There were six balls hit 120 mph or harder during the 2024 season. Cruz had four of them, and those were the four hardest-hit balls of the year. The very hardest was a dramatic clutch hit -- a game-tying double with two outs in the ninth inning off a 100.3 mph cutter from Giants closer Camilo Doval. Cruz's 121.5 mph double was the fifth-hardest batted ball in the Statcast era (since 2015), and by far the hardest-hit ball off a 100-plus mph pitch. The previous hardest was a 115.4 mph single by Giancarlo Stanton off Shintaro Fujinami in 2023."
If Davis and/or Jack figure things out that could change quickly. Especially in the “and” scenario. I wouldn’t say there’s a ton of other potential power sources though. Maybe Nicky G taps into some 15-20 homer power, which is more than the 10 Steamer has projected?
There's absolutely no reason not to pick Sterling here, so maybe this is my inner contrarian coming out, but Wyatt Sanford is the dude for me.
Sanford, to my eye, has an actual frame to carry more strength as he matures unlike more narrow-shouldered diminutive types such as Cole Tucker and Tucupita Marcano.
The defense gives him such a high floor that I'm tempted to bet on squeeking an average bat out of him by age 24 or so. That's a 3 WAR, Grade 60 shortstop in this league.
I really like the first 3 picks. Griffin, Sterling, and Sanford. I kinda would like to see Griffin and Sanford switch between short and center this year because I think both could be plus or better fielders at each. I also think both are going to be better contact hitters with Sanford having more pop than predicted.
I was a fan of popping them in those first three picks, too, as a general draft strategy. No trying to underslot-overslot, less risk of not getting your guy.
Honestly really like the draft for the fact that they went all in on these guys that are absolutely loaded with intrigue and upside. Not that farm system rankings mean much of anything, but after bubba, ashcraft, and harrington graduate we are going to be severely thinned out for any impact talent. Its nice to know that there should be more brewing and on the way
Same. This felt way better than the Newman and Kramer draft. They took Hayes in between. I'm sure they had their reasons. I guess I'm tired of the Mitch Jebb types. I hope he pans out but it's much more exciting when the get top drawer athletes that are on the young side. Sure they may be Bubba Starling but I'm eager to see how they fare.
Interesting that, with Sterling, they point out his athleticism and the fact he was a two-way player. Skenes, Jones and Chandler were all legit hitting prospects and are obviously very athletic, most of all Chandler. I bet Jones' and Chandler's athleticism had a lot to do with their command developing so quickly. Looking forward to seeing Sterling.
Knock on wood, but with the recent look MLB did into what seems like an increase in arm injuries, I wonder if true two-way players (at least through HS) have a better chance of avoiding major arm injuries.
With the increase in year round play and proliferation of youth travel and club ball, comes an increase in a lot of coaches and private instructors that can do more harm than good for a young person’s arm health (i.e., “If you sign Johnny up for 10 $60 sessions at my indoor facility, we’ll get him throwing 10 mph faster!”). Boys who solely pitch - and this specialization is starting younger and younger, before high school even - likely have a lot more tread on their tires, so to speak.
Sounds like they have found a new type to target and I love the idea behind targeting two way +/- multi sport pitchers because of the extra athleticism and body control they should have developed along the way
Tell me about Jack's floor. Verdugo's floor makes him an everyday starter with the Bucs. Even if Jack recovers and earns a spot (even IF) Verdugo will still grab a spot. He's that much better than what the Pirates have.
Maybe just comfort in dancing with the gal ya brought, but I’d take Jack.
Feels like crashing and burning like Jack stands greater chance of a bounce back than Verdigos five-year gradual decline. How many dudes come back from that?
Meccage was linked to the Pirates in the 2024 draft and I was not sure if it was talent or family that was behind that prediction. The Pirates had two picks at #37 and #47 but passed on him.
Looking forward to Oneil Cruz in 2025. He had a solid year with the Pirates coming back from ankle surgery, but I think he started to feel a little winded late in the season. Will he stay in CF? Will the Pirates re-think taking him off the SS position or make more of an effort to improve his issues at SS?
Fun tidbit from mlb.com:
"Hardest-hit ball
Oneil Cruz, Pirates -- 121.5 mph double (May 21)
There were six balls hit 120 mph or harder during the 2024 season. Cruz had four of them, and those were the four hardest-hit balls of the year. The very hardest was a dramatic clutch hit -- a game-tying double with two outs in the ninth inning off a 100.3 mph cutter from Giants closer Camilo Doval. Cruz's 121.5 mph double was the fifth-hardest batted ball in the Statcast era (since 2015), and by far the hardest-hit ball off a 100-plus mph pitch. The previous hardest was a 115.4 mph single by Giancarlo Stanton off Shintaro Fujinami in 2023."
https://x.com/TJStats/status/1874549952334209417
Steamer isn't very high on the Pirates power potential for '25.
Don’t need to be a top 10 offense this year, just can’t be a bottom 5!
If Davis and/or Jack figure things out that could change quickly. Especially in the “and” scenario. I wouldn’t say there’s a ton of other potential power sources though. Maybe Nicky G taps into some 15-20 homer power, which is more than the 10 Steamer has projected?
Steamer has Jack projected for 8 in 208 PA’s and Davis projected for 1 in 38 PA’s. I’ll happily take the over there.
I notice the Reds are 26th in WRC+ and 9th in predicted homers, while the Pirates are 27th in WRC+ and 29th in predicted homers.
The park they play in gives up homeruns but hold triples and doubles to doubles and singles on occasion, is the only thing I can think of.
Anything on Vince Velasquez? Haven't heard or seen anything on him, he looked pretty good before the injury.
Was wondering about him, too, as a potential NRI candidate.
There's absolutely no reason not to pick Sterling here, so maybe this is my inner contrarian coming out, but Wyatt Sanford is the dude for me.
Sanford, to my eye, has an actual frame to carry more strength as he matures unlike more narrow-shouldered diminutive types such as Cole Tucker and Tucupita Marcano.
The defense gives him such a high floor that I'm tempted to bet on squeeking an average bat out of him by age 24 or so. That's a 3 WAR, Grade 60 shortstop in this league.
I really like the first 3 picks. Griffin, Sterling, and Sanford. I kinda would like to see Griffin and Sanford switch between short and center this year because I think both could be plus or better fielders at each. I also think both are going to be better contact hitters with Sanford having more pop than predicted.
Sterling has a pretty nice swing
https://youtu.be/yvtHMDroSMQ?si=5w-n5F-1L4dosNGj
I was a fan of popping them in those first three picks, too, as a general draft strategy. No trying to underslot-overslot, less risk of not getting your guy.
Honestly really like the draft for the fact that they went all in on these guys that are absolutely loaded with intrigue and upside. Not that farm system rankings mean much of anything, but after bubba, ashcraft, and harrington graduate we are going to be severely thinned out for any impact talent. Its nice to know that there should be more brewing and on the way
Same. This felt way better than the Newman and Kramer draft. They took Hayes in between. I'm sure they had their reasons. I guess I'm tired of the Mitch Jebb types. I hope he pans out but it's much more exciting when the get top drawer athletes that are on the young side. Sure they may be Bubba Starling but I'm eager to see how they fare.
Amen. I join you in being *so* tired of the Mitch Jebb types.
I’m just super-eager to see all the prep guys. Saw the three hitters in the goofy “bridge league” but that was hardly satisfying.
Interesting that, with Sterling, they point out his athleticism and the fact he was a two-way player. Skenes, Jones and Chandler were all legit hitting prospects and are obviously very athletic, most of all Chandler. I bet Jones' and Chandler's athleticism had a lot to do with their command developing so quickly. Looking forward to seeing Sterling.
John Van Benscoten raising his hand saying don’t forget me🙄
I'd rather.
Knock on wood, but with the recent look MLB did into what seems like an increase in arm injuries, I wonder if true two-way players (at least through HS) have a better chance of avoiding major arm injuries.
With the increase in year round play and proliferation of youth travel and club ball, comes an increase in a lot of coaches and private instructors that can do more harm than good for a young person’s arm health (i.e., “If you sign Johnny up for 10 $60 sessions at my indoor facility, we’ll get him throwing 10 mph faster!”). Boys who solely pitch - and this specialization is starting younger and younger, before high school even - likely have a lot more tread on their tires, so to speak.
Sounds like they have found a new type to target and I love the idea behind targeting two way +/- multi sport pitchers because of the extra athleticism and body control they should have developed along the way
I think they might give him a shot in Bradenton. He's quite young though.
I’m hoping they do. He’ll have to impress them in camp.
Either way, with the FCL starting earlier now, he should be in action in April.
It's an obvious observation but if Cruz and Hayes can play up to their potential our Buccos can really have a greatly improved 2025 season.
That and the bullpen not blowing games left and right puts us >82 wins easily
Verdugo or Suwinski?
Floor Alex.
Ceiling Jack.
Pirates need more ceiling than floor.
Tell me about Jack's floor. Verdugo's floor makes him an everyday starter with the Bucs. Even if Jack recovers and earns a spot (even IF) Verdugo will still grab a spot. He's that much better than what the Pirates have.
Banger question, honestly.
Maybe just comfort in dancing with the gal ya brought, but I’d take Jack.
Feels like crashing and burning like Jack stands greater chance of a bounce back than Verdigos five-year gradual decline. How many dudes come back from that?
Meccage was linked to the Pirates in the 2024 draft and I was not sure if it was talent or family that was behind that prediction. The Pirates had two picks at #37 and #47 but passed on him.
Looking forward to Oneil Cruz in 2025. He had a solid year with the Pirates coming back from ankle surgery, but I think he started to feel a little winded late in the season. Will he stay in CF? Will the Pirates re-think taking him off the SS position or make more of an effort to improve his issues at SS?
I think all observers can answer the CF/SS question with Cruz. The answer is NO to SS and commitment to CF. The SS Cruz ship has sailed.
SS Cruz. Sunk'