Mike Moustakas, 3b, Royals

June 7, 2007
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2007 MLB Draft B-T: L-R.
Ht: 6-0. Wt.: 185.
Birthdate: 9/11/1988.
School: Chatsworth (Calif.) HS.
Class: Sr.

THROUGH THE YEARS IN BASEBALL AMERICA
2007
• Heather Gripp wrote a feature comparing Moustakas to teammate and projected first round pick Matt Dominguez.
• In an ESPN SportsNation chat Premium, Jim Callis said Moutsakas could be "the best combination of hitting ability and power in the entire draft"
• John Manuel blogged about a home run tear that Moutsakas has been on this season.
• Jim Callis said Moutsakas, now a shortstop, likely projects as a third baseman at the next level Premium in an ESPN SportsNation chat.
• Moutsakas ranked eighth in our Midseason Update: High School Top 50 prospects. Premium
• Moutsakas hit three home runs in one game, including two grand slams.
• In our High School Class of 2007 Top 100 Prospects list Premium, we ranked Moutsakas at No. 30.
2006
• In our sneak peak at the 2007 draft, Moutsakas was the No. 41 ranked prospect on our list.
• Moutsakas made a leaping catch in left field to rob a home run while playing for USA Baseball's junior national team
2005
• Chatsworth High School had its 54-game winning streak snapped, but Moustakas still hit a home run in the losing effort.

SCOUTING REPORT
No premium draft pick had a better season than Moustakas, who had one of the great careers in California high school history. The nephew of former Mets hitting coach Tom Robson, Moustakas tightened up his body between his junior and senior seasons, stepping up his conditioning as he healed completely from a hairline ankle fracture sustained during a scrimmage football game as a high school junior. He was the starting quarterback at Chatsworth as a freshman and has a bazooka for an arm--his fastball sat in the low 90s early in the year in relief roles and hit 97 mph in April. His power arm isn't his best tool though, as Moustakas' quiet, quick hands, polished approach and strength at the plate produce light-tower power and a smooth swing he repeats easily. Earlier in the year, scouts wondered about his defensive position--he's Chatsworth's shortstop but will move immediately as a pro. Most believe third base would be the first natural spot and others dreamed of his arm behind the plate, but most agree now that it doesn't matter. His bat will play at any spot, even first base, though it would be a shame to waste that arm there. The only complicating factor was his commitment to Southern California--he and Robert Stock would become an unrivaled pair of two-way players-- and representation by Scott Boras. The combination clouds his signability, but not his impressive ability.

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