"With the top tier of players gone, the Pirates could swing for the fences here. They’ve gone with the ‘safe’ pick with the ‘advanced’ hit tool all too often and they haven’t exactly worked out so far."
This not working out problem likely reflects the poverty of the development staff, not the players drafted or signed. When one problem is found throughout the minor leagues, high whiff rates, there are likely two sources of the oriblem: The inability of the scouts to identify quality hitters or the inability of the development staff to develop the hitting skills of the players given to them. Tremarr Johnson is the test case.
I really hope Wetherholt isn’t the one who slides. Profiles a lot like the other twelve 2B prospects we already have in the system. Kurtz would be the dream scenario for the Pirates
After Kurtz hot spell, he's getting pitched around again, only 2 hits (both doubles) in his last 18 at bats with 4 walks. If Kurtz continues to get pitched around he might, (probably not) be there at 9.
I am admittedly hesitant to target another 2B with an 'advanced' hit tool, really any college bat in that profile has bitten us badly the last few years
I love JJ but feel pretty much the same about what the Pirates have and what they need. Kurtz would be great, but it’s doubtful he’ll slide unless he gets hurt or struggles again.
Tommy White should still be in the discussion, although I know he’s not being as highly regarded as last year largely because LSU is not the team it was. He’s still hitting over .340 with 15 homers and has improved defensively. With the Pirates glaring need and lack of first basemen in the system he’d fit well there and could become a difference maker sooner rather than later.
I really hope they don't take Griff, he's a right hand hitting Jebb. Hopefully Sirota or Santucci makes it to pick 37 or a a high upside prep player. Burke looked bad last night maybe at 47 but there should be more higher value players at 37. I think you nailed it with the pick at 9, don't get cute just take the one who slides or one of the 2 high ceiling prep bats. If you go with savings Tibbs is probably the safest bat, reminds me of Michael Busch with the bat but a much better fielder that can handle a corner outfield or first base. Trey Yesavage would be a college arm I wouldn't be upset if they took but don't think they would save much.
I would love to get Yesavage. Probably my favorite college arm in this draft (easily the third best in the class).
I saw a mock that had Santucci dropping, if he does you grab him at 37, I'm just not confident he does.
Tibbs I would like, would like to see them swing big on a prep pick but I know that'd be risky with their track record and it probably wouldn't be the most popular pick with the fan base.
The Pirates are riding a hot streak with the development of young, very talented pitching. Therefore, I would avoid drafting a college pitcher at 1-9. If a bat was not deemed to be beneficial, I would go with the kid from Catholic HS in Baton Rouge - William Schmidt. Not many HS pitchers with the projectability he has right now, with at least 2 pitches (FB, Curve) rated at 60 or better and a changeup!
Don't have to twist my arm too hard to be in favor of taking a prep pitcher lol. I really like Schmidt. He might be my favorite prep arm in this draft.
Not sure if I'd use a top 10 pick on him unless they are saving a good amount of money to use on the comp pick.
I also think the Marlins are showing you really can never have enough pitching. The only way I'd probably take a pitcher at 1-9 is if Yesavage takes way under slot and it pushes a prep kid to the comp pick.
Also if either Hagen Smith or Chase Burns somehow drop, I'd legitimately debate those two.
Personally, I'm leaning towards Bryce Rainer if he is there.
I don't think Santucci will be there at 37 but I would have a hard time passing him up, no matter who we took at 9. I think Yesavage has the highest floor for college arms. His ceiling is also fairly high, just below the top two. He's very similar to Lowder from last years draft as far as potential.
I like pick 9, takes a lot of the comparing out lol.
Ryan Forcucci at 47. 70 grade FB with a fully baked CH. He’ll move quickly(like Drew Thorpe) cause a good CH alone will dominate lower levels hitters. Especially with them all trying to pull everything now.
Lower hitter can’t touch a good CH or slow CB. The problem with the slow CB it doesn’t tunnel well from a RHP and it needs to be landed for a strike at the upper levels and MLB.
Some Prep arms I like are Chase Mobley, Chris Levonas, Duncan Marsten, Anson Seibert and Jackson Barberi.
Some college arms I really like are Janzen Keisel(OK ST) Carter Holton(Vandy), Brian Holiday(JUCO transfer now at OK ST) and Luke Sinnard(Indiana).
Sinnard had TJ and is out for the year but would’ve been a Day 1 guy if not for the injury.
Some names I was super surprised to see on Pieplienes new top draft prospects list: Rafe Schlesinger, Josh Randall, Jakob Wright and Konnor Eaton.
All I like for different reasons and I would’ve loved for them to stay under the radar until after the draft..lol.
Pierce Coppola looked really good tonight against Arkansas too. He’s gonna start rising up draft boards. Big time recruit and back/shoulder injuries kept him out the last two years but 6’8 LHP don’t grow on trees.
You can just copy and paste those Prep arms in the Twitter search to see why I like them too.
I’ve also seen some Pirates fan tweeting about Jared Jones(the one from LSU). Anywhere b4 the 5th round(top 100 pick or so) is too high. He’s a college thumper/college performer that I doubt produces as a Pro. He’s a below average athlete.
You want a really big dude that can actually run and is plus athlete. Go for Ivan Brethowr from UC SB.
Really big dude(6’6) that crushes the ball, can run, has a cannon arm and I think he can even play CF like Judge.
And I know Aaron Judge is lofty comp but even at 6’6(with the really long levers), Brethowr is still super short to ball. Big time draft prospect for me.
The 5th or later for Jerad Jones Lsu, I actually think he might be able to handle right field at PNC but he is slow. I think he will develop a better hit tool but he is a bat only type guy with a big arm that his legs won't let play.
I'm with ya on the physical attributes of Brethowr. He was intriguing as a prep going to ASU.
"With the top tier of players gone, the Pirates could swing for the fences here. They’ve gone with the ‘safe’ pick with the ‘advanced’ hit tool all too often and they haven’t exactly worked out so far."
This not working out problem likely reflects the poverty of the development staff, not the players drafted or signed. When one problem is found throughout the minor leagues, high whiff rates, there are likely two sources of the oriblem: The inability of the scouts to identify quality hitters or the inability of the development staff to develop the hitting skills of the players given to them. Tremarr Johnson is the test case.
I really hope Wetherholt isn’t the one who slides. Profiles a lot like the other twelve 2B prospects we already have in the system. Kurtz would be the dream scenario for the Pirates
After Kurtz hot spell, he's getting pitched around again, only 2 hits (both doubles) in his last 18 at bats with 4 walks. If Kurtz continues to get pitched around he might, (probably not) be there at 9.
I am admittedly hesitant to target another 2B with an 'advanced' hit tool, really any college bat in that profile has bitten us badly the last few years
I love JJ but feel pretty much the same about what the Pirates have and what they need. Kurtz would be great, but it’s doubtful he’ll slide unless he gets hurt or struggles again.
Tommy White should still be in the discussion, although I know he’s not being as highly regarded as last year largely because LSU is not the team it was. He’s still hitting over .340 with 15 homers and has improved defensively. With the Pirates glaring need and lack of first basemen in the system he’d fit well there and could become a difference maker sooner rather than later.
TOMMAY MFING TANKS
Tommy Tanks gives me Will Craig vibes. Wouldn’t touch him till the 2nd round
But Tommy Tanks has an xSWAG on his offday that absolutely dwarves what Craig brought on his best day. Tommy Tanks forever
No thanks on Tommy Tanks. Well, in round 1
Yinz gonna draft Shields from Lebo?!?!
He is a stud. Went to school with his father. My son played against him in cooperstown 12u tournament. Good kid and hard worker.
I'd be ok with it at 37.
I really hope they don't take Griff, he's a right hand hitting Jebb. Hopefully Sirota or Santucci makes it to pick 37 or a a high upside prep player. Burke looked bad last night maybe at 47 but there should be more higher value players at 37. I think you nailed it with the pick at 9, don't get cute just take the one who slides or one of the 2 high ceiling prep bats. If you go with savings Tibbs is probably the safest bat, reminds me of Michael Busch with the bat but a much better fielder that can handle a corner outfield or first base. Trey Yesavage would be a college arm I wouldn't be upset if they took but don't think they would save much.
I would love to get Yesavage. Probably my favorite college arm in this draft (easily the third best in the class).
I saw a mock that had Santucci dropping, if he does you grab him at 37, I'm just not confident he does.
Tibbs I would like, would like to see them swing big on a prep pick but I know that'd be risky with their track record and it probably wouldn't be the most popular pick with the fan base.
The Pirates are riding a hot streak with the development of young, very talented pitching. Therefore, I would avoid drafting a college pitcher at 1-9. If a bat was not deemed to be beneficial, I would go with the kid from Catholic HS in Baton Rouge - William Schmidt. Not many HS pitchers with the projectability he has right now, with at least 2 pitches (FB, Curve) rated at 60 or better and a changeup!
Don't have to twist my arm too hard to be in favor of taking a prep pitcher lol. I really like Schmidt. He might be my favorite prep arm in this draft.
Not sure if I'd use a top 10 pick on him unless they are saving a good amount of money to use on the comp pick.
I also think the Marlins are showing you really can never have enough pitching. The only way I'd probably take a pitcher at 1-9 is if Yesavage takes way under slot and it pushes a prep kid to the comp pick.
Also if either Hagen Smith or Chase Burns somehow drop, I'd legitimately debate those two.
Personally, I'm leaning towards Bryce Rainer if he is there.
But it's also crazy, after the first couple of weeks it was 'Santucci or Hagen Smith as LHP1' now we talking Santucci potentially to the Pirates at 37
I don't think Santucci will be there at 37 but I would have a hard time passing him up, no matter who we took at 9. I think Yesavage has the highest floor for college arms. His ceiling is also fairly high, just below the top two. He's very similar to Lowder from last years draft as far as potential.
I like pick 9, takes a lot of the comparing out lol.
Ryan Forcucci at 47. 70 grade FB with a fully baked CH. He’ll move quickly(like Drew Thorpe) cause a good CH alone will dominate lower levels hitters. Especially with them all trying to pull everything now.
Lower hitter can’t touch a good CH or slow CB. The problem with the slow CB it doesn’t tunnel well from a RHP and it needs to be landed for a strike at the upper levels and MLB.
Some Prep arms I like are Chase Mobley, Chris Levonas, Duncan Marsten, Anson Seibert and Jackson Barberi.
Some college arms I really like are Janzen Keisel(OK ST) Carter Holton(Vandy), Brian Holiday(JUCO transfer now at OK ST) and Luke Sinnard(Indiana).
Sinnard had TJ and is out for the year but would’ve been a Day 1 guy if not for the injury.
Some names I was super surprised to see on Pieplienes new top draft prospects list: Rafe Schlesinger, Josh Randall, Jakob Wright and Konnor Eaton.
All I like for different reasons and I would’ve loved for them to stay under the radar until after the draft..lol.
Pierce Coppola looked really good tonight against Arkansas too. He’s gonna start rising up draft boards. Big time recruit and back/shoulder injuries kept him out the last two years but 6’8 LHP don’t grow on trees.
Btw, that was my question!! Thanks Anthony!!
Here’s a Ryan Forcucci tweet I really like.
https://x.com/data_prospects/status/1699108789734031741?s=46
Also, Azad Earl is a good follow.
You can just copy and paste those Prep arms in the Twitter search to see why I like them too.
I’ve also seen some Pirates fan tweeting about Jared Jones(the one from LSU). Anywhere b4 the 5th round(top 100 pick or so) is too high. He’s a college thumper/college performer that I doubt produces as a Pro. He’s a below average athlete.
You want a really big dude that can actually run and is plus athlete. Go for Ivan Brethowr from UC SB.
Really big dude(6’6) that crushes the ball, can run, has a cannon arm and I think he can even play CF like Judge.
And I know Aaron Judge is lofty comp but even at 6’6(with the really long levers), Brethowr is still super short to ball. Big time draft prospect for me.
The 5th or later for Jerad Jones Lsu, I actually think he might be able to handle right field at PNC but he is slow. I think he will develop a better hit tool but he is a bat only type guy with a big arm that his legs won't let play.
I'm with ya on the physical attributes of Brethowr. He was intriguing as a prep going to ASU.
You know who I don’t want? Hartle and his slop.
Me either, talk about losing command. Looked like a first rounder in 2023 to a 3rd day pick in 2024.