The Pittsburgh Pirates drafted right handed pitcher Adrian Sampson with their fifth round pick in the 2012 MLB Draft. Sampson is a JuCo player who attended Bellevue Community College, and has a commitment to the University of Oregon.
Sampson had Tommy John surgery during his senior year of high school, and went undrafted, which sent him to Junior College. He was taken in the 16th round last year by the Marlins, but didn’t sign. Baseball America rated him as the 84th best prospect in the draft this year, but was considered more likely to sign, despite the Oregon commitment.
Sampson throws 87-91 MPH, touching 94. He can sit in the low 90s at times. He throws a curveball with sharp, late break. The curve is his best pitch, and grades as above-average. He also has a feel for the changeup. He’s got good control and command, and has confidence in his pitches.
This year Sampson had a 1.36 ERA in 79.1 innings, with a 107:27 K/BB ratio. That follows a 2011 season where he had a 1.87 ERA in 62.2 innings with an 82:15 K/BB ratio. The slot price or the fifth round pick is $252,100. Sampson is another guy who seems like he will sign, but probably won’t go for much below slot.
