SURPRISE, Ariz.-- One of the more interesting Royals Draft picks last June was left-hander Rylan Kaufman, a 6-foot-4, 190-pounder from Galveston, Texas.
Kaufman, 19, had been drafted the year before in the 31st round by the Brewers but opted instead to play for San Jacinto College-North in Texas -- the powerhouse JUCO that Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte attended. San Jacinto had seven players selected in June, including Kaufman.
The Royals took Kaufman in the 12th round and were able to sign him for $722,500. He possesses a fastball that sits around 93-94 mph, with a plus curveball.