested. *I hope you understand that.*

 

And I'm trying to find entry level players who have yet to competely mature as ballplayers but emotionally and tools-wise are ready to play at the major league level. I'm looking for guys who are works in progress, the Dan Ugglas (generically), the Josh Willinghams. Guys who might take a season to really blossom but in the interim will be an asset to the team.

 

Why? Because I think the likihood is he'll be an entry level player working for the league minimum and cheap for a number of years and equally as important will not cost us a starting rotation guy, rather an equivalent prospect or a second tier guy like a Mitre. So yes, I'm limiting my searches according to my own criteria. I've said before, I don't want to trade even Ricky Nolasco. He gets another decent year under his belt and his value *literally* doubles.

 

I thought by now that was a given.

 

I'm looking for a Jeff Conine, not a Miguel Cabrera. A David Eckstein, not a Derek Jeter. A complement to the team, not a new superstar. If you want to accuse me setting my sights too low as is your right, go ahead, but as I said above, my contention is if we found a new centerfielder who could play everyday and put up Hanley-like BA and OBP (not looking at Hrs, rbis etc.) in his rookie year, for $350k, I'd say job well done.

 

Maier has some work to do just to make it as a 4th OFer in this league.

 

Absolutely. The question is, does he have the tools and desire to make it in the big leagues over time? By August 2007 can he be your everyday centerfielder for the next five years?

 

I think so. Your opinion is as valid as mine. But his performance this season indicates (at least to me) that he has the tools, tools that need polishing to be sure, and the favorable reports coming out of the Arizona Fall League say he wants it.

 

I'm trying to point out guys who should be considered. I can't tell the future, but looking at our in-house options right now and my desire to not trade any of the young arms, he works for me.

 

http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/NASApp/ml...jsp&c_id=kc

 

*edit*

Maier put up great numbers at AA Wichita (.306/.357) before heading off to the Arizona Fall league and batting .350/.371.

 

He returned to Wichita and put up solid numbers, finishing the year with a line of .306/.357/.473

For the love of god man. If you're going to do a .350/.450 type line, you ignore the AVERAGE, not the SLUGGING percentage. I almost had a heart attack that you're recommending someone with a .663 OPS in AA.

 

Lou, first of all happy Thanksgiving.

 

What I'm trying to do is look for guys who get on base with enough frequency to equate with Hanley Ramirez' (.353 OBP) rookie season, so that Fredi Gonzalez is then in a position to move Hanley down in the lineup as he's suggested. My contention is, looking for a guy who gets on base as often as Ramirez did in 2006 ans let the guys behind him drive him in.

 

And I'm trying to find entry level players who have yet to competely mature as ballplayers but emotionally and tools-wise are ready to play at the major league level. I'm looking for guys who are works in progress, the Dan Ugglas (generically), the Josh Willinghams. Guys who might take a season to really blossom but in the interim will be an asset to the team.

 

Why, because I think the likihood is he'll be an entry level player working for the league minimum and cheap for a number of years and equally as important will not cost us a starting rotation guy, rather an equivalent prospect or a second tier guy like a Mitre. So yes, I'm limiting my searches according to my own criteria. I've said before, I don't want to trade even Ricky Nolasco. He gets another decent year under his belt and his value lieterally doubles.

 

I thought by now that was a given.

 

I'm looking for a Jeff Conine, not a Miguel Cabrera. A David Eckstein, not a Derek Jeter. A complement to the team, not a new superstar. If you want to accuse me setting my sights too low as is your right, go ahead, but as I said above, my contention is if we found a new centerfielder who could play everyday and put up Hanley-like BA and OBP (not looking at Hrs, rbis etc.) in his rookie year, for $350k, I'd say job well done.

 

Maier has some work to do just to make it as a 4th OFer in this league.

 

Absolutely. The question is, does he have the tools and desire to make it in the big leagues over time? By August 2007 can he be your everyday centerfielder for the next five years?

 

I think so. Your opinion is as valid as mine. But his performance this season indicates (at least to me) that he has the tools, tools that need polishing to be sure, and the favorable reports coming out of the Arizona Fall League say he wants it.

 

I'm trying to point out guys who should be considered. I can't tell the future, but looking at our in-house options right now and my desire to not trade any of the young arms, he works for me.

 

 

Not only that, but role players can make a BIG difference. The whole idea is to not have a HOLE, we aren't trying to get the best, we are trying to get who we are better off with.

Maier put up great numbers at AA Wichita (.306/.357) before heading off to the Arizona Fall league and batting .350/.371.

 

He returned to Wichita and put up solid numbers, finishing the year with a line of .306/.357/.473

For the love of god man. If you're going to do a .350/.450 type line, you ignore the AVERAGE, not the SLUGGING percentage. I almost had a heart attack that you're recommending someone with a .663 OPS in AA.

 

Lou, first of all happy Thanksgiving.

 

What I'm trying to do is look for guys who get on base with enough frequency to equate with Hanley Ramirez' (.353 OBP) rookie season, so that Fredi Gonzalez is then in a position to move Hanley down in the lineup as he's suggested. *I hope you understand that.*

 

And I'm trying to find entry level players who have yet to competely mature as ballplayers but emotionally and tools-wise are ready to play at the major league level. I'm looking for guys who are works in progress, the Dan Ugglas (generically), the Josh Willinghams. Guys who might take a season to really blossom but in the interim will be an asset to the team.

 

Why? Because I think the likihood is he'll be an entry level player working for the league minimum and cheap for a number of years and equally as important will not cost us a starting rotation guy, rather an equivalent prospect or a second tier guy like a Mitre. So yes, I'm limiting my searches according to my own criteria. I've said before, I don't want to trade even Ricky Nolasco. He gets another decent year under his belt and his value *literally* doubles.

 

I thought by now that was a given.

 

I'm looking for a Jeff Conine, not a Miguel Cabrera. A David Eckstein, not a Derek Jeter. A complement to the team, not a new superstar. If you want to accuse me setting my sights too low as is your right, go ahead, but as I said above, my contention is if we found a new centerfielder who could play everyday and put up Hanley-like BA and OBP (not looking at Hrs, rbis etc.) in his rookie year, for $350k, I'd say job well done.

 

Maier has some work to do just to make it as a 4th OFer in this league.

 

Absolutely. The question is, does he have the tools and desire to make it in the big leagues over time? By August 2007 can he be your everyday centerfielder for the next five years?

 

I think so. Your opinion is as valid as mine. But his performance this season indicates (at least to me) that he has the tools, tools that need polishing to be sure, and the favorable reports coming out of the Arizona Fall League say he wants it.

 

I'm trying to point out guys who should be considered. I can't tell the future, but looking at our in-house options right now and my desire to not trade any of the young arms, he works for me.

 

http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/NASApp/ml...jsp&c_id=kc

 

*edit*

maybe. there's a much, much larger chance he fails to even carve out 4th OFer career if you look at the history of such players.

Maybe, maybe not. Heard of a guy named Jeff Conine? What round was he again, what was his hype, ok then.

I don't mind looking for second tier guys, and that's probably what we're likely to get if any. My only thing is, I'm not sure how many of these second tier guys are really capable of playing much better than Cody Ross could. Can he handle center regularly?

maybe. there's a much, much larger chance he fails to even carve out 4th OFer career if you look at the history of such players.

 

 

I'm trying to figure out what you keep referring to when you things like "such players". And I'm not trying to be disagreeable but the kid is a first round draft pick (2003), by every account this has been a breakout year for him, he's coming off a successful AFL experience and he's actually considered a higher valued prospect now than at the beginning of the season.

 

Again, not saying you're wrong and I'm right or that the kid is can't miss, but I am truly confused what you mean?

I didn't think Maier was much of a CF... Guess you learn something new everyday

I don't mind looking for second tier guys, and that's probably what we're likely to get if any. My only thing is, I'm not sure how many of these second tier guys are really capable of playing much better than Cody Ross could. Can he handle center regularly?

 

Centerfield IS his position.

 

Here's what the report posted above said about his defense:

 

"...he's now widely regarded as the Royals' best defensive outfielder in the system. His arm is good enough to play at either corner, and it's even better in center."

 

He's listed as anywhere from the number five to eight prospect in the entire orgainzation, not among position players, all players.

 

By "second tier" do you mean he's not an established major league player?

Maier put up great numbers at AA Wichita (.306/.357) before heading off to the Arizona Fall league and batting .350/.371.

 

He returned to Wichita and put up solid numbers, finishing the year with a line of .306/.357/.473

For the love of god man. If you're going to do a .350/.450 type line, you ignore the AVERAGE, not the SLUGGING percentage. I almost had a heart attack that you're recommending someone with a .663 OPS in AA.

Lou, first of all happy Thanksgiving.

 

What I'm trying to do is look for guys who get on base with enough frequency to equate with Hanley Ramirez' (.353 OBP) rookie season, so that Fredi Gonzalez is then in a position to move Hanley down in the lineup as he's suggested. *I hope you understand that.*

 

And I'm trying to find entry level players who have yet to competely mature as ballplayers but emotionally and tools-wise are ready to play at the major league level. I'm looking for guys who are works in progress, the Dan Ugglas (generically), the Josh Willinghams. Guys who might take a season to really blossom but in the interim will be an asset to the team.

 

Why? Because I think the likihood is he'll be an entry level player working for the league minimum and cheap for a number of years and equally as important will not cost us a starting rotation guy, rather an equivalent prospect or a second tier guy like a Mitre. So yes, I'm limiting my searches according to my own criteria. I've said before, I don't want to trade even Ricky Nolasco. He gets another decent year under his belt and his value *literally* doubles.

 

I thought by now that was a given.

 

I'm looking for a Jeff Conine, not a Miguel Cabrera. A David Eckstein, not a Derek Jeter. A complement to the team, not a new superstar. If you want to accuse me setting my sights too low as is your right, go ahead, but as I said above, my contention is if we found a new centerfielder who could play everyday and put up Hanley-like BA and OBP (not looking at Hrs, rbis etc.) in his rookie year, for $350k, I'd say job well done.

uh, I don't know why my comment got this response. I understand completely what you want to do and I actually agree with you. But for a bench OF to maybe grow into a future starter, not for our starting CF. I want a Endy Chavez bench OF more then anything.

 

The comment was about incorrectly citing statistics. A lot of guys ignore the average and go OBP/SLUG as the base OPS stats when discussing performance. Absolutely nobody goes AVG/OBP and that will lead to a lot of confusion. Just pointing it out.

Maier put up great numbers at AA Wichita (.306/.357) before heading off to the Arizona Fall league and batting .350/.371.

 

He returned to Wichita and put up solid numbers, finishing the year with a line of .306/.357/.473

For the love of god man. If you're going to do a .350/.450 type line, you ignore the AVERAGE, not the SLUGGING percentage. I almost had a heart attack that you're recommending someone with a .663 OPS in AA.

Lou, first of all happy Thanksgiving.

 

What I'm trying to do is look for guys who get on base with enough frequency to equate with Hanley Ramirez' (.353 OBP) rookie season, so that Fredi Gonzalez is then in a position to move Hanley down in the lineup as he's suggested. *I hope you understand that.*

 

And I'm trying to find entry level players who have yet to competely mature as ballplayers but emotionally and tools-wise are ready to play at the major league level. I'm looking for guys who are works in progress, the Dan Ugglas (generically), the Josh Willinghams. Guys who might take a season to really blossom but in the interim will be an asset to the team.

 

Why? Because I think the likihood is he'll be an entry level player working for the league minimum and cheap for a number of years and equally as important will not cost us a starting rotation guy, rather an equivalent prospect or a second tier guy like a Mitre. So yes, I'm limiting my searches according to my own criteria. I've said before, I don't want to trade even Ricky Nolasco. He gets another decent year under his belt and his value *literally* doubles.

 

I thought by now that was a given.

 

I'm looking for a Jeff Conine, not a Miguel Cabrera. A David Eckstein, not a Derek Jeter. A complement to the team, not a new superstar. If you want to accuse me setting my sights too low as is your right, go ahead, but as I said above, my contention is if we found a new centerfielder who could play everyday and put up Hanley-like BA and OBP (not looking at Hrs, rbis etc.) in his rookie year, for $350k, I'd say job well done.

uh, I don't know why my comment got this response. I understand completely what you want to do and I actually agree with you. But for a bench OF to maybe grow into a future starter, not for our starting CF. I want a Endy Chavez bench OF more then anything.

 

The comment was about incorrectly citing statistics. A lot of guys ignore the average and go OBP/SLUG as the base OPS stats when discussing performance. Absolutely nobody goes AVG/OBP and that will lead to a lot of confusion. Just pointing it out.

 

No problemo...I was explaining my thinking, not criticizing your post.

 

And the numbers I'm looking at say an OPS of .830 at Wichita in '06, so someone is wrong but again maybe I'm missing you're point. Is it that you want me to ignore BA and post stats the way you want them posted?

 

( http://thebaseballcube.com/players/M/Mitch-Maier.shtml )

 

But then again I don't get the "bench OF" comment, it must be me because I didn't get Sham's "4th OF" or Spud's "second tier" either. The kid has so far been exclusively a minor leaguer climbing through an organization after graduating college (taste in Sept), this isn't Joe Borchard. He was just drafted in '03.

 

What's that thing you get from eating too much turkey, tryptophanic shock? I fall on the mercy of the court, the turkey made me do it.

no thanks on this guy

Congratulations, you're nuts! :thumbup

no thanks on this guy

Congratulations, you're nuts! :thumbup

 

 

Thanks besides the above post have you ever watched or read anything of this guy before?

 

:banghead

no thanks on this guy

Congratulations, you're nuts! :thumbup

 

Thanks besides the above post have you ever watched or read anything of this guy before?

 

:banghead

I follow the Royals religiosly. I know all about him.

No problemo...I was explaining my thinking, not criticizing your post.

 

And the numbers I'm looking at say an OPS of .830 at Wichita in '06, so someone is wrong but again maybe I'm missing you're point. Is it that you want me to ignore BA and post stats the way you want them posted?

 

But then again I don't get the "bench OF" comment, it must be me because I didn't get Sham's "4th OF" or Spud's "second tier" either. The kid has so far been exclusively a minor leaguer climbing through an organization after graduating college (taste in Sept), this isn't Joe Borchard. He was just drafted in '03.

Well, I don't know if saying "post them the want I want them," would be correct, but the way to cite it if you are going to leave out one of the 3 base numbers would be to do OBP/SLUG, and not, AVG/OBP. The later is just going to lead to confusion because slugging percentage simply has to be stated, even at a glance, if you are discussing a player, while average can often times be overlooked (see Adam Dunn or Willy Taveras, etc). You posting .300/.350 to me says a .650 OPS player. .350/.475 is a whole new monster. Not a big deal. Just doing my favorite thing. Nitpicking.

 

The main point though, it seems to me you just want to acquire CF talent and see what happens. This kid Maier, or Willits - There is no question that they would immediately become one of the top 3-4 OF in the organization, maybe even the 2nd best if Hammer moves to 1B and Jacobs is moved in a trade, but does this mean they can actually play and are worthy of targeting as THE guy to play? I have no problem acquiring a minor leaguer with a strong resume in the Rule V, or in a minor trade like the ones we just made for bullpen help, but I'm going to answer NO on do I want these guys starting or having a prominent role on the team. Let's not be fooled by the rook's in 2006, that never happens. Dan Uggla will not happen again (especially with the new Rule V draft rules). Likewise, looking at Willits, or Maier's, statistical resume... yea, the numbers suggest they will be able to play and be competent low-mid 700 OPS guys, which is completely fine for CF if they play plus defense, but these aren't guys you entrust CF to, especially to a team that has playoff contention hopes. We need to upgrade CF, not patchwork it with "organizational" types.

 

The absolute best case scenario in my mind is to get Rocco with a Nolasco/Jacobs base package, or hell trade that same package for Melky Cabrera and Chris Britton (I'm pulling that out of nowhere, just commenting there are options) or WHATEVER to bring in a CF + anything package, and then upgrade your last bench spot with one of these "piranhas" (to steal the term from Minnesota) to hang out on the bench for 1-2 years and see if you have something that develops into a starting caliber player. Willits would be great for this. So would Maier because he does have offensive potential for CF, or you could go a little higher and look at the Repko and J. Reed's, and yes I agree with you Gathright could be a great bench OF for us at this point.

 

I know I speak for myself and the other Shamrock/Ramp/etc out on this board, that we don't want any of these guys you are getting excited about penciled in as starting, or having a serious shot at 500 AB. Competing for the bench slots, sure, and it'll be to our benefit if that happens. But none of these guys are the definitive YES answer to center field, which Rocco Baldelli, etc., are. If these guys were sure things, they wouldn't be in the second tier of their respective organizations.

 

I'd like to see some sort of Rocco, Hermida, Cody, Borchard, Willits/Repko/Reed/Gathright/Maier/Whoever that can produce some OBP, speed, and defense at a minimum from the last spot (it's a shame Eric Reed can't produce OBP, cause he would fit the last two perfectly), and just platoon the later three in LF and I bet they'd make a really good Craig Monroe impression statistically batting 7th by the end of the year.

It is a number situation with KC...either Maier or Costa will be gone before ST. I believe they are a little bit more committed to Costa right now. Not a bad name to discuss, although I want Trevor Crowe or Terry Evans. They would cost us more...Maier would cost us maybe Petit or someone like that, not much more