Tigers#1
06-06-2003, 03:27 PM
Big week for Lubanski
Center fielder graduates and signs with Royals
By Robert Falkoff / MLB.com
KANSAS CITY -- It has been quite a week for Chris Lubanski.
On successive days, the 18-year-old center fielder was drafted No. 5 overall by the Royals, attended graduation ceremonies at Kennedy-Kenrick (Pa) High School and signed a pro contract with approximately a $2.1 million signing bonus that will enable him to get started on schedule in the Kansas City system.
On draft day, Lubanski had said that he expected to sign quickly because he was anxious to get started in pro baseball. Lubanski also said he wants to be playing at Kauffman Stadium in three years.
"It's extremely encouraging that this young man is so eager to begin his career as a Royal," said Deric Ladnier, the Royals' senior director of scouting. "He realizes the importance of an early start and that this will put him closer to playing for the Big League club. Many players say they want to sign early, but he was true to his word."
The Royals have already signed four of their top six picks. Also in the fold are catcher Mitch Maier, who was taken with the No. 30 overall pick, as well as third-round pick Brian McFall and fifth-round pick Chris Goodman. McFall is a first base-third base prospect and Goodman is a right-hander who pitched for Georgia Tech this season.
"They'll be reporting to our rookie club out in Arizona and will start with mini-camp on June 16," Ladnier said.
Lubanski and his family will visit Kauffman Stadium Wednesday. They'll watch the Royals take on the Diamondbacks, with Lubanski working out before the game.
Center fielder graduates and signs with Royals
By Robert Falkoff / MLB.com
KANSAS CITY -- It has been quite a week for Chris Lubanski.
On successive days, the 18-year-old center fielder was drafted No. 5 overall by the Royals, attended graduation ceremonies at Kennedy-Kenrick (Pa) High School and signed a pro contract with approximately a $2.1 million signing bonus that will enable him to get started on schedule in the Kansas City system.
On draft day, Lubanski had said that he expected to sign quickly because he was anxious to get started in pro baseball. Lubanski also said he wants to be playing at Kauffman Stadium in three years.
"It's extremely encouraging that this young man is so eager to begin his career as a Royal," said Deric Ladnier, the Royals' senior director of scouting. "He realizes the importance of an early start and that this will put him closer to playing for the Big League club. Many players say they want to sign early, but he was true to his word."
The Royals have already signed four of their top six picks. Also in the fold are catcher Mitch Maier, who was taken with the No. 30 overall pick, as well as third-round pick Brian McFall and fifth-round pick Chris Goodman. McFall is a first base-third base prospect and Goodman is a right-hander who pitched for Georgia Tech this season.
"They'll be reporting to our rookie club out in Arizona and will start with mini-camp on June 16," Ladnier said.
Lubanski and his family will visit Kauffman Stadium Wednesday. They'll watch the Royals take on the Diamondbacks, with Lubanski working out before the game.