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WTM's avatar

BA has a mock draft up, couple days ago actually. They go through the first 50 picks. They once again pick Billy Carlson for the Pirates, which doesn't excite me a whole lot. The bizarre part is, they explain the pick by saying, "with Griffin moving to the outfield." Sez hoo? He's still mostly playing short. Pay some attention, maybe?

At #50, they have the Pirates taking another prep SS, Ryan Mitchell, whom they describe as "having helium."

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Arky Wags's avatar

If they think he’s good enough (Carlson) they should take him anyway. They may be getting ahead of themselves with that comment, even if Griffin has played a bit of OF.

McDaniel at ESPN seems to be the high man on Carlson (has him third, behind Arnold and Willits). In his write up from 4/16, he states Carlson has real similarities to Witt. He makes reference to possibly a swing change, but he actually notes that Carlson’s swing needs much less work than Griffin.

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SouthernBuc's avatar

It is almost more disappointing to me that BA for some reason does not subscribe to what I consider is a basic rule - don’t draft for need. Who cares where Griffin plays or where he might play.

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Melkel's avatar

Yep, take best player available. With that in mind, it'd be hard for me to pass up LaViollette at 6. I like other players more at that spot (others have a higher floor) but his ceiling might be the highest in the draft. If he was available I'd probably gamble on him, he has superstar potential.

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WTM's avatar

That too.

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Melkel's avatar

I hope the pirates approach this year's draft much like the '23 draft with an exception. Go heavy on college pitching from the 4th or 5th round, target hitters with power (the exception) and or athleticism rounds 2 through 4 or 5. First pick should be best player available college or prep, hitter or pitcher.

Like the '23 draft there are several pitchers with flaws but potential from the college ranks that will be available fairly late in this year's draft.

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Joshua Johnson's avatar

Can we get you in the draft room? Love that strategy.

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Melkel's avatar

I'd be cheap, going to check out a lot of the players anyway lol

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