Monday, June 6, 2011

Pirates Draft Preview 2011

As everyone knows, the Pirates were the worst team in baseball last year. As a result, they have the first overall pick in the draft. Unlike the last few years, though, there is not a clear-cut number 1, as there was with Strasburg and Harper. Let's take a look at who the Bucs might possibly draft.

Gerrit Cole, RHP (UCLA)

A pitcher with phenominal stuff and speed, but the numbers aren't quite as good as you would expect from a number one overall.

YearERAW-LAPPGSCGIPHRERBB K2B3BHRBFAVGWPHBPBK
20093.494-81514185.05746333810410210355.1911263
20103.3711-419190123.0925146521531544519.2057111
20113.316-816164114.11034642241191428474.2423100
TOTAL3.3821-2050495322.1252143121114376398221348.21522274


Anthony Rendon, 3B (Rice)

Widely touted as the clear number one a year ago, he has suffered a setback this year due to injuries and batting as the DH instead of 3B.

Year GP GS AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB CS BB K TB HBP GDP SF AVG OBP SLG OPS PO A E FPCT
2009 61 61 242 60 94 14 1 20 72 9 2 31 23 170 5 7 4 .388 .461 .702 1.163 47 159 12 .945
2010 63 63 226 83 89 12 1 26 85 14 4 65 22 181 6 2 5 .394 .530 .801 1.331 40 140 5 .973
2011 63 63 214 58 70 20 2 6 37 13 5 80 33 112 7 4 1 .327 .520 .523 1.043 12 18 2 .938
TOTAL 187 187 682 201 253 46 4 52 194 36 11 176 78 463 18 13 10 .370 .504 .675 1.179 99 317 19 .952


Danny Hultzen, LHP (Virginia)

His numbers are there, but his ceiling is not as high as Cole's is. Described as the "safe" pick, he is the pitcher who is most likely to reach to majors quickly.

Year ERA W L G GS CG IP H R ER BB K BAA WP HP BK
2009 2.17 9 1 17 16 0 95.1 88 33 23 28 107 .250 2 8 0
2010 2.78 11 1 16 16 1 106.2 75 37 33 24 123 .193 6 5 0
TOTAL 2.48 20 2 33 32 1 202.0 163 70 56 52 230 .220 8 13 0


Dylan Bundy, RHP (Owasso HS, OK)

Somewhat small for a pitcher, he makes up for it in strength. As always, it is a risk taking high school arms, and I don't think the Pirates are likely to take him. If they did, though, it still wouldn't be a bad pick.


Bubba Starling, OF (Gardner-Edgerton HS, KS)

A phenomenal outfield prospect, the chances of him being signed are lower due to his being a two-sport athlete. He currently has committed to play quarterback for Nebraska. It is unknown if he would sign a contract to play baseball, even if he were 1st overall. A very dangerous pick, but the reward is good if he signs.



Personnally, while I like Gerrit Cole, I still think that Rendon would be the best choice because we have many decent pitchers in the system, but very few power hitters such as Rendon. If he comes anywhere near what he is projected to do, it will be a great pick for the Pirates. We'll just have to wait and see what they decide tonight.

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