Royals sign four draft picks, including Razorbacks

The Royals have signed four more draft picks from the 2009 MLB First-Year Player Draft, including the double play combination from 2009 College World Series entrant the University of Arkansas. 

Razorbacks' senior shortstop Scott Lyons, KC's 15th round pick, and senior second baseman Benjamin Tschepikow, a 17th round selection, signed their contracts at Springdale's Arvest Ballpark, home of KC's Double-A affiliate Northwest Arkansas Naturals.  The duo will be separated as Lyons will begin his pro career for the Royals' Arizona Rookie League team in Surprise, while Tschepikow will start at Idaho Falls (R) in the Pioneer League.  Also inking was left-handed pitcher Jonathon Keck, KC's 42nd round pick from Bethel College in Tennessee, and 47th round selection Anthony Howard, a centerfielder from Quince Orchard High in Maryland.

In addition, the Royals have signed Scott Shimek, a right-handed pitcher from St. Mary's University (TX), as an undrafted free agent.

The Royals have now signed 22 of their 49 selections and four undrafted free agents.  For a full list of 2009 draftees and signings, follow this link:

http://kansascity.royals.mlb.com/team/draft.jsp?c_id=kc