Quick look at the Draft

The Pirates seem to be down to one of two high school players with their first round pick,which is second overall as it looks like either Florida shortstop Manny Machado or Texas righthander Jameson Taillon will be Pirate bound.
Most reports have the Orioles taking the other with the third selection.

I am hoping that the Pirates take one or the other and stay away from their usual safe college choice,which rarely gives a team like Pittsburgh the type of impact player that lower revenue teams need.
If the Bucs decide to travel that avenue,the likely choice is Ole Miss pitcher Drew Pomerantz.
High schoolers have more of a risk involved,but have the type of ceiling that most collegiate players do not have,especially in this draft.

Earlier this week,the Pirates seemed to be zoned in on Machado,but a four hour meeting with Taillon with Neal Huntington has raised speculation that the Pirates may tab the power armed Texan instead and the mock drafts are mixed with both players having support.
I prefer Taillon by an eyelash,but keep in mind that I am a pitching guy and the Pirates have never had the number one horse type in years.

We will see which one (I hope) will be in Black and Gold...



The Indians are in the five slot and figure to do what they usually do with a college player as the selection.
Alex White is looking very sharp as last years top pick as he has progressed quickly through Kinston and onto Akron.
The Indians will have their choice if they want pitching as Drew Pomerantz could still be there and if the Tribe prefers a lefty,the choice could be Chris Sale of Florida Gulf Coast.
Cleveland could go hitter and the safest choice could be Arkansas third baseman Zach Cox.
Cox might be the safe pick,but the player with the highest upside could be Texas-Arlington outfielder Michael Choice.

Draft starts in two hours and we will be here later with quick looks at both teams first rounders.
I haven't forgotten about the upcoming post on the Hagerstown Suns reported sale either,so look for that sometime over the next two days....