Ryan Shealy

Shealy entered the 2007 season with the expectation of winning the organization’s top first base job, then struggled and was hampered by a hamstring injury all season and limited him to 172 big league at-bats. Meanwhile, the organization has tried Ross Gload and Billy Butler at first, and rumors are Mark Teahen may move there in 2008, raising questions about the organization’s confidence in Shealy. He will have to prove in spring training that he can be the team’s everyday first baseman and that he still has the power that had folks dreaming about 30-homer, 100-RBI seasons.

The Ryan Shealy saga may have found a happy ending in 2006. Stuck in Colorado behind prolific hitter and defensive stalwart Todd Helton, Shealy couldn't crack the lineup despite the organization knowing he was ready. A long line of suitors came calling and, somehow, the Royals won the bidding by giving up on young failures Jeremy Affeldt and Denny Bautista. Shealy instantly created a buzz around the organization with his power potential and long home runs. When the home runs weren't coming early, he showed veteran patience: "They just kind of show up." He has the potential for 30 home runs and 100 RBI for the next several years.

Shealy received an extended look at first base when Todd Helton went down with a hamstring injury in 2005 and he proved ready for the major leagues, hitting .330/.413/.473 in 91 at-bats. Shealy has a ton of power and has committed to spending the offseason developing his outfield skills to earn more at-bats in 2006, possibly in a platoon with Brad Hawpe in right field.

Shealy, the 2004 Texas League Player of the Year, would get a look a lot sooner if not for Todd Helton. The 6-5, 240-pound 25-year-old bounced back from a torn knee ligament in 2003. He'll begin 2005 at Triple-A Colorado Springs—a continuation of last season would earn him a September call-up or make him quality trade bait.