Irving Falu Stats & Scouting Report

Top Rankings

The Royals have known about Falu since he was a 16-year-old, because area scout Johnny Ramos coached his American Legion team in Puerto Rico. Ramos steered him towards Indian Hills (Iowa) CC, where he signed him as a 21st-rounder in 2003. After winning the organization's low Class A Burlington MVP award in 2005, Falu was the team MVP at High Desert last year. Though none of his tools are exceptional, he's a favorite of managers and scouts because of his passion, energy and instincts. He has a good swing path and is equally adept from both sides of the plate. He has little power and understands he has to play a small man's game. He works deep counts yet rarely strikes out, and he does a good job of avoiding hitting flyballs. Falu is a tick above-average runner with a knack for stealing bases. He has good range at shortstop, particularly to his left, but his fringe-average arm means he has a hard time with throws from deep in the hole. He's probably better suited for second base, his primary position before 2006. He's surehanded and reliable on routine plays. While the Royals haven't given up on him as a potential regular, they see him more as a solid reserve. Double-A will be Falu's next stop.

Falu ranked No. 17 on this list a year ago, when he posted near-identical offensive numbers. The only significant upgrade was in stolen bases, where he improve from eight to 23. He also excelled on defense, where he teamed with Johnson to help the Royals turn a league-best 56 double plays. "He's very steady. He makes all the plays," Royals manager Lloyd Simmons said. "If anything, he really improved his footwork on double plays this year." The 6-foot, 170-pound Falu plays the little man's game especially well, a big reason why the Royals didn't hesitate to promote him all the way to Triple-A for the final week of the Pacific Coast League season. A switch-hitter, he's a tough out and puts the ball in play consistently. His biggest need is to get stronger.
Falu split the season between second base and shortstop, and managers were undecided where his future lies. His arm and range may be better suited for second, but Harper said Falu reminded him of former Gold Glove shortstop Alfredo Griffin. Others thought he projects as no more than a utility player. "The tools are there and he's got the actions of a middle infielder," said Escalera, who believed in Falu as a shortstop, "but he's very inconsistent. He's got a long ways to go." A switch-hitter, Falu has good bat speed, makes consistent contact and plays the short game well. If he keeps doing that, he could bat at the top of the order.