Mike Moustakas

2013

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2012

Moose spent the first two months of the season at Triple-A Omaha waiting patiently, before being called up and spending the rest of the season as the Royals' everyday third baseman. He struggled to adjust at the plate, until September came, when he hit .352/.380/.580 with four home runs and 12 RBI. He possesses an ability to hit for average with plus-power that should develop as he continues to grow as a player. At 23, Moustakas has the potential to help many fantasy owners, just don't count on him reaching the elite of position in his sophomore season as he's still honing his craft as a hitter.

2011

Moustakas' star dimmed a bit after he struggled at High-A in 2009, but he responded with a great half season at Double-A last year and held his own once he advanced to Triple-A. He'll eventually be a candidate for Super Two status if the Royals push him aggressively up to the majors, so look for him to stay stashed away for at least the early months of the 2011 campaign. It would also behoove Kansas City to be sure that 2009 was just an off year and not more indicative of a deeper problem in Moustakas' development, but he'll get a long look at third base during spring training.

2010

"Moose" is a former first-round draft pick (No. 2 overall) with good hitting mechanics. He regressed at the plate last season, striking out 90 times in 492 at-bats. A left-handed hitter who was switched to third base from short, Moustakas must show power and agility to be considered a future third baseman in the Royals' system. He has a wide body with the potential to gain weight and lose fitness if he allows himself to indulge, and he looked out of shape and lethargic in the Arizona Fall League. Moustakas flashes home-run power, but pulls too many pitches and has to learn to use the entire field. He can't afford another marginal season. Even though the Royals have an investment in him, he must show improvement at the plate to be considered for a callup by 2011.

2009

The Royals’ top pick from 2007 struggled out of the gates during his first full professional season, but seemed to figure it out after the All-Star break, hitting .321/.392/.557 with 13 home runs and a 39:26 K:BB ratio over his last 237 at-bats at Low-A Burlington. The only disappointment here is that he did not progress through the system at all, but he could find himself at Double-A Northwest Arkansas at some point in 2009.

2008

The Royals drafted Moustakas out of high school with the second-overall pick, and he responded by holding out until the very last day that prospects could sign. Had agent Scott Boras had his way, Moustakas may be in the 2008 draft, but he signed and played 11 games for the team's rookie ball affiliate. Although the sample size was small, he showed a great bat at Idaho Falls, and could make his way up to Double-A this season. Since Alex Gordon most likely has third base locked up for a while, the Royals plan on moving Moustakas over to short, though he may end up in a different position depending on the time of arrival.