SURPRISE, Ariz.-- One of the more interesting Royals Draft picks last June was left-hander Rylan Kaufman, a 6-foot-4, 190-pounder from Galveston, Texas.
Kaufman, 19, had been drafted the year before in the 31st round by the Brewers but opted instead to play for San Jacinto College-North in Texas -- the powerhouse JUCO that Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte attended. San Jacinto had seven players selected in June, including Kaufman.
The Royals took Kaufman in the 12th round and were able to sign him for $722,500. He possesses a fastball that sits around 93-94 mph, with a plus curveball. The Royals believe that his velocity will increase as he fills out physically.
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MLB.com caught up with Kaufman recently at the team's instructional league camp for a quick Q&A:
MLB.com: Is there a story behind your first name?
Kaufman: Sort of. I'm from Galveston. I think in some other language or something down there, island means "Rylan." I think that's where it came from.
MLB.com: Surely some Royals fans have suggested to you by now you have almost the perfect last name to play for the Royals.
Kaufman: They have. It is kind of ironic to have that last name playing for the Royals.
MLB.com: How much did you know about the Royals when they drafted you?
Kaufman: Not really a whole lot. But I was told they were good at developing young pitchers, so I knew it was going to be a right fit. And I knew it was really a good organization.
MLB.com: The Brewers drafted you out of high school, but you decided to go to San Jacinto. What went into that decision?
Kaufman: I mean, it's a great school and a great program. I knew I would benefit going there. So many big names like Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte went there. And [former Royals Draft pick] Daniel Stumpf. I definitely benefited going to there.
MLB.com: As a freshman there, you put up some impressive numbers: 2.18 ERA, 59 strikeouts in 53 innings. What was that experience like?
Kaufman: I really liked San Jac. I liked all the coaches and I liked what it was all about. I feel like going to San Jac that first year, I developed so much as a person and a pitcher. I really felt like maybe going back a second year. There was no telling what I would have developed into after a second year. But when the Royals picked me, it just felt right to go with them.
MLB.com: What was your summer like?
Kaufman: I shut everything down after the Draft for about a month, but when I signed, I came down here [to Arizona] and did some conditioning and then started pitching again in the Rookie League here. Then they sent me to [Rookie Advanced] Idaho Falls for a couple of starts, and then here to the instructional league.
MLB.com: What do they have you working on here?
Kaufman: Been working on my changeup. That's something I really need to develop. Also working on commanding my fastball. That's pretty much it. I'm pretty much fastball-curveball and working on that changeup. I love it here. I love the environment with the Royals. Just great coaches, great teammates."
MLB.com: OK, some silly questions now: Who was your favorite player growing up?
Kaufman: Well, it would be Madison Bumgarner now. My all-time favorite pitcher would be Sandy Koufax. But presently, it would be Madison Bumgarner.
MLB.com: Favorite baseball movie?
Kaufman: That would be "Fastball." It's a documentary on Netflix.
MLB.com: Any favorite TV show?
Kaufman: "Street Outlaws."
MLB.com: Who is your best friend in the organization so far?
Kaufman: I have a lot of good friends here, but I'd probably say Brady Singer.
MLB.com: Favorite pig-out food?
Kaufman: Steak. For sure.
MLB.com: Food you hate?
Kaufman: Brussels sprouts.
MLB.com: If someone was scouting you, what would they say you have that gives you a specific edge?
Kaufman: Competing. I just love to compete. I don't like to lose. I think that's where I would have an edge.