No one in the minors can hit like Billy Butler can. No one.
The 6-foot-2, 240-pound Royal farmhand has made a name for himself since being drafted in the first round of the 2004 draft. He has flat out mashed the ball from day one on his ascension to becoming one of baseball’s top prospects.
Originally drafted to be a third baseman, concerns about Butler’s defense have forced him to move to the outfield where he has had a fair shot at both corner positions.
Offense
In 72 games in rookie ball (2004), Butler put up a .373/.488/.596 line. If that wasn’t impressive enough, the Florida native struck out just 63 times in 260 at bats while walking 57 times.
His next assignment was in High Desert in 2005. Just one year removed from high school, Butler swatted his way through the California League, hitting 25 home runs while posting a vital line of .348/.419/.636 in 379 at-bats – albeit in a hitter friendly park – before being promoted to Double-A.
Double-A Wichita was also good to Butler. Over his 2005 and 2006 stints, he hit .328/.381/.504 (589 at-bats). He improved his control of the strike zone as time went on and took on a line drive swing.
Butler has produced. He has immense potential at the plate because of a refined hitting approach and above-average discipline as well as pitch recognition.
Butler’s swing is one of the best swings in the minor leagues. He does an excellent job of waiting for the ball and keeping his hands back. His quick hands and strong wrists help him drive the ball. What’s more impressive is the way in which he is able to cover all sides of the plate. He is able to extend to reach the outer half yet still protect the inner half.
Butler’s superior skills and mechanics mean he is able to drive the ball to all fields. Nearly every ball he hits is hit hard.
If there is any concern to be had with him offensively, it is with his stride. At times it can become inconsistent and lead to some troubles. But it’s certainly not anything to be too concerned about.
Butler is a good contact hitter with solid potential to transition his elite skills to the big league level. He can flat out crush the ball and has excellent plate discipline. He is the best pure hitter in the minors.
Defense
Butler has had defensive problems that, combined with Alex Gordon’s presence, precipitated a move from third to the outfield midway through the 2005 season. Butler is not very athletic and generally struggles because of this. But the prognosis isn’t all bad defensively.
Some have said Butler will ultimately end up as a designated hitter. While that isn’t out of the question, it isn’t a foregone conclusion. His problems are generally limited to his lack of range. He has above-average strength which may be what keeps him in the field – at least early on in his career – when he gets to Kansas City.
Outlook
The Royals have been adamant that Butler will see Triple-A Omaha in 2007. It’s hard to imagine that he’ll spend much time there. The way he hits the ball and the way the Royals hit the ball, indicate that he should be called up to the big leagues sooner, rather than later.
When he does get called to Kansas City, Butler could become one of the premier sluggers in baseball. He certainly has high potential to hit above .300 and mash 35+ home runs. He compares favorably to Justin Morneau with a little more power or Prince Fielder with a little more average.
Koby Schellenger can be reached at koby.schellenger@gmail.com.