Shawn Griffin glared at his computer monitor so long Friday afternoon that his head hurt.

The power-hitting outfielder from the University of Tennessee was more accustomed to finding flyballs in the lights than squinting at small-fonted names from the online Major League Baseball draft tracker.

It had to be done, though, until his name appeared — which it did in the 20th round.

The Kansas City Royals selected Griffin with the 595th pick overall. While he was expecting his name called during rounds 10-15, he still shook hands with his dream.

Griffin played two seasons at Florida Gulf Coast University before coming to the SEC to face better competition, a decision he said “paid off.”

“I actually was in there (Friday) watching TV and couldn’t stop staring at the computer,” said Griffin, a .314 hitter this past season with 12 home runs and 35 RBIs. “I started getting headaches from staring at the screen for six hours, doing research on all the guys whose names popped up.

“It was still a dream come true. Everyone hopes to one day play in the major leagues. This is one step closer. ... It’s kind of surreal.”

At least one Tennessee player has been selected in the last 25 drafts, and senior second baseman Andy Simunic (Houston Astros) and sophomore catcher Yan Gomes (Boston Red Sox) only solidified that trend Friday.

Farragut High School pitcher Matt Ramsey and Cleveland State Community College shortstop Travis Adair were Tennessee signees drafted Friday — Ramsey in the 46th round by the Cleveland Indians and Adair in the 13th by the Atlanta Braves.

Tennessee football signee Casey Kelly from Sarasota (Fla.) High was selected in the first round (30th overall) Thursday by Boston. Kelly is a shortstop and a right-handed pitcher, as well as a quarterback, and said Thursday he’s leaning towards forgoing college.

Simunic went three rounds ahead of Griffin as Houston took him in the 17th round with the 512th pick. It was Houston, in 2001, that selected former UT second baseman Chris Burke in the first round. Burke now plays for Arizona.

Simunic, who transferred from Chattanooga State two years ago, hit .297 in 48 games this season with nine doubles a homer and eight RBIs. The native of Collierville, Tenn., batted .333 as a junior.

Gomes was selected in the 39th round. Gomes hit .316 this season, belting five home runs and driving in 35 runs.

He said the Kansas City Royals and Minnesota Twins showed interest earlier in the week, but he was happy the Red Sox chose him.

“I had myself going earlier (in the draft),” said Gomes. “They (the Twins and Royals) had the feeling I was going back to college. I kind of threw it out there.”

Gomes said he’ll play in the Cape Cod League beginning July 3 and that the Red Sox will watch his play during that time and make an offer.

Gomes said his return to Tennessee will be based on what Boston presents.

“Right now, I’m still talking with my parents as to what it would take (to leave),” said Gomes. “I’ve got a number (in mind), but it’s still something I have to talk with them about.”

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.