Early Draft Preview

[izzman]

Baseball America release their Top 100 draft prospects for 2012.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/draft/early-draft-preview/2012/2612884.html

As it stands now it appears likely that Pirates will go for RHP Walter Weickel (11th overall) but I prefer Correa (17th) or Trey Williams (27th).

Also keep an eye out of these projectable HS Righties in the Top 100

Why does it "appear likely" that the Pirates will draft Weikel?

http://www.perfectgame.org/players/playerprofile.aspx?ID=223107

Walker Weickel is a 2012 RHP/OF with a 6-6 205 lb. frame from Orlando, FL who attends Olympia HS. Extra long arms and legs, very projectable build. Full arm circle, high 3/4's to over the top release, ++ downhill angle to the plate, low effort delivery and release, repeats well. Fastball 91-94 mph, straight but oustanding plane, works fastball to both corners and stays low in the zone, very steady velocity, very difficult pitch to lift. Tends to slow arm on curveball, flashes 12/6 downer spin at times, still developing feel for change up. Advanced ability to pitch with fastball, development of an effective off speed will be key. Excellent overall athlete, ran 6.59 with easy strides, shows some lift and pull power at the plate, short compact swing for size. The definition of projectable and already throws 94 mph. Excellent student, verbal commitment to Miami. Named to the Perfect Game All American Classic team.

That seems to be in line with what the Pirates go after on draft day.  He appears to be very similar to Taillon.

Not in the downhill angle to plate. Taillon and Cole both have a habbit of elevating their pitches because their lack of downhill projection. That is what worries me about them.

Let's hope Zunino falls.

[McCutchenIsTheTruth]

Baseball America release their Top 100 draft prospects for 2012.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/draft/early-draft-preview/2012/2612884.html

As it stands now it appears likely that Pirates will go for RHP Walter Weickel (11th overall) but I prefer Correa (17th) or Trey Williams (27th).

Also keep an eye out of these projectable HS Righties in the Top 100

Why does it "appear likely" that the Pirates will draft Weikel?

http://www.perfectgame.org/players/playerprofile.aspx?ID=223107

Walker Weickel is a 2012 RHP/OF with a 6-6 205 lb. frame from Orlando, FL who attends Olympia HS. Extra long arms and legs, very projectable build. Full arm circle, high 3/4's to over the top release, ++ downhill angle to the plate, low effort delivery and release, repeats well. Fastball 91-94 mph, straight but oustanding plane, works fastball to both corners and stays low in the zone, very steady velocity, very difficult pitch to lift. Tends to slow arm on curveball, flashes 12/6 downer spin at times, still developing feel for change up. Advanced ability to pitch with fastball, development of an effective off speed will be key. Excellent overall athlete, ran 6.59 with easy strides, shows some lift and pull power at the plate, short compact swing for size. The definition of projectable and already throws 94 mph. Excellent student, verbal commitment to Miami. Named to the Perfect Game All American Classic team.

That seems to be in line with what the Pirates go after on draft day.  He appears to be very similar to Taillon.

Not in the downhill angle to plate. Taillon and Cole both have a habbit of elevating their pitches because their lack of downhill projection. That is what worries me about them.

Let's hope Zunino falls.

Eh, you prefer Zunino to say Gausman or Marrero?  Not always the best reason to make a pick, but I still believe in Zunino.