According to John Perrotto, the Pittsburgh Pirates have signed sixth round pick Zack Von Rosenberg, arguably their top priority signing after first round pick Tony Sanchez. ZVR signed for $1.2 M, which is $875 K more than eighth round pick Colton Cain received, and in line with the MLB estimated slot price for the 26th overall pick in the draft. The Draft Pick Signing Tracker is updated with the signing and the bonus figure.
Here is what I wrote about ZVR on my day two recap of the draft:
Von Rosenburg was ranked 41st overall by Baseball America. He dominated high school this year with a 0.60 ERA, and a 141:18 K/BB ratio in 93 IP. ZVR (that’s what I’m calling him) has three solid pitches: 88-91 MPH fastball with good life, a curveball with depth, and a deceiving changeup. He is 6’5″, 205 pounds, and should increase his velocity, especially when he commits to being a pitcher (played SS on his days off). Has a scholarship to LSU and was expected to turn that down if he was taken in the first two rounds. My guess is he will cost second round money.
According to Baseball America rankings, ZVR was the second best prospect we selected in the draft, ranking nine spots behind Sanchez, and nine spots ahead of first round compensation pick Victor Black. ZVR was the 25th best pitcher in the draft, and the tenth best prep pitcher.
The signing of ZVR puts the total spending for the Pirates at $7,986,900 for the year.
