NUMBER 3: Luke Hochevar - RHP
Luke Hochevar was drafted by the Royals in the first round of the 2006 draft....after he was drafted by the Dodgers in the 2005 draft. Hochevar never signed with LA and was thrown back into the draft pool the following year....lucky for us. Between drafts, Hochevar pitched in the American Association (an independent league) and performed well, prompting the Royals to use the first overall pick on him.
Hochevar has a fastball that's generally in the low 90's, though it does get up around 96 mph on occasion. In addition to a good fastball, Hochevar has three other pitches to go to as well. He has an excellent curve that he throws with great control. He also has a plus change-up and a slider that he turns to from time to time. He has great command of all his pitches and throws them all for strikes.
At this point, he only has a combined 38 innings of pro ball, split between the indy league and Burlington (Low A). In that 38 innings, he's looked phenomenal - striking out 50, walking 13 and giving up only 3 home runs. He was sent to the Arizona Fall League for more work, but was shut down due to shoulder issues (not considered serious).
PROJECTION:
At only 23, he should make his KC debut at some point in 2006. He'll probably start out at AA and work on a few things, then get a call maybe around mid-season. Then again, why rush? The Royals have had a recent history of mishandling pitchers, so let's not blow it with this one, too. However, Hochevar has the talent to become a top of the rotation pitcher...possibly a #1 guy in the rotation. I'm willing to wait another year if that's what Dayton Moore sees fit...but I'd bet we'll see him sooner rather than later.
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