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Royals area scout Mike Farrell, whose territory includes Indiana, was a busy man this spring
The Royals made rival right-handed pitchers from Indianapolis — Ashe Russell and Nolan Watson — their first two selections in the Major League Baseball Draft on Monday.
Russell, who played for Cathedral High, was selected 21st overall. Watson, from North Lawrence High, was selected 33rd.
North Lawrence defeated Cathedral 5-3 for the state sectional championship in May, although neither Royals draft selection pitched in that game.
“We were trying to get as much quality pitching as possible,” Royals general manager Dayton Moore said. “As far as being from the same area, that’s coincidental, but Mike Farrell does a terrific job.”
Russell, a 6-4, 205-pounder went 5-1 with a 1.05 ERA. In 41 innings, Russell struck out 67 and walked nine. He was chosen the Indiana Gatorade player of the year in 2014 and 2015.
Russell committed to Texas A&M. His fastball sits at 92-95 mph and he has a biting slider, according to scouts.
“I try to work at a fast tempo, control the game at my own pace,” Russell said. “I have a low, three-quarters delivery.
“What the scouts like most is my slider. It’s a good swing-and-miss pitch.”
The slot for the 21st selection is a bonus for $2,184,200. Russell said he’ll discuss the signing with his family but sounded as if he’s ready to become a pro.
“It’s going to come down to a family decision and money,” Russell said. “I’m ready to play baseball at this point. I’m happy to say it’s with the Royals.”
The 6-2, 200-pound Watson went 6-1 with a 0.68 ERA in 51 2/3 innings. He struck out 81 and walked 10.
Watson, whose fastball sits in the low 90s, committed to Vanderbilt. He was a considered a late riser on the mock selections, working his way into several first-round projections.
The 33rd draft position carries a $1,825,200 bonus. The Royals picked in that spot as compensation for losing James Shields to free-agency after last season.
Moore described Russell as a power pitcher and “a future Garrett Richards and extremely competitive.”
Watson, Moore said, is “very polished and commands his fast ball very well.”
Moore said he envisions both starting at the Royals’ Class A team in Lexington, Ky., next season.
The 21st position was the latest the Royals had selected in the draft since 1986. They have had success in the first round in recent years.
On the current roster, Alex Gordon, Luke Hochevar, Mike Moustakas, Eric Hosmer and Christian Colon were first-round picks.
Last year, the Royals hit pay dirt with their first selection, left-handed pitcher Brandon Finnegan from TCU.
Finnegan made his major-league debut late in the season and became the first player to play in the World Series and the College World Series in the same year.
Representing the Royals at the draft were Art Stewart, senior adviser to Moore and a legendary scout, and former Royals outfielder Johnny Damon.
The draft continues Tuesday.
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