Kovacevic: Bucs Will Pick Pedro Alvarez

by Charlie Wilmoth on Jun 5, 2008 12:21 AM EDT

When the Pirates' turn comes in Major League Baseball's draft this afternoon, according to multiple sources, they plan to use their No. 2 overall choice to take Vanderbilt University third baseman Pedro Alvarez.

The path appears clear: The Tampa Bay Rays, the team picking first, have let it be known through the sport's circles that they will pass on Alvarez, preferring either Georgia high school shortstop Tim Beckham or Florida State University catcher Buster Posey.

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Comments

Pedro

Hope Dejan’s right. I’ve wanted Pedro to be a Pirate since I started thinking of this draft last summer. We need power arms and power bats. His left-handed swing is a bonus.

by bolton on Jun 5, 2008 5:57 AM EDT reply actions

The right move IMO even if Beckham is there at #2. Living in TN I have seen Pedro several times, both last year and this year and he will be an impact player. Beckham will be a good player in years to come but he could easily go the way of Chris Nelson who Georgia HS coaches I know compare him. They have similar tools but Beckham has better makeup. Projecting power from someone 6 foot 185 is a very inexact science.

by buccoben on Jun 5, 2008 7:13 AM EDT reply actions

I'm azibuck and I approve this message.

by azibuck on Jun 5, 2008 7:30 AM EDT reply actions

I worry some about Pedro's body.

He’s awfully broad across the beam.

Still, if he can hit the way the scouts think he will, I could live with a big-time lefty power bat at first base. He’s a legitimate choice at #2, and since the team’s people have obviously seen a lot more of him than I have, I have to trust their judgment.

by Vlad on Jun 5, 2008 9:46 AM EDT reply actions