Comments on: Assessing Potential Jays Trade Targets: KC 1B Kila Ka’aihue and Clint Robinson

By: Marsupial Jones

Marsupial Jones — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 21:46:02 +0000

Thats kinda the point. If they were truly worried about the catcher position (worried to the point that they would trade away top tier prospect to bring in a catcher) they probably wouldnt have moved Myers to the OF. They moved him because he has a faster route to the majors as an OF and less risk of injury. Not because he was a bad catcher.

Also they have Salvador Perez in the system. Who is a decent enough catching prospect on his own.

By: aaforpm

aaforpm — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 20:23:28 +0000

He is now an outfielder (no longer doing ANY catching), and Baseball America rated him based on that information

SEE: http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/rankings/top-100-prospects/2011/2611329.html

By: Marsupial Jones

Marsupial Jones — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 19:19:32 +0000

The Royals have Will Myers in their system. Baseball America just ranked him as the 10th best prospect for 2011. I dont think they are too concerned about bringing in a catcher.

By: Phil from KC

Phil from KC — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 16:59:12 +0000

KC is looking for Kila to have break out year. Playing behind Billy Butler (KC’s best hitter since George Brett) has stunted his opportunities to play 1B in KC. He’s not a Golden Glove as I’ve seen his reaction time too slow on one occasion.
Robinson is definitely in Omaha (AAA) this year. If Kila hits, he will be bait. If Kila falters and Robinson can field as good as he has hit then he may get a ticket to KC in late summer.
If KC trades, it has to be an outstanding catcher and a starting pitcher.

By: aaforpm

aaforpm — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 22:31:08 +0000

Mat,

I enjoy your detailed reviews/write-ups, have you thought about evaluating other (non-trade) potential targets such as:

1. Yu Darvish (to create a starting pitching surplus by bringing in a YOUNG international star)

2. Elijah Dukes (to see if he’s matured enough to take care of his immense potential…I still see Sheffield when I watch videos of him hitting)

Also, in terms of high ceiling minor league players, I would really be curious to hear your thoughts on:

1. Jean Segura (toolsy second baseman in Angels org)

2. Miguel Sano (an oober prospect we could maybe get from the Twins before he becomes untouchable by dealing away solid starting pitching surplus [SEE ABOVE])

By: Batman

Batman — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 14:07:37 +0000

I agree with Mlegacy … Kila has already has spent 2 years and parts of a third at AAA. Not a good sign.

By: Mat Germain

Mat Germain — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 13:04:22 +0000

Agree Mylegacy, but it’s also the reason I believe the price may make the trade worthwhile.

By: Mylegacy

Mylegacy — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 06:01:45 +0000

Mat – I’m enjoying this series. Well done.

However, two 26 year olds – I suspect they don’t have the bat speed to handle big league pitching – or they’d have had a legit shot by KC.

By: Eric

Eric — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 02:16:23 +0000

I heard Kila is getting a long look this year, so he probably won’t be made available unless he totally bombs.