Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Royals Send Their Leftovers - For Now Quinn, 11th-Rounder From Rice, Highest Pick Slated For Indians

Don’t consult David Letterman’s “Top-Ten List” for the names of 1995 Spokane Indians players. Through Tuesday, the Kansas City Royals haven’t assigned any top-10 draft picks to Spokane’s Northwest League team.

First baseman Mark Quinn, an 11th-round selection from Rice, is the highest drafted player Spokane is assured to receive.

The Royals are conducting contract negotiations with players selected in last week’s amateur draft, so a top-10er may still make it to Spokane.

The Indians begin a four-day mini-camp Sunday at their home field, Seafirst Stadium. The short-A NWL season starts June 15 at Yakima. Spokane’s home opener is June 17, also against Yakima.

Besides Quinn, 12 other draftees have been sent to Spokane, including five left-handed pitchers. Eight players, the majority of whom are right-handed pitchers who spent last summer at the Royals’ rookie team in Fort Myers, Fla., are also headed to Spokane. Daniel Soto, a 21-year-old righty who played in the Montreal Expos’ organization last year, has also been assigned to the Indians.

New draftees assigned to Spokane are righty Matthew Saier, 15th round, Georgia Tech; lefty Jeremy Williamson, 16th, Southern Mississippi; shortstop Mark Melito, 17th, Wake Forest; catcher James Hallmark, 18th, Rice; lefty Stephen Prihoda, 20th, Sam Houston State; first baseman James Vida, 22nd, Florida Southern; catcher Randall Paulin, 23rd, Pacific; lefty Jonathan Albrecht, 26th, Kansas State; lefty William Hodge, 28th, Jacksonville State; shortstop Emiliano Escandon, 29th, Pomona-Pitzer (Calif.); lefty Jesus Liz, 34th, Miami-Dade CC North; and righty John Sanders, 35th, Nebraska.

Moving up from the Gulf Coast League to Spokane are righties Justin Adam, Isreal Charles, Brent Kaysner, Jose Santiago and Modesto Villarreal; outfielders Tyrone Frazier and Leon Wethersby; and catcher Juan Robles.

, DataTimes