KC Royals: Week One Minor League Update
By Scott Dillon
Omaha Storm Chasers: 2-2
The Storm Chasers split the first series of the year against the New Orleans Zephyrs dropping the first and last games while winning the middle two.
Things got off to a very rough start when fourth ranked prospect Miguel Almonte failed to get out of the first inning. He did manage one strikeout but gave up a grand slam in the first inning to Destin Hood. He walked four batters.
Jonathan Dziedzic was dominant in his start yesterday. He threw five innings without allowing an earned run which is surprising given the two-run home run he allowed. The home run came after the inning-ending play was botched to allow a runner. He allowed just two hits and a walk while striking out eight.
Brooks Pounders, owner of an awesome name and the Royals 29th ranked prospect, was perfect in two innings of work during the series. He struck out three and allowed no base runners.
On the offensive front, Whit Merrifield did everything he could to prove to Dayton Moore and Ned Yost that they had made a mistake. He went 5-14 at the plate with two doubles and two stolen bases.
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Brett Eibner also had five hits including a double and scored five runs on the series. He also struck out five times which isn’t a great start.
Cody Decker homered twice in the same game and is 3-8 on the season. While all of his hits are for extra bases, he also struck out in his other five appearances.
Cheslor Cuthbert was by far the offensive player of the week for the Storm Chasers and probably the offensive player of the week at all Minor League levels.
He finished the series 8-16 with a home run, a double, and he drove in eight runs. The Royals’ 12th overall prospect has raked so far at Triple-A and his bat may have finally come around. He’s only 23 years old so he has plenty of time to contribute to the Royals.
Next: Royals Ten Best Seasons EVER!
It’s been an exciting week of baseball so far in both the Major and Minor leagues. 2016 should be a great year all around. As the Royals look to disprove PECOTA, the Minor League affiliates will look to disprove the poor rankings they received also.
So what do you think KC Royals’ fans? Which prospects are you looking forward to someday? Which Minor League affiliate will you be following the closest this season? Let me know your thoughts in the comments sections below.