Baseball America released their top 20 prospects from the 2010 New York-Penn League today (scouting reports here for BA subscribers), and three Pittsburgh Pirates prospects ended up on the list. Those were Zach Von Rosenberg, who came in at number six, Colton Cain, who rated 10th, and Zack Dodson, who finished 17th.
Dodson, ZVR, and Cain were the 4th, 6th, and 8th round picks respectively in the 2009 draft. The Pirates paid a combined $2,925,000 to sign all three players away from college commitments.
Von Rosenberg, who signed for $1.2 M in the sixth round, put up a 3.20 ERA in 59 innings, with a 39:13 K/BB ratio. He had a 87-91 MPH fastball, which could increase in velocity due to his easy arm action. His changeup made big improvements this year, and he has a biting curveball, which can get too loopy at times. Baseball America said that ZVR could be a front line starter if his velocity jumps, which was the main reason he received a big signing bonus.
Cain, who signed for $1.15 M in the eighth round, put up a 5.03 ERA in 34 innings, with a 32:14 K/BB ratio, and a .189 BAA. Cain, a left hander, throws an 88-91 MPH fastball, which tops out at 93. He throws a breaking ball and a changeup, but neither are as good as his fastball. His breaking ball could turn in to an out pitch with some improvement. Baseball America labels him a potential workhorse starter. I’d draw a comparison to Paul Maholm.
Dodson signed for $600,000 as a fourth rounder. He put up a 4.84 ERA in 58 innings, with a 41:27 K/BB ratio. The left hander throws an 88-92 MPH fastball, and has a chance to increase velocity on the pitch. He throws a curve and a changeup, but both need work. The biggest problem with Dodson was his command, leading to a higher walk rate.
Baseball America will release their top 20 for the South Atlantic League on Thursday, covering the West Virginia Power prospects.
