SPRINGFIELD — He may be 20 years old, but the clamouring for Raul A. Mondesi is real.
The top prospect in the Royals organization is growing his body of work in his second season at Double-A Northwest Arkansas. With the biggest microscope hovering over his plate appearances, he carries a .218 batting average with 19 hits, 12 RBI, and five home runs through 19 games.
The flashes of his power come frequently, despite his longer, more slender frame than his father who belted 271 career homers. He planted one on the roof of the Springfield Cardinals' offices beyond right field in last week's series.
Hunter Dozier, the only Natural with more home runs this season, called him one of the quieter guys on the team, one that just goes about his work, but it's plain to see how the son of an All-Star enjoys the game.
And if the first player to make his major league debut in the World Series continueds his anticipated upward trend, he'll have to learn to love the cameras.
Sampson: What has been different about being a part of this organization since the Royals won the World Series?
Mondesi: This team gives a lot of chances to young players. They trust us so we try to come out here every day to work and win.
Sampson: Has there been a trickle-down effect? Is there more buzz around you guys this year?
Mondesi: That’s something incredible. Being with the big team up there, that helped me a lot. It was a great experience and I feel more confidence down here now.
Sampson: What was your initial reaction when you found out you had been added to the World Series roster?
Mondesi: I called my family and was just happy. I couldn’t wait to go to the field, get my at-bat, play, and be a champion.
Sampson: Your one at-bat came against Noah Syndergaard. He’s one of the hardest throwers in the game. Did that give you an idea of the difference between that level and here?
Mondsi: He’s a pretty good guy with a hard fastball. He only threw me fastballs, so next time I’m going to be ready. I know what I’ve got now.
Sampson: With the sport being so big where you grew up, what is it like when a 16-year-old signs with a major league organization?
Mondesi: I signed with a pretty good bonus, but my family kept me in line. I didn’t get crazy. Everybody was happy, but my family kept me under control and that helped.
Sampson: How much did having a father with big league experience help that process?
Mondesi: I talk to my dad every day. He was an outfielder but we talk about defense, hitting, and it’s good being around him and learning something new every day.
Sampson: When you look at the Royals and a guy like Alcides Escobar, what sort of bar does that set at your position?
Mondesi: He helped me a lot in spring training. I’m trying to get better, so I see him playing and I think: ‘I want to be there too.’
Sampson: Do you believe you’ll make a full-time transition to second base? How would you feel about it?
Mondesi: I’m doing both now and I’m just getting ready. When the (Royals) thinks I’m ready to go, I’ll go. I feel comfortable at second too, so it doesn’t matter. I only want to get up there and do my job.
