As expected,the Pirates took Gerrit Cole from UCLA with the first overall pick.
I stand by my word that I would have preferred Anthony Rendon,but of the college pitchers available and conceding that a college pitcher was what they wanted-Gerrit Cole was the best one to fit the Pirates needs.
Cole has been been clocked as a three digit fastball thrower combined with a "wipeout" slider and a above average changeup,which can be devastating when paired with that type of fastball.
Cole has been compared to Stephen Strasburg by some and if the Pirates can get someone close to to that level,then this pick is a good one...
With the first pick of round two,the Pirates gambled for the second year in a row in round two on a player that dropped due to signablity issues in Texas high school outfielder Josh Bell.
The 6'4 power hitting outfielder has a strong commitment to play for the Texas Longhorns and went as far to tell many teams not to draft him.
However,there is hope as he has retained Scott Boras as an "advisor",which means he would at least listen to the Pirates offers,I would suspect.
Bell was rated as the top high school power hitter in the draft and without the Texas offer,would have likely gone in the upper half of round one.
This is a gamble by Neal Huntington,but could have a HUGE payoff,if they can land such a stud in round two for the second year in a row after adding Stetson Allie last season with a similar gamble.
The Buccos grabbed Alex Dickerson of Indiana at pick 91,which was the first pick in round three.
Dickerson won the triple crown in the Big Ten last season and was rated as one of the top sixty players in the draft,so again,a possible steal.
Dickerson was rated as one of the best hitters in the draft,but has been noted as lacking a true defensive position.
The comment heard most on Dickerson is "The bat will have to carry him".
Gotta love this draft,if all three can be signed.
Off to bed,will try to return later with a look at the Indians selections.
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