The big news this past weekend was that top power hitting outfielder Victor Roache broke his wrist, and is likely out for the season. That will be a big blow to his draft status, since the majority of his value is based on his offense. There is no telling what kind of long term impact a wrist injury could have to Roache’s hitting.
Fortunately there are still several strong prospects at the top. The players mentioned below are just the top college players, since stats aren’t available for most prep players. If the draft took place today the Pirates would be guaranteed to get one of Mark Appel, Deven Marrero, Mike Zunino, Lucas Giolito, Byron Buxton, Kevin Gausman, Chris Beck, Gavin Cecchini, or Trey Williams. And that’s not including several players who rank just outside of the number eight pick who would also be deserving.
If you’re hoping for a top hitting prospect, the odds are a bit smaller with Roache gone. You’re now hoping that Buxton, Marrero, or Zunino fall out of the top five. You could take someone like Gavin Cecchini or Trey Williams, although they’ve been ranked lower on the draft boards, and both are high school players who wouldn’t have as immediate of an impact as a healthy Roache.
There’s still three months before the draft, so there’s time for people to emerge as options. But for any Pirates fans looking for a big power hitter, the early season leader seems to be off the board.
STATS
Mark Appel – 7.0 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 10 K, 1 HR, W (2-0)
Chris Beck – 7.0 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, 0 HR, W (2-0)
Kevin Gausman – 7.0 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 7 K, 0 HR, W (2-0)
Deven Marrero – 4-for-11 (.364), 3 R, 1 RBI, 1 SB, 0 K, 1 BB
Victor Roache – 3-for-7 (.429), 2 R, 2 RBI, 0 K, 4 BB
Mike Zunino – 6-for-13 (.462), 6 R, 2 2B, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 1 SB, 0 K, 4 BB
NOTES
–Victor Roache broke his wrist in game two of a double header on Saturday and is likely out for the season.
-I expected the stats for Trey Williams to be available, but unlike previous years the stats weren’t uploaded.
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
-Mike Zunino and Florida resume their schedule this coming weekend.
-Deven Marrero and Arizona State start the Coca-Cola Classic tournament on Thursday.
