Post by KC Royals Nation on Jun 16, 2008 19:39:28 GMT -6
I'm going to sticky another thread atop MiLB Report. Feel free to discuss our 2008 draft picks here in this forum. I will post information on our picks, their status, and which location they are headed. Warning, some of this is taken from other message boards. If that's the case, the original poster has been credited.
The draft deadline has passed. 32 of the 51 players selected from the 2008 amateur draft signed.
32 of 51 signed.
Kansas City Star article on draft pick information.
[blue] = SIGNED
[red] = WILL NOT SIGN
*Compensation (sandwich) draft pick
1 (3). Eric Hosmer, 1B, American Heritage HS (Plantation, FL)
Age: 18, B/T: L/L, Ht: 6'4", Wt: 215
kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080816&content_id=3317363&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc
Royals sign top Draft pick Hosmer
No. 3 overall selection inks deal just before 11 p.m. CT deadline
By Mark Dent / MLB.com
KANSAS CITY -- All summer, they said it would take this long. Royals officials, Eric Hosmer and Scott Boras prepared to sweat deep into the middle of August.
So then it wasn't a surprise when Friday evening came around and nothing had been finalized. The Royals weren't worried. This is becoming routine.
Hosmer officially became a Royal about 10 minutes before the 11 p.m. CT deadline. The talks started early in the day and Deric Ladnier, the Royals' scouting director, said he and general manager Dayton Moore spoke with Hosmer's side more times than they would've thought.
Still, this deal wasn't done until very late. Not that it mattered. This was child's play for Moore and Ladnier. Last year, first-round pick Mike Moustakas, a Boras client, didn't sign until 11 minutes before the deadline.
"Our scouts saw that he had a presence about him at the time," Moore said. "We knew that Eric wanted to play."
The first baseman reportedly received a $6 million dollar bonus, which would be the largest signing bonus the Royals have given to a Draft pick.
The Hosmer deal was just the end of a good day for the club. The Royals of about five years ago seem no longer. They've now signed someone, fourth-round pitcher Tim Melville, who other teams passed on, and a first-round pick represented by Boras two years in a row.
"We're going to continue to do these types of things," Moore said. "To sign both of these players is a huge step for the organization in one day."
Hosmer's situation had all the ingredients for a long, excruciating negotiation process.
Hosmer, the No. 3 overall pick, could have gone to Arizona State, which was his leverage. Kansas City had Melville, a first-round talent picked in the fourth round, plenty of leverage there. And of course, Hosmer had Boras, the guy who squeezes extra dollars out of every franchise and says he always prefers his clients to go to college.
Word around Draft Day in June was that Boras would demand a large signing bonus for Hosmer, and, of course, that Kansas City would have trouble signing the first baseman.
Both happened.
But now the Royals have their man, and he should be "the man." Hosmer will likely jump to near the front of Kansas City's top prospects, if not to the No. 1 spot. That's what happens when you're regarded as one of the best high school power hitters.
Hosmer hit .470 with 11 home runs, 27 RBIs and 49 runs during his senior year, and he already has something close to a Major League body. In the offseason, he'd work out close to seven hours a day and feasted on protein shakes, chicken and steak. All the work made him a chiseled 6-foot-4, 215-pound 18-year old.
"With my game, you can always increase your power," Hosmer said. "At the end of this season, I felt like I did at the beginning. It was the best I felt."
Hosmer, who played with the Midland Redskins this summer in an amateur league, will report to Arizona soon for instructional league. That's where Melville is going as well. The Royals believe they signed two first-round players on Friday, and that's certainly progress.
"If we're going to win championships in Kansas City," Moore said, "we have to take guys that can potentially be big-time players."
1* (36). Mike Montgomery, LHP, Hart HS (Newhall, CA)
Age: 18, B/T: L/L, Ht: 6'5", Wt: 180
Royals Corner:
Montgomery was a late riser on most draft boards, as the tall southpaw added velocity this spring to his fastball, now topping out around 93 mph. Reports are mixed about the quality and consistency of Montgomery’s secondary pitches, but the Royals of late haven’t shied away from such a project. In fact, last year’s second rounder, Sam Runion, also was drafted without a “plus” second pitch, but the Royals liked his projectability and figured they could mold him. That might be the same type of thinking that went into this selection.
www.kansascity.com/sports/royals/story/667973.html
ST. LOUIS _ Left-hander Mike Montgomery, the 36th overall pick in the recent draft, is heading for the Arizona Rookie League after agreeing to terms with the Royals on a $988,000 signing bonus.
Montgomery, 6 feet 5 and 190 pounds, zoomed up draft boards after a standout spring at Hart High School, located in the San Bernardino Valley approximately 200 miles east of Los Angeles.
“I don’t want to say he’s lanky,” scouting director Deric Ladnier said, “because he’s athletic. His fastball velocity is up to 94 (mph) maybe 95. He has a very good changeup that he can command.
“His breaking ball at times is a plus, and at times it’s below (average). That’s a pitch he’s going to have to develop.”
2 (49). Johnny Giovatella, 2B, New Orleans HS (New Orleans, LA)
Bonus = $787,000
Age: 21, B/T: R/R, Ht: 5'8", Wt: 185
Royals Corner
An interesting pick for the Royals. Giavotella reportedly has good power for a middle infielder, and he hit .354/.470/.591 with 12 home runs for the UNO Privateers this spring. He has a short, compact swing, and although his defense doesn’t project any better than average, he has a reputation for being a pretty gritty player. Additionally, Giavotella’s excellent plate discipline figures to be a welcome addition to the organization.
3 (80). Tyler Sample, RHP, Mullen HS (Denver, CO)
Age: 18, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'7", Wt: 240
Royals Corner:
The Royals nabbed one of the most projectable pitchers in the draft in Tyler Sample. Towering at 6-foot-7, Sample has a huge frame that makes scouts salivate. His fastball reportedly reaches the mid-90s with ease, and that heat is accompanied by a potentially plus breaking ball with great downward action. As is the case with any pitcher of Sample’s size, mechanics and repeatability are a concern, but this seems to be a pick that offers the potential of tremendous upside.
Official Press Release To Signing: kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news...xt=.jsp&c_id=kc
Bonus = $500,000
4 (115). Tim Melville, RHP, Holt HS (Wentzville, MO)
Age: 18, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'5", Wt: 210
kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080815&content_id=3313158&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc
Royals sign fourth-round pick Melville
Right-hander to report to club's Arizona League affiliate
By Mark Dent / MLB.com
KANSAS CITY -- For years, the Royals drafted players higher than they were projected. They wanted guys they could sign. Talent sometimes came second.
Although that philosophy has changed in recent years, Friday provided a reminder of just how far the Royals have come since those days. Kansas City agreed to terms with fourth-round pick Tim Melville, a high school pitcher who only dropped that far because other teams were afraid they couldn't sign him.
First-round pick Eric Hosmer remains unsigned with only hours remaining, but this was at least one victory for the Royals. The team that used to pass on top talents out of fear it would be too expensive just paid big money for someone other teams thought would be too difficult to sign.
"Tim is a very exciting young player," said Royals director of scouting Deric Ladnier, "and we are excited that we were able to add a player of his caliber to this organization."
Melville sat in his home in Wentzville, Mo., with his mother, Valerie, getting ready to sign the contract at about 11 a.m. CT when the phone rang. He could barely contain his excitement as he talked with MLB.com.
"It feels amazing," Melville said. "I'm really happy with Kansas City. I don't think there's any place I'd rather play."
A sense of relief came through in Melville's words, too.
First, he waited through four rounds. The scouts projected Melville to go in the first round and perhaps be the first high school pitcher taken. He certainly had the numbers to back up those thoughts.
As a senior at Holt High School, Melville overcame a poor start to finish 8-1 with a 2.56 ERA. He struck out 89 batters in 57 1/3 innings, and opponents hit just .181 against him. That came a season after he went 10-1 with a 0.89 ERA.
Melville, who's 6-foot-5 and weighs 205 pounds, had the stuff to go early in the Draft, but he didn't. According to reports, he and his mother sent letters to several teams about the kind of money he'd want in order to forgo his scholarship to North Carolina. It might have scared them off.
Kansas City finally nabbed him in the fourth round, and Royals officials expressed confidence on Draft day that they'd sign Melville. Two months of dragged-out negotiations followed. More waiting.
Then, this week, Melville waited just a little bit more. On Friday morning, it was official.
All along, from the first time he and his advisor, Jason Cook, spoke with Kansas City on Draft day, Melville thought he'd be a Royal and not a Tar Heel by the end of the summer.
"I knew it would maybe take a while," Melville said, "but I knew the negotiations would run smooth."
Now, with all the hard parts over, Melville is preparing to report for the Royals in Arizona. He wants to gain experience and develop more command on his secondary pitches.
All Melville has to focus on is pitching and improving enough so he can one day make the Major Leagues. The Royals still have bigger worries.
Signing Melville was huge, but they need Hosmer to make Friday even more special. Kansas City has until 11 p.m. CT to agree to terms with its first-rounder. Seventh-round pick Jason Esposito recently spurned an offer from the Royals to play college ball at Vanderbilt. It would be disappointing if Hosmer did the same.
Ladnier has said throughout the summer that negotiations would likely go to the very end of the deadline. Last week, he said the Royals were confident they'd get it done.
Everyone will find out soon if he's right.
Highlights of 810/Petro Interview:
- Hes not native to Missouri and has only lived here for four years.
- He has family close to UNC
- Braves fan
- He and his agent did circulate a letter regarding a price range to sign him.
- He and his mother feel "comfortable" with the Royals
5 (145). John Lamb, LHP, Laguna Hills HS (Laguna Hills, CA)
Age: 17, B/T: L/L, Ht: 6'3", Wt: 185
Bonus = $165,000
Royals Corner:
The Royals went with another projectable southpaw in Round 5. Lamb was a solid two-way player at Laguna Hills High School before deciding to focus on pitching. He reportedly has excellent mechanics, and his fastball ranges from 88-91 mph. He also has an improving breaking ball and changeup. Lamb missed some time this spring after suffering an injury in a car wreck in February, and he wasn’t expected to resume throwing until May. He likely would have been selected before the fifth round had he not been injured. It will be interesting to hear the latest report on his health, but clearly the Royals saw something in his upside.
6 (175). Alex Llanos, OF, Puerto Rico Baseball Academy (Gurabo, P.R.)
Age: 17, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'1", Wt: 160
Royals Corner:
After four of their first six picks were pitchers, the Royals went with another position player in Alex Llanos. Word is that he’s a good glove man with plus speed and a projectable frame. Other than that, there isn’t much information available about Llanos, but the Royals did make a similar pick last year with Fernando Cruz.
Bonus = $125,000
7 (205). Jason Esposito, 3B, Amity Regional HS (Woodbridge, CT)
Age: 17, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'1", Wt: 195
Has committed to college.
www.courant.com/services/newspaper/printedition/sports/hc-extrabases0615.artjun15,0,3151551.story
Jason Esposito of Amity-Woodbridge, who had said he would sign with the Royals after being drafted in the seventh round, has decided to attend Vanderbilt.
"I wanted to take it," Esposito told the New Haven Register, referring to the Royals' offer of a $1.5 million signing bonus. "But then emotions settled down and you put things in perspective. Do I want to go off and play professional baseball at 17 years old? This is the best possible situation. It will benefit me in the long run."
Esposito, who played third base this season, had been projected as a shortstop by the Royals.
8 (235). Malcolm Culver, RHP, Palmdale HS (Palmdale, CA)
Age: 18, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'2", Wt: 185
Bonus = $125,000
9 (265). J.D. Alfaro, SS, Grayson County CC (Grayson County, TX)
Age: 20, B/T: R/R, Ht: 5'9", Wt: 170
Bonus = $75,000
10 (295). Mauricio Matos, C, Clinton HS (Bronx, NY)
Age: 17, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'0", Wt: 185
Bonus = $150,000
www.nydailynews.com/topics/Mauricio+Matos
MAURICIO MATOS: Catcher, Clinton HS, 10th round/Kansas City Royals
Matos may have surprised some being the first area high school player selected in the draft, but the Clinton catcher knew his bat would force scouts to pay attention. Many talked about George Washington's duo of Jean Carlos Rodriguez and Fernando Frias as the most viable pro prospects, but that's because Matos just started making a name for himself in the city this spring.
Matos grew up in New Rochelle but went to high school in Florida the past three years until his father, Wilson, decided Mauricio needed to return home for his senior season.
Matos enrolled at Clinton and immediately made an impact. He led Bronx 'A' with a .612 average, and had 27 RBI and 14 steals. The righthanded hitter helped the No. 18 Governors make a Cinderella run to the PSAL semifinals, where they fell to eventual PSAL champ George Washington.
Last month, on the same day Clinton was swept by the Trojans in a best-of-three playoff series, Matos impressed Kansas City scouts when he put on a powerful hitting display in a workout.
"When I left the scout told me, 'You don't have anything to worry about,'" said Matos, who was selected 21 spots ahead of Rodriguez.
Still, he was upstairs in his room when the Royals called last Thursday to negotiate. They couldn't agree on a deal, so talks would continue into the next day.
Matos, 17, said he had a tough time sleeping that night, but was relieved when the Royals took him on Friday.
"I probably had two hours of sleep (on Thursday)," Matos said. "It was tough but everything worked out."
www.kansascity.com/sports/royals/story/667973.html
The Royals also signed 10th-round pick Maurico Matos, a high school catcher from New York City. The club now has eight of its first 11 picks under contract.
11 (325). Malcolm Bronson, OF, Jasper HS (Jasper, TX)
Age: 18, B/T: L/R, Ht: 6'0", Wt: 185
http://www.southeasttexaslive....83964&rfi=6
For now, Malcolm Bronson, a just-graduated Jasper student, will bask in the fact that the Kansas City Royals picked him in the 11th round of the Major League Baseball draft Friday.
As for Bronson, he said he was unsure if he would immediately pursue a baseball career or attend college. In addition to playing football at McNeese, Bronson has planned to walk-on to the school's baseball team.
Rules allow college athletes to play college football and professional baseball simultaneously, but
Bronson said he will not do that.
Should Bronson not sign with the Royals by the Aug. 15 signing deadline, he will not be eligible for the baseball draft again until after his junior season.
This season, Bronson emerged as a power-hitting rightfielder. He batted .442 with 12 home runs and 46 RBIs. He had six doubles and six triples. Once on base, he was 12-for-12 in steals.
Before this season, Bronson mainly used his speed to get on base. He bunted often enough to be nicknamed "Bunting Bronson" as he helped Jasper to a Class 3A state championship last year. This year, that name became "Bombing Bronson" for the frequent home runs that attracted professional scouts.
"The speed is a tool they're looking for, but when you add another tool - if you can hit and hit for power - that's something they're looking for," Jasper coach Shawn Mixon said.
12 (355). Keven Caldwell, OF, Spartanburg Methodist JC (SC)
Age: 20, B/T: L/L, Ht: 5'11", Wt: 170
Bonus = $65,000
www.thestate.com/sports/story/432696.html
Clemson baseball recruit Allen Caldwell signed with the Kansas City Royals.
A 12th-round pick out of Spartanburg Methodist College, Caldwell had been expected to turn pro before last week’s draft because of academic issues.
The outfielder from Sumter was named the region player of the year this past season, batting .345 with 13 homers and 64 RBIs in 58 games.
He has been assigned to Kansas City’s low A affiliate in Burlington, N.C. He accepted a signing bonus of $65,000.
13 (385). John Flanagan, LHP, Southwestern Illinois JC (IL)
Age: 19, B/T: L/L, Ht: 6'5", Wt: 200
Bonus = $85,000
Former Belleville West and Southwestern Illinois College pitcher John Flanagan has signed with the Kansas City Royals and will begin his minor-league career in North Carolina.
The talented 6-foot-5 left-hander, taken in the 13th round by the Royals last week, will be part of their rookie league team at Burlington, N.C. Burlington plays in the Appalachian League and opens its season June 17.
"I'm really excited to get down there and start getting things going," said Flanagan, who turns 20 on Sunday. "It sounds like it's going to be half and half, high school and college guys. They said this would be the right place for me.
14 (415). Chase Hentges, RHP, Shakopee HS (MN)
Age: 18, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'5", Wt: 180
15 (445). Alberto Espinosa, 1B, Broward CC (FL)
Age: 21, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'0", Wt: 220
16 (475). Derrick Saito, LHP, Cal Poly (CA)
Age: 20, B/T: L/L, Ht: 5'9", Wt: 155
Bonus = $100,000
17 (505). Jake Kuebler, 3B, Lincoln Southeast HS (NE)
Age: 18, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'5", Wt: 190
18 (535). Carlo Testa, OF, Belmont (TN)
Age: 21, B/T: L/L, Ht: 6'3", Wt: 218
19 (565). Miguel Moctezuma, C, Central Oklahoma (OK)
Age: 21, B/T: R/R, Ht: 5'10", Wt: 190
www.edmondsun.com/sport...eyword=topstory
Central Oklahoma baseball star Miguel Moctezuma was selected in the 19th round of Major League Baseball’s First-Year Players Draft on Friday, by the Kansas City Royals.
The catcher, who played at Edmond North, signed a contract with the Royals on Saturday, and is expected to play for a minor league team in either Arizona or Idaho.
Moctezuma was selected with the 565th pick in the draft.
The junior was a standout for the Bronchos, and was one of the top players in the Lone Star Conference. He boasted a .434 batting average with 99 hits, which included 10 home runs and 58 RBI.
Moctezuma was a first-team All-Lone Star Conference pick and made the All-South Central Regional team.
20 (595). Shawn Griffin, OF, Tennessee (TN)
Age: 21, B/T: L/R, Ht: 6'3", Wt: 200
http://mlntherawfeed.squarespa...s-draft-pi.html
Outfielder Shawn Griffin and pitcher James Thompson are the first players officially placed in Idaho Falls.
Thompson also started his career in junior college before transferring to Columbus State University in Georgia. The right-handed pitcher, who went in the 38th round, started at Chattahoochee Valley Community College. While with the CVCC Pirtates Thompson went 11-3 and had eight saves in two years. Thompson also threw a complete game no-hitter for the Pirates. At Columbus State he went 4-1 with a 3.96 ERA this spring as a junior.
21 (625). Jacob Theis, RHP, Mountlake Terrace HS (WA)
Age: 18, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'6", Wt: 220
22 (655). Blaine Hardy, LHP, Lewis-Clark State (ID)
Age: 21, B/T: L/L, Ht: 6'2", Wt: 195
23 (685). Dale De Schepper, RHP, Mount San Jacinto JC (CA)
Age: 21, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'2", Wt: 175
24 (715). Jason Morales, 3B, UNC Pembroke (NC)
Age: 22, B/T: R/R, Ht: 5'11", Wt: 200
25 (745). Carson Bryant, RHP, Azusa Pacific (CA)
Age: 22, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'3", Wt: 195
www.bakersfield.com/136/story/466127.html
Carson Bryant, a right-handed pitcher from Liberty High and Azusa Pacific, signed his contract on Saturday. He was a 25th-round pick by Kansas City.
Bryant said he was noticed by the Royals during Azusa Pacific's fall intersquad games. Bryant, who said he consistently reaches 91-92 mph and has peaked at 93, was ineligible in the spring, so he did not play for Azusa this season.
"I had to complete 24 units before I was eligible to play and I passed 21, so I fell a little short," Bryant said.
Bryant said his velocity has improved in recent years, and he has better control. But gaining maturity is a bigger factor in getting a chance at pro baseball.
"Two or three years ago I had no command and I was just so immature -- I didn't know how to deal with situations," he said.
The Royals will assign him to their short-season Appalachian League team in Burlington, N.C., Bryant said.
26 (775). Ryan Morgan, RHP, Rockhurst (MO)
Age: 21, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'1", Wt: 190
27 (805). Timothy Huber, LHP, Nebraska-Omaha (NE)
Age: 22, B/T: L/L, Ht: 5'10", Wt: 190
28 (835). Gregory Billo, RHP, Sandburg HS (Orland Park, IL)
Age: 17, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'4", Wt: 195
www.southtownstar.com/s...aldraft.article
"It was like a dream come true," said Billo, who was watching the draft unfold with his father. "I like the Royals, so I'm happy they drafted me."
The next step for Billo, who has a four-year scholarship to St. Joseph's College in his back pocket, is to see what type of signing bonus the Royals offer. The 6-foot-3 right-hander finished 12-1 with a 1.11 ERA for a Sandburg team that ended its season 30-6.
"They're going to watch me over the summer and then make me an offer," said Billo, who will play for the Orland Magic. "If the money isn't there, I'll be happy to go to college."
RN Note: Has now signed. Per The Pipeline:
28th rounder RHP Greg Billo is another tall pitcher from Carl Sandburg HS in Illinois. He's taken a small college scholarship after going 12-1 this season with a 1.19 ERA and 97 Ks and 21 BB in 70 1/3 IP. I wonder if getting drafted changes his plans. Haven't seen that he's signed.
29 (865). Beau Brett, 1B, Ferris HS (Spokane, WA)
Age: 18, B/T: L/L, Ht: 6'3", Wt: 185
30 (895). Dietrick Dodridge, LHP, Ogemaw Heights HS (West
Branch, MI)
Age: 18, B/T: L/L, Ht: 6'5", Wt: 215
31 (925). Ryan Curl, OF, St. Francis Desales HS (Columbus, OH)
Age: 17, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'2", Wt: 190
Although Cincinnati and Cleveland were among the teams which showed interest in Curl, a Royals scout came to DeSales a few days before the draft to watch one of his workouts.
He played for a fall team that he believes might have gotten him exposure to Major League scouts, and last summer covered 60 yards in 6.2 seconds at a showcase in Toledo.
Curl signed with Miami University last November.
"I'm not really sure what I'm going to do yet, but I'm leaning toward going to college," Curl said. "I was talking to the Royals' scout the other day, and he's going to come to some games this summer. It'll be kind of a draft-and-follow. They might throw some money at me at some point."
32 (955). Rey Cotilla, RHP, Miami-Dade CC (FL)
Age: 19, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'4", Wt: 195
33 (985). Eric Swegman, RHP, Young Harris JC (GA)
Age: 19, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'6", Wt: 215
34 (1015). Brett Richardson, RHP, Wenatchee Valley CC (WA)
Age: 20, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'3", Wt: 195
35 (1045). Chris Balcom-Miller, RHP, West Valley JC (CA)
Age: 19, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'2", Wt: 190
36 (1075). Nick Purdy, RHP, St. Mary's SS (Grafton, Ontario)
Age: 18, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'5", Wt: 215
His MySpace: profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?...iendid=12493499
37 (1105). Bradin Hagens, RHP, Merced JC (CA)
Age: 19, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'1", Wt: 175
38 (1135). Jason Thompson, RHP, Columbus State (GA)
Age: 20, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'3", Wt: 195
http://mlntherawfeed.squarespa...s-draft-pi.html
Outfielder Shawn Griffin and pitcher James Thompson are the first players officially placed in Idaho Falls.
Thompson also started his career in junior college before transferring to Columbus State University in Georgia. The right-handed pitcher, who went in the 38th round, started at Chattahoochee Valley Community College. While with the CVCC Pirtates Thompson went 11-3 and had eight saves in two years. Thompson also threw a complete game no-hitter for the Pirates. At Columbus State he went 4-1 with a 3.96 ERA this spring as a junior.
39 (1165). Ryan Modglin, RHP, Scott City HS (MO)
Age: 18, B/T: L/R, Ht: 6'2", Wt: 210
www.semissourian.com/ap...830/1002/sports
Scott City pitcher Ryan Modglin, who was drafted by the Kansas City Royals last Friday, said he likely will opt to play college baseball instead.
Modglin, who signed a letter of intent last fall to play baseball at Missouri State, informed teams before the draft he likely would keep his commitment to the college in Springfield, Mo., if he was not selected in the top 10 rounds with a fourth- or fifth-round signing bonus.
"It's an honor to get drafted no matter if you're the first round or the very last round," Modglin said. "There are thousands of kids who don't get drafted, and it's just an honor to be one of the kids who did. ... I wasn't disappointed at all [with the 39th round]. ... I had to make a commitment to the top 10 rounds and they knew ahead of time I was wanting fourth- or fifth-round money. But since I didn't make that a commitment to go in the 10th round with 10th-round money, then they bumped me down the ladder a little bit, which was fine."
Modglin said that the Royals will continue to watch his progress while he plays with Talley Haines' select team this summer then make him an offer.
"I probably am going to Missouri State," Modglin said. "But that depends because they [Kansas City] are going to watch me this summer. ... It's up to Kansas City on the offer.
"They told me it was probably not likely I'm going to get the money that we were asking for."
40 (1195). Pernell Halliman, RHP, Jackson State (CA)
Age: 21, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'6, Wt: 240
41 (1225). Doug Joyce, C, Stanwood HS (WA)
Age: 18, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'2", Wt: 200
42 (1255). Marc Oslund, RHP, West HS (Torrance, CA)
Age: 18, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'5", Wt: 225
43 (1285). Cory Kiefer, RHP, Valley View HS (Moreno Valley, CA)
Age: 18, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'3", Wt: 170
44 (1315). Patrick Johnson, OF, Colony HS (Ontario, CA)
Age: 17, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'1", Wt: 175
45 (1344). Raymond Anderson, OF, Lassiter HS (Marietta, GA)
Age: 18, B/T: L/L, Ht: 5'9", Wt: 170
46 (1372). William Beckwitt, 1B, West Lowndes HS (Columbus, MS)
Age: 17, B/T: L/R, Ht: 6'1", Wt: 220
mcceagles.blogspot.com/2008_01_01_archive.html
Last season at WLHS, Beckwitt batted .520 for Coach Todd Stanley, while totaling 9 homeruns, 23 extra base hits, 41 runs and 48 RBI in just 32 games. During the summer he batted .490 for the Mississippi Stars summer travel team for Coach Harry Porter.
47 (1399). Stephen Gilgenbach, LHP, Arkansas-Little Rock (Little Rock, AR)
Age: 22, B/T: L/L, Ht: 6'2", Wt: 220
48 (1426). Terrence Buchanan, SS, Mount Carmel HS (San Diego, CA)
Age: 18, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'1", Wt: 175
49 (1453). Algan Salgado, 3B, San Ysidro HS (CA)
Age: 18, B/T: L/R, Ht: 5'9", Wt: 190
www.sandiegosportsforums.com/
Hit over .419. League opponents frequently walked him
or hit him to keep him from swinging the bat. Several
games, he was either walked or hit in every plate
appearance. KC Royals are interested in him and are
rumored to want to draft him.
He is also San Ysidro's male spring sport MVP, as well as
a 1st team all-league choice.
50 (1480). Travis Jones, C, Sabino (Tucson, AZ)
Age: 19, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'2", Wt: 200
According to the Royals.com depth chart, he has signed. (Thanks, FanOfJoseAgain!)
kansascity.royals.mlb.com/team/draft.jsp?c_id=kc
The draft deadline has passed. 32 of the 51 players selected from the 2008 amateur draft signed.
32 of 51 signed.
Kansas City Star article on draft pick information.
[blue] = SIGNED
[red] = WILL NOT SIGN
*Compensation (sandwich) draft pick
1 (3). Eric Hosmer, 1B, American Heritage HS (Plantation, FL)
Age: 18, B/T: L/L, Ht: 6'4", Wt: 215
kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080816&content_id=3317363&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc
Royals sign top Draft pick Hosmer
No. 3 overall selection inks deal just before 11 p.m. CT deadline
By Mark Dent / MLB.com
KANSAS CITY -- All summer, they said it would take this long. Royals officials, Eric Hosmer and Scott Boras prepared to sweat deep into the middle of August.
So then it wasn't a surprise when Friday evening came around and nothing had been finalized. The Royals weren't worried. This is becoming routine.
Hosmer officially became a Royal about 10 minutes before the 11 p.m. CT deadline. The talks started early in the day and Deric Ladnier, the Royals' scouting director, said he and general manager Dayton Moore spoke with Hosmer's side more times than they would've thought.
Still, this deal wasn't done until very late. Not that it mattered. This was child's play for Moore and Ladnier. Last year, first-round pick Mike Moustakas, a Boras client, didn't sign until 11 minutes before the deadline.
"Our scouts saw that he had a presence about him at the time," Moore said. "We knew that Eric wanted to play."
The first baseman reportedly received a $6 million dollar bonus, which would be the largest signing bonus the Royals have given to a Draft pick.
The Hosmer deal was just the end of a good day for the club. The Royals of about five years ago seem no longer. They've now signed someone, fourth-round pitcher Tim Melville, who other teams passed on, and a first-round pick represented by Boras two years in a row.
"We're going to continue to do these types of things," Moore said. "To sign both of these players is a huge step for the organization in one day."
Hosmer's situation had all the ingredients for a long, excruciating negotiation process.
Hosmer, the No. 3 overall pick, could have gone to Arizona State, which was his leverage. Kansas City had Melville, a first-round talent picked in the fourth round, plenty of leverage there. And of course, Hosmer had Boras, the guy who squeezes extra dollars out of every franchise and says he always prefers his clients to go to college.
Word around Draft Day in June was that Boras would demand a large signing bonus for Hosmer, and, of course, that Kansas City would have trouble signing the first baseman.
Both happened.
But now the Royals have their man, and he should be "the man." Hosmer will likely jump to near the front of Kansas City's top prospects, if not to the No. 1 spot. That's what happens when you're regarded as one of the best high school power hitters.
Hosmer hit .470 with 11 home runs, 27 RBIs and 49 runs during his senior year, and he already has something close to a Major League body. In the offseason, he'd work out close to seven hours a day and feasted on protein shakes, chicken and steak. All the work made him a chiseled 6-foot-4, 215-pound 18-year old.
"With my game, you can always increase your power," Hosmer said. "At the end of this season, I felt like I did at the beginning. It was the best I felt."
Hosmer, who played with the Midland Redskins this summer in an amateur league, will report to Arizona soon for instructional league. That's where Melville is going as well. The Royals believe they signed two first-round players on Friday, and that's certainly progress.
"If we're going to win championships in Kansas City," Moore said, "we have to take guys that can potentially be big-time players."
1* (36). Mike Montgomery, LHP, Hart HS (Newhall, CA)
Age: 18, B/T: L/L, Ht: 6'5", Wt: 180
Royals Corner:
Montgomery was a late riser on most draft boards, as the tall southpaw added velocity this spring to his fastball, now topping out around 93 mph. Reports are mixed about the quality and consistency of Montgomery’s secondary pitches, but the Royals of late haven’t shied away from such a project. In fact, last year’s second rounder, Sam Runion, also was drafted without a “plus” second pitch, but the Royals liked his projectability and figured they could mold him. That might be the same type of thinking that went into this selection.
www.kansascity.com/sports/royals/story/667973.html
ST. LOUIS _ Left-hander Mike Montgomery, the 36th overall pick in the recent draft, is heading for the Arizona Rookie League after agreeing to terms with the Royals on a $988,000 signing bonus.
Montgomery, 6 feet 5 and 190 pounds, zoomed up draft boards after a standout spring at Hart High School, located in the San Bernardino Valley approximately 200 miles east of Los Angeles.
“I don’t want to say he’s lanky,” scouting director Deric Ladnier said, “because he’s athletic. His fastball velocity is up to 94 (mph) maybe 95. He has a very good changeup that he can command.
“His breaking ball at times is a plus, and at times it’s below (average). That’s a pitch he’s going to have to develop.”
2 (49). Johnny Giovatella, 2B, New Orleans HS (New Orleans, LA)
Bonus = $787,000
Age: 21, B/T: R/R, Ht: 5'8", Wt: 185
Royals Corner
An interesting pick for the Royals. Giavotella reportedly has good power for a middle infielder, and he hit .354/.470/.591 with 12 home runs for the UNO Privateers this spring. He has a short, compact swing, and although his defense doesn’t project any better than average, he has a reputation for being a pretty gritty player. Additionally, Giavotella’s excellent plate discipline figures to be a welcome addition to the organization.
3 (80). Tyler Sample, RHP, Mullen HS (Denver, CO)
Age: 18, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'7", Wt: 240
Royals Corner:
The Royals nabbed one of the most projectable pitchers in the draft in Tyler Sample. Towering at 6-foot-7, Sample has a huge frame that makes scouts salivate. His fastball reportedly reaches the mid-90s with ease, and that heat is accompanied by a potentially plus breaking ball with great downward action. As is the case with any pitcher of Sample’s size, mechanics and repeatability are a concern, but this seems to be a pick that offers the potential of tremendous upside.
Official Press Release To Signing: kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news...xt=.jsp&c_id=kc
Bonus = $500,000
4 (115). Tim Melville, RHP, Holt HS (Wentzville, MO)
Age: 18, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'5", Wt: 210
kansascity.royals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080815&content_id=3313158&vkey=news_kc&fext=.jsp&c_id=kc
Royals sign fourth-round pick Melville
Right-hander to report to club's Arizona League affiliate
By Mark Dent / MLB.com
KANSAS CITY -- For years, the Royals drafted players higher than they were projected. They wanted guys they could sign. Talent sometimes came second.
Although that philosophy has changed in recent years, Friday provided a reminder of just how far the Royals have come since those days. Kansas City agreed to terms with fourth-round pick Tim Melville, a high school pitcher who only dropped that far because other teams were afraid they couldn't sign him.
First-round pick Eric Hosmer remains unsigned with only hours remaining, but this was at least one victory for the Royals. The team that used to pass on top talents out of fear it would be too expensive just paid big money for someone other teams thought would be too difficult to sign.
"Tim is a very exciting young player," said Royals director of scouting Deric Ladnier, "and we are excited that we were able to add a player of his caliber to this organization."
Melville sat in his home in Wentzville, Mo., with his mother, Valerie, getting ready to sign the contract at about 11 a.m. CT when the phone rang. He could barely contain his excitement as he talked with MLB.com.
"It feels amazing," Melville said. "I'm really happy with Kansas City. I don't think there's any place I'd rather play."
A sense of relief came through in Melville's words, too.
First, he waited through four rounds. The scouts projected Melville to go in the first round and perhaps be the first high school pitcher taken. He certainly had the numbers to back up those thoughts.
As a senior at Holt High School, Melville overcame a poor start to finish 8-1 with a 2.56 ERA. He struck out 89 batters in 57 1/3 innings, and opponents hit just .181 against him. That came a season after he went 10-1 with a 0.89 ERA.
Melville, who's 6-foot-5 and weighs 205 pounds, had the stuff to go early in the Draft, but he didn't. According to reports, he and his mother sent letters to several teams about the kind of money he'd want in order to forgo his scholarship to North Carolina. It might have scared them off.
Kansas City finally nabbed him in the fourth round, and Royals officials expressed confidence on Draft day that they'd sign Melville. Two months of dragged-out negotiations followed. More waiting.
Then, this week, Melville waited just a little bit more. On Friday morning, it was official.
All along, from the first time he and his advisor, Jason Cook, spoke with Kansas City on Draft day, Melville thought he'd be a Royal and not a Tar Heel by the end of the summer.
"I knew it would maybe take a while," Melville said, "but I knew the negotiations would run smooth."
Now, with all the hard parts over, Melville is preparing to report for the Royals in Arizona. He wants to gain experience and develop more command on his secondary pitches.
All Melville has to focus on is pitching and improving enough so he can one day make the Major Leagues. The Royals still have bigger worries.
Signing Melville was huge, but they need Hosmer to make Friday even more special. Kansas City has until 11 p.m. CT to agree to terms with its first-rounder. Seventh-round pick Jason Esposito recently spurned an offer from the Royals to play college ball at Vanderbilt. It would be disappointing if Hosmer did the same.
Ladnier has said throughout the summer that negotiations would likely go to the very end of the deadline. Last week, he said the Royals were confident they'd get it done.
Everyone will find out soon if he's right.
Highlights of 810/Petro Interview:
- Hes not native to Missouri and has only lived here for four years.
- He has family close to UNC
- Braves fan
- He and his agent did circulate a letter regarding a price range to sign him.
- He and his mother feel "comfortable" with the Royals
5 (145). John Lamb, LHP, Laguna Hills HS (Laguna Hills, CA)
Age: 17, B/T: L/L, Ht: 6'3", Wt: 185
Bonus = $165,000
Royals Corner:
The Royals went with another projectable southpaw in Round 5. Lamb was a solid two-way player at Laguna Hills High School before deciding to focus on pitching. He reportedly has excellent mechanics, and his fastball ranges from 88-91 mph. He also has an improving breaking ball and changeup. Lamb missed some time this spring after suffering an injury in a car wreck in February, and he wasn’t expected to resume throwing until May. He likely would have been selected before the fifth round had he not been injured. It will be interesting to hear the latest report on his health, but clearly the Royals saw something in his upside.
6 (175). Alex Llanos, OF, Puerto Rico Baseball Academy (Gurabo, P.R.)
Age: 17, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'1", Wt: 160
Royals Corner:
After four of their first six picks were pitchers, the Royals went with another position player in Alex Llanos. Word is that he’s a good glove man with plus speed and a projectable frame. Other than that, there isn’t much information available about Llanos, but the Royals did make a similar pick last year with Fernando Cruz.
Bonus = $125,000
7 (205). Jason Esposito, 3B, Amity Regional HS (Woodbridge, CT)
Age: 17, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'1", Wt: 195
Has committed to college.
www.courant.com/services/newspaper/printedition/sports/hc-extrabases0615.artjun15,0,3151551.story
Jason Esposito of Amity-Woodbridge, who had said he would sign with the Royals after being drafted in the seventh round, has decided to attend Vanderbilt.
"I wanted to take it," Esposito told the New Haven Register, referring to the Royals' offer of a $1.5 million signing bonus. "But then emotions settled down and you put things in perspective. Do I want to go off and play professional baseball at 17 years old? This is the best possible situation. It will benefit me in the long run."
Esposito, who played third base this season, had been projected as a shortstop by the Royals.
8 (235). Malcolm Culver, RHP, Palmdale HS (Palmdale, CA)
Age: 18, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'2", Wt: 185
Bonus = $125,000
9 (265). J.D. Alfaro, SS, Grayson County CC (Grayson County, TX)
Age: 20, B/T: R/R, Ht: 5'9", Wt: 170
Bonus = $75,000
10 (295). Mauricio Matos, C, Clinton HS (Bronx, NY)
Age: 17, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'0", Wt: 185
Bonus = $150,000
www.nydailynews.com/topics/Mauricio+Matos
MAURICIO MATOS: Catcher, Clinton HS, 10th round/Kansas City Royals
Matos may have surprised some being the first area high school player selected in the draft, but the Clinton catcher knew his bat would force scouts to pay attention. Many talked about George Washington's duo of Jean Carlos Rodriguez and Fernando Frias as the most viable pro prospects, but that's because Matos just started making a name for himself in the city this spring.
Matos grew up in New Rochelle but went to high school in Florida the past three years until his father, Wilson, decided Mauricio needed to return home for his senior season.
Matos enrolled at Clinton and immediately made an impact. He led Bronx 'A' with a .612 average, and had 27 RBI and 14 steals. The righthanded hitter helped the No. 18 Governors make a Cinderella run to the PSAL semifinals, where they fell to eventual PSAL champ George Washington.
Last month, on the same day Clinton was swept by the Trojans in a best-of-three playoff series, Matos impressed Kansas City scouts when he put on a powerful hitting display in a workout.
"When I left the scout told me, 'You don't have anything to worry about,'" said Matos, who was selected 21 spots ahead of Rodriguez.
Still, he was upstairs in his room when the Royals called last Thursday to negotiate. They couldn't agree on a deal, so talks would continue into the next day.
Matos, 17, said he had a tough time sleeping that night, but was relieved when the Royals took him on Friday.
"I probably had two hours of sleep (on Thursday)," Matos said. "It was tough but everything worked out."
www.kansascity.com/sports/royals/story/667973.html
The Royals also signed 10th-round pick Maurico Matos, a high school catcher from New York City. The club now has eight of its first 11 picks under contract.
11 (325). Malcolm Bronson, OF, Jasper HS (Jasper, TX)
Age: 18, B/T: L/R, Ht: 6'0", Wt: 185
http://www.southeasttexaslive....83964&rfi=6
For now, Malcolm Bronson, a just-graduated Jasper student, will bask in the fact that the Kansas City Royals picked him in the 11th round of the Major League Baseball draft Friday.
As for Bronson, he said he was unsure if he would immediately pursue a baseball career or attend college. In addition to playing football at McNeese, Bronson has planned to walk-on to the school's baseball team.
Rules allow college athletes to play college football and professional baseball simultaneously, but
Bronson said he will not do that.
Should Bronson not sign with the Royals by the Aug. 15 signing deadline, he will not be eligible for the baseball draft again until after his junior season.
This season, Bronson emerged as a power-hitting rightfielder. He batted .442 with 12 home runs and 46 RBIs. He had six doubles and six triples. Once on base, he was 12-for-12 in steals.
Before this season, Bronson mainly used his speed to get on base. He bunted often enough to be nicknamed "Bunting Bronson" as he helped Jasper to a Class 3A state championship last year. This year, that name became "Bombing Bronson" for the frequent home runs that attracted professional scouts.
"The speed is a tool they're looking for, but when you add another tool - if you can hit and hit for power - that's something they're looking for," Jasper coach Shawn Mixon said.
12 (355). Keven Caldwell, OF, Spartanburg Methodist JC (SC)
Age: 20, B/T: L/L, Ht: 5'11", Wt: 170
Bonus = $65,000
www.thestate.com/sports/story/432696.html
Clemson baseball recruit Allen Caldwell signed with the Kansas City Royals.
A 12th-round pick out of Spartanburg Methodist College, Caldwell had been expected to turn pro before last week’s draft because of academic issues.
The outfielder from Sumter was named the region player of the year this past season, batting .345 with 13 homers and 64 RBIs in 58 games.
He has been assigned to Kansas City’s low A affiliate in Burlington, N.C. He accepted a signing bonus of $65,000.
13 (385). John Flanagan, LHP, Southwestern Illinois JC (IL)
Age: 19, B/T: L/L, Ht: 6'5", Wt: 200
Bonus = $85,000
Former Belleville West and Southwestern Illinois College pitcher John Flanagan has signed with the Kansas City Royals and will begin his minor-league career in North Carolina.
The talented 6-foot-5 left-hander, taken in the 13th round by the Royals last week, will be part of their rookie league team at Burlington, N.C. Burlington plays in the Appalachian League and opens its season June 17.
"I'm really excited to get down there and start getting things going," said Flanagan, who turns 20 on Sunday. "It sounds like it's going to be half and half, high school and college guys. They said this would be the right place for me.
14 (415). Chase Hentges, RHP, Shakopee HS (MN)
Age: 18, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'5", Wt: 180
15 (445). Alberto Espinosa, 1B, Broward CC (FL)
Age: 21, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'0", Wt: 220
16 (475). Derrick Saito, LHP, Cal Poly (CA)
Age: 20, B/T: L/L, Ht: 5'9", Wt: 155
Bonus = $100,000
17 (505). Jake Kuebler, 3B, Lincoln Southeast HS (NE)
Age: 18, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'5", Wt: 190
18 (535). Carlo Testa, OF, Belmont (TN)
Age: 21, B/T: L/L, Ht: 6'3", Wt: 218
19 (565). Miguel Moctezuma, C, Central Oklahoma (OK)
Age: 21, B/T: R/R, Ht: 5'10", Wt: 190
www.edmondsun.com/sport...eyword=topstory
Central Oklahoma baseball star Miguel Moctezuma was selected in the 19th round of Major League Baseball’s First-Year Players Draft on Friday, by the Kansas City Royals.
The catcher, who played at Edmond North, signed a contract with the Royals on Saturday, and is expected to play for a minor league team in either Arizona or Idaho.
Moctezuma was selected with the 565th pick in the draft.
The junior was a standout for the Bronchos, and was one of the top players in the Lone Star Conference. He boasted a .434 batting average with 99 hits, which included 10 home runs and 58 RBI.
Moctezuma was a first-team All-Lone Star Conference pick and made the All-South Central Regional team.
20 (595). Shawn Griffin, OF, Tennessee (TN)
Age: 21, B/T: L/R, Ht: 6'3", Wt: 200
http://mlntherawfeed.squarespa...s-draft-pi.html
Outfielder Shawn Griffin and pitcher James Thompson are the first players officially placed in Idaho Falls.
Thompson also started his career in junior college before transferring to Columbus State University in Georgia. The right-handed pitcher, who went in the 38th round, started at Chattahoochee Valley Community College. While with the CVCC Pirtates Thompson went 11-3 and had eight saves in two years. Thompson also threw a complete game no-hitter for the Pirates. At Columbus State he went 4-1 with a 3.96 ERA this spring as a junior.
21 (625). Jacob Theis, RHP, Mountlake Terrace HS (WA)
Age: 18, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'6", Wt: 220
22 (655). Blaine Hardy, LHP, Lewis-Clark State (ID)
Age: 21, B/T: L/L, Ht: 6'2", Wt: 195
23 (685). Dale De Schepper, RHP, Mount San Jacinto JC (CA)
Age: 21, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'2", Wt: 175
24 (715). Jason Morales, 3B, UNC Pembroke (NC)
Age: 22, B/T: R/R, Ht: 5'11", Wt: 200
25 (745). Carson Bryant, RHP, Azusa Pacific (CA)
Age: 22, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'3", Wt: 195
www.bakersfield.com/136/story/466127.html
Carson Bryant, a right-handed pitcher from Liberty High and Azusa Pacific, signed his contract on Saturday. He was a 25th-round pick by Kansas City.
Bryant said he was noticed by the Royals during Azusa Pacific's fall intersquad games. Bryant, who said he consistently reaches 91-92 mph and has peaked at 93, was ineligible in the spring, so he did not play for Azusa this season.
"I had to complete 24 units before I was eligible to play and I passed 21, so I fell a little short," Bryant said.
Bryant said his velocity has improved in recent years, and he has better control. But gaining maturity is a bigger factor in getting a chance at pro baseball.
"Two or three years ago I had no command and I was just so immature -- I didn't know how to deal with situations," he said.
The Royals will assign him to their short-season Appalachian League team in Burlington, N.C., Bryant said.
26 (775). Ryan Morgan, RHP, Rockhurst (MO)
Age: 21, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'1", Wt: 190
27 (805). Timothy Huber, LHP, Nebraska-Omaha (NE)
Age: 22, B/T: L/L, Ht: 5'10", Wt: 190
28 (835). Gregory Billo, RHP, Sandburg HS (Orland Park, IL)
Age: 17, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'4", Wt: 195
www.southtownstar.com/s...aldraft.article
"It was like a dream come true," said Billo, who was watching the draft unfold with his father. "I like the Royals, so I'm happy they drafted me."
The next step for Billo, who has a four-year scholarship to St. Joseph's College in his back pocket, is to see what type of signing bonus the Royals offer. The 6-foot-3 right-hander finished 12-1 with a 1.11 ERA for a Sandburg team that ended its season 30-6.
"They're going to watch me over the summer and then make me an offer," said Billo, who will play for the Orland Magic. "If the money isn't there, I'll be happy to go to college."
RN Note: Has now signed. Per The Pipeline:
28th rounder RHP Greg Billo is another tall pitcher from Carl Sandburg HS in Illinois. He's taken a small college scholarship after going 12-1 this season with a 1.19 ERA and 97 Ks and 21 BB in 70 1/3 IP. I wonder if getting drafted changes his plans. Haven't seen that he's signed.
29 (865). Beau Brett, 1B, Ferris HS (Spokane, WA)
Age: 18, B/T: L/L, Ht: 6'3", Wt: 185
30 (895). Dietrick Dodridge, LHP, Ogemaw Heights HS (West
Branch, MI)
Age: 18, B/T: L/L, Ht: 6'5", Wt: 215
31 (925). Ryan Curl, OF, St. Francis Desales HS (Columbus, OH)
Age: 17, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'2", Wt: 190
Although Cincinnati and Cleveland were among the teams which showed interest in Curl, a Royals scout came to DeSales a few days before the draft to watch one of his workouts.
He played for a fall team that he believes might have gotten him exposure to Major League scouts, and last summer covered 60 yards in 6.2 seconds at a showcase in Toledo.
Curl signed with Miami University last November.
"I'm not really sure what I'm going to do yet, but I'm leaning toward going to college," Curl said. "I was talking to the Royals' scout the other day, and he's going to come to some games this summer. It'll be kind of a draft-and-follow. They might throw some money at me at some point."
32 (955). Rey Cotilla, RHP, Miami-Dade CC (FL)
Age: 19, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'4", Wt: 195
33 (985). Eric Swegman, RHP, Young Harris JC (GA)
Age: 19, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'6", Wt: 215
34 (1015). Brett Richardson, RHP, Wenatchee Valley CC (WA)
Age: 20, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'3", Wt: 195
35 (1045). Chris Balcom-Miller, RHP, West Valley JC (CA)
Age: 19, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'2", Wt: 190
36 (1075). Nick Purdy, RHP, St. Mary's SS (Grafton, Ontario)
Age: 18, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'5", Wt: 215
His MySpace: profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?...iendid=12493499
37 (1105). Bradin Hagens, RHP, Merced JC (CA)
Age: 19, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'1", Wt: 175
38 (1135). Jason Thompson, RHP, Columbus State (GA)
Age: 20, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'3", Wt: 195
http://mlntherawfeed.squarespa...s-draft-pi.html
Outfielder Shawn Griffin and pitcher James Thompson are the first players officially placed in Idaho Falls.
Thompson also started his career in junior college before transferring to Columbus State University in Georgia. The right-handed pitcher, who went in the 38th round, started at Chattahoochee Valley Community College. While with the CVCC Pirtates Thompson went 11-3 and had eight saves in two years. Thompson also threw a complete game no-hitter for the Pirates. At Columbus State he went 4-1 with a 3.96 ERA this spring as a junior.
39 (1165). Ryan Modglin, RHP, Scott City HS (MO)
Age: 18, B/T: L/R, Ht: 6'2", Wt: 210
www.semissourian.com/ap...830/1002/sports
Scott City pitcher Ryan Modglin, who was drafted by the Kansas City Royals last Friday, said he likely will opt to play college baseball instead.
Modglin, who signed a letter of intent last fall to play baseball at Missouri State, informed teams before the draft he likely would keep his commitment to the college in Springfield, Mo., if he was not selected in the top 10 rounds with a fourth- or fifth-round signing bonus.
"It's an honor to get drafted no matter if you're the first round or the very last round," Modglin said. "There are thousands of kids who don't get drafted, and it's just an honor to be one of the kids who did. ... I wasn't disappointed at all [with the 39th round]. ... I had to make a commitment to the top 10 rounds and they knew ahead of time I was wanting fourth- or fifth-round money. But since I didn't make that a commitment to go in the 10th round with 10th-round money, then they bumped me down the ladder a little bit, which was fine."
Modglin said that the Royals will continue to watch his progress while he plays with Talley Haines' select team this summer then make him an offer.
"I probably am going to Missouri State," Modglin said. "But that depends because they [Kansas City] are going to watch me this summer. ... It's up to Kansas City on the offer.
"They told me it was probably not likely I'm going to get the money that we were asking for."
40 (1195). Pernell Halliman, RHP, Jackson State (CA)
Age: 21, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'6, Wt: 240
41 (1225). Doug Joyce, C, Stanwood HS (WA)
Age: 18, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'2", Wt: 200
42 (1255). Marc Oslund, RHP, West HS (Torrance, CA)
Age: 18, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'5", Wt: 225
43 (1285). Cory Kiefer, RHP, Valley View HS (Moreno Valley, CA)
Age: 18, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'3", Wt: 170
44 (1315). Patrick Johnson, OF, Colony HS (Ontario, CA)
Age: 17, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'1", Wt: 175
45 (1344). Raymond Anderson, OF, Lassiter HS (Marietta, GA)
Age: 18, B/T: L/L, Ht: 5'9", Wt: 170
46 (1372). William Beckwitt, 1B, West Lowndes HS (Columbus, MS)
Age: 17, B/T: L/R, Ht: 6'1", Wt: 220
mcceagles.blogspot.com/2008_01_01_archive.html
Last season at WLHS, Beckwitt batted .520 for Coach Todd Stanley, while totaling 9 homeruns, 23 extra base hits, 41 runs and 48 RBI in just 32 games. During the summer he batted .490 for the Mississippi Stars summer travel team for Coach Harry Porter.
47 (1399). Stephen Gilgenbach, LHP, Arkansas-Little Rock (Little Rock, AR)
Age: 22, B/T: L/L, Ht: 6'2", Wt: 220
48 (1426). Terrence Buchanan, SS, Mount Carmel HS (San Diego, CA)
Age: 18, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'1", Wt: 175
49 (1453). Algan Salgado, 3B, San Ysidro HS (CA)
Age: 18, B/T: L/R, Ht: 5'9", Wt: 190
www.sandiegosportsforums.com/
Hit over .419. League opponents frequently walked him
or hit him to keep him from swinging the bat. Several
games, he was either walked or hit in every plate
appearance. KC Royals are interested in him and are
rumored to want to draft him.
He is also San Ysidro's male spring sport MVP, as well as
a 1st team all-league choice.
50 (1480). Travis Jones, C, Sabino (Tucson, AZ)
Age: 19, B/T: R/R, Ht: 6'2", Wt: 200
According to the Royals.com depth chart, he has signed. (Thanks, FanOfJoseAgain!)
kansascity.royals.mlb.com/team/draft.jsp?c_id=kc
