The Royals threw a curve by selecting not Andrew Miller, Tim Lincecum or Brad Lincoln and instead grabbing right-hander Luke Hochevar, most recently of the independent Fort Worth Cats of the American Association, with the top pick of the 2006 First-Year Player Draft. The University of Tennessee product fits the bill for what the Royals were seeking with the precious first overall pick: A high-ceiling pitcher with the skills and makeup to get to the Major Leagues quickly. Most scouts agree Hochevar (pronounced HO-chay-vur) has the tools to be a No. 1 starter in the Major Leagues someday. He is a smart pitcher, with a diligent work ethic to go with a fastball that has been clocked as high as 97 mph. It is a fastball that has a decided sinking action, earning the 6-5 Hochevar early comparisons to Kevin Brown.