Pirates Select The Contract of Nick King From Frontier League

The Pittsburgh Pirates added depth to their system yesterday selecting the contract of Nick King, a short stop for the Schaumburg Boomers of the Independent League. King is a very defensive minded short stop and brings his talents to the Pirates.

The Pittsburgh Pirates added to their middle infield depth by purchasing the contract of Nick King yesterday. King comes to the Pirates after playing four games with the Schaumburg Boomers of the Independent Frontier League. King had signed with Boomers out of the University of Georgia just five days before.

King only played four games with the Boomers and went 1 for 14 at the plate striking out twice and not walking. Prior to joining the Boomers he had a .236 average with 2 HR and 20 RBI with the University of Georgia. He also had 13 stolen bases and was caught three times with the University of Georgia.

King is not a very highly talented offensive player having only the .236 average earlier this season. However, he does have some speed behind him as he picked up those 13 stolen bases a year ago. His speed will suit him well in affiliated baseball as it gives him the chance to move around the infield and play some corner outfield positions.

Nick King also gets on base at a high rate as in the NCAA he had a career .335 on base percentage with 64 career walks and 148 strikeouts in his time in the NCAA. His speed also helps him reach base when the ball is put in play as he has a career BABIP of .338. He uses his speed to reach base on infield hits and leg out singles that other wise would be routine outs.

What King is most known for, however, is his defensive abilities at the short stop position. He committed no errors in four games while with the Schaumburg Boomers. In his time with the University of Georgia he only committed 10 errors in 210 total attempts while starting 53 games at the short stop position. 

Defense is always a good thing to have as a short stop. The Pirates have a history of having good defensive short stops as they have had names like Jack Wilson, Ronny Cedeno, and currently Jordy Mercer. King is also added to a long list of short stop prospects down in the minor league system including Cole Tucker, Alan Hanson, and Gift Ngoepe.

I have seen Nick King in action as I am the announcer for the Washington Wild Things of the Frontier League and his defensive statistics do not lie. He made several great defensive plays against the Wild Things and held down the short stop position very well. King was the fourth player signed out of the Frontier League this season. Boo Vazquez signed with the Kansas City Royals and Conner Oliver and Josh Gardiner both signed with the New York Yankees.

The Frontier League is a league of 12 teams not affiliated with any of the major league organization. These are the players who did not get drafted out of college trying to make it in the major leagues. There are many players in the Frontier League that are vying for a shot at redemption so they can continue their professional careers.

As for King hopefully the jump to affiliated baseball will serve King well and he can thrive at the major league ranks. He will most likely be assigned to either the West Vriginia Black Bears or the Bradenton Marauders. We will watch his rise through the ranks and one day possibly see him in a Pirates uniform.

Amidst Struggle, Young Bucs Get Chance to Shine

The Pirates have been slumping as of late having a combined record of 5-9 throughout the last two weeks of play and have fallen 13 games behind the first place Chicago Cubs. However, admist all the struggles, young prospects like Jameson Taillon, Chad Kuhl, and Adam Frazier have made their debuts.

If you haven't heard by now, one look at the standings would show you that the Pirates have hit a rough patch of the season over the last two weeks. They have a combined record of 5-9 and have lost three out of their last four series including a sweep by the division leading Chicago Cubs that has put them 13 games back of the National League Central Division leading Cubs.

Some fans have resorted to hitting the panic button early in the season, but only time will tell the fate of the 2016 Pittsburgh Pirates team. However, throughout all of the struggle, we have also gotten a peak into what the future of the Pittsburgh Pirates holds. Injuries have caused the Pirates to have to take a dip into their farm system to call up some reinforcements.

With this, we have seen the MLB debuts of Jameson Taillon, Chad Kuhl, and Adam Frazier each showing what the different skill set they can provide at the major league level. While to some fans this shows a sign of weakness, I take it as a bode of confidence for the future of this team. The fact that the Pirates trust their prospects enough to come up and help a struggling team shows a lot of confidence in their farm system.

Each prospect that has come up from the minor league system has made their own mark and helped the team. Whether it be Taillon and Kuhl's impressive major league debut, or Stalling and Frazier coming off the bench for their Pirates, each has helped the Pirates in some way and have shown their worth for the future of this team.

Most recently, Chad Kuhl showed what he could do on a major league mound as he was tasked with facing off against Clayton Kershaw in his major league debut. He was up for the task getting the win and throwing 5.0 innings of work giving up three runs on four hits while striking out five and walking four batters. 

Kuhl was consistently in the upper 90's and , besides a rough first inning, pitched very effectively on a day when the Pirates needed a good start. Kuhl had a 6-2 record with a 2.28 ERA at the Triple A level. A ninth round draft pick of the Pirates in 2013, Kuhl was a guy not on many people's radar before the season started, but has shown that he can perform at both Triple A and the major league level.

Another star we have seen emerge is starting pitcher Jameson Taillon. Taillon's debut is two years in the making as he was dealing with multiple injuries that set his debut back two years including a Tommy John Surgery followed by a hernia surgery. However, he has fought through adversity and has compiled a 1-1 record through four major league starts with a 4.50 ERA in 22 innings pitched. He has struck out 15 while walking just five in those 22.0 innings. 

Taillon has yet to give up more than four earned runs in a ball game and has not walked more than two. His control has been on-point, however, he has fallen into trouble with the amount of hits he has given up. If he can limit the number of hits allowed, he could turn into a premier starting pitcher. Taillon has given up less than six hits only once in his first four starts.

With both Taillon and Kuhl in the rotation, three quarters of the future Pirates rotation are in the big leagues with Taillon, Kuhl, Cole, and Locke. Still awaiting his debut in the minors is Tyler Glasnow ho has been performing well at the Triple A level with a record of 7-2 and a 1.70 ERA. The pitching future has been looking very bright for the Pirates and, if all goes well, they could have one of the best rotations in the league in the very near future.

We have also seen the debuts of two of the Pirates position players in the minor leagues as both Adam Frazier and Jacob Stallings have made their debuts this season. These come after injuries to Francisco Cervelli and some banged up infielders. Both have done their job in their short time in the major leagues and have shown their skill sets.

Adam Frazier entered the game Sunday night after Jordy Mercer left the game after taking a knee to the head while sliding. Frazier proceeded to go 2 for 3 against Kershaw including a big RBI double that helped pull the Pirates in front of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Frazier in four games with the Pirates is hitting .500 with 0 home runs and 1 RBI.

Frazier is a super utility man being able to play both the infield and the outfield. He has appeared at short stop, third base, short stop, left field, center field, and right field throughout his minor league career. While not a super fielder, he can hold his own at each position. His lowest fielding percentage is at short stop where he holds a .942, but he has also played the most innings at that position.

Another thing going for Frazier is the speed he can bring on the base paths for the Pirates. He has 47 total career stolen bases in his career. Frazier picked up his first stolen base at the major league level in the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Frazier can be an asset to the Pirates based on his speed and ability to play multiple positions.

With these three superstars on the rise, the future is starting to look bright for the Pirates. And still more prospects await in the minor league system. Josh Bell is still developing at first base, Tyler Glasnow is pitching well, and Austin Meadows has made the jump to Triple A. The saying good can come from a bad situation has applied to the Pirates over the last couple weeks as through their struggles, the stars of tomorrow have been given a chance to rise.

Pirates 23rd Round Pick Brown Speed/Average Boads Well in Pros

The Pittsburgh Pirates 23rd round Pick Garrett Brown brings speed and average to a Pirates minor league system that is full of talented young outfielders. Brown has all of the makings of a future star for the Pirates organization.

In the 23rd round of the 2016 MLB Amateur Draft the Pittsburgh Pirates added to their already deep pool of talented outfield prospects when they drafted outfielder Garrett Brown out of Western Carolina University. Brown officially is set to begin his professional career as he signed with the Pirates back on June 17.

Now many people will pay no attention to this signing as he was a late draft pick. However, a look at the stat line for Brown may tell a different story. Last season for Western Carolina Brown hit .321 with four home runs and 34 RBI striking out 30 times and walking 12 times in 58 games played.

Brown also boasted a decent on base percentage of .370 and a slugging percentage up at .435. These numbers may not be blow you out of the water numbers but they are intriguing as Brown starts to develop in the Pirates minor league system.

Another thing that pops out when looking at Brown's stat line is the speed that he possesses. Last season Brown swiped 34 bags In 58 games played and was only caught eight times all season. You can teach a player how to better his average but you can't teach speed.

Speed not only helps on the base paths but in the field as well. One look at the Pirates major league outfield proves that. With Starling Marte, Andrew McCutchen, and Gregory Polanco patrolling the field the Pirates have been named one of the best outfields In all of major league baseball.

Brown's high average at .321 is another positive sign. If he can hit for contact and get on base a lot he could develop into a highly talented outfield prospect. And, when he hits the ball, he gets a lot of base hits as his BABIP sat at .349 last season. He is able to find holes when he needs to and can leg out infield hits.

Brown's dreams of a professional career were actually in another sport, football. He was a star quarterback for his high school team and dreamt of glory at the sport. However, when he took his talents to Western Carolina University things went south. He would be named the back up quarterback and could never quite get his feet under him.

As the famous saying goes, when one door closes another door opens and Brown found his stride in the sport of baseball. His average took off and he really showed his abilities with both speed and average, talents that will hopefully translate into success with the Pirates.

Many fans pay no attention to the late round draft picks and only worry about the fan fare of picks one through ten. However, sometimes you find a diamond in the rough and I feel Brown has the tools to succeed in the Pirates minor league system.

Brown has faced ups and downs in his sporting career as he saw his football dreams die while watching his baseball dreams soar higher than ever. Only time will tell, but I believe that Brown could be one of the sleepers in the late rounds who helps and improve this Pittsburgh Pirates team in the future.

Seventh Round Pick Gibbs Adds to Pirates Backstop Depth

The Pittsburgh Pirates announced the signing of nine of their 2016 draft picks yesterday. Among them was catcher Brent Gibbs from Central Arizona College adding to the deep catching corps that the Pirates already have. Gibbs is very good defensively and shows some offensive promise as well.

Yesterday the Pittsburgh Pirates announced the signing of nine of their 2016 draft picks including their first round draft pick Will Craig. Among the other nine players signed was catcher Brent Gibbs from Central Arizona College, a junior college located in Arizona. The school has produced major league names like the Detroit Tigers Ian Kinsler and current Pittsburgh Pirates reliever A.J. Schugel.

With a farm system deep in catching talent, Gibbs adds to that depth joining Elias Diaz and Reese McGuire as the top prospects in the catching department. Diaz is currently on the disabled list and Reese McGuire is hitting .243 with one home run and 23 RBI as the everyday catcher in Double A Altoona. Both have had a rocky road to the majors, but have enjoyed success in the Pirates minor league system.

Brent Gibbs comes to the Pirates out of Central Arizona where he had a very strong offensive season hitting .396 with five home runs and 38 RBI. He also had a very high on base percentage sitting at .496 and a slugging percentage of .590. He has very good plate discipline as well only striking out 22 times and walking 15 in 144 at bats last season.

Gibbs is ranked as the 194th best prospect in the 2016 draft class and experts have said that he is a very good defensive catcher with offensive promise. For Gibbs it will be a long road to the majors, but looking at his college stats, I think he has a good chance to be a back stop for the Pirates for many years to come.

Numbers dont lie, and for Gibbs the biggest success he has had offensively is that high batting average of .396. Usually catchers are not that good offensively because of the physical demands of the position they play. However, Gibbs breaks this stereotype getting on base at a consistent basis and setting the table for the people behind him in the lineup.

Gibbs also has very good plate discipline only striking out 22 times to go along with 15 walks in 144 at-bats last season. It is good to see a prospect with some plate discipline at the plate. If you have a free swinging prospect, it is harder to tone him down then to bring up a guy who is more patient at the plate. We will see if his plate discipline translates into affiliated baseball, but as of right now, Gibbs shows great plate discipline.

The thing Gibbs is most noted for, however, is his defensive ability and again looking at the numbers they support that statement. Gibbs had a .994 fielding percentage behind the plate last season only committing two errors 317 total chances. He also collected 278 put-outs on the season in those 317 chances.

Gibbs is very good at holding runners at bay behind the plate as he threw out 46% of base stealers allowing 16 stolen bases and throwing out 14 runners on the season. Controlling the running game is a big thing that scouts look at in a catcher and for Gibbs, he has that aspect of his game down with a strong arm that is crucial to success behind the plate.

To put Gibbs caught stealing numbers in perspective, the major league leaders in caught stealing percentage last year were A.J Ellis of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the national league with a 45% caught stealing rate, and Russel Martin of the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League with a 44.4% caught stealing rate. The current league leader in 2016 is Buster Posey of the San Francisco Giants with a 58.3% caught stealing rate.

While college base runners are not as refined as guys like Billy Hamilton and Starling Marte at the major league level, but it is a good sign to see that Gibbs has a very strong arm that can handle base runners. If he can continue this in the professional ranks, he will be a hot commodity for the Pirates and a great asset to the future of this team.

Overall, I love this pick of Gibbs in round seven. He will be more than likely be assigned to the West Virginia Black Bears A short season club, however, the Pirates have not officially announced where they will send Gibbs at this point. Whenever Gibbs gets his pro career started, we can get a further look at what he can do going through the Pirates system.

The Pirates have signed their current catcher Francisco Cirvelli to a three-year deal, and by the end of that contract we could see Gibbs as high as double A Altoona. If he can work hard and continue having the success he had in college, we could see him in a Pirates uniform around the 2021-2022 seasons. Gibbs provides exciting numbers now, and will only grow from here as he moves up the Pirates minor league system.

Two Years in the Making Taillon Finally Showing What He Can Do

Pirates starting pitcher Jameson Taillon has been hindered by injuries the past two seasons setting his major league debut back two years. However, he is here now and showing just the spark he can add to the Pirates starting rotation this season.

The Pittsburgh Pirates got both good news and bad news prior to yesterday's game against the Mets. Of course, we will start with the bad news as the Pirates announced prior to the game yesterday that they had to place starting pitcher Gerrit Cole on the 15-day disabled list with a right tricep muscle strain.

Cole had been the ace of a struggling Pittsburgh Pirates starting staff with a record of 5-4 with a 2.77 ERA striking out 100 and walking 28 in just over 117 innings pitched. Cole left the Pirates 9-3 loss to the Cardinals on Friday night. While Cole is not off to the hot start he had a year ago, he has still been a vital part to the Pirates success this season and in the past.

However, with the loss of Cole, a new era begins as the entrance of Jameson Taillon into the Pirates rotation begins. Taillon made his major league debut last week against the New York Mets as he went 6.0 innings allowing just three runs on six hits while walking three and striking out two. Taillon would get a no decision in that contest as the Pirates would fall to the Mets by the score of 6-5 with Cory Leubke picking up the loss.

In his major league debut, Pirates fans thought they saw just what the future held for their rotation as it contained both Taillon and Cole in what could be a great 1-2 punch for years to come. However, surprisingly Taillon was sent down to the minors after his first start and it lead fans to believe that they would not see Taillon again until the middle of the season.

Fate would end up working in the 24-year olds favor though as Cole goes to the disabled list and Taillon gets the call to face the Mets last night, a team he made his MLB debut against last week. Taillon took advantage of this new found opportunity and pitched the game of his life picking up his first major league victory and shutting out the Mets over eight strong innings of work.

He would have a no-hitter through six innings of work and only had allowed two base runners on a walk and a hit by pitch. Then, in the top of inning number seven, Curtis Granderson lead things off with a single. Both Jordy Mercer and Josh Harrison made a diving attempt for the ball, but neither could corral the slow roller as it rolled into right field. Taillon would not have to worry about the base runner for long, however, as he got Yoenis Cespedes to ground into a double play and Kelly Johnson to ground out to end the inning.

In total, Taillon would go 8.0 innings giving up no runs on two hits while striking out five and walking one on his way to picking up his first major league victory to move to 1-0 with a 1.93 ERA in two major league starts. Taillon came close to a no-hitter one other time this year in triple A as he took one into the sixth inning before it was broken up by the opposing pitcher, but to do it at the major league level is another thing.

If you looked back two years ago none of this looked to be possible as Taillon had to have season ending Tommy John surgery, setting his development back. Taillon was pitching for double A Altoona and had just gotten a promotion to Triple A Indianapolis, but started losing hope. It would be a long hard off-season of rehab and trying to get back to playing level so he could advance in the Pirates minor league system. 

Taillon would come back for spring training 2015 ready to go and show what he could do. He ended up missing the entire 2014 season with Tommy John surgery and was ready to come back and prove he was ready to make the transition to the major leagues. However, he hit another speed bump as this time he was dealing with an inguinal hernia that would have him miss the entire 2015 season as well.

Taillon didnt give up and came into spring training this year healthier than ever and ready to perform. He started the season in Triple A Indianapolis and made the most of the missed time compiling a record of 4-2 with a 2.04. Those stats were enough to get him the call to the big leagues to start his major league career.

Now that he has made it to the show and has performed well, Pirates fans can start getting excited about the future of this Pirates team. And, there is more excitement to come as top prospect Tyler Glasnow still waits in the Pirates wings waiting to make his debut. If all three of these pitchers work out, the Pirates could have a rotation for the ages with Cole, Taillon, and Glasnow at the lead. 

The Pirates have not yet announced Taillon's next start, but if the calendar is right Taillon would next take the mound against the Chicago Cubs on June 19th. It will be a big test for Taillon to see if he can compete with the best team in major league baseball. For now, Taillon can enjoy his early success and be excited for what the future holds for both him and the rest of the Pittsburgh Pirates team.

Pitching/Defense Focus of Pirates Day 2 Draft

With the Pittsburgh Pirates making three picks on day one of the draft, the Pirates focused on pitching and defense on Day two picking up eight more players. The pool is highlighted by one of the best defensive short stops In all of college baseball.

Day two of the MLB Amateur Draft was last night and the Pittsburgh Pirates stuck to a philosophy they have used for the past several drafts. You can never have enough pitching, and defense is a priority. Day two saw the Pirates pick a number of defensive minded players who can hit for average as well as picking up some power arms on the mound.

On day one of the draft, the Pirates selected three players including third baseman Will Craig (22nd overall), left handed pitcher Nick Lodolo (first round compensation pick), and right handed pitcher Travis MacGregor (2nd round pick). All three of these guys play at a very high level and look to add depth to the Pirates minor league system.

However, in rounds 3-10, the Pirates have stuck to a philosophy that has helped them build three straight playoff contending teams. Go after guys who can play defense and hit for average, and stock pile on pitching talent. The Pirates have seen this philosophy work with the emergence of guys like Gerrit Cole, Jameson Taillon, Andrew McCutchen, and Starling Marte.

In round three of the draft, the Pirates selected short stop Stephen Alemais from Tulane University. Alemais has been regarded several times as one of the best defensive short stops in this year's draft class, and he will fit in nicely to a spot where the Pirates lack some depth. Looking at Alemais's numbers, he comes from the same talents as the Pirates last two short stop picks in Cole Tucker and Kevin Newman.

In his junior season at Tulane, Alemais hit .311 with one home run and 28 RBI in 53 games played. He also stole 19 bases and was caught stealing five times. He has shown the ability to get on base consistently with a .368 on base percentage and and OPS of .768.

Defense is Alemais's claim to fame, however, is on the defensive side of the ball. He has been highly regarded as one of the best defensive short stops in this draft class by draft experts. Although he committed 16 errors last spring, he has made some sparkling plays that all but make up for the errors he commits. With some grooming in the minors, He can grow and become the best defensive short stop he can be.

In the fourth round the Pirates went back to pitching when they selected Braeden Ogle out of Jensen Beach High School (Florida). Ogle was ranked as the number 86 prospect in this year's draft class and he has a lot of upside with a fast ball that is said to be able to reach up to 96 miles per hour.

In his senior season at Jensen Beach HS, Ogle went 5-1 with a 1.40 ERA striking out 59 batters in just 35 innings of work. Ogle blew his blazing fastball by high school hitters and dominated the high school level.

Ogle was the third high school arm picked in the first five rounds by the Pirates joining Lodolo and MacGregor. All high school arms need some refinement, and all three of these players will get to spend time with the short season West Virginia Black Bears if they sign and can show what they can do.

In rounds five and six the Pirates stuck with pitching as they drafted righty Blake Cederlind from Merced College and lefty Cam Vieaux from Michigan State. Cederlind finished 5-2 with a 3.75 ERA while striking out 63 over 57 innings of work, and Vieaux finished With a 2.28 ERA in 15 appearances.

Both pitchers have a high 90s fastball and the college arm is intriguing. They will both more than likely report to Bradenton once they are signed on and will begin training in the Pirates system.

The Pirates would finish the day drafting catcher Brent Gibbs from Central Arizona, pitcher Dylan Prohoroff from Cal State Fullerton centerfielder Clark Eagan, and pitcher Matthew Anderson.

The draft continues today with the final rounds of the draft. Coverage begins on MLB network this afternoon.

Pirates Draft 3B Will Craig With First Round Pick

The Pittsburgh Pirates drafted drafted Wake Forest third baseman Will Craig with the 22nd overall pick in the 2016 MLB Amateur Draft. Craig is the highest draft pick for Wake Forest since the 2006 season.

With the Pittsburgh Penguins losing to the San Jose Sharks in game five of the Stanley Cup playoffs last night, many of the other sports stories in Pittsburgh might have gone unnoticed. The Pittsburgh Pirates fell to the Colorado Rockies in a one game series at Mile High Stadium by a score of 11-5. However, not all of the Pittsburgh sports news was negative.

The positive news is that the Pittsburgh Pirates selected third baseman Will Craig with the 22nd overall pick in the 2016 MLB Amateur Draft. Craig played for Wake Forest last season and compiled an impressive season both at the plate and on the mound.

At the plate, Craig would put together an impressive season hitting .379 with 16 home runs and 69 RBI compiling just 35 strikeouts and 47 walks in just over 53 games played. He also shows an impressive on base percentage at .520 and his slugging percentage is very high as well sitting at .731.

For his efforts at the plate, Craig was awarded as the ACC player of the year making him the best player in all of the ACC. He is also a finalist for the Dick Howser Trophy, awarded to the best collegiate player in the country, and the 2016 Golden Spikes Award, which is handed out to the best Amateur Baseball player in America.

Along with his talents at the plate, Craig has had a very good season on the mound as well. So much so that a mistake was made during yesterday's draft saying that Craig has been drafted as a right handed pitcher rather than a third baseman. Craig laughed off the situation saying "It was kind of funny when I first heard it and saw it on TV."

However, Craig's numbers on the mound are no joking matter. He finished last season with a 2-0 record and an ERA at 3.54 while striking out 25 men in 28 innings of work making 19 appearances for Wake Forest. While those numbers aren't unbelievable, they are very solid for a player who also plays in the field.

This versatility could serve Craig very well as he makes his way up through the Pirates organization. While his primary duties will be at the third base position, if the team is in need of someone to pitch on the mound, Craig can jump in and provide a reliable arm to use in relief.

With the pick of Craig, this will be the sixth straight year that the Pirates have drafted a position player in the first round of the draft. The five previous draft picks, Kevin Newman, Ke'Bryan Hayes, Cole Tucker, Austin Meadows, and Reese McGuire, have all signed with the team and Will Craig will look to do the same.

The Pirates already have a surplus of minor league talent in the pitching department with names like Tyler Glasnow and Jameson Taillon in Triple A and many younger talented pitchers like Clay Holmes and Tyler Eppler in the lower systems. Going after a position player in the first round was the way to go for the Pirates.

With Jung Ho Kang signed on for the next four seasons, it looks like Will Craig could be the replacement for Kang when his contract is up if the Pirates do not resign him. However, Craig could also help out on terms of corner infield and outfield depth as he will get worked around in the Pirates system.

Craig was originally drafted out of high school in the 2013 MLB Amateur Draft by the Tampa Bay Rays, but turned down the opportunity to go and play for Wake Forest. In doing so he became a more talented hitter and rose to be the highest draft pick for Wake Forest since 2006.

The last third baseman the Pirates took in the first round was Pedro Alvarez in the 2008 MLB draft. I feel that Craig will turn out better than Pedro Alvarez did and will be an everyday producer in the Pirates lineup in the future. His high average is a bright spot to see, and I am intrigued to see if he can transfer those skills to the professional baseball ranks.

One thing is for sure, however, the next task for the Pirates will be signing Craig and getting him into the Pirates minor league system as quickly as possible. This will allow the Pirates to get a good look at Craig and further assess what they have in Craig

More of The future of the Pittsburgh Pirates will be told this afternoon as The draft continues. The main thing the Pirates need to look for is outfield and middle infield depth. They are lacking in both departments and The draft could help replenish these needs. The MLB draft will continue today with rounds three to ten this afternoon starting at 1 p.m.