Pirates land two high school bats in 2013 draft.

                               The Pittsburgh Pirates were able to add two quality pieces into the organization tonight as they drafted twice in the first 14 picks in the draft. That was due to the Pirates failing to sign Mark Appel in last year's draft. The Pirates were compensated with the 9th pick, as Appel's gamble paid off as he was selected first this time around.  With their first selection, the Bucs chose Austin Meadows of Georgia. A few picks later the Pirates took Washington state catcher, Reese McGuire.  The Pirates seemingly have loaded up in pitching in recent drafts, but clearly offense was the priority in 20123 We now know the names, but its time to take a look into the picks a little further.

Austin Meadows 6-3 215 CF Grayson, Georgia.

 

 

 The Pirates made Meadows their first pick, and it seems like a very good one. The name Jay Bruce comes up when scouts look for a player to compare to Meadows. If the Pirates can find that kind of player with the 9th pick, it was well worth the Mark Appel gamble of last season. Meadows is a left handed batter, and should figure prominently into the future at PNC Park. He played exceptionally well in the IBAF tournament two summers ago for USA, by hitting .537 with 28 RBI. Meadows is regarded as a very good athlete, and was one of the higher rated ones in the draft. He can certainly hit, and could add some power down the line. For the most part he looks like he can play center field, but after doing some reading, some think a move to the corner could happen.  Meadows has a Clemson verbal commitment, but the Pirates should not have trouble signing him. Meadows also joins a very good crop of young outfielders on the farm. Yes, McCutchen and Marte are with the big club, but in the lower levels there are names like Gregory Polanco, Josh Bell, and Barrett Barnes that will be competing for jobs down the line.  It is a good problem to have.

 

 

 

Reese McGuire 6-1 190 C Kentwood, Washington.

 

Most, it not all, major mock draft experts had the Pirates linked to this kid at some point. Many thought McGuire's name would be called in the 9 spot, but luckily for the Pirates, he fell to 14. McGuire had a strong showing this Fall with the U18 USA Team, and ultimately rose as the top catching prospect just this Spring. His defense is highly regarded, and it will be his bat that needs developed. From what I have read, he can run, he has an arm, and is strong behind the plate. He has all the tools to be a polished major league catcher. He is also a left handed bat that should work well at PNC Park. The Pirates should have little trouble prying him away from his San Diego commitment.

 

 



 

 

I'll be sure to update if the Pirates make any exciting moves as the weekend goes on.