Jim Callis held a chat on Baseball America yesterday, talking about the 2011 draft, as well as other topics. He covered several topics relating to the Pirates. A summary follows, but check out the link above to read the entire chat transcript:
-He expects Taillon to get 90-110 innings this year, and expects him to stay in West Virginia all season, unless he dominates the level early on. I’d agree with these. I’ve heard 90-100 innings will be Taillon’s limit this year, and the Pirates plan on taking it slow with him at first, likely using him in a piggyback role early in the season, after he joins West Virginia.
-He thinks it will be at least four years until Luis Heredia arrives in the majors.
-He believes Pedro Alvarez will end up at first base in the next few years, regardless of who the Pirates draft this year. He thinks that move could come sooner if they draft Anthony Rendon, since Rendon won’t need much time in the minors. If they do draft Rendon, give Alvarez until June 2013 at third base.
-Callis was asked whether Gerrit Cole would be the draft pick who spends the least amount of time in the minors. He said it was fair to say.
-He thinks Chase d’Arnaud could be ready for the majors by the 2012 season, but doesn’t see him as a shortstop.
