Drafted in the 4th round (102nd overall) by the Kansas City Royals in 2003 (signed for $375,000).
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Vega's raw power was the talk of the Excellence Games and could propel him into the second round. He also has a strong arm, but his lack of agility and speed make him a rough third baseman. He'll probably have to move to first base, though catcher is an intriguing possibility.
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Vega first showed off his power potential in the 2002 Perfect Game/Baseball America World Wood Bat Association fall championship. There was talk the Royals or Reds might snag Vega in the first or supplemental first round in the 2003 draft, but Kansas City was able to pick him up in the fourth and sign him for $375,000. Vega looked raw struggling through his pro debut, but showed the benefits of instruction in a solid second trip through the Rookie-level Arizona League in 2004. Royals coaches helped Vega simplify his swing mechanics and eliminate a bad bat wrap that left him long and slow to the ball. He still struggles reacting to offspeed pitches and lets his swing get too long at times, but he showed improvements that allowed him to unleash his strength and loft power. He could develop into a special hitter if he can keep his stroke short and add the ability to hit for average to his plus power. Vega moved from third base to first last season. Though the new position makes little use of his above-average arm strength, he was a much better defender and was able to concentrate more on his hitting. He has good hands and body control, and his lack of range wasn't as much of an issue. Kansas City will continue to move Vega slowly, and it's possible he could open the season in extended spring training before heading to Idaho Falls in June.
Minor League Top Prospects
Kansas City's fourth-round draft pick in 2003, Vega struggled in his debut but enjoyed an all-star season this year while leading the AZL with 10 home runs. "He made a big improvement from 2003 in all areas," Rangers manager Pedro Lopez said. "He couldn't hit the ball out of the infield last year and was an easy out. This year he was a tough out and hit the ball out of the park consistently. He couldn't catch the ball last year, either. This year he did." Vega had the best raw power in the league and it's his bat that will carry him as he advances. He'll need to make better contact, use the whole field and be more patient at the plate after topping the league with 74 strikeouts. Vega looked more comfortable after moving from third to first base, though his plus arm will be mostly wasted at his new position.
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