The Kansas City Royals surprised many writers and analysts by recalling first baseman Eric Hosmer from AAA Omaha yesterday. Hosmer was the number one hitting prospect in the minor leagues after Brandon Belt made the SF Giants roster in March.
Hosmer however is a far more advanced hitter than Belt, having been selected in the 2008 draft and thus having two plus seasons of experience. Hosmer actually struggled in 2009 but in the off season had laser surgery to repair a vision problem and dominated in 2010 with a .354 average, seven home runs, and fifty one RBI at A Wilmington before finishing with thirteen home runs, a .313 average and thirty five RBI at AA Arkansas. Throw in fourteen stolen bases that year as well.
After being the MVP of the US team in the Pan Am games last summer and making a brief appearance at the Arizona Fall League, Hosmer was hitting .439 with three home runs and fifteen RBI in twenty six games for Omaha this season.
Hosmer will immediately take over at first base with Billy Butler moving to full time DH and Kila Ka’aihue sent down to the minors to see if he can resurrect his career.
Hosmer is likely owned in any format where minor leaguers are drafted or rostered, but in an AL only or Mixed league is perhaps the most important free agent addition of the year since he will play for almost five full months. Expect the batting average to easily translate to .300 plus at the big league level and as I view Hosmer as a 20+ home run hitter on an annual basis, expect 15-18 for the balance of this year. For leagues that use FAAB, you will likely have to half your budget to have a chance to put Hosmer into your lineup.
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