Senior outfielder Kyle Murphy was joined by three Kansas University juniors – outfielder Brock Simpson, pitcher Zach Ashwood and infielder Erik Morrison – in hearing his name called on Friday’s second day of the MLB Amateur Draft.

Murphy, who hit .332 in his first and only season as KU’s leadoff man and starting centerfielder, was selected in the 19th round (590th overall) by the Texas Rangers. Earlier this season, former Jayhawk Travis Metcalf had a three-day stint in the majors with the Rangers after nearly three successful years in the club’s farm system.

Ashwood though was the first KU player to get called up, going in the 16th round to the Chicago Cubs (487th overall). Ashwood, a native of The Colony, Texas, pitched just one season at Kansas after transferring from Texas Christian University. He posted a 5.77 ERA in 12 starts this year, but showed promise as a lefthander late in the season.

Simpson and Morrison, who were both key contributors returning from the 2006 Big 12 Championship KU squad, went later on in the day. Simpson, a Topeka product, went as a 46th round choice of the Cleveland Indians (1358th overall). Morrison, who switched from third base to shortstop this year, was taken in the 49th round (1415th overall) by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

For more on the draft, including comments from the draftees, reaction from KU coach Ritch Price and Zach Ashwood’s strange draft day developments, read Ryan Wood’s story in tomorrow’s Journal-World and log back onto KUSports.com.