Signed following a tip from a former junior college teammate of farm director Shaun McGinn, Lisson quickly became one of general manager Allard Baird's favorite prospects for his athleticism and raw tools. Lisson has grown from a skinny kid with long arms and a high waist into a very physical player. His 2005 season ended in July when he tore the labrum in his left (non-throwing) shoulder while diving for a ball. When he played, he again showcased a patient approach to go with above-average speed and basestealing savvy. There's still hope that Lisson's above-average raw power will translate into homers, but he didn't get enough time last year to adjust a mechanical flaw. He often tucks in his front shoulder while awaiting a pitch, limiting his bat speed and power. He also strikes out in bunches and must be careful not to fall behind in the count because he's taking too many pitches. A plus arm and soft hands make Lisson a solid third baseman, though 2005 first-round pick Alex Gordon has now laid claim to that position. Lisson also has played catcher, first base and shortstop in the minors. He could return to low Class A to begin 2006.
Lisson is one of general manager Allard Baird's favorite sleepers. The Royals' Rookie-level Dominican Summer League player of the year in 2003, he made a successful U.S. debut last season. Lisson offers a live, athletic body but has also demonstrated the ability to play under control. He possesses the strength and bat speed to produce plus power, but he's also selective at the plate. He can be almost too patient at times, as he struck out 82 times in 70 games in 2004. Lanky and long-limbed, he should improve his coordination as he grows into his body. Lisson's strong arm and soft hands have allowed him to excel defensively all over the diamond. He spent time at catcher and first base after signing, but soon moved to shortstop and third base. His size could mean a permanent move to the hot corner, which fits well in an organization shallow at third base but deep up the middle. There's no reason to rush him with Mark Teahen well ahead of him, so Lisson will move one level at a time and go to low Class A in 2005.
Best Tools List
Rated Best Defensive Infielder in the Kansas City Royals in 2010
Rated Best Defensive Infielder in the Kansas City Royals in 2009
Rated Best Defensive 3B in the Texas League in 2008
Career Transactions
1B Mario Lisson assigned to Estrellas Oriente.
1B Mario Lisson elected free agency.
1B Mario Lisson assigned to Navegantes del Magallanes.
Harrisburg Senators activated 1B Mario Lisson from the 7-day disabled list.
Harrisburg Senators placed 1B Mario Lisson on the 7-day disabled list.
3B Mario Lisson assigned to Harrisburg Senators from Syracuse Chiefs.
3B Mario Lisson assigned to Syracuse Chiefs from Harrisburg Senators.
3B Mario Lisson assigned to Harrisburg Senators.
3B Mario Lisson assigned to Washington Nationals.
Caribes de Anzoategui traded 3B Mario Lisson to Aguilas del Zulia.
Navegantes del Magallanes traded LHP Edgar Ibarra and 3B Mario Lisson to Caribes de Anzoategui.
3B Mario Lisson assigned to Mexican League Norte All-Stars.
3B Mario Lisson assigned to Saraperos de Saltillo.
3B Mario Lisson elected free agency.
3B Mario Lisson assigned to Navegantes del Magallanes.
Syracuse Chiefs activated 3B Mario Lisson from the 7-day disabled list.
Syracuse Chiefs placed 3B Mario Lisson on the 7-day disabled list.
Syracuse Chiefs activated 3B Mario Lisson from the 7-day disabled list.
Syracuse Chiefs placed 3B Mario Lisson on the 7-day disabled list.
3B Mario Lisson assigned to Syracuse Chiefs from Harrisburg Senators.
3B Mario Lisson assigned to Harrisburg Senators from GCL Nationals.
3B Mario Lisson assigned to GCL Nationals from Harrisburg Senators.
3B Mario Lisson assigned to Washington Nationals.
3B Mario Lisson assigned to Harrisburg Senators.
Washington Nationals signed free agent 3B Mario Lisson to a minor league contract.
3B Mario Lisson assigned to Estrellas LVBP.
3B Mario Lisson assigned to Navegantes del Magallanes.
Richmond Flying Squirrels activated 3B Mario Lisson from the 7-day disabled list.
Richmond Flying Squirrels placed 3B Mario Lisson on the 7-day disabled list. Back Tightness
3B Mario Lisson assigned to EAS Western Division All-Stars.
3B Mario Lisson assigned to Richmond Flying Squirrels.
3B Mario Lisson assigned to Venezuela.
San Francisco Giants signed free agent 3B Mario Lisson to a minor league contract.
Petroleros de Minatitlan released 3B Mario Lisson.
Petroleros de Minatitlan activated 3B Mario Lisson.
Guerreros de Oaxaca traded 3B Mario Lisson to Petroleros de Minatitlan.
Guerreros de Oaxaca signed free agent Mario Lisson.
RF Mario Lisson assigned to Venezuela.
3B Mario Lisson assigned to Venezuela.
3B Mario Lisson assigned to LVBP All-Stars.
3B Mario Lisson elected free agency.
Northwest Arkansas Naturals activated 3B Mario Lisson from the 7-day disabled list.
Northwest Arkansas Naturals placed 3B Mario Lisson on the 7-day disabled list.
3B Mario Lisson assigned to Kansas City Royals.
Northwest Arkansas Naturals signed free agent 3B Mario Lisson.
3B Mario Lisson elected free agency.
3B Mario Lisson assigned to Navegantes del Magallanes.
3B Mario Lisson assigned to Northwest Arkansas Naturals from Omaha Royals.
Mario Lisson roster status changed by Omaha Royals.
Kansas City Royals invited non-roster SS Mario Lisson to spring training.
Kansas City Royals sent SS Mario Lisson outright to Omaha Royals.
Kansas City Royals designated SS Mario Lisson for assignment.
Leones del Caracas traded 3B Mario Lisson to Aguilas del Zulia.
Kansas City Royals activated SS Mario Lisson.
Mario Lisson assigned to Leones del Caracas.
Mario Lisson assigned to Omaha Royals from Northwest Arkansas Naturals.
Download our app
Read the newest magazine issue right on your phone