Royals open Day 2 with center fielder Miller
Kansas City adds prep left-hander, college outfielder in following rounds
KANSAS CITY -- The Royals selected center fielder Anderson Miller from Western Kentucky University in the third round with the 98th overall pick as their first position player of the 2015 MLB Draft on Tuesday.
Batting left at leadoff for the Hilltoppers, Miller touts both power and patience at the plate and brings a nimble 6-foot-3, 190-pound frame to the outfield.
"I think I'm a pretty well-rounded player," Miller said. "I play good defense, can make a throw if I need to. Consistency, is what I would say. You know what you're going to get from me day in and day out."
Miller was named a first-team All-Conference USA selection and was in the league's top 10 in home runs (12), runs scored (47), walks (41), triples (three), slugging percentage (.560), total bases (108) and on-base percentage (.419).
"I think they [Royals] had some interest in me, and I had gotten a phone call while they were on the clock," Miller said. "When they went to pick it, I double-taked, then I jumped up and started cheering."
Round 4: LHP Garrett Davila, South Point (N.C.) High School
Davila, a 2015 Perfect Game Honorable Mention All-American, didn't get much attention from the scouts until he added about 15 pounds before his senior season that helped improve his velocity. He now tosses a low-90s fastball that peaks at 93 mph, and he works with a curve as a second pitch.
Video: Draft 2015: Royals draft OF Anderson Miller No. 98
Much credit to his fluid, high-three-quarters delivery and his well-commanded fastball, Davila rose to one of the top prep pitchers in North Carolina.
This past spring, Davila held an 0.00 ERA and didn't give up an earned run until the 21st game when he allowed two runs on three hits. He still notched 12 strikeouts.
• Royals like Miller's raw power
Davila signed his commitment to the University of Tennessee back in November. He was the Royals' fourth pitcher and first lefty taken in this year's Draft, ranked No. 107 on MLB.com's list of Top 200 Draft prospects.
Video: Draft Report: Garrett Davila, HS Pitcher
Round 5: CF Roman Collins, Florida Atlantic
Listed at 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, Collins contributes power hitting at the plate, while using his strong arm to also excel in the outfield. He also had his 60-yard-dash clocked at 6.65 seconds.
After Kansas City selected three right-handed pitchers on Day 1, Collins became the second college center fielder the Royals drafted on Day 2.
The Draft concludes on Wednesday, with exclusive coverage of Rounds 11-40 beginning on MLB.com at 11 a.m. CT.