Mitchell signs with Royals, to start in rookie ball

Good Luck Matt!

By MATTHEW PETERS Sports Editor BARSTOW - Matt Mitchell is officially a Kansas City Royal. Mitchell signed with the Royals Saturday night, a day after Kansas City drafted him with the second pick in the 14th round of the Major League Baseball Draft. Mitchell will report to the Arizona League Royals, Kansas City's rookie ball team, in Surprise, Ariz., located about a half an hour outside Phoenix. The AZL Royals' season begins June 22 against the AZL Rangers and ends August 29. Mitchell, a right-handed pitcher, led the Barstow High School baseball team to a third place finish in the Desert Sky League and a victory in the CIF-Southern Section Div. IV playoffs wild-card round. The Royals made one offer, and Mitchell accepted it. Mitchell's dad, Curt, declined to offer specific details but said, "It's a very fair offer, and it included money for school and a signing bonus." The money for college was a sticking point for Mitchell. There are some restrictions on the college money, but Curt said Matt can use the money even after his contract expires. He won't have much time to celebrate the signing or his high school graduation as he flies from Ontario to Arizona on Wednesday. Despite the quick turnaround, Curt said his son is confident and ready to play baseball professionally. "We knew that was going to happen regardless of who took him," Curt said. "He's been aware of it for a while. "He's just anxious to get started. He's been looking forward to this for quite awhile." The Royals haven't made the playoffs since winning the 1985 World Series and are currently 24-40 and in last place in the American League Central Division. Despite the Royals' recent struggles, Mitchell said he's excited to join the organization and sees potential to move through their farm system and, one day, to the major league team. Nine MLB teams, including the Royals, have rookie ball teams located around the Phoenix area. Mitchell's family is already making plans for at least a few journeys to Arizona. "I'm sure we'll make a few trips," Curt said. "It's not hot enough in Barstow, we need to go to Arizona."