Ryan Westmoreland Update

"The Providence Journal reports that Red Sox OF prospect Ryan Westmoreland could begin facing live pitching soon. “They know I’m ready, and I know I’m ready,” he said. “I’m physically and mentally ready — whether I hit the ball or not — to get in the batter’s box again. To see a pitcher throw a ball at me from 60 feet away is going to be pretty special.” As soon as the Red Sox staff gives him the go-ahead, based on his health and the way he’s handling batting practice, he’ll hit real pitches from a real pitcher for the first time since his surgery (CBS Sports)."

It will be shocking if Westmoreland every plays in a minor league game, let alone an MLB game, but these steps are impressive. He has basically had to learn how to walk, talk, and so on since the surgery. Now he is swinging a bat well enough that he will be able to go against live pitching. I really hope somehow this kid does pull off a miracle and makes it all the way back. What an incredible story it would be. You do have to remember he was the Sox #1 prospect not too long again, and although it is unlikely he will ever make it, it's great to hear these kinds of updates.

Fallout From Vernon Wells Going Down

"The Los Angeles Angels are stretched for outfielders after placing Vernon Wells on the 15-day disabled list with a strained groin suffered in Monday's loss to the White Sox (ESPN)."

This is kind of a big deal for the Angels, as Abreu doesn't really play the field that much anymore and is 37 years old. So, the Angels are going to need to bring in someone else. That person could be 19-year old Mike Trout, who was ranked as the top prospect coming into the 2011 season. It seems like the perfect idea, until Mike Scioscia shot the idea down. For now the Angels are going to go with a combo of Abreu, Amarista, and Trumbo. I am thinking this is because the last time they rushed one of their prospects up (Brandon Wood) it didn't go so well, as he is now on the Pirates. Kind of sucks, as it would've been real interesting to see Trout up in the big leagues.

Royals Future Beginning To Take Over

If you are a crazy person like the people who are in our 10 person AL only keeper league with a 4 round minor draft every year, then you know the Royals had the most hyped minors system in the entire MLB.

Well this minor system is beginning to show it's faced as they have called up their most prized hitter Eric Hosmer. Yes, he is on my team, but that is not what this post it's about. It's about keeping your eyes on the Royals over the next 2 years. Hosmer's call up is really the first big sign that the Royals are about to turnover their roster to their young guys.

So far this season the Royals have been a pleasant surprise. They are currently 17-14, which is good enough for 2nd place in the AL Central (4.5 games behind the Indians). The move to bring Hosmer up though has very little to do with jumping in a playoff race. Actually their plan was to get Hosmer at least 200 at bats at AAA before calling him up, but Hosmer forced the issue hitting a .439 average in 26 games this season, and with Kila Ka'aihue showing that he is nothing but a minor leaguer the Royals decided it was time to look to the future.

People have called Hosmer the AL's Joey Votto, which is pretty damn high praise. Yet, Hosmer is not alone, and here are some players that you are going to be hearing a lot about over the next 2-3 years.

1. Mike Moustakas, 3B - Was unreal in the minors last year, has cooled off this year, but should be the Royals third baseman for years to come. Hit .322 with 36 HRs and 124 RBI between AA and AAA last year.

2. Wil Myers, OF/C - Another fantastic hitter, but it looks like he is going to be an OF instead of a catcher. Still, this is a special guy at the plate.

3. Mike Montgomery, LHP - Big left hander who isn't far away since he is already in AAA, but probably needs another year to build up some arm strength since he isn't ready to pitch a full season in the MLB.

4. John Lamb, LHP - Current in AA, and is another big left hander. Also, this is another player listed in the top #20 prospects in all of baseball (according to Baseball America), and so is everyone I mentioned so far (including Hosmer).

5. Danny Duffy, LHP - Seeing a trend yet? Yet another left hander who is currently in AAA and is kicking ass 2.08 ERA in 5 starts (2-0) with 33 Ks in just 26 innings.

6. Jake Odorizzi, RHP - Came over in the Grienke trade, and although he is only in single A most people think he will quickly move up the ranks.

7. Chris Dwyer, LHP - Hey what do you know another good left hander who is currently in AA.

What do all these players have in common? They are all in the top 100 prospects as ranked by Baseball America and they all play for the Royal. This isn't including the guys we are already seeing (Billy Butler, Tim Collins, Aaron Crow, Joakim Soria, ect). Basically what I am trying to explain to you is that this will be the next "Tampa Bay Rays" with a seemingly unending amount of good young talent.