Today: KC Prospect Eric Hosmer
The third overall pick of the 2008 amateur draft, Kansas City first base prospect Eric Hosmer is the latest addition to Kansas City's toolbox of young left-handed power bats. The 6-foot-4 Hosmer batted .470 while leading American Heritage to the Florida State High School Championships in 2007, attracting national attention.
Hosmer's bat was called one of the best left-handed swings available in the draft. He has a quick bat and a very good load, as he drops his hands into a perfect hitting position with the pitch. Hosmer's power was rated as the best available from any hitter in the draft class. An expensive choice for the usually-thrifty Royals, Hosmer's $2.38M signing bonus was a KC record.
Though the Royals are treating him like a first baseman for now, in order to encourage him to focus on his hitting, Hosmer is a good enough athlete to play third base or either corner outfield position. His arm is average, but he's shown a great willingness to work hard to improve himself, so it's not hard to see him blossoming into an All-Star while playing almost any power position.
Each and every day, TodaysProspect.com looks at a new up-and-coming player somewhere in baseball, helping you learn a little more about baseball's talent pool one day at a time.
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