System overview
If the Royals want to compete with Cleveland, Minnesota, Chicago, and even Detroit in the near future, they must improve the farm system. On a tight budget, they must find a way to maximize performance on the field at a low cost. That means building around youth, which means investing in the farm system.

The Royals talk a lot about doing this, though their recent acquisitions of veterans like Michael Tucker and Chuck Knoblauch don't fit into the pattern of what a small-market team needs to do. On the other hand, it is true that they've been willing to spend big bucks in the amateur draft. Pitching was a strong focus in the last few draft classes, though a rash of injuries has stalled the development of some of the more promising arms. The Royals do have a good group of hard-throwing relievers on the way up, and it seems likely that the pitching staff will gradually improve. There is less depth in hitting, with Angel Berroa and Ken Harvey being the only two players available with any obvious impact offensive potential.

Kansas City makes a decent effort in Latin America, though they don't have the budget to sign the highest profile Latin players or hot Asian talent. Overall the system is in below average condition, not empty but clearly not in the upper half of organizations.

2001 Minor League W-L Percentage: .469, (ranked 24th)

2001 amateur draft
"In this world people have to pay an extraordinary price for any exceptional gift whatsoever." -- Willa Cather

The Royals drafted two players with exceptional gifts in 2001. First-round pick Colt Griffin, a high schooler from Texas, was unknown a year ago, but vaulted into prominence after he was clocked throwing 100 mph in a high school game. He cost $2.4 million. He is otherwise very raw, needing a better breaking pitch and sharper command.

In the second round, the Royals drafted South Carolina high school outfielder/wide receiver Roscoe Crosby, who draws comparisons to a young Ken Griffey Jr. He also had a football scholarship to Clemson. He signed for $1.75 million, a huge gamble for the Royals since it isn't even clear that he will play baseball if the NFL comes calling someday.

The rest of the draft was strongly high school in flavor. Third-rounder Matt Ferrara, a Florida prep, signed late but is supposedly a strong hitter with a fine third-base glove. Fourth-rounder John Draper, a catcher from Cal State Los Angeles, has a decent glove but doesn't have star potential with the bat. Fifth-rounder Chamar McDonald, a high school first baseman from Mississippi, has tremendous raw power but does not know the strike zone. Sixth-rounder Clint Frost (RHP, Georgia) and seventh-rounder Chris Tierney (LHP, Illinois) are high school pitchers with intriguing raw talent, but they won't advance quickly.

The success or failure of this draft rests with Griffin and Crosby. If they develop, the Royals have two potential stars. If they fail, this draft has all the makings of a bust.

Top prospects
Players in the "Will Help Soon" section could see major-league action in 2002. Players in the "Will Help Someday" section shouldn't reach the majors until '03 or later, though of course that can change. Players are listed alphabetically. No 2001 draftees are listed.

WILL HELP SOON
Miguel Ascencio, RHP: Acquired in the Rule 5 draft from the Phillies, and will be given every chance to make the club. Can hit 94 mph and has a fine changeup, but needs work with his control.

Jeff Austin, RHP: Former No. 1 pick, thrived after moving to the bullpen last year, picking up velocity and sharpening his curveball. Should do good work in relief.

Angel Berroa, SS: Needs Triple-A to hone the strike zone, but may be promoted early if Neifi Perez is traded. Berroa has an excellent glove, is fast and strong, and made progress with plate discipline last year. One of the better shortstop prospects in the game.

Ken Harvey, 1B: Combined to hit .350 at two levels. Not much of a glove, but has Kirby Puckett-type hitting potential, making him a born DH.

Mike MacDougal, RHP: Owns blistering 95-mph fastball and a vicious slider. Needs to prove that his command will hold up, and that he is fully recovered from season-ending skull fracture.

Brad Voyles, RHP: Another potential relief candidate, works with 90-93 mph fastball, hard curve, and surprisingly good changeup. Came over from the Braves for Rey Sanchez, a good pickup by GM Allard Baird.

WILL HELP SOMEDAY
Jeremy Affeldt, LHP: Classic southpaw finesse artist, went 10-6 with 3.90 ERA and 128/46 K/BB ratio for Double-A Wichita. Will need a full year of Triple-A before challenging for rotation spot.

Jimmy Gobble, LHP: Went 10-6, 2.55 ERA, terrific 154/33 K/BB at Class A Wilmington. Throws 90, has a great curve and an improving changeup. No. 2 starter potential if he stays healthy.

Kyle Snyder, RHP: 1999 first-rounder, now finally recovered from Tommy John surgery. Still throws 95, also has a changeup and curveball. Still has closer potential if his arm holds up.

Mike Tonis, C: Top-notch defensive catcher with occasional power. Will need a full Triple-A season, then should ease into a job in '03.

KEY SLEEPER
Runelvys Hernandez, RHP: Product of Royals' Dominican program. Posted fine 100/29 K/BB ratio in 101 innings for Class A Burlington. Throws 91 already and projects better velocity as he matures. Already has a good curve.

Other names to know
Brandon Berger, OF; Ryan Bukvich, RHP; Ben Cordova, OF; Marco Cunningham, OF; Nate Field, RHP; Byron Gettis, OF; Alexis Gomez, OF; Ruben Gotay, 2B; Jeremy Hill, RHP; Alejandro Machado, SS; Orber Moreno, RHP; Mike Natale, RHP; Wes Obermueller, RHP; Shawn Sonnier, RHP; Mike Stodolka, LHP; Scott Walter, C.

John Sickels is the author of the 2002 STATS Minor League Scouting Notebook. He is currently writing a biography of Bob Feller. He lives in Lawrence, Kansas, with his wife, son, and two cats. You can send John questions or comments at JASickels@aol.com, or you can visit his homepage at hometown.aol.com/jasickels/page1.html.