4.119 Kansas City Royals - Kevin Chapman, LHP, Florida

The Royals spent the 119th overall pick on Kevin Chapman.

Follow the jump for his pre-draft report.

Kevin Chapman   Position: LHP   School: Florida   State: FL   Year: Jr.   Height: 6’4’’   Weight: 210

Birth Date: 2/19/88   Seiler Rating: 1B2   Last Drafted: 2009 (CHW-50)

*Missed due to injury

Kevin Chapman is a powerful left-handed reliever from the University of Florida. Chapman came to Florida from Westminster Academy in Fort Lauderdale, which is not to be confused with Westminster Christian School in Miami, where Alex Rodriguez attended high school. Chapman was a high school teammate of fellow Gator Matt den Dekker, and they both came to Florida as heralded recruits. Chapman had a rough senior year of high school, as he went from top five rounds consideration in the draft to late-round flier, having dealt with elbow tendinitis all year. He pitched well in a swing role as a freshman, then subsequently blew out his elbow and had Tommy John surgery, missing the 2008 season. Bone chips soon followed, which limited him as a redshirt sophomore in 2009, as well, and the White Sox took him with their last pick last June. Finally healthy for the first time since 2007, he has really exploded as the Gators’ closer this spring. He features a plus 90-93 mph fastball that has touched 95, and he complements it with a plus slider and average changeup, making him a true power lefty. He has also commanded his fastball really well this spring, showing no ill effects of his history of elbow problems, which usually cause major command and control problems. His injury history is a big question mark that holds scouts back from thinking of him as true first round material, but he could go in the second or third round as a power reliever with true closer potential if he’s healthy. He should be signable for slot money as a 22 year old junior.