Wow. Neal Huntington is going balls to the wall with this year’s draft. Allie is another high school pitcher who throws in the high 90’s. He is reportedly looking for a bonus in the $3 million range. For a point of reference, check out these two tweets from Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus:
#Pirates took Stetson Allie . . . MIND BLOWN.
If the #Pirates sign Allie, this has the POTENTIAL to be a franchise-changing two days.
In order to sign both Jameson Taillon and Allie, the Pirates will likely have to spend something like $9 million. I’m not sure what to think right now. I sure hope the Bucs plan on signing more than two guys from this draft.
Third Round: In the third round, the Pirates were more reasonable, drafting toolsy junior college outfielder Mel Rojas Jr. Rojas is a switch-hitter, who projects as a good defender with a questionable bat. Baseball America ranked him 135th, saying the following:
Some scouts see Mel’s son as a five-tool athlete, others think he’s a tweener.
Fourth Round: The Bucs took yet another high school pitcher in the fourth round, right-handed Nick Kingham out of Las Vegas. Kingham has a smooth delivery and his fastball sits in the low 90’s. He also throws a solid change-up, and a curve that needs work. BA had him ranked 186th overall, 4th in Nevada.
Fifth Round: Tyler Waldron, a right-handed college pitcher from Oregon, is the fifth round selection. BA ranked him as the 10th best prospect in Oregon. He has shown decent stuff at times, including a fastball in the low nineties, but he has been inconsistent. He may be a slight reach in the fifth round.
Sixth Round: The Bucs select right-handed high school pitcher Jason Hursh in the sixth round. BA ranked him 173rd overall, 24th in Texas. He currently sits 90-92 MPH with his fastball, touching 94 MPH. He is committed to Oklahoma State and will likely require an above-slot bonus to sign. Andy Seiler of MLB Bonus Baby says:
Great pick. Late riser.
Seventh Round: The Pirates take another right-handed high school Texas pitcher in the seventh round, Austin Kubitza . Kubitza was ranked 153rd by BA, 21st in Texas. He is tall and projectable, with the potential for a plus fastball and elite slider down the road. He will also require an above-slot bonus, due to a commitment to Rice.
Eighth Round: Dace Kime is the pick in round eight. He is another projectable, right-handed high school pitcher. BA ranked him 14th in Ohio. His fastball sits around 90 MPH with inconsistent command. He also throws a solid curve and change. He is another tough sign, with a commitment to Louisville.
Ninth Round: Brandon Cumpton, RHP out of Georgia Tech. BA ranked him 23rd in a good Georgia group.
Tenth Round: Zachary Weiss, high school RHP from California. Yes, another right-handed pitcher. The Bucs have only drafted one position player in the first ten rounds. BA ranked Weiss 132nd overall and 28th in California. He is a UCLA recruit that will require an above-slot bonus. He has the potential for an above average curveball and his fastball sits in the low 90’s.
UPDATE (1:55 PM): The draft is in a ten-minute intermission right now, and I am going to follow suit and find something to eat. I will probably share some thoughts on my Twitter feed, if the Pirates do something crazy and draft a position player at some point.
