Kansas City Royals Prospects: Who’s Hot, Who’s Not

Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports

Omaha Storm Chasers: Pitching

Hot: Yohan Pino

When the Kansas City Royals signed Yohan Pino as a minor league free agent, the move was met with a collective yawn. This was a 30 year old pitcher who, in his eleven major league games, had a 2-5 record and a 5.07 ERA. He seemed like minor league depth, if that.

However, Pino dominated in his first start, allowing one hit in seven innings while striking out six batters. That type of performance is going to get noticed. While Pino may be down the list of players to be brought up for a turn in the rotation in case of injury, if he continues to pitch well, he could find himself climbing up that list quickly.

Cold: Brian Broderick

After spending last season with the Sugar Land Skeeters in the independent Atlantic League, Brian Broderick signed with the Kansas City Royals in hopes of making a return appearance to the majors at some point. Unfortunately, his first week in the Royals system went about as poorly as he could have imagined.

In Broderick’s two innings of work, he allowed four runs, but only two were earned. Meanwhile, he was tagged for seven hits in those two innings, as he just has not been fooling anyone. Perhaps this is a part of the adjustment period to being back in the minors once again, but given that Broderick has not posted an ERA below 5.00 in the minors since 2010, it may be fair to wonder if there is any hope of a turnaround.

Next: A showcase of power