Prospect Report - Day 6

NUMBER 5: Erik Cordier - RHP

Cordier, who doesn't turn 21 until the end of February, was a second round pick out of Wisconsin in 2004. He's had some injury problems (hopefully not a sign of things to come) - after a knee surgery in 2005, he came back in 2006 and went down again, this time with an elbow injury (eventually leading to Tommy John surgery). Hopefully these injuries were just bad luck, as he has the makings of a solid big league pitcher.

In his limited '06 season, he pitched well, splitting time between the Rookie League and the Burlington Low A club. While pitching for Idaho Falls in Rookie ball, he went 16 innings - giving up only 3 walks and holding opponents to a .186 batting average. He also struck out 19 before moving up to Burlington. After his promotion, he went 37 innings (and lowered his ERA) - giving up 14 walks and striking out 23.

According to Baseball America, Cordier has the best fastball in the system. It consistently hovers around 93-94 mph, and reaches 98 mph at times. Cordier also has a very good changeup, as well as a decent breaking ball (which will hopefully get better with time).

After reading a couple of scouting reports, it seems the problem with his breaking ball is a variation in his release point. While it would be best to throw either a curve or slider - this variation causes his breaking ball to come out as more of a slurve. These reports say that he'll likely lean towards the curve, and if he can't make that work, go to a slider.

PROJECTION:

I think if Cordier can stay healthy, he could come close to matching Luke Hochevar's talent - although he's nowhere near as ready to perform at the Major League level. He's got two plus pitches right now, plus the potential for a third. His fastball can dominate, and probably will at any level, as long as he throws it for strikes. Cordier will miss all of 2007 and should return to action in '08. I'd assume he'll start off '08 in High A, but could quickly move up the ladder if he shows he can stay healthy.

Most likely, the Royals will take their time with Cordier....I could see him coming up to the big leagues at some point in 2009 or 2010.