Solid read on Stetson Allie from Centre Daily Times

[Slizeezyc]

I'll consider it a success if he starts off better than Tyler Matzek has.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=matzek001tyl

Funny, I seem to remember some screaming about how the Pirates were cheap because they took Sanchez over Matzek.

I wasn't saying they were cheap, but I wanted the Pirates to draft either Matzek or Zach Wheeler (Giants).  I can't believe how awful Matzek is this year.  Wheeler's been pretty good to date.

Vlad at BD wanted Shelby Miller, who is doing well right now. Still, the Sanchez method of picking might net the Pirates a starting ML catcher plus one or two ML starters and a relief pitcher.

Yeah, but he also wanted Matzek.

[GoBucs21]

I think  a lot of people are selling Allie short.  I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up being better than Taillon.

[WTM]

I think  a lot of people are selling Allie short.  I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up being better than Taillon.

Maybe, but the first year or two is going to be a challenge.

[aso513]

I don't get it either, why is everyone seemingly so down on the kid. HUGE talent.

[IABucFan]

I especially liked the part where they said BA rate his slider as the best in the Bucs system.  I thought Allie had a fastball and little else.  Everybody is calling him a future closer, but I'm hopeful that if he already has two plus pitches, and he's still just learning how to pitch, he can develop a couple more pitches and turn into a top notch starter.  Can you imagine a rotation of Taillon-Cole-Heredia-Allie-someone else (Cain seems to be the leader right now).

[GoBucs21]

I think  a lot of people are selling Allie short.  I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up being better than Taillon.

Maybe, but the first year or two is going to be a challenge.

I agree.  If they get him straightened out though, I think he could be very good.

[GoBucs21]

I especially liked the part where they said BA rate his slider as the best in the Bucs system.  I thought Allie had a fastball and little else.  Everybody is calling him a future closer, but I'm hopeful that if he already has two plus pitches, and he's still just learning how to pitch, he can develop a couple more pitches and turn into a top notch starter.  Can you imagine a rotation of Taillon-Cole-Heredia-Allie-someone else (Cain seems to be the leader right now).

That is far more pitching potential than I've ever seen in the Pirates system.  Honestly, just about any one of the them has more potential at this point in their career than any Pirates pitching prospect in my lifetime.

[gamecckfn]

I'll consider it a success if he starts off better than Tyler Matzek has.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=matzek001tyl

Funny, I seem to remember some screaming about how the Pirates were cheap because they took Sanchez over Matzek.

Was going to say the same.  Of the players we supposedly passed on, how many are actually doing well?

[houksyndrome]

I'll consider it a success if he starts off better than Tyler Matzek has.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=matzek001tyl

Funny, I seem to remember some screaming about how the Pirates were cheap because they took Sanchez over Matzek.

Was going to say the same.  Of the players we supposedly passed on, how many are actually doing well?

Off the top of my head, Miller and Jacob Turner both look good.  In retrospect, one of those guys would have been a nice selection.  The real steal of that class was Mike Trout.

[JayDub]

I'll consider it a success if he starts off better than Tyler Matzek has.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=matzek001tyl

Funny, I seem to remember some screaming about how the Pirates were cheap because they took Sanchez over Matzek.

Was going to say the same.  Of the players we supposedly passed on, how many are actually doing well?

Info is here http://thebaseballcube.com/draft/rounds.asp?Y=2009&R=1&P=June-Reg  All of the other college players in the top 10 have now reached majors with Ackley's call up.  Looks to be a strong top 10 overall.

[wallybackman19]

I completely agree Wilbur, he may have to be that guy that takes a few steps backward in order to properly develop. He'll have to not only learn how to pitch, but learn new mechanics. Classic transition from thrower to pitcher.

I didn't realize how little he has pitched in his amateur career. Here's hoping there are at least some encouraging stretches this summer.

Maybe thats a good thing. No TJ surgery in 4 years. 

[Steve Zielinski]

I especially liked the part where they said BA rate his slider as the best in the Bucs system.  I thought Allie had a fastball and little else.  Everybody is calling him a future closer, but I'm hopeful that if he already has two plus pitches, and he's still just learning how to pitch, he can develop a couple more pitches and turn into a top notch starter.  Can you imagine a rotation of Taillon-Cole-Heredia-Allie-someone else (Cain seems to be the leader right now).

That is far more pitching potential than I've ever seen in the Pirates system.  Honestly, just about any one of the them has more potential at this point in their career than any Pirates pitching prospect in my lifetime.

Benson had equivalent talent before his injury.