DRAFT - KC Royals

[SubGod22]

Royals land the jewel of the International signing period

After weeks of speculation it became official late Friday when the International Prospect League announced that the Royals have signed the #1 prospect in the international market this year for $3.05 million dollars according to agent Bruce Teperman.

Elier Hernandez a 5 tool centerfielder from the Dominican Republic becomes the highest paid international prospect ever by the Royals.

From Baseball America: Hernandez has some of the best bat speed in Latin America. He’s strong but not bulky. He has the potential to hit for above-average power, but for now he has a level, line-drive swing. Though he’s a good athlete, Hernandez is an average runner and projects as a corner outfielder, with enough arm strength to play right field. Many scouts see him as a high-risk, high-reward player. “If the hitting comes,” said one international scouting director, “he’s a superstar.”

Also appears that the Royals have signed 21st RD pick Kenny Swab. He was a SR catcher from UVA.

[SubGod22]

Royals ink 16-year-old power hitter

DENVER -- The Royals made another large investment in their international program, signing outfielder Elier Hernandez on Saturday in the Dominican Republic.

Hernandez, 16, from San Cristobal, is expected to develop into a right-handed power hitter who can play a corner outfield position.

His signing bonus was reported to be just more than $3 million by the International Prospect League where Hernandez has been playing.

Rene Francisco, the Royals special assistant to the general manager who announced the signing, declined to reveal the amount but said, "It's the biggest bonus we've ever given an international player, let's put it that way."

Francisco said the Royals also expect to sign two players soon in Venezuela -- catcher Luis Lara and shortstop Angelo Castellano -- for lesser bonuses.

[SubGod22]

10 names to start thinking about for the 2012 MLB draft

1- Lance McCullers JR-Jesuit HS, Tampa, 6’1 190 RHP- Lance’ dad played in the big leagues primarily with the Padres and had an excellent 3 year run between 1986-88. His son has been the #1 pick for this draft consistently over the last year. He is a true power pitcher with a 97 MPH heater, excellent power curve and a solid feel for his change up. A tremendous athlete who is also one of the top SS in the state of Florida when he is not pitching. He has a commitment to the University of Florida.

[RoyalShock]

10 names to start thinking about for the 2012 MLB draft

1- Lance McCullers JR-Jesuit HS, Tampa, 6’1 190 RHP- Lance’ dad played in the big leagues primarily with the Padres and had an excellent 3 year run between 1986-88. His son has been the #1 pick for this draft consistently over the last year. He is a true power pitcher with a 97 MPH heater, excellent power curve and a solid feel for his change up. A tremendous athlete who is also one of the top SS in the state of Florida when he is not pitching. He has a commitment to the University of Florida.

Zack Greinke deja vu?

[SubGod22]

Royals sign two Venezuelan prospects

The Royals agreed to terms with Angelo Castellanos and Luis Lara two prospects from Venezuela today.

Angelo Castellanos scouting report from Baseball America a righthanded hitter with good feel for the game. At 6-foot-1, 175 pounds, Castellanos might have to slide to third base or second base because he’s not a great runner, but his hands work well in the field, he has defensive instincts and he has flashed power potential.

Luis Lara from Baseball America He’s a solid catch-and-throw guy whose defense is ahead of his bat.

[SubGod22]

No. 1 pick Starling may don football uniform

KANSAS CITY -- Bubba Starling, the Royals' No. 1 Draft pick, might soon be lofting passes at the University of Nebraska, but that's not a pursuit the baseball team would like to see him follow.

Starling, according to the Kansas City Star, is expected to go to Lincoln, Neb., to begin workouts as a quarterback with the Cornhuskers on Saturday.

"Every negotiation has its own unique set of circumstances," Royals general manager Dayton Moore said. "This one is a little more unique, obviously, because of the complexities of being a dual-sport athlete and one that's being recruited to play football for a major Division I school. But it's not unique in the sense that these things take time."

I'm sure this will all get worked out. Bubba would be smart to sign with the Royals and skip college. Why risk getting injured playing football when you have a buttload of money sitting there for ya.

[RoyalShock]

Prediction time. If KC doesn't get Bubba signed he still won't go to Nebraska. If he does he has to wait three years before re-entering the draft. I bet he sits at home and re-enters next year.

[SubGod22]

49th pick and 2B Adrian Morales signed last week and is playing in AZL.

[lostshocker]

Prediction time. If KC doesn't get Bubba signed he still won't go to Nebraska. If he does he has to wait three years before re-entering the draft. I bet he sits at home and re-enters next year.

he's been in lincoln for the past week, enrolled in summer classes and has been participating in summer conditioning.

[SubGod22]

Prediction time. If KC doesn't get Bubba signed he still won't go to Nebraska. If he does he has to wait three years before re-entering the draft. I bet he sits at home and re-enters next year.

he's been in lincoln for the past week, enrolled in summer classes and has been participating in summer conditioning.

All part of the game. I'd be shocked if he isn't signed before the deadline. He's going to be a very wealthy kid very soon.

[lostshocker]

All part of the game. I'd be shocked if he isn't signed before the deadline. He's going to be a very wealthy kid very soon.

i gotta have some hope he wears red in the fall, but the gut says he'll be wearing blue.

[SubGod22]

Starling decision expected in August

"It'll be an August 15th thing, same as every year," Royals general manager Dayton Moore predicted.

[SubGod22]

2nd Round pick Cam Gallagher could have a deal in place

According to the Lancaster-Lebanon League News the Royals and 2nd round pick Cam Gallagher have a deal in place that will pay the high school catcher close to $600,000. The slot according to Baseball America was somewhere in the range of $562,500 which if true means that Gallagher’s is getting roughly 6% higher than slot allowed.

[SubGod22]

Royals sign Adalberto Mondesi for 2 million

Well our little secret rang true finally last night at midnight as the Royals officially inked the son of Raul for 2 million.

The switch hitting SS has showcased a plus arm in video we have seen. That video is up on the DPL site and we should be able to post that later….

This is a great get for the organization….I don’t know why Dayton would have such a great relationship with the Mondesi family but I believe i remember hearing a couple of seasons ago that Raul almost became a Royal because the 2 were close….I believe it was to be a non roster invite deal…

It sounds like this is quite the get for the Royals. It'll be awhile before we see Mondesi in Kansas City, but all indications are he could, or should, be one hell of a talent. I believe he just became of age to sign and that's why it was done at midnight. Can't wait to follow this kid over the next few years and beyond.

[SubGod22]

More on Mondesi

"We felt that he was one of the top shortstops in the international market," Francisco said. "He has tremendous baseball instincts for his age and the way that he does things. We think that he can be not just a defensive player but an offensive player as well. ... With his blood lines, his baseball awareness is phenomenal. His makeup -- very quiet, hard worker, intelligent. We're delighted to have him."