Best Case Scenario: Pitching Prospects

The title of this article is slightly misleading.  It's very rare for a best case scenario to actually happen. A better scenario can always be imagined. Therefore, the Pirates pitching prospects could have technically done better this year, but realistically it's hard to imagine a better overall season for the pitching strength of the Pirates farm system as a whole.  In fact, elation is probably the best word to describe the appropriate reaction of Pirates fans.  Below is a short description of all the pitchers who have a very good year for the Pirates, based loosely starting at the top on how they are viewed as a prospect currently.

#10 Pirates Prospect - Tyler Glasnow

Buried Treasure Top 30 Prospects
#10 - Tyler Glasnow

Measurables: 6'7, 200
Bats: R, Throws: R
Position: P
 Acquired: 5th round (152nd), 2012
Bonus: $600,000
DOB: 08/23/1993
Buried Treasure 2012 Top 20: Not Ranked

Buried Treasure Exclusive Interview: Zack Dodson

By now, it's pretty clear what this series is about.  This is the third installment of an interview series that poses questions to members of the Pirates organization and gets answers back.  First was pitcher Michael Colla.  Outfielder Mel Rojas Jr. followed him.  Next up, pitcher Zack Dodson. Enjoy after the jump.

Industry Sources: Top Prospect Lists and Organizational Rankings

The last few weeks have been huge for prospecting.  Several top 100 lists, top 10 team lists, and organizational rankings have been published.  That includes lists and rankings from the major industry sources, Keith Law, John Sickels, Jonathon Mayo, Baseball America, and Baseball Prospectus among others.  Below is a sort of compilation, along with analysis, of those lists and rankings.  Format is by category.

In Defense of the Front Office

The Pittsburgh Pirates haven't completed a season with a winning record in two decades.  While all of that isn't on current general manager Neal Huntington's hands, a good chunk - arguably one-fourth - of it is.  Therefore, to claim Huntington is or should be immune from intense criticism would be asinine. That's undeniable.

All that hashed out, I personally believe Neal Huntington, and the entire front office he has assembled, have the Pirates on the right track. In addition, I think there is evidence indicating such a statement is true.  My argument consists of several factors, broken down piece-by-piece in the paragraphs below.

Offeason: Potential Trade Targets v. 4.0

Black and Gold soon?

Here, I outlined a few players the Pirates could target in trades this offseason to help the team in 2013 and beyond.  Version 2.0 can be read here.  Version 3.0, here. This is a fourth installment, looking at another trio of players the Pirates could attempt to bring to Pittsburgh via trade this winter.

2013 MLB Draft: Notable Former Pirates Draftees

Even though the MLB amateur draft is essentially six months away and player's stocks can rise and fall, that doesn't change the fact that come draft day, Pirates fans will hear plenty of familiar sounding names being announced.  That's because several players previously selected by the Pirates are expected to hear their names called during the first few rounds of the upcoming June draft.  Check it out after the jump.

Offseason: Potential Trade Targets v. 3.0.

Gordon would look
good in Black and Gold

Here, I outlined a few players the Pirates could target in trades this offseason to help the team in 2013 and beyond. offseason. Version 2.0 can be read here.  This is a third installment, looking at another trio of players the Pirates could attempt to bring to Pittsburgh via trade this winter.

Offseason: Potential Trade Targets v. 2.0

Drew Pomeranz: Potential Trade Target?

Here, I outlined a few players the Pirates could target in trades this offseason to help the team in 2013 and beyond. Since then, the baseball landscape has changed drastically thanks to a blockbuster trade between the Toronto Blue Jays and Miami Marlins.  As a result, I've put together a new list detailing players the Pirates should look to add via trade this offseason. Without a further ado, Offseason: Potential Trade Targets v. 2.0.

Crystal Ball: The Pirates Farm System

Right now, Buried Treasure's top 30 prospects are being unveiled (check those out here).  That list, along with various prospect lists put out by Baseball America, Baseball Prospectus, and Minor League Ball, outlines the state of the Pirates farm system right now.  However, throughout next season, that farm system will continue to change and evolve.  When the season completes, more lists will come out that take the temperature of the Pirates farm system.

The Tale of Two "Halves"

Under Neal Huntington, the Pirates have spent significant amounts of money on projectable high school pitchers with the hopes of hitting it big on one or two.  The general demographic of those pitchers is as follows: drafted in the 4th through 10th round and given a bonus ranging from 400,000 to 1,200,000 dollars. Names include Quinton Miller, Zack Von Rosenberg, Zack Dodson, Trent Stevenson, Colton Cain, Nick Kingham, Ryan Hafner, Clay Holmes, Tyler Glasnow, Jake Burnette, Jason Creasy, Colton Brewer, and most recently, Jon Sandfort and Hayden Hurst.  

By now, most people know the rhetoric.  The first five names, drafted in 2008 and 2009, have been largely failures.  Miller has done nothing and Stevenson has already retired.  Dodson has been mildly successful, but also got suspended for 50 games. According to some reports, Cain saw his stuff decline from high school, but did at least make it to A+ ball and was part of the Pirates trade for Wandy Rodriguez, producing some value.  Von Rosenberg continues to tantalize with good results from time to time, but his projectable frame hasn't produced the expected and desired effect of increased velocity and that has held him back

As long as we're jumping to conclusions

Ok, I'll admit that title is pretty snarky. I've said a number of times in a number of places to a number of people that I think it's too early in the season to learn anything meaningful from the results. For the most part, this has been aimed at the results from Pittsburgh's major league ballclub. At the same time, I want to take a look at some things that we've seen from the Pirates' minor league affiliates. Therefore, I'm going to ignore the admittedly small sample sizes and take a look at what we've seen so far from down on the farm. If you want to point out that this is pretty hypocritical, go ahead. That's probably true. Still, I will start off by pointing out that since it is early in the year, a lot can change (for better or worse). Of course, you already knew that. Anyway, here what we know beyond a shadow of a doubt about the Pirates' minor leaguers.

Minor League Daily Update - 4/12/2012

Sorry, I missed yesterday.  As a result, today will be a double feature.

4/10 Recap

Indianapolis dropped their game 5-4 to the Columbus Clippers to drop to 2-3 on the season. Rudy Owens got his first start of the year and got knocked around a bit.  He lasted 5.0 innings, giving up 7 hits, including 3 long balls, and 4 earned runs.  Owens also struck out 4 and walked 0.  Daniel McCutchen pitched in relief, going 3.0 innings, giving up 2 hits, 0 earned runs, while striking out 3 batters.  Offensively, Starling Marte was 1-6 with 2 strikeouts and 2 RBI's.  Marte also stole 2 bases.  Jeff Clement had 4 base knocks, going 4-5 with a strikeout.  Eric Fryer collected two hits, going 2-5 with 2 strikeotus. 

Altoona won their game 6-1 over the Akron Aeros, improving their record to 3-2.  Aaron Poreda started the gaming and went 5.0 innings, giving up 3 hits and walking 5, but managing to only give up 1 unearned run.  Poreda also struck out two batters.  In relief, Tim Alderson went 2.0 innings, giving up a hit and striking out 1 batter.  Offensively, Robbie Grossman led off for the Curve and went 0-4 with 2 strikeouts.  Jarek Cunningham was 0-2 with 2 strikeouts, 1 walk, and 1 run scored.   Matt Curry was 1-4 with 2 RBI's, a run scored, and a strikeout.  Tony Sanchez DH'd and went 1-4 with a run scored and 2 strikeouts.  Elevys Gonzalez had a big day, going 2-4 with a HR, a run scored, 3 RBI, and a strikeout. 

Bradenton beat the Palm Beach Cardinals 6-2.   Hunter Strickland got the nod as starting pitcher and responded well, pitching 5.0 innings, giving up 5 hits, 2 earned runs and no walks.  Strickland added 2 strikeouts.  Offensively Drew Maggi had a good game, going 3-5 with a double, a run scored, 2 RBI's and a strikeout.  Alex Dickerson had another poor day at the plate, going 0-4 with 3 strikeouts.  Mel Rojas Jr. went 0-4 with 2 strikeouts.  Dan Grovatt on the other hand had a great day, going 3-3 with 2 runs scored and an RBI.

Nicholas Kingham started for the Power and again got rocked as West Virginia dropped their contest against the Asheville Tourists 6-5.  Kingham only lasted 1.1 innings, giving up 6 hits and 2 walks, which resulted in 4 earned runs.  Kingham was unable to even strikeout a batter.  Offensively, Alen Hanson was the inverse of Kingham as he had a strong game.  Hanson, who played shortstop, went 2-3 with a run scored and an RBI.  Hanson also walked 2 times.  Josh Bell went 2-5 with a double, an RBI, and a strikeout.  Jose Osuna was 0-5 with 2 strikeouts, but Gregory Polanco had a solid game, going 2-4 with 2 runs scored and a strikeout.

Opening Day: Minor League Edition - 4/5/2012

Four of the Pirates minor league affiliates - Indianapolis, Altoona, Bradenton, and West Virginia; all full-season squads - will be hitting the ground running over the next few weeks to start their season.  75% of the teams will play today, with Indianapolis not starting their season until tomorrow.

Indianapolis will not play today.  They square off tomorrow at 5:00 PM against the Toledo Mud Hens. The starting pitcher has not yet been announced.

Altoona faces the Erie Seawolves with the first pitch scheduled to be throw at 6:30 PM.  Michael Colla.  Notable prospects that could be playing for Altoona include returning Curve catcher Tony Sanchez and 1B Matt Curry.  Jarek Cunningham and Robbie Grossman could be making their AA debuts.

Bradenton will start off their season playing against the St. Lucie Mets.  Colton Cain will take the mound for the Marauders and the game is expected to start at 6:30 PM.  The pitching staff also includes top prospects Gerrit Cole and Jameson Taillon.  Positional players of note include Evan Chambers, Alex Dickerson, Wesley Freeman, and Drew Maggi.

West Virginia will play their opener on the road at 7:05 PM against the Hagerstown Suns.  The game will be televised on milb.tv. Nick Kingham is slated to start.  This should be Josh Bell's pro debut. Alen Hanson, Willy Garcia, and Jose Osuna will also suit up for the Power.

Check back tomorrow for results, top players, and info on the games for that day.

#10 Prospect - Nick Kingham

My #10 prospect, Nick Kingham, is yet another pitcher.  That's not necessarily a bad thing, as a team can never have enough pitching prospects.  Kingham is another young kid.  In fact, Kingham, who the Pirates picked up in the 2010 draft, is the second youngest player I've profiled, only older than Clay Holmes.  Kingham was the Pirates 4th round pick in 2010 and he ended up receiving the third biggest bonus in the class, although it was only 485,000 dollars.

Buried Treasure Top 20 Prospects

Here is my top 20 Pirates Prospects list for the 2012 season all in one place. So far I have prospects 11-20 finished.  I promise to have my entire top 20 ready for spring training, so check back frequently! Just click the link to go to that player's profile.






01 - Jameson Taillon
02 - Gerrit Cole
03 - Starling Marte
04 - Luis Heredia
05 - Josh Bell
06 - Robbie Grossman
07 - Tony Sanchez
08 - Jarek Cunningham
09 - Jeff Locke
10 - Nick Kingham
11 - Kyle McPherson
12 - Stetson Allie
13 - Alex Dickerson
14 - Colton Cain
15 - Matt Curry
16 - Zack Dodson
17 - Gorkys Hernandez
18 - Rudy Owens
19 - Zack Von Rosenberg
20 - Clay Holmes