Next Years Draft

by samvescovi on Aug 18, 2009 12:06 PM EDT Comment 16 comments

Now that all the top players have been signed including Strasburg, so we know they won't be re-entering the draft next year, what does the draft look like in terms of top talent for next year? This year there were supposedly 2 top talents in Dustin Ackley and Stephen Strasburg and the next several picks were all about equal. We all now the pirates drafted Sanchez who some believe in and others don't, but will that be the same thing next year, or will the pirates be able to draft an elite prospect if they some how fall to the 4th pick again next year?

For those in the know, will you please enlighten us.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of the managing editor (Charlie) or SB Nation. FanPosts are written by Bucs Dugout readers.

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Harper

but we wont get him!

by BurgherKing on Aug 18, 2009 12:46 PM EDT reply actions

It's waaaaay to early to project......

at this point. There is so much that changes for 17-21 year olds in one year, it would basically just be people guessing. General lists can probably be made, but it’s like the NFL draft, projecting next year’s top 5 picks in any particular order is a waste of time.

by dtoddwin on Aug 18, 2009 1:14 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

This.

Just wild speculation, projecting anything right now. It’s not even a lock that Harper will be the best available talent.

by Vlad on Aug 18, 2009 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions

it is early

Assuming Harper goes 1st, which I still have my doubts. To me it looks more like this kid is cleaning up on no talent high school pitchers, and is over matched when facing better talent pitching (if any of you watched the aflac classic you know what im talking about). Harper went 0-3 with 2 ks and a weak ground out, and just looked over matched against good pitching.

But I think all pirate fans should be praying that we get a top 3 pick, and have a shot at the pitcher out of LSU Anthony Renaudo. From what I’ve seen and read he seems like he’ll be the best talent available next year, and you won’t have to get mixed up in the signing of Harper when its very possible he could be a bust.

Also Steve Bedrosians son Cam Bedrosian seems like the real deal…

I think the pirates need more elite pitching in the system more so than a hitter or catcher so I would go with Renaudo or Bedrosian.

by FusilliJerry88 on Aug 18, 2009 1:22 PM EDT reply actions

I don’t like the no-talent HS pitchers argument. Harper has been in enough showcases to show that he is pretty remarkable.

by H2O on Aug 18, 2009 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions

Speaking of showcases...

Over the past several weeks, scouts have been whispering that Harper was off of his game. Those suspicions were validated in San Diego. He could not catch up to a decent fastball and was badly fooled by every curve, flailing and missing badly. Harper’s swing, sound previously, has gone backwards.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/high-school/events/aflac-all-american-classic/2009/268715.html

by maguro on Aug 18, 2009 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions

+1

That ought to quiet the raving lunatics at least for a few days. The poor kid is 16. I’m sure everyone would like to get the attention he is getting, but I feel comfortable that it isn’t helping his development.

by dtoddwin on Aug 18, 2009 5:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Don't forget about this kid ...

… who got glowing reviews in the same game where Harper wasn’t at his best (from maguro’s link):

Jameson Taillon (The Woodlands, Texas, HS) is an ideal prep pitching prospect, appearing to be formed out of a scout’s dream. Solidly constructed at 6-foot-7 and 230 pounds, he comfortably draws comparisons to Gerrit Cole and Stephen Strasburg.

Taillon easily fires a blistering 93 to 95 mph fastball that peaks at 96. He adds a wicked 82 mph curve, a vicious breaking ball that is already a plus big league pitch.

After registering one strikeout in a quick first inning, Taillon breezed through the second frame, striking out the side while barely breaking a sweat.

“Nooooo contest,” a scout said behind home plate.

by woobie on Aug 19, 2009 1:50 AM EDT up reply actions

This

Very much I like

Show me a guy whos afraid to look bad, and I'll show you a guy you can beat every time. -Lou Brock

by Green_Wave on Aug 19, 2009 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions

Don't like...

Cam Bedrosian too much. Besides it seems like NH likes projectable pitchers more than little guys who throw hard.

by joegonzo on Aug 18, 2009 4:27 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't think that's NH as much...

…as it is Greg Smith, who tended to prefer the same kind of guys as the SD for the Tigers.

by Vlad on Aug 19, 2009 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions

christian colon

Put up great numbers for team usa this year as the captain, and could be the shortstop of the future that we desperately need. But Bryce Harper would be nice too.

Pittsburgh Pirates Rebuilding Since 1992

by kstanz41 on Aug 18, 2009 1:47 PM EDT reply actions

Colon...

is more solid than spectacular. He could be pretty good, but will likely never be an all-star. I want either Ranaudo or Pomeranz. They are both big pitchers with good stuff. Some people have compared pomeranz to Brian Matusz and Ranaudo seems like the only college pitcher next year who could be an “ace”. If we go with a high school pitcher, I want AJ Cole. He is a big righty with a very good fastball and probably has the highest ceiling of any pitcher next year.

by joegonzo on Aug 18, 2009 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions

I have my eye on Cole as well. He was pretty impressive in the Aflac game. He showed a good curveball. Fastball touched 96 mph.

by agent00 on Aug 18, 2009 10:12 PM EDT up reply actions

Next year's draft

1. Some kid who is going to be financially set for life but may well never make it to the show.
2. See #1.
3. Someone who will make it, but never live up to the hype.
4. H.S. Pitcher.
5. Pirates.

Free your ass and your mind will follow.

by cocktailsfor2 on Aug 18, 2009 8:37 PM EDT reply actions