luke hochevar?

[mission27]

Not high on any prospects lists, what is the latest on him and could he have a big impact in 08?

[kretz330]

He is still a top 50 prospect on most every list I've seen. The Royals reported prior to spring training that they expect Hochevar to start the season in the major league bullpen. He had a solid outing yesterday against the Rangers and looks to be ready for the majors but the Royals don't want to throw him in to a starting roll yet. I suspect he'll be starting by the end of the season depending on how he looks against major league hitters. Mainly, the Royals don't want to make the same mistakes with Hochevar as they did with Grienke.

[Steve-o]

He is still a top 50 prospect on most every list I've seen. The Royals reported prior to spring training that they expect Hochevar to start the season in the major league bullpen. He had a solid outing yesterday against the Rangers and looks to be ready for the majors but the Royals don't want to throw him in to a starting roll yet. I suspect he'll be starting by the end of the season depending on how he looks against major league hitters. Mainly, the Royals don't want to make the same mistakes with Hochevar as they did with Grienke.

I'll dispute that first statement. Sickels - B, BP - 72, BA - 63, MiLB - 40 (the highest I've seen). I agree that he will probably see some action in the second half. Not super high on him.

[jwhands]

He is still a top 50 prospect on most every list I've seen. The Royals reported prior to spring training that they expect Hochevar to start the season in the major league bullpen. He had a solid outing yesterday against the Rangers and looks to be ready for the majors but the Royals don't want to throw him in to a starting roll yet. I suspect he'll be starting by the end of the season depending on how he looks against major league hitters. Mainly, the Royals don't want to make the same mistakes with Hochevar as they did with Grienke.

I don't think that it is fair to compare Hochevar to Grienke's situation. Grienke had a serious condition that needed to be addressed. I don't believe Hochevar has been diagnosed with anything, although I'm sure the Dodgers are currently wishing it upon him and his agent.

[stealthdevil]

The hype has definately died down some since he was taken at the top of the draft. I've heard he profiles as a mid rotation starter. I saw him pitch a game at memphis last season and he was getting hit pretty hard. He was humming the ball in there, but it seemed like it was pretty straight. I think he'll end up being a pretty solid producer on that improving Royals team.