Pittsburgh Pirates Day 1 and Day 2 Draft Recap
June 6, 2014 - New York-Penn League (NYPL)
Jamestown Jammers News Release
The first two days of the Major League Baseball First-Year Player draft are over, and the Pittsburgh Pirates have made plenty of selections. From high school shortstop, Cole Tucker (first round), to Alex McRae, the right-handed pitcher out of Jacksonville (10th round), a plethora of new talent will be dispersed through the Pirates system. Some of these selections may even wind up in Jamestown this season.
First Round, Pick 24: Cole Tucker (SS)
Mountain Pointe High School (AZ)
6-foot-3, 165 Pounds
Committed to University of Arizona
17-year old prospect that hit .404 as a senior this season at Mountain Pointe High School in Arizona. Also had 13 stolen bases, and 30 RBIs. Tucker is a switch-hitter, that has above average speed and defensive athleticism. Played for the 18-and-under U.S. National team that won the World Cup in September.
Tucker's selection at No. 24 matched the lowest first pick the Pirates have ever had in the Draft (also had pick 24 in 1973, and 1991).
Competitive Balance Round A, Pick 39: Connor Joe (1B/OF/C)
University of San Diego
5-foot-11, 185 Pounds
Led the San Diego Toreros with nine home runs, and 51 RBIs this season. Also hit .367 in 53 games. Played first base, outfield, and caught this year. He should see a lot of time at the corner outfield spots (primarily right field) in the Pirates system.
Second Round, Pick 64: Mitch Keller (RHP)
Xavier High School (IA)
6-foot-3, 195 Pounds
Committed to North Carolina
Ranked as the best prospect in the state of Iowa. Fastball sits anywhere from 90-94mph. Curveball has a tight, sharp break, and Keller also utilizes a changeup as well. Scouts say he is still learning to harness his "stuff," but he has a fluid delivery that will help with his command in the future.
Competitive Balance Round B, Pick 73: Trey Supak (RHP)
La Grange High School (TX)
6-foot-5, 210 Pounds
Committed to the University of Houston
Turned 18 last Saturday. Went a perfect 9-0 for La Grange High School in Texas this season. Already throws 88-92mph, and is considered to have a huge upside. Scouts say he could have three really solid pitches once he gets stronger and maintains a consistent arm slot.
Round 3, Pick 100: Jordan Luplow (RF)
Fresno State
6-foot-1, 195 Pounds
Starting right fielder and No. 3 hitter for the Fresno State Bulldogs this season. Led the Bulldogs in batting average (.377), home runs (9), and RBIs (48). Scouts say he makes consistent good, hard contact, and has above average bat speed.
Round 4, Pick 131: Taylor Gushue (C)
University of Florida
6-foot-1, 215 Pounds
Established himself as a solid catcher for the Gators. Hit .320 for the Gators this season, with 6 home runs, and 49 RBIs. He's a swtich hitter, and scouts say he has a quick, compact swing from both sides of the plate.
Round 5, pick 161: Michael Suchy (RF)
Florida Gulf Coast University
6-foot-3, 220 Pounds
Was a two sport star in high school (also played football). Was a key part in Florida Gulf Coast's offense this season. Hit .318, with 8 home runs, and 49 RBIs. Has above average arm strength that will work well in right field, and scouts say he also has above average speed.
Round 6, pick 191: Tyler Eppler (RHP)
Sam Houston State
6-foot-6, 220 Pounds
Compiled a 9-6 record for Sam Houston State this season. Pitched 109 2/3 innings, struck out 67 batters, and only surrendered 30 walks.
Round 7, Pick 221: Nelson Jorge (SS)
International Baseball Academy (Puerto Rico)
5-foot-11, 175 pounds
According to Perfect Game, Jorge ran a 6.96 sixty yard dash. Very athletic and has a strong arm. Jorge is a switch-hitter, but scouts say he hits better from the left side. Athletic enough to play the outfield, but should primarily stick to the middle infield.
Round 8, Pick 251: Austin Coley (RHP)
Belmont University
6-foot-3, 200 Pounds
Compiled a 5-1 record, with a 2.72 ERA for the Belmont Bruins this season. In 82 2/3 innings, Coley had 85 strikeouts, and only gave up 67 hits. Fastball consistently sits around 91-91mph. Many scouts say his changeup is his best pitch.
Round 9, Pick 281: Kevin Krause (C)
Stony Brook University
6-foot-2, 22 pounds
Led the Stony Brook Seawolves in batting average (.354), home runs (8), RBIs (51), and doubles (15). Was the 2014 America East Player of the Year for the Seawolves as well.
Round 10, Pick 311: Alex McRae (RHP)
Jacksonville University
6-foot-3, 185 Pounds
Started 16 games for the Jacksonville Dolphins this season. Pitched 87 2/3 innings, and struck out 69 batters.
New York-Penn League Stories from June 6, 2014
- Pittsburgh Pirates Day 1 and Day 2 Draft Recap - Jamestown Jammers
- Spinners to Retire Westmoreland's No. 25 - Lowell Spinners
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
