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Pirates went with an interesting first day, but it's clear they want to add talent and depth to the infield of the organization. Looking up and down the minors, the Pirates appear to have themselves well stocked with pitching, outfield, and even catcher - it's the lack of infield prospects from AAA down that is a little sparse. I mean a few guys here and there have done some nice things, but it's clear the management feels strongly enough to emphasize it in the draft. They say in a draft like the MLB, it's impossible to draft for a specific need since the wait time is too hard to calculate, but in the case with the Pirates they just have aligned the organization so well in certain areas, it allows them to draft for specific needs in a sense.

--Kevin Newman was the 29th overall prospect, but the Pirates jumped on him at 19. He's the second straight shortstop they have taken in the past two first rounds, and was one of many shortstops taken in the first round. Obviously doing some reading on him, he's a very good hitter but has room to improve in other areas. I like that he is a college player, and he can probably vault through the system a little faster than Cole Tucker will. He may make a move to second, it's really hard to say right now, but it's nice to be able to do one thing really well, and it sounds like hitting is that thing.

-- Ke-Bryan Hayes was the 44th overall prospect, and the Pirates took him with the 32nd overall pick. This pick is compensation for losing out on Russell Martin to free agency. Hayes is a high school third basemen, and from the general reaction, he is going to be able to stick at the position presumably. Regarded as one of the top HS players in Texas. He is reportedly committed to Tennessee, but the Pirates should be able to sign him, at least that's what many are saying.

-- Kevin Kramer was listed as the 165th prospect, and the Pirates selected him at 62. He played for UCLA and has had some shoulder injuries that have bothered him, but again another college middle infielder that is noted as a hitter. He's a second basemen as listed on MLB.com.


The Pirates do not have great depth overall at infield, but with last year's number one pick and this year's first three picks, they should bolster that reputation quickly. Alen Hanson is close to the majors, and Jacoby Jones is intriguing for high-Bradenton. The youth and talent they added today should help the talent pool in these areas. The Pirates have many question marks at the major league level in coming seasons, so it's nice to know they are adding options for down the line.

I think as these next picks ware on over the next few days, I look for the Pirates to try their usual move of drafting power right handed high school pitchers with firm college commitments, and get them to sign on with a lucrative deal. They managed to do it last year, and seemingly every year of Huntington's tenure. It's a nice move, and you're adding quality pitching prospects with great tools, and being able to draft other areas with the early picks, but still sneak in some high quality pitching.

Today was odd, though. The Pirates were linked to almost exclusively to high school pitchers in the first round these past few weeks leading up to the draft, and they go completely opposite with a college shortstop. The weird thing is, nobody will be able to tell if these were the right picks for a few years.



What do you think? Good first 3 picks?

Ke'Bryan's last name is Hayes. He is the son of former major leaguer Charlie Hayes.

Neman and Kramer...lol

DragonsDoExist wrote: Neman and Kramer...lol

Exactly what I was thinking when I was flipping back and forth from the draft lol Would be awesome to have a Newman - Kramer double play combo....maybe pick up a George or Seinfeld to play first ha ha

When you draft a shortstop in the first round you are really drafting someone who can play any position at the major league level. In fact the position they may have the most trouble playing in the majors is shortstop. Many drafted shortstops don't end up playing shortstop.

That theory actually holds true to almost all levels of baseball, generally in high school the shortstop is your best athlete so a college baseball team may have a large number of ex-high school shortstops.

I think in last year's case, drafting Cole Tucker that really holds true. He was a tall lanky high school shortstop that really could end up in a number of spots before its all said and done. I think in the case with Newman, they are hoping he holds as a middle infielder since he was a successful college player. Jordy Mercer was once a highly touted college shortstop, and I think a former 3rd round pick and he was able to stick at the position. I hope Newman can stick, but it definitely looks like if he can continue to hit like he has been, they can worry about a position later.

4th pick - Casey Hughston. Corner outfielder from U of Alabama.

5th - Jacob Taylor. JuCo righty pitcher. Tall 6'3" frame, just how the Pirates seem to like them.

6th - Brandon Waddell. Good college lefty from U of Virginia.

7th - Jonathan Brubaker. Tall college righty from Akron.

8th - Mitchell Tolman. 3B from U of Oregon

9th - Seth McGarry. College right handed reliever from Florida Atlantic.



Ton of college players this year, not usually the Pirates style. Only one high level HS prospect, and he's a fielder not a pitcher. Interesting and a little surprising from all I read leading up to the draft, and from how the Pirates have drafted through the years.