Billy Butler: With Mike Sweeney out for at least six weeks, Butler will get a chance to show that he is ready to hit in the major leagues. In his first go around with the Royals earlier this season, he struggled with a .243 average in 37 AB. He did not show any of the power, just 2 doubles, or the good batting eye, 1/7 BB/K, that he displayed in the minor leagues. Since his recall, he is batting .318 in 44 AB. This time around he is showing some nice power, 3 home runs and 3 doubles, but has yet to take a walk, 0/9 BB/K. He is considered one of the top hitting prospects in baseball and could keep producing if he gets more comfortable working counts, but at just 21 years of age, there could also be some rough spots ahead.
Reggie Willits: Willits is mired in a 4 for 36 slump and it is beginning to take a toll on his underlying skills, .72% Ct% and .20 batting eye during the skid. Since he does not hit for power, he will need to rediscover the excellent contact and batting eye skills that he displayed earlier in the year to be able to take advantage of his speed.
Josh Fields: While Fields has displayed some nice power, 5 home runs and 6 doubles in 107 AB, there is some serious batting average downside looming, .286 BHIP%, 63% Ct%, and a .23 BB/K. Add in the unpredictability of rookies and now would be the perfect time to talk up his power and decent .252 batting average, then deal him.
Brian Bannister: Bannister's unspectacular skill set, 4.8 K/9, 2.8 BB/9, and a 41% GB%, is beginning to catch up with him, 15 ER in his last 4 starts covering 24.1 innings. He will have trouble turning it around unless he gets his K/9 and/or GB% higher. Playing for the Royals will also make it hard to get wins.
Joey Gathright: So far the improvements that Gathright made in Triple-A this year, 88% Ct% and a 1.61 BB/K, are translating to the major leagues, 87% Ct% and a .89 BB/K. Completely devoid of power, 72% GB%, Gathright will need to maintain those skills to succeed in the majors and to take advantage of his blazing speed.
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