KC Royals Draft Review: Pitching, Pitching And More Pitching
By Mike Norris
May 12, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; A detailed view of a baseball glove and bat before the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
In rounds three through 10, the KC Royals still made half of their picks from the mound, but did finally take some positions players. Sixty percent of the picks were from colleges, and three of the four pitchers were southpaws, deviating from their right-handed selections in the earlier rounds.
One pick, Cody Jones of TCU, played last season with former Royal and current Omaha Storm Chaser, Brandon Finnegan. Here is a look at the picks from round three to ten.
Round 3: Anderson Miller, Western Kentucky, CF, Junior — Bats: L, Throws: L, 6-3/208
Miller hit .295 his junior season, with 12 home runs and 35 RBI. His 108 total bases and .560 slugging also led the team. Miller even had two appearances on the mound, throwing 1 2/3 shutout innings.
Round 4: Garrett Davila, South Point (NC) HS, LHP — Bats: L, Throws: L, 6-2/180
Davila earned 2015 Perfect Game Honorable Mention
All-American Atlantic First-Team
honors.
Notable KC Royals fourth round draft pick: Bo Jackson, LF
Round 5: Roman Collins, Florida Atlantic, CF, Junior — Bats: L, Throws: L, 6-2/210
Collins was an efficient, hit machine for the Owls this past season. In 57 games he hit a modest .296, but made the most out of his hits. He had 64 total, and knocked in runs at a high rate, recording 53 RBI. He also had six home runs and 104 total bases.
Notable KC Royals 5th round draft pick: Ken Harvey, 1B
Round 6: Cody Jones, TCU, CF, Senior — Bats: S, Throws: R, 5-11/175
Jones, who is currently playing with the Horned Frogs in the College World Series, was in Omaha last year playing in the event with 2014 Royals Wild Card hero Finnegan.
He was drafted by Cleveland in the 38th round of the 2014 draft, but led his team this year in batting average (.371), hits (89), total bases (120), runs (58), doubles (14), slugging (.500) and walks (42). As if that wasn’t enough, the outfielder also had five assists and just one error.
Notable KC Royals 6th round draft pick: Tom Gordon, RHP
Round 7: Gabriel Cancel, Padre Anibal Reyes Belen (Puerto Rico) HS, SS — Bats: R, Throws: R, 6-1/185
Cancel was named to the 2015 Perfect Game Honorable Mention All-American Canada/Puerto Rico — All Region 1st Team.
Round 8: Bryon Davis, University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, LHP, Senior — Bats: L, Throws: L, 6-6/225
Davis found success on the mound and at the plate this year for the Golden Lions. In addition to going 2-2 with a 2.28 ERA and five saves, he also hit .364 with six home runs and 39 RBI. He was named to the All-Southwestern Athletic Conference First-Team.
Round 9: Joseph Markus, Indian River State (FL), LHP, J1 — Bats: L, Throws: L, 6-7/220
Markus was named to the 2014 Florida Region Honorable Mention squad. His numbers were not overly impressive (3-1, 6.39 ERA according to the school site), but 6-7 lefties don’t come around very often, and the Royals liked what they saw.
Round 10: Alex Luna, UAB, RHP, Senior — Bats: R, Throws: R, 6-4/200
As a junior Luna earned second-team all-conference honors, and was 3-3 with a 3.44 ERA his senior season.
Notable KC Royals 10th round draft pick: Mike Sweeney, C
Next: Rounds 11-20