Kila Ka'aihue

Ka'aihue's usage in 2010 was strange to say the least. An accomplished minor league hitter, Ka'aihue wasn't utilized much by the Royals and spent plenty of time both on the Royals' bench and with their Triple-A affiliate. He figures to see more time this year at first with Billy Butler slotting in more frequently as the designated hitter. Ka'aihue sports nearly a career .400 OBP in more than 4,000 minor league at-bats, so he certainly has earned the chance to show what he's made of at the next level. If he finally gets an opportunity, Ka'aihue could be a nice cheap source of power in deeper formats.

Kaaihue regressed in both batting average and home runs this past season at Triple-A, finishing with a disappointing .252/.392/.433 line. As a member of the Royals' 40-man roster, his path to big league at-bats may be clearer with Mike Jacobs out of the picture, but his regression at Triple-A will likely force Kaaihue to prove himself soon. Kaaihue's strength makes him a power threat, however, his bat is on the slowish side and that has a tendency to impact his overall contact. At best, he will be in a reserve role for the Royals in 2010 if he sticks at all. Long term, his ability to draw walks (102:85 BB:K, 441 at-bats) may not be enough to give him an everyday spot if the power has truly dried up.

Kaaihue came from virtually nowhere to slug 37 home runs between Double-A Northwest Arkansas and Triple-A Omaha in 2008, and was not phased when he changed levels. He showed great plate discipline during this breakout (104 walks to 67 strikeouts in 401 at-bats), but was still a little slow around the bases. His minor league performance earned him a September callup, but he sat on the bench the whole time. It looks like the team wants him to get a little bit more experience, maybe even a year at Triple-A, and the club’s current glut of first basemen should make that possible.

Kaaihue enjoyed the hitter-friendly California League in 2005, finishing with career highs in home runs, average and almost every other category. His OPS was .925 after averaging .763 over his first three seasons. The positive indicators - 97 walks and a .428 OBP - can't be thrown out as aberrations from a hitter's league. With similar success in 2006, he will have everyone Googling Kilakila Kaaihue.