Draft Dope: Royals

June 6, 2007

Draft History (Click the year to view the picks)
Year	Top Pick
1992	Michael Tucker
1993	Jeff Granger
1994	Matt Smith
1995	Juan LeBron
1996	Dee Brown
1997	Dan Reichert
1998	Jeff Austin
1999	Kyle Snyder
2000	Mike Stodolka
2001	Colt Griffin
2002	Zack Greinke
2003	Chris Lubanski
2004	Billy Butler
2005	Alex Gordon
2006	Luke Hochevar

Scouting Director: Deric Ladnier (first year: 2001)
Order in 2007 Rotation: 2nd
Extra Picks: None
Lost Picks: None
Trend: The Royals almost always pick high--they've selected in the top 10 every year since 1997, except for 2004 (14th overall). They've had more success of late when they signed the player they wanted, rather than taking the player who would sign for what they were willing to pay. They can't afford huge misses like they had in 2001, when Colt Griffin and Roscoe Crosby were expensive busts.
This Year's Outlook: Signability rules the day. If the Royals can find common ground with the Boras Corp., as they did last year with Luke Hochevar at No. 1 overall, they were expected to take righty Rick Porcello, but that's easier said than done. Look for general manager Dayton Moore to continue making over the organization in the image of his old organization, the Braves, and direct the scouting department toward high school arms and athletes.