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.

Year	ERA	W-L	APP	GS	CG	IP	H	R	ER	BB	K	2B	3B	HR	BF	AVG	WP	HBP	BK
2009	3.49	4-8	15	14	1	85.0	57	46	33	38	104	10	2	10	355	.191	12	6	3
2010	3.37	11-4	19	19	0	123.0	92	51	46	52	153	15	4	4	519	.205	7	11	1
2011	3.31	6-8	16	16	4	114.1	103	46	42	24	119	14	2	8	474	.242	3	10	0
TOTAL	3.38	21-20	50	49	5	322.1	252	143	121	114	376	39	8	22	1348	.215	22	27	4

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.