Royals select two Diamond Hogs in 2009 Amateur Draft
Published on June 10, 2009 under Texas League (TL1)
Northwest Arkansas Naturals News Release
KANSAS CITY, MO- The Naturals' major league parent club, the Kansas City Royals, have selected two current Arkansas Razorbacks baseball players in the 2009 Amateur Draft.
Shortstop Scott Lyons and second baseman Ben Tschepikow were selected in the 15th and 17th rounds, respectively, and selected early Wednesday afternoon as the Diamond Hogs prepare for their game against Cal State Fullerton in the opening of the 2009 College World Series in Omaha.
Lyons, a 22-year old from Covina, CA, was the 452nd overall selection. The 6'0", 180 lb. senior hit .302 for the Hogs this season with eight homers and 44 runs driven in. Tschepikow, a 23-year old from Fayetteville, was the 512th overall selection. The 5'11", 200 lb. fifth-year senior hit .310 for the Hogs this season with nine homers, 16 stolen bases, and 47 RBI, which led the Diamond Hogs.
Lyons and Tschepikow are not eligible to discuss terms of a professional contract until the Arkansas Razorbacks have completed their baseball season. Under the current Major League Baseball draft rules, the Royals have until August 15th to reach agreement with drafted players.
Once the two Hogs have signed professional contracts, they are likely to draw assignment to one of the Royals' short-season clubs that begin play later this month, in either Idaho Falls, ID or Burlington, NC.
The Royals have also selected two other players from the SEC: LSU right-hander Harold Coleman, selected with the 152nd overall selection, and right-hander Patrick Keating from Florida, selected with the 602nd overall selection. Thus far, the Royals have focused their draft efforts on pitching, and have selected pitchers with 12 of their first 19 selections.
The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark, located in Springdale. The Naturals have a toll-free ticket hotline (1-877-444-2637) for fans to purchase Naturals tickets. Our website, nwanaturals.com offers fans the opportunity to purchase tickets online and avoid lines at the ticket windows by printing their tickets at home or at the office.
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