Ladnier

"There is no question pitching is the riskiest position in the draft," says Deric Ladnier, the Kansas City Royals 'director of scouting.

USATODAY.com - Former prep prospect now creating heat in the kitchen after shoulder surgeries 2006

Moore moves into his new job Thursday, after assistant GM Muzzy Jackson and scouting director Deric Ladnier handle the Royals 'picks.

USATODAY.com - Former prep prospect now creating heat in the kitchen after shoulder surgeries 2006

Ladnier dropped out of Graceland at the end of his sophomore year.

Former Reorganized Latter-Day Saint returns as a Baptist campus minister 2003

Having attended a Baptist academy during some of his elementary school years due to some difficulties he was having in the public schools, Ladnier said he remembered the Baptists “had a handle on the Bible.”

Former Reorganized Latter-Day Saint returns as a Baptist campus minister 2003

The first time Ladnier called, the Baptist associational missionary for the area had resigned and the e-mail he sent was returned.

Former Reorganized Latter-Day Saint returns as a Baptist campus minister 2003

However, persistence won out, and now Ladnier is connected with First Baptist Church in Lamoni.

Former Reorganized Latter-Day Saint returns as a Baptist campus minister 2003

Ladnier and his wife, Marta, live near the university campus.

Former Reorganized Latter-Day Saint returns as a Baptist campus minister 2003

Ladnier moved there with his wife, Marta, and son Joey, on Feb. 10.

Former Reorganized Latter-Day Saint returns as a Baptist campus minister 2003

Ladnier joined a Baptist church and got involved in the Navigators campus ministry at his university.

Former Reorganized Latter-Day Saint returns as a Baptist campus minister 2003

Pastor Scott Kallem led the church to bring Ladnier on as a volunteer staff member under the Mission Service Corps of the North American Mission Board, raising his salary through the gifts of friends and partners who believe in his mission.

Former Reorganized Latter-Day Saint returns as a Baptist campus minister 2003