With the 45th pick in the 2012 MLB Draft, the Pittsburgh Pirates selected outfielder Barrett Barnes. The Texas Tech outfielder has plus power from the right handed side of the plate, and has the possibility to stick in center field. If he moves to a corner it would be left field, due to a lack of arm strength.
Barnes is a pull hitter, so PNC Park might eventually diminish his power if he makes it to the majors. Barnes hit for a .325/.419/.597 line in 206 at-bats this year, with nine homers. He led his Texas Tech team in homers and slugging percentage, while also showing off some speed with six triples and 19 steals in 20 attempts. In his career he was 50-for-56 in stolen base attempts. He also has good plate patience, with the willingness to take a walk. Barnes has drawn comparisons to Marlon Byrd.
The slot price for the 45th overall pick is $1,136,400. Barnes probably wouldn’t command the full amount, which means that this move could also create some money to pay Mark Appel an over-slot bonus.
Check back later for the day one recap, as well as the player page for Barnes.
