Top Royals 2013 pick Dozier set to build on Double-A struggles
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Hunter Dozier, the Royals' top pick in the 2013 draft, surveyed the Kauffman Stadium scene last Friday as a sellout crowd began filing in.
"The atmosphere here is amazing," Dozier noted, his eyes gazing toward the stands. "This is where you want to be."
And playing at Kauffman Stadium is where the Royals want Dozier to be as well, within a year or two.
Dozier, 23, was in Kansas City along with the organization's other minor-league award recipients. Dozier was named the Player of the Year at Class A Wilmington.
Just how fast Dozier, a third baseman, gets to the major-league level may depend not only on his progress, but also on the future of Royals third baseman Mike Moustakas.
While it has been another disappointing year offensively for Moustakas, the organization is not ready to give up on him and likely will trot him out at third base again in 2015.
But the clock could be ticking on Moustakas.
And that is where Dozier could enter the picture. After hitting .295 with four homers, 18 doubles and 39 RBI at Wilmington, he was quickly promoted to Double-A Northwest Arkansas. After a hot start, Dozier cooled considerably at NWA, hitting just .209 with four homers and 21 RBI during the second half.
"I started off pretty well in Double A and fell off toward the end," Dozier said. "It's really good competition up there and I learned a lot about myself and my swing."
The Royals are hoping Dozier takes a major step in 2015, at least enough to consider pushing him toward the big leagues by 2016.
And if Moustakas suddenly finds his offensive game, the Royals have talked internally about moving Dozier to right field.
The organization believes Dozier has the arm strength and athleticism to make the transition quickly, as Alex Gordon, another ex-third baseman, did years ago.
Dozier would welcome any switch that gets him to the big leagues faster.
"I would not be opposed to that," he said. "Any position would be fine. They haven't said anything to me about it. They still want me to work at third really hard.
"But if the time comes and they want me to work at another position, I definitely would not be opposed to it."
Asked if he has ever played outfield in his life, Dozier smiled and said, "Yeah, during BP."
The Royals have another third-base prospect at Triple A in Cheslor Cuthbert, though he has had some starts at second base in anticipation of a position switch as well.
Of course, a position switch for Dozier won't be necessary unless he shows advancement with his offensive game next season.
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"I thought it was really good for me to go through (a slump)," Dozier said. "I know what I have to work on in the offseason now."
Asked what specifically he'll be working on, Dozier shrugged and said, "Just some small fundamental stuff that will help me get more power and stay more consistent."
In a week or so, Dozier will be off to Phoenix to play in the Arizona Fall League.
"I can't wait," he said. "I know what my goals are down there, and it's all about whatever it takes to get up here someday soon in uniform."
You can follow Jeffrey Flanagan on Twitter at @jflanagankc or email him at jeffreyflanagan6@gmail.com.
