The big news this past weekend was that top power hitting outfielder Victor Roache broke his wrist, and is likely out for the season. That will be a big blow to his draft status, since the majority of his value is based on his offense. There is no telling what kind of long term impact a wrist injury could have to Roache’s hitting.
Fortunately there are still several strong prospects at the top. The players mentioned below are just the top college players, since stats aren’t available for most prep players. If the draft took place today the Pirates would be guaranteed to get one of Mark Appel, Deven Marrero, Mike Zunino, Lucas Giolito, Byron Buxton, Kevin Gausman, Chris Beck, Gavin Cecchini, or Trey Williams. And that’s not including several players who rank just outside of the number eight pick who would also be deserving.
If you’re hoping for a top hitting prospect, the odds are a bit smaller with Roache gone. You’re now hoping that Buxton, Marrero, or Zunino fall out of the top five. You could take someone like Gavin Cecchini or Trey Williams, although they’ve been ranked lower on the draft boards, and both are high school players who wouldn’t have as immediate of an impact as a healthy Roache.
There’s still three months before the draft, so there’s time for people to emerge as options. But for any Pirates fans looking for a big power hitter, the early season leader seems to be off the board.
STATS
Mark Appel - 7.0 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 10 K, 1 HR, W (2-0)
Chris Beck - 7.0 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, 0 HR, W (2-0)
Kevin Gausman - 7.0 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 7 K, 0 HR, W (2-0)
Deven Marrero - 4-for-11 (.364), 3 R, 1 RBI, 1 SB, 0 K, 1 BB
Victor Roache - 3-for-7 (.429), 2 R, 2 RBI, 0 K, 4 BB
Mike Zunino - 6-for-13 (.462), 6 R, 2 2B, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 1 SB, 0 K, 4 BB
NOTES
-Victor Roache broke his wrist in game two of a double header on Saturday and is likely out for the season.
-I expected the stats for Trey Williams to be available, but unlike previous years the stats weren’t uploaded.
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
-Mike Zunino and Florida resume their schedule this coming weekend.
-Deven Marrero and Arizona State start the Coca-Cola Classic tournament on Thursday.
February 27, 2012 at 9:23 am
I like Preston Tucker from Florida. He has his detractors, but he is CLUTCH. He just keeps hitting for power. If he has a good year (off to a great start), I think the Rockies might regret not signing him last year.
February 27, 2012 at 9:48 am
2 words: Joey Gallo.
February 27, 2012 at 12:34 pm
No I said Jerry Callo with a C. #My Cousin Vinny
February 28, 2012 at 7:59 pm
I just hope we sign a couple of good yutes. Yutes? I’m sorry your honor…yooooouuuuuutttthhhhhssss.
February 27, 2012 at 2:52 pm
Tim – what are your thoughts on being able to draft Roache with our compensatory pick from Doumit? The thought of Marrero, Correa, or even Zunino at 8 and Roache at 45 is certainly tantalizing…and would add some much needed pop to our farm system
Twitter: timwilliamsp2
February 27, 2012 at 4:02 pm
Too early to tell if he’ll be available.