System overview
With some of the strictest budget constraints in the industry, the Royals are almost totally dependent on the farm system for talent inflow. Unfortunately, the farm system is in pretty bad condition, although things have improved from this time last year. Several pitching-oriented drafts in the late 1990s didn't bear fruit, with injuries taking a toll on many prized arms, while others (Dan Reichert, Chris George) just never developed as expected.

The concentration on pitching in these drafts has left the system almost devoid of position players, although again there are some signs that that is getting better. The Royals are now teaching their players about strike zone judgment. Although the results have yet to show up strongly on the field, some of the more toolsy guys in the system have shown signs of improvement. They'll have to continue this emphasis for the long haul, especially if they continue their focus on high school players in the draft. Scouting in Latin America has been increased, although again it will take time for that to bear fruit.

One strength of the system is bullpen arms. The Royals have an intriguing collection of hard-throwing closer candidates, although all of them must prove they have control.

Overall, the Royals system remains one of the weaker in the game, but there are a few bright spots. Rebuilding a major league roster while having to revamp the farm system at the same time is not an easy task.

2002 amateur draft
Not deterred by the apparent failure of 2000 first-round pick Mike Stodolka, and the struggles of 2001 first-round pick Colt Griffin, the Royals picked another high school pitcher with their first-round pick in 2002. This time, they hope, they've found a keeper in Zach Greinke, a Florida prep. Unlike many high school pitchers from Florida, he wasn't abused as a youngster, since he didn't take up full-time pitching until his senior year. Unlike many new converts to the mound, Greinke seems to know what he is doing, firing a 90-93 mph fastball for strikes, while showing a very good slider, a very good curve, and a very good changeup. He held his own in the Puerto Rican Winter League against much older competition. He looks great so far.

Second-round pick Adam Donachie, another high school player from Orlando, is an outstanding defensive catcher who may, or may not, hit. Third-rounder David Jensen, out of Brigham Young, is a first baseman with solid line-drive power, though he didn't do much in short-season ball. Fourth-round pick Danny Christensen, a high school pitcher from Brooklyn, is a projectable lefty, well behind Greinke in most respects but interesting. Fifth-round pick Don Murphy, a shortstop from Orange Coast JC, hit over .300 in rookie ball.

One sleeper is 15th-round pick Micha Kaaihue, a high school first baseman from Honolulu. He had second-round power potential, but dropped in the draft because people thought he would go to college. The Royals convinced him to sign.

This looks like an average draft on first glance, though if Greinke stays healthy it could be better than that.

Top prospects
Players in the "Will Help Soon" section could see significant major league action in 2003. Players in the "Will Help Someday" section shouldn't reach the majors until '04 or later, though of course that can change. Players are listed alphabetically. No 2002 draftees are listed.

WILL HELP SOON
Angel Berroa, SS: Had a horrible season at Triple-A Omaha, bothered by frequent injuries and poor strike zone judgment, but the 2003 shortstop job is his to lose. Biggest problem is the two extra years now tacked onto his birth certificate. Should be good with the glove, with occasional sparks of hitting, but not the future star envisioned last year.

Ryan Bukvich, RHP: Throws blistering heat, will compete for the closer job but will probably end up in middle relief. Command is a problem.

Ken Harvey, 1B: Good chance to earn the DH role after he almost hit .500 in the Arizona Fall League. Hit just .277 at Omaha while learning a new stance and focusing on more patience, but has been a threat to win batting titles at every other level. Outside ROY candidate.

Jeremy Hill, RHP: Like Bukvich, he brings some serious heat to the mound, with an improving slider. Outside shot at the closer role, but probably headed to Omaha to start the season.

Mike MacDougal, RHP: Throws even harder than Bukvich and Hill, timed as high as 100 mph this winter. But his command is extremely inconsistent. In line for the closer role, watch control numbers to see if he can handle it.

WILL HELP SOMEDAY
Jimmy Gobble, LHP: Throws 90, has a very fine curveball and changeup. Groin injury limited him to 13 starts in Double-A, but he posted a 3.38 ERA. A year away, but looks like a solid all-around pitcher.

Alexis Gomez, OF: Toolsy outfielder focused on drawing more walks last year. Slowed by chicken pox after a hot start, but still hit .295 with 14 homers, 36 steals, and 45 walks in Double-A.

Kyle Snyder, RHP: First-round pick in 1999, his career was almost destroyed by elbow injuries. But he's back now, pitched effectively in limited action last year, and has his fastball back up to 93 mph.

KEY SLEEPER
Ruben Gotay, 2B: Watch this guy. Hit .285 with 73 walks, 42 doubles at Class A Burlington. Defense at second is steady, he already has patience, and should develop some more power as he moves up.

Other names to know
Mike Tonis, C; Colt Griffin, RHP; Andres Blanco, SS; Ian Ferguson, RHP; Danny Tamayo, RHP; David DeJesus, OF; Tydus Meadows, OF; Byron Gettis, OF; Wes Obermueller, RHP; Brad Voyles, RHP; Dusty Wrightsman, RHP; Alejandro Machado, SS.

John Sickels is the author of the 2002 Minor League Scouting Notebook, and is now working on the 2003 Baseball Prospect Book. His biography of Bob Feller will be published next spring. He lives in Lawrence, Kansas, with his wife, son, and two cats. You can send John questions or comments at JASickels@aol.com, or you can visit his homepage at JohnSickels.com.