I might be mistaken. It certainly wouldn't be the first time. But I thought I detected a lack of enthusiasm among the Pirates' announcers when they delivered news of Pittsburgh's first pick in the 2007 amateur draft, midway through the team's 3-2 win at Washington today.
The No. 4 overall selection was Daniel Moskos, a lefthanded pitcher from Clemson who did decently last summer as Team USA's closer. But the announcers didn't know too much about him when word came across. John Wehner was looking on Baseball America's Web site, trying to read what he could about Moskos and provide some positive PR.
The Pirates are going to need it. Moskos might turn out to be the next Steve Carlton, but for now, it looks as if Pittsburgh drafted another college pitcher just to avoid paying a bigger bonus to a better player. Those in the know said the Pirates' best bet would have been to take Georgia Tech catcher Matt Wieters, who apparently is infinitely closer to becoming a Johnny Bench than Moskos is to morphing into Koufax reincarnated.
But Wieters' agent is the notorious hard bargainer Scott Boras, a fact that apparently steered the Pirates in a more economic direction. The Boras connection, though, didn't deter the Baltimore Orioles from making Wieters the sixth overall choice. Seems like a wise move, according to what Yahoo! has to say about Wieters:
"Outstanding defensive catcher with a strong, accurate arm. Best position player in draft is switch-hitter with tremendous power potential from both sides. Quietly put together solid season for Yellow Jackets: .358, 10, 59. Also served as team's closer for most of his three seasons with fastball that regularly hit mid-90s. Projected as potential All-Star catcher despite above-average height for position."
Compare that with Yahoo!'s assessment of Moskos:
"Just 3-5 with 2.91 ERA heading into super regionals, Moskos has three potentially dominant pitches: 93-95 mph fastball, wicked slider that hits mid- to upper-80s and a good curve. Really grabbed scouts' attention last summer when he struck out 35 in 21 innings and had six saves as Team USA's closer. Currently projects as No. 3-type starter in pros, but could also end up coming out of bullpen as stopper."
Using a No. 4 overall pick on a "No. 3-type starter"? The Pirates already have been there and done that, with Bryan Bullington. Sort of. He was the top overall pick in 2002. Today, he's pitching in Indianapolis, recovering from arm surgery that kept him out all last season.
Around Pittsburgh, they're probably starting a pool on how long it will take for Dan Moskos to go under the knife.
If you're planning to go to PNC Park this summer ... please, save your money and keep it out of the Nuttings' pockets!
Trivia question 36: The free-agent amateur draft was instituted in 1965. Who was the first overall pick?
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2 comments:
Definitely "Groundhog Day" for Pirate fans. You HAVE TO take the best position player when you are picking that high, and if the Pirates are afraid to take the best player becasue of Scott Boras ... well, good grief, what are we doing in the Major Leagues? Sadly, this smacks of "signability."
Check out what Moskos did against Mississippi State today. I hate to bash a college kid, but ... well, he'll soon have more money than we'll ever so, so the heck with him.
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