Prospect Report - Day 2

NUMBER 9: Jeff Bianchi - SS/2B

Bianchi is a Right-handed middle infielder, drafted out of high school in the second round of the 2005 draft. He hit over .400 in 2006, but in limited time (12 games!), as he was plagued by injury. This was Bianchi's second injury in as many years (back injury in 2005, shoulder in '06), and he's only had 176 plate appearances in both seasons combined. Not much of a sample size, but the Royals have to like what they've seen in such limited time.

Bianchi looks to be fundamentally solid on the defensive side of the ball...a must at either middle infield position. His approach at the plate also looks good, with a combined batting average of .414 over his two shortened seasons. According to scouting reports, Bianchi has good speed and a nice swing. What all this will translate into on the field is hard to project, and he'll have to play a full season (or at least close to one) to get more of a feel for his skills.

Judging from his stats thus far, it seems that Bianchi can hit...but how well can he sustain that over a full season? Will he be able to make adjustments throughout an entire season? Hopefully 2007 will provide the answers, as he'll likely start off in Low A ball...if he produces (and stays healthy), I don't think it'd be a stretch to see him get promoted to High A, with Wichita on the radar for 2008. KC could be within reach by 2009 if all goes according to plan, with a more probable arrival date of September '09/Spring 2010.

PROJECTION:

I think Bianchi could be a guy who starts in KC at either 2B or SS (probably 2B - see below)....of course, I'd have to see him stay healthy (I'm hoping he's not injury prone) before I give him anything, but I think it's safe to pencil him in. It's hard to project his power and speed in such limited playing time, but I think it's safe to say he'd be an offensively gifted middle infielder with plus speed. We'll also have to wait and see if he's got the patience at the plate to be a top of the order guy - but he seems to have the makings of a leadoff or #2 hitter.

With his recent shoulder issues, his arm strength may be in question, which could see a permanent shift to 2B. If KC can hang on to Mark Grudzielanek for a couple more years, Bianchi could be groomed to take over at 2B at some point in 2009/2010.