The Pittsburgh Pirates signed their fifth round pick, Nathan Baker, a left handed starter from the University of Mississippi. Baker, who was a junior, becomes the 18th signing by the Pirates, and the second Ole Miss starter from the 2009 season, joining 21st round pick Phillip Irwin, who has an 0.60 ERA in 15 innings so far with the State College Spikes. Here are the details on Baker, from my day two draft writeup:
Baker was a junior at Mississippi, posting a 3.63 ERA and a 69:16 K/BB ratio in 67 IP. That’s improvement over his 4.89 ERA and 41:19 K/BB ratio in 53.1 IP last year. Baker’s fastball can reportedly reach 94 MPH.
The Draft Pick Signing Tracker will be updated when I get home Saturday night. I haven’t found any bonus information for Baker, although the estimated slot price is $176,400, and the player taken right before Baker signed for $177,300.
