Shane Costa

After a decent, albeit brief, campaign with the Royals in 2006, Costa was forced back down to Triple-A because Mark Teahen crowded the Kansas City outfield. He batted well over .300 with an OBP over .400 while at Triple-A Omaha, but was unable to relay that into any kind success as a sporadic, reserve outfielder with the big club. Unfortunately, the Royals' outfield has become even more crowded since last spring, with the arrival of Jose Guillen and Joey Gathright's demonstration that he deserves an everyday job. This means it will take a couple of injuries or slip-ups for Costa to see any kind of playing time at the big league level.

A hamstring injury all but wiped out Costa's hot April, in which he hit .317 with four doubles and three home runs. After a stint on the disabled list, his average and defense faltered, resulting in a trip down to Triple-A Omaha. He throttled Triple-A pitching and should be heavily in the mix for a starting job in the Royals outfield in 2007. He'll have plenty of competition and may be hindered by his sometimes scary play in center field, but he's certainly ready.

Costa used a quick bat and heady play to reach the majors in 2005. He showed signs but just wasn't ready yet. His propensity for prolonged slumps could hound him, as may his inability to hit for much power despite a decent physique. If he rectifies those two things, he could have a decent Major League career. He'll try to win a major league job this spring.

Unchallenged in rookie ball in his first year out of Cal State Fullerton, this 2003 second-round pick continued to shine, hitting .307 with 20 doubles and seven home runs in the Royals’ advanced Single-A team in Wilmington. Fast enough to play an adequate center field, Costa seems better suited to left, which means he’ll need to develop some more power. Scouts think he is capable.