First Impressions of Royals No. 1 Prospect Jac Caglianone

Even as I'm writing this, Jac has hit yet another homerun Sunday in Springfield, commemorating Star Wars Day by obliterating a 115-mph line-drive homer into right field, taking a trip around the bases in back-to-back games to raise his season total to six. 

In his last 14 games, Caglianone has hit .428 with three HRs, twelve RBI and four doubles.

Cags also spent the game Saturday in right field, which I found a few less-hopeful takeaways for. Although he made a handful of textbook catches littered throughout, his instincts in the outfield need some work. 

For instance, in the Cardinals' lone home run belted in the bottom of the 6th, Jac's first instinct was to run toward the infield. However, after misinterpreting the depth of the hit, he retreated to the warning track. 

Though it was an uncatchable ball, that first step forward could lose him the chance to nab one in the future. 

Also, earlier in the 4th, Cags and Gavin Cross nearly collided in center field, each vying for a simple pop fly. Cross warned Caglianone off and made the grab, but the lack of communication was nearly disastrous.

These aren't problems that can't be solved through repetition, however. 

Outfield isn't completely unfamiliar to Caglianone, who played the position at Henry B. Plant High School in Tampa, Florida. He's also been learning to play right field by working with Royals outfield and baserunning advisor Rusty Kuntz. 

Plus, standing at 6'5", Cags can cover ground fast, making every ball look catchable.

Although Kansas City has shown some life in its offense as of late, they could certainly use Jac's bat at Kauffman. With the way he's been playing, I'm confident the rising star will at the least be headed to Omaha soon.