The Pirates have addressed a need by claiming Justin Thomas off of waivers. Thomas pitched for the Mariners during this past season, and more importantly is a left handed pitcher.
One has to think that Thomas has an inside track to make the Pirate bullpen in 2010. Currently the seven spots are probably Matt Capps, Joel Hanrahan, Jesse Chavez, Jeff Karstens, Phil Dumatrait, and Evan Meek with one spot up for grabs. The addition of Thomas either rounds out the Pirate bullpen or puts Phil Dumatrait's slot in jeapordy. Dumatrait showed promise as a starter two seasons ago before injury ended it. He came back at the end of this season and was nothing short of awful out of the pen. Perhaps, the Pirates might want to put Dumatrait back to a starter, or perhaps they are done with him, or maybe they just want to give themselves a few options. Thomas would be a more natural bullpen pitcher who has major league bullpen experience.
Let us also not forget that the Pirates claimed Anthony Claggett at the very end of the season off of waivers from the Yankees. One would expect he might compete for a job as well, but he is a right handed pitcher. Eric Hacker, who was claimed at the beginning of 09, was brought up in the September call ups, and Steven Jackson pitched some out of the bullpen last year as well.
Thus, it is my guess that Dumatrait now has competition for his slot and one open spot in the pen remains.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Winter Meeting Preparation
The Pirates are getting ready for the Winter Meetings, December 7 – 10 in Indianapolis, and apparently making room for some Rule 5 draft picks. Bootecheck and Bautista were dropped from the 40 man roster. While some more moves will be needed, this is a clear sign that the Pirates are going to look for help outside of the organization. One would think especially in the bullpen since all of the moves were bullpen related.
The Pirates have shown that they are unafraid to use the Rule 5 Draft. They picked up Phil Dumatrait and Evan Meek in 08 and Donald Veal in 09. Veal was able to stay at the major league level, but was seldom used. Dumatrait was contributing and even starting, but was hurt early in the season. Veal was actually sent to the minors, but had been so bad at the majors the Diamondbacks told the Pirates to keep him. Meek now looks like a good prospect.
However, using the Rule 5 Draft is basically getting someone who is not quite major league ready and forcing him to play major league ball. It may have long term dividends, but short term it is usually a loss. I for one am afraid of the Rule 5, but when you are short on major league ready talent, it very well may be the best way to help out the ball club.
I guess the roster spots could be in preparation of signing a couple free agent bullpen arms, but I would not hold my breath.
The Pirates have shown that they are unafraid to use the Rule 5 Draft. They picked up Phil Dumatrait and Evan Meek in 08 and Donald Veal in 09. Veal was able to stay at the major league level, but was seldom used. Dumatrait was contributing and even starting, but was hurt early in the season. Veal was actually sent to the minors, but had been so bad at the majors the Diamondbacks told the Pirates to keep him. Meek now looks like a good prospect.
However, using the Rule 5 Draft is basically getting someone who is not quite major league ready and forcing him to play major league ball. It may have long term dividends, but short term it is usually a loss. I for one am afraid of the Rule 5, but when you are short on major league ready talent, it very well may be the best way to help out the ball club.
I guess the roster spots could be in preparation of signing a couple free agent bullpen arms, but I would not hold my breath.
Monday, October 26, 2009
2002 Draft Review
This was the first draft of Dave Littlefield. It was also the draft that sealed the long term fate of the Pirates. The top pick was Bryan Bullington. He never had ace potential and even Littlefield only claimed he would be a good number 3 guy. However, Bullington passed over BJ Upton, Prince Fielder, Scott Kazmir, Cole Hamels, and Jeff Francoeur. This is embarrassing beyond belief. Bullington never really made the majors and is no longer with the Pirates. Other notable draft picks in 2002 that never did anything with the Pirates include Brad Eldred (6th round, 1B), who had on hot spring training and made the team, but was soon sent down and waived the next year. David Davidson (10th round, pitcher) played some for the Triple A affiliate of the Florida Marlins.
While Brian Holliday (12th round, pitcher) seems to still be in the organization, Matt Capps (7th round, pitcher) is the only saving grace for this draft class. He is the closer on the Pirates, and he is at least average and maybe even above average. He did have one All-Star Game appearance, but had a shaky year. Still, he is on the major league team, and will probably be the closer again next season. Yet, Capps cannot save this draft class. He is not a dominate closer, and that is what is needed to make up for the lack of talent elsewhere in this draft.
But more importantly the decision to pick Bullington first is unforgiveable. Upton would have infused talent into the outfield. Hamels can carry a team. Fielder is not only carrying a team, but regularly sticking it to the Pirates in the division. Kazmir has made post season appearances. Francoeur may not be great, but at least he made it to the majors.
It gets worse when you compare the 2002 draft with the 2001, a draft not done by Hunington. 2001 made the fatal mistake of picking John Van Benschoten first, and eighth overall. Not really a bad choice since Van Benschoten led all of Division 1 in homeruns, but they took that power hitter who sometimes was a closer at Kent St. and turned him into a starter. But Van Benschoten did make the majors a couple of times with the Pirates as a starter, and is currently pitching with the Chicago Whitesox. Chris Duffy also spent time in the majors (8th round, CF). He too is no longer with the Pirates and in the Whitesox organization. Rajai Davis (38th round, CF) was selected that year as well. He now plays for the A’s, and was the center piece of the infamous deal to get Matt Morris from the Giants. Shane Youman (43rd round, pitcher) did play for the Pirates for one year as a bullpen pitcher. He was claimed by the Phillies when the Pirates let him go. He is not currently with any major league organization. The Pirates also selected Jerremy Guthrie (3rd round, pitcher) who did not sign. He went to college and was later drafted by the Indians. He is now a reliable starter for the Baltimore Orioles. But more importantly for the Pirates is the selection of Zack Duke in the 20th round. Duke alone makes the 2001 draft better than the 2002. But it shows what a normal draft year ought to look like. One settled major league who makes an impact for your team. A couple of guys who play for a few years, and a few others who bounce up and down between the majors and Triple A. That is missing from the 2002 group. They have the major leaguer who stays with the team a few years, but nothing else. The Pirates have to avoid draft years like 2002 where they clearly avoid trying to sign big talent who have the potential to change a team.
This was hands down the worst start a GM could ever have. And despite a few other disappointing and disastrous drafts. This one remains his worst.
What has been clear from this series of evaluations is that Hunington single handedly destroyed the Pirates. Not so much with his trades, some of which were really bad, but with his inability or unwillingness to draft major league talent. He was either too money conscious or he was inept at draft evaluations.
While Brian Holliday (12th round, pitcher) seems to still be in the organization, Matt Capps (7th round, pitcher) is the only saving grace for this draft class. He is the closer on the Pirates, and he is at least average and maybe even above average. He did have one All-Star Game appearance, but had a shaky year. Still, he is on the major league team, and will probably be the closer again next season. Yet, Capps cannot save this draft class. He is not a dominate closer, and that is what is needed to make up for the lack of talent elsewhere in this draft.
But more importantly the decision to pick Bullington first is unforgiveable. Upton would have infused talent into the outfield. Hamels can carry a team. Fielder is not only carrying a team, but regularly sticking it to the Pirates in the division. Kazmir has made post season appearances. Francoeur may not be great, but at least he made it to the majors.
It gets worse when you compare the 2002 draft with the 2001, a draft not done by Hunington. 2001 made the fatal mistake of picking John Van Benschoten first, and eighth overall. Not really a bad choice since Van Benschoten led all of Division 1 in homeruns, but they took that power hitter who sometimes was a closer at Kent St. and turned him into a starter. But Van Benschoten did make the majors a couple of times with the Pirates as a starter, and is currently pitching with the Chicago Whitesox. Chris Duffy also spent time in the majors (8th round, CF). He too is no longer with the Pirates and in the Whitesox organization. Rajai Davis (38th round, CF) was selected that year as well. He now plays for the A’s, and was the center piece of the infamous deal to get Matt Morris from the Giants. Shane Youman (43rd round, pitcher) did play for the Pirates for one year as a bullpen pitcher. He was claimed by the Phillies when the Pirates let him go. He is not currently with any major league organization. The Pirates also selected Jerremy Guthrie (3rd round, pitcher) who did not sign. He went to college and was later drafted by the Indians. He is now a reliable starter for the Baltimore Orioles. But more importantly for the Pirates is the selection of Zack Duke in the 20th round. Duke alone makes the 2001 draft better than the 2002. But it shows what a normal draft year ought to look like. One settled major league who makes an impact for your team. A couple of guys who play for a few years, and a few others who bounce up and down between the majors and Triple A. That is missing from the 2002 group. They have the major leaguer who stays with the team a few years, but nothing else. The Pirates have to avoid draft years like 2002 where they clearly avoid trying to sign big talent who have the potential to change a team.
This was hands down the worst start a GM could ever have. And despite a few other disappointing and disastrous drafts. This one remains his worst.
What has been clear from this series of evaluations is that Hunington single handedly destroyed the Pirates. Not so much with his trades, some of which were really bad, but with his inability or unwillingness to draft major league talent. He was either too money conscious or he was inept at draft evaluations.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
2003 Draft Review
This class is the best class produced under the Littlefield era. It has produced major leaguers, but the Pirates have not gotten a lot of benefit. It falls short of what one should expect from a draft class that involves such early picks as the Pirates. Instead of producing one significant contributor, one major leaguer, and at least two or three guys that are borderline material, it fell short. It produced one significant contributor, and one borderline player. In other words this draft did not fill the Pirate system with major league talent.
The first round pick was Paul Malholm. He is the current ace although is probably not really ace quality. He is a decent major league pitcher and the Pirates have needed his solid consistency. The second round pick was Tom Gorzelanny. Gorzelanny did have one good year, but self-destructed since then. He was traded this year for a few people. So, he brought in benefit, but he has not shown himself to be a quality major leaguer. Third round pick, Steven Lerud (catcher) played for Double A Altoona and hit .240. He is on the 40 man roster. Craig Stansberry (5th round, 3B) is now with the Padres Triple A squad. Dustin Molleken (15th round, pitcher) is throwing out of the bullpen at Altoona, but he is not the future of the franchise.
The Pirates can point to Malholm, and claim the benefit of the trade that involved Gorzelanny. But, you have to get more than one major league player out of a draft. It cannot be so empty. This draft has two players on the 40-man roster, one of which is a major contributor. However, this draft cannot be classified as anything other than average.
It also needs to be noted at this point the penchant for pitching that that Pirates always drafted. Their everyday players (with the exception of McCutchen) never turned out. The same is true for this draft. One everyday player is on the 40 man roster, but his chances of making the big league team are slim to none. The Pirates continued to add some talent to the pitching pool, but nothing in the field.
The first round pick was Paul Malholm. He is the current ace although is probably not really ace quality. He is a decent major league pitcher and the Pirates have needed his solid consistency. The second round pick was Tom Gorzelanny. Gorzelanny did have one good year, but self-destructed since then. He was traded this year for a few people. So, he brought in benefit, but he has not shown himself to be a quality major leaguer. Third round pick, Steven Lerud (catcher) played for Double A Altoona and hit .240. He is on the 40 man roster. Craig Stansberry (5th round, 3B) is now with the Padres Triple A squad. Dustin Molleken (15th round, pitcher) is throwing out of the bullpen at Altoona, but he is not the future of the franchise.
The Pirates can point to Malholm, and claim the benefit of the trade that involved Gorzelanny. But, you have to get more than one major league player out of a draft. It cannot be so empty. This draft has two players on the 40-man roster, one of which is a major contributor. However, this draft cannot be classified as anything other than average.
It also needs to be noted at this point the penchant for pitching that that Pirates always drafted. Their everyday players (with the exception of McCutchen) never turned out. The same is true for this draft. One everyday player is on the 40 man roster, but his chances of making the big league team are slim to none. The Pirates continued to add some talent to the pitching pool, but nothing in the field.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
2004 Draft Class
The 2004 year has to be considered a disappointment. Top pick Neil Walker finally made his debut with the team in the September call-ups. It was not a great debut. But then again, neither was his minor league season. Although Walker was drafted young, and therefore still has some time yet left to reach full potential. Bixler (2nd round) has been up and down with the major league team. Until this year he had been a complete disaster. However, this year he showed an improved glove and hit better, but still really bad. His potential appears to be no more than a back up at the major league level. Prasch (3rd round, IF) is at Double A Altoona. He did not play a full season, but had some good stats. He is currently 23, so some time left on him. Kyle Bloom (5th Round, pitcher) did okay for Double A Altoona. Hardly outstanding and he had a losing record. Derek Hankins (10th round, pitcher) completed a second season with Altoona. He has been moved to the bullpen for the most part. He is playing Winter League Ball in Venezuela.
This class has to be conisdered a major disappointment as it has not yet produced a major league player. Walker has not made a team out of Spring Training and with Alvarez already having better stats, he might never. Bixler has also not made a team out of spring training, and his spot appearances have been nothing short of deflating for his future hopes despite massive need at Short and Second.
This draft is nothing less than an outright disaster. The failure of this draft has hurt Pittsburgh to this day. The top of the 2005 draft made its major league debut before the top of 2004? Bixler was sorely needed to fill in for an injured Wilson last year and he was not up for the job. Those who have not already been cut are mired in AA. This draft failed miserably to infuse talent into the Pittsburgh system. Sadly this was not Littlefield's worst draft.
This class has to be conisdered a major disappointment as it has not yet produced a major league player. Walker has not made a team out of Spring Training and with Alvarez already having better stats, he might never. Bixler has also not made a team out of spring training, and his spot appearances have been nothing short of deflating for his future hopes despite massive need at Short and Second.
This draft is nothing less than an outright disaster. The failure of this draft has hurt Pittsburgh to this day. The top of the 2005 draft made its major league debut before the top of 2004? Bixler was sorely needed to fill in for an injured Wilson last year and he was not up for the job. Those who have not already been cut are mired in AA. This draft failed miserably to infuse talent into the Pittsburgh system. Sadly this was not Littlefield's worst draft.
Friday, October 16, 2009
2005 Draft Review
The 2005 Draft Class is up all over the majors and is making contributions to the not only the Pirates but the majors in general. It is generally considered a very deep draft class.
Andrew McCutchen made his debut and it did not disappoint. He will be the starting centerfielder for years to come. What else can we expect from this draft class?
3rd Round pick, James Boone, was a bench player in the outfield for Double A Altoona. He hit below .200. The 4th round pick, Brent Lillibridge, is now in the White Sox organization at the Triple A level. 5th Rounder Jeffrey Sues is on the Pirates 40 man roster and pitched at Triple A this year, but did not get called up in September. Expect him back at Triple A. 8th Round selection, Steven Pearce has spent time in the majors, but his time there is not exactly sterling. However, he has a good chance to make the team in 2010 out of Spring Training. And that is it for the first 10 rounds. 12th rounder Jason Delaney hit .271 in Double A Altoona and will probably be in Triple A Indianapolis this next year. 16th Round pitcher Eric Krebs is in the Dodger organization. Jarred Bogany did not sign with the Pirates (15th Round) and was not drafted after college in 2008. He now plays in the Cardinal organization. A few others that refused to sign now play for other teams.
Again the Pirates went for college juniors and seniors giving a higher age to the minor league system. This draft class cannot be considered a bust with 3 of the first 10 rounders being on the 40 man roster and two of them on the Major League Team. But it is not exactly a stellar class either. Outside of McCutchen this class may never be more than bench players and bullpen guys. But they did get their impact player out of this draft, and at least one maybe two guys who can fill bench roles. It might be short one or two guys, but overall this was a good draft. It was easily the best draft of the Littlefield era. Although it should be tempered by the fact that this draft was considered very deep overall. The inability to sign high school prospects and younger talent hurt the Pirates depth in the minors.
Andrew McCutchen made his debut and it did not disappoint. He will be the starting centerfielder for years to come. What else can we expect from this draft class?
3rd Round pick, James Boone, was a bench player in the outfield for Double A Altoona. He hit below .200. The 4th round pick, Brent Lillibridge, is now in the White Sox organization at the Triple A level. 5th Rounder Jeffrey Sues is on the Pirates 40 man roster and pitched at Triple A this year, but did not get called up in September. Expect him back at Triple A. 8th Round selection, Steven Pearce has spent time in the majors, but his time there is not exactly sterling. However, he has a good chance to make the team in 2010 out of Spring Training. And that is it for the first 10 rounds. 12th rounder Jason Delaney hit .271 in Double A Altoona and will probably be in Triple A Indianapolis this next year. 16th Round pitcher Eric Krebs is in the Dodger organization. Jarred Bogany did not sign with the Pirates (15th Round) and was not drafted after college in 2008. He now plays in the Cardinal organization. A few others that refused to sign now play for other teams.
Again the Pirates went for college juniors and seniors giving a higher age to the minor league system. This draft class cannot be considered a bust with 3 of the first 10 rounders being on the 40 man roster and two of them on the Major League Team. But it is not exactly a stellar class either. Outside of McCutchen this class may never be more than bench players and bullpen guys. But they did get their impact player out of this draft, and at least one maybe two guys who can fill bench roles. It might be short one or two guys, but overall this was a good draft. It was easily the best draft of the Littlefield era. Although it should be tempered by the fact that this draft was considered very deep overall. The inability to sign high school prospects and younger talent hurt the Pirates depth in the minors.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Draft Review: 2006
I thought a review of Neal Huntington's tenure as Pirate GM was in order. He did the drafts from 2002-2007. It is a little early to see results from 07, but we will double back and get it.
It is about time to start thinking about seeing results from the draft class of 2006. This year saw first round pick of 2005 Andrew McCutchen turn up in the majors. Can next year start to see people from 2006?
The answer is Brad Lincoln. He probably will spend some time in the majors in 2010. But the rest of the draft class disappoints. Third round pick, Shelby Ford struggled in Triple A so bad that they sent him back down to Double A. He struggled there too with a .233 AVG. I expect him to start there again. Jim Negyrch, also a secondbase man, hit .272 at Double A Altoona, and he will probably move on up to Triple A next year. A diamond in the rough of the 2006 draft class is Miles Durham. Durham started out with Lychburg, but was promoted to Altoona where he hit .275. He has shown improvement every year so far. Where he ends up to start next year is an interesting question. Probably stay put in Altoona. But, he shows potential. He was drafted in the 22 round. Michael Crotta (17th round, pitcher) has progressed about as expected. He started 27 games with a 4.76 ERA, but with a decent strikeout to walk rate. He was 7-8.
Yet, where are the rest of them? The Pirates signed more than the normal load in 06, inking a total of 27. What happened to those guys? Michael Felix, the second round pick and a pitcher, did see some time at Lynchburg after the State College Season ended. He is a bullpen guy and ended his combined season with an ERA above 5. William Hughes, 4th round pick and a pitcher, was progressing about as expected until this year. He had been a starter until this year. He returned to Altoona (AA) as he ended 08 there. He appears to have had a rehab assignment for three games in Rookie league ball, as well. He was much more of a bullpen guy this year starting only seven games with the Altoona team. He finished four games, but his stats are not exactly overwhelming. He does not walk many nor does he give up many homeruns, but he does give up over a hit an inning. That is not just this year. He has done that now for a four year minor league career. Branden Holden (13th round, pitcher) is throwing relief for State College (Short Season A). He is only 21, and does not walk many, but his potential does not look very high. Austin McClune (7th round, OF) hit .256 for West Virginia Power (Low A). That was a rebound year, but he is far from being a top prospect in the Pirates crowded outfield. In fact, Alexander Presley (8th round, OF) is a higher prospect after hitting .257 for Lynchburg (High A).
Yet, Patrick Bresnehan (5th round, pitcher), Charles Benoit (10th round pitcher), Victor Alvarez (33rd round, SS/3B), Fransico Ortiz (18th round, pitcher), and Adam Simon (25th round, pitcher) were all released this year. It seems a little early to cut loose a 5th rounder. He was supposed to be the closer of the future. Not that he did not need to be cut, but it says something about that draft choice.
Look at it another way. So far the top ten picks are as follows. One is ready for the majors: Brad Lincoln. Two were starters who have already been transformed into bullpen guys. One had a complete collapse in Triple A. Two were cut before this season. One (Macfarland, 9th round) is already gone prior to this year (I cannot find any record of him at MiLB). Two more are languishing in Single A hitting around .250. This leaves only one who is still on schedule: Jim Negyrch. And Negyrch is not a top 25 prospect in my book, he might crack the top 30. His potential to make the majors is increased because of the Pirates need at middle infield.
It does not get a lot better if you keep going down the list. The 12th round pick played some as a DH, but hit under .200. Several more have been released, and the fact that Durham and Crotta look like they may still be possible prospects does not negate that overall the Pirates had a bad draft year.
One thing that does stand out is the age of the people drafted. The vast majority of people drafted were college seniors. Other than Holden, Austin McClune and the now released Fransico Oritz were the youngest players signed and they are now 22 going on 23. The later rounds are full of younger prospects, but they are the ones who did not sign. This means the vast majority of the 06 draft class will be 25 or older. Time is certainly ticking on them.
It should be noted before we condemn this draft class as a disappointment that Rudy Owens was drafted by the Pirates in the 28th round, but went unsigned. He was drafted last year by the Pirates again, and is now a top 5 prospect.
It is about time to start thinking about seeing results from the draft class of 2006. This year saw first round pick of 2005 Andrew McCutchen turn up in the majors. Can next year start to see people from 2006?
The answer is Brad Lincoln. He probably will spend some time in the majors in 2010. But the rest of the draft class disappoints. Third round pick, Shelby Ford struggled in Triple A so bad that they sent him back down to Double A. He struggled there too with a .233 AVG. I expect him to start there again. Jim Negyrch, also a secondbase man, hit .272 at Double A Altoona, and he will probably move on up to Triple A next year. A diamond in the rough of the 2006 draft class is Miles Durham. Durham started out with Lychburg, but was promoted to Altoona where he hit .275. He has shown improvement every year so far. Where he ends up to start next year is an interesting question. Probably stay put in Altoona. But, he shows potential. He was drafted in the 22 round. Michael Crotta (17th round, pitcher) has progressed about as expected. He started 27 games with a 4.76 ERA, but with a decent strikeout to walk rate. He was 7-8.
Yet, where are the rest of them? The Pirates signed more than the normal load in 06, inking a total of 27. What happened to those guys? Michael Felix, the second round pick and a pitcher, did see some time at Lynchburg after the State College Season ended. He is a bullpen guy and ended his combined season with an ERA above 5. William Hughes, 4th round pick and a pitcher, was progressing about as expected until this year. He had been a starter until this year. He returned to Altoona (AA) as he ended 08 there. He appears to have had a rehab assignment for three games in Rookie league ball, as well. He was much more of a bullpen guy this year starting only seven games with the Altoona team. He finished four games, but his stats are not exactly overwhelming. He does not walk many nor does he give up many homeruns, but he does give up over a hit an inning. That is not just this year. He has done that now for a four year minor league career. Branden Holden (13th round, pitcher) is throwing relief for State College (Short Season A). He is only 21, and does not walk many, but his potential does not look very high. Austin McClune (7th round, OF) hit .256 for West Virginia Power (Low A). That was a rebound year, but he is far from being a top prospect in the Pirates crowded outfield. In fact, Alexander Presley (8th round, OF) is a higher prospect after hitting .257 for Lynchburg (High A).
Yet, Patrick Bresnehan (5th round, pitcher), Charles Benoit (10th round pitcher), Victor Alvarez (33rd round, SS/3B), Fransico Ortiz (18th round, pitcher), and Adam Simon (25th round, pitcher) were all released this year. It seems a little early to cut loose a 5th rounder. He was supposed to be the closer of the future. Not that he did not need to be cut, but it says something about that draft choice.
Look at it another way. So far the top ten picks are as follows. One is ready for the majors: Brad Lincoln. Two were starters who have already been transformed into bullpen guys. One had a complete collapse in Triple A. Two were cut before this season. One (Macfarland, 9th round) is already gone prior to this year (I cannot find any record of him at MiLB). Two more are languishing in Single A hitting around .250. This leaves only one who is still on schedule: Jim Negyrch. And Negyrch is not a top 25 prospect in my book, he might crack the top 30. His potential to make the majors is increased because of the Pirates need at middle infield.
It does not get a lot better if you keep going down the list. The 12th round pick played some as a DH, but hit under .200. Several more have been released, and the fact that Durham and Crotta look like they may still be possible prospects does not negate that overall the Pirates had a bad draft year.
One thing that does stand out is the age of the people drafted. The vast majority of people drafted were college seniors. Other than Holden, Austin McClune and the now released Fransico Oritz were the youngest players signed and they are now 22 going on 23. The later rounds are full of younger prospects, but they are the ones who did not sign. This means the vast majority of the 06 draft class will be 25 or older. Time is certainly ticking on them.
It should be noted before we condemn this draft class as a disappointment that Rudy Owens was drafted by the Pirates in the 28th round, but went unsigned. He was drafted last year by the Pirates again, and is now a top 5 prospect.
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