Miguel Asencio Stats & Scouting Report

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Kansas City lost righthanders Corey Thurman and Ryan Baerlocher in December's major league Rule 5 draft, but came out ahead by taking Ascencio from the Phillies with the fifth overall pick. The Royals compare the move to getting an extra first-round pick. Ascencio led the high Class A Florida State League in ERA last season. Unless the Royals want to expose him to waivers and offer him back to Philadelphia for half his $50,000 draft price, he has to stick on the major league roster in 2002. He has two pitches that are ready for that level: a 90-94 mph fastball that chews up bats and the best changeup in the system. Ascencio occasionally will flash a plus curveball but is far from doing so on a consistent basis. His mechanics and his command also need refinement. His status as a Rule 5 pick could hinder his development in 2002. Kansas City general manager Allard Baird says the club won't just carry Ascencio on the 25-man roster to retain him. He'll be given every chance to earn a job as a starter or reliever in spring training.

Ascencio's rise from obscurity was a pleasant, unexpected surprise to the Phillies. The Dominican righthander, who had a pedestrian 5-9, 4.83 career mark coming into 2001, topped the league in ERA and finished among leaders in wins, strikeouts and innings. The key to Ascencio's turnaround was learning to consistently repeat his arm slot, which bred more velocity and confidence. Ascencio's fastball has plus velocity (92-94 mph) and life. He also demonstrated an advanced feel for mixing speeds and locations. "He reminds me of Ricardo Rodriguez, but he has a better arm," Butterfield said. "He changes speeds and has a good arm and a lively, above-average fastball."