The Pittsburgh Pirates have drafted Nelson Jorge, a shortstop from the International Baseball Academy in Puerto Rico in the seventh round of the 2014 MLB draft. Jorge is a good runner, and has good arm strength. Perfect Game reports that he ran a 6.96 sixty yard dash, and has been as quick as 6.54. The better number is about 65-70 speed.
Jorge is a switch hitter, but he’s better left-handed. He’s got good bat speed from the left side, makes hard contact, and hits to the right-center gap. He’s athletic and has a strong arm. That, plus his speed, should give him a shot at staying at shortstop. He’s much better at second base, and he is athletic enough to play the outfield.
Jorge has a commitment to Des Moines Area CC. The last time the Pirates drafted a player out of Puerto Rico was in the 7th round of the 2008 draft, when they took another shortstop, Benji Gonzalez.
