Hilton Richardson

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Kansas City Royals #30 prospect in 2010
  When the Royals decided to field three Rookie-level affiliates, it was with players like Richardson in mind. A 2007 high school draftee, he had struggled at the plate in each of his first two seasons in Rookie ball. But he moved through the Arizona, Appalachian and Pioneer leagues one step at a time, and he showed signs at Idaho Falls last season that he's figuring out how to use his considerable tools. The first thing scouts notice when watching Richardson is his speed. He's a well above-average runner from home to first and a threat to steal every time he reaches base. His quickness helps him in the outfield as well, where he covers plenty of ground as an above-average center fielder. His arm is below average. Richardson has a solid, muscular frame, but he's a tablesetter, not a power threat. He showed a better sense of the strike zone last season and took more walks. His swing mechanics partly explain his lack of pop because he doesn't extend his arms, instead cutting his swing off short. That helps him make contact but also ensures that he doesn't hit many stinging line drives. Richardson will get a chance to add some polish in his first shot at full season ball in 2010.

• December, 2009 Scouting Report
  When the Royals decided to field three Rookie-level affiliates, it was with players like Richardson in mind. A 2007 high school draftee, he had struggled at the plate in each of his first two seasons in Rookie ball. But he moved through the Arizona, Appalachian and Pioneer leagues one step at a time, and he showed signs at Idaho Falls last season that he's figuring out how to use his considerable tools. The first thing scouts notice when watching Richardson is his speed. He's a well above-average runner from home to first and a threat to steal every time he reaches base. His quickness helps him in the outfield as well, where he covers plenty of ground as an above-average center fielder. His arm is below average. Richardson has a solid, muscular frame, but he's a tablesetter, not a power threat. He showed a better sense of the strike zone last season and took more walks. His swing mechanics partly explain his lack of pop because he doesn't extend his arms, instead cutting his swing off short. That helps him make contact but also ensures that he doesn't hit many stinging line drives. Richardson will get a chance to add some polish in his first shot at full season ball in 2010.