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It was a different approach this year in the rookie draft for the Royals. Instead of picking up some youthful talent
they went for players to plug holes. The #1 pick was traded last year in the acquisition of Johan Santana so Montreal's first
pick was in the 2nd round. With that pick they took Jason Bartlett. Not your typical long range stud prospect but he does
fill Montreal's most glaring hole, shortstop. And with recent seasons of .332, .331 and .296 in Minnesota's minor league system
he just may surprise and become a valuable asset to the Royals. Brad Thompson (2.95) was taken next to help fill the void
in the pen. Osacar Robles (.272) was added in the 4th round to platoon with Bartlett at SS, and finally Omar Quintanilla was
taken in the 5th as a possible future at SS/2B.
Jeff Nelson, Rheal Cormier and Mike Ryan were selected in the Plan-B draft to add depth to the roster.
The Montreal Royals probably missed out on a couple of prospects but their priority was to fill voids. That they did.
How successfully they did so will be determined during the season. The Royals believe they have a very good shot at their
division's title but it may be more of a struggle than it has been these past couple of years.
Let's play ball !
