The Pittsburgh Pirates have purchased the contract of pitcher Robert Stock from the Normal CornBelters of the Frontier League. Stock wasn’t with the team long, as he was the first overall pick in the 2015 Frontier League draft just three days ago. He was a second round draft pick of the St Louis Cardinals in 2009 and after starting his career as a catcher, he moved to the mound in 2012. Stock pitched 35 games in relief last year, with major control issues. He posted a 4.12 ERA, splitting his time between Low-A and High-A. In 63.1 innings, he had 43 strikeouts and 46 walks. In 172.2 total minor league innings, he had a 120:151 BB/SO ratio.
High school scouting reports had Stock throwing 95 MPH back in 2006, with a solid change-up, so the move to the mound after a couple poor season at the plate in 2010-11 isn’t a total surprise. Stock is still just 25 years old, so he is worth taking a look at for the Pirates.