Kurt Mertins
| AB | 2452 |
|---|---|
| AVG | .268 |
| OBP | .335 |
| SLG | .364 |
| HR | 21 |
- Full name Kurt Mertins
- Born 04/22/1986 in Yorba Linda, CA
- Profile Ht.: 5'10" / Wt.: 188 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School College Of The Desert
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Drafted in the 13th round (377th overall) by the Kansas City Royals in 2006.
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Further down the undrafted juco line is College of the Desert infielder Kurt Mertins, a plus runner whose speed had attracted scouts. An injury opened a spot at shortstop for the erstwhile second baseman, and he showed more arm strength than expected to go with good hands. If he adds strength, he might be able to handle the position as a pro.
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Organization Prospect Rankings
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Undrafted before 2006, Mertins created buzz among scouts when he got a chance to play shortstop at the JC of the Desert (Calif.). He hit .387, went 37-for-42 stealing bases and showed some arm strength. After signing for $35,000 as a 13th-round pick, he maintained that pace in his pro debut, batting .342 and succeeding on 26 of 30 steal attempts. Mertins stays inside the ball well and while he's not a slap hitter, he has a little man's approach. The power he does have is mostly to the gaps, though he has the bat speed to turn on mistakes. A savvy basestealer, he has above-average speed but isn't a burner. Mertins has a lean frame and should add strength as he gets older, but that also could come at the expense of some speed. He played second base and DHed in his debut, but the Royals may give him the chance to play shortstop this year. There's also talk of skipping him a level and sending him to high Class A.
