Royals’ Top Pick Could Be Headed For Spokane

Polished right-hander, first-round selection, collegian from California.

The Spokane Indians may land their second consecutive player who matches that description.

The Sporting News reports on its Internet site that Stanford’s Jeff Austin, the fourth player selected overall in the just-completed amateur draft, will likely begin his professional career in Spokane.

“Assuming contracts can be worked out, expect them to start … in Spokane,” TSN reported about Austin and Virginia Commonwealth’s Matt Burch, another righty and late first-round selection.

The Kansas City Royals, Spokane’s parent club, drafted righty Dan Reichert of the University of Pacific in the first round last year. Reichert was assigned to Spokane for the final weeks of the Northwest League season.

Austin, Baseball America’s player of the year, told the Wichita (Kan.) Eagle that he expects to sign quickly, despite the hardball reputation of his agent, Scott Boras.

“I’m not looking for long negotiations,” Austin said. “If I make it to the big leagues, I want it based on my success in the minor leagues.”

Austin was 12-4 for Stanford this year, with a 3.11 earned-run average and 136 strikeouts in 133 innings.

Burch was 12-2, with a 2.51 ERA and 114 strikeouts in 122 innings.

The Royals took 14 pitchers in their 27-player draft. Lefty Chris George of Klein, Texas, was selected right after Burch. Their fourth-rounder, Texas Tech’s Monty Ward, and fifth-rounder, Scott Chiasson of Eastern Connecticut, are righties.

The Indians’ roster will take shape in the next few days. Spokane’s four-day minicamp at Seafirst Stadium, open to the public, begins Friday.

Spokane opens its season June 16, with a three-game series at Boise. The Indians’ home opener is June 19, against Everett.