The 2013 Amateur Draft

In just over 2 weeks, the 2013 Amateur Draft will be held on June 6. The Pirates have the 9th and 14th picks in the first Round, and then have picks in the second round at #51 and third round at #87. With their No. 9 pick, the Pirates have been linked to Colin Moran, 3B, out of N Car; to Trey Ball, a HS LHSP who throws mid-90's, Sean Manaea, college LHSP; and Reese McGuire, a HS Catcher with a nice LH bat. Oh, I forgot, Kipper wants to see Mark Appel still on the Board when the Pirates pick with the 9th pick in the first round. Who are the Pirates going to go after? My list would be as follows: At #9 I would take Trey Ball if he is still available. If he is not available there is a good chance that Reese McGuire could still be available and that would be the pick. At #14 the Pirates are being linked to Sean Manaea, a LHSP, but a Scott Boras client. I am not sure the Pirates are that stupid to play that game two years in a row. Not sure who the others are signatory with, but at No. 14 I would favor another HS LHSP and that would be Ian Clarkin who is currently rated as the #18 rated draft pick by Baseball America. The Pirates will play out the rest of the draft, but the feeling I have is that this is another building year for the Pirates - building for long range help, because they are well set with Pitching with Cole probably arriving in 2013, and Taillon probably arriving in 2014. Then, Nick Kingham, Tyler Glasnow, Luis Heredia will be close enough. I see a need for LHSP in the future and hope that this draft will set the Pirates for years to come. Position-wise, the Pirates have no needs that can be filled in this draft, especially with Jordy Mercer stepping up and claiming the Shortstop job as soon as Barmes is relieved.