Pirates really blew it when the did NOT draft Manny Machado!!

[TheGLOV]

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/fantasy-roto-arcade/over-under--how-macho-is-machado-212003435.html

UGH!!!

And don't tell me they already had Alvarez at third base at the time.

The Pirates this year, drafted 2 consecutive SS with their 2 1st round draft picks!

And, they also took a SS with their 1st round selection last year if memory serves me correct~!

 

[wbcincy]

And Jameson Taillon was still the higher-rated prospect based on the average of all the ratings services.

 

[TheGLOV]

And Jameson Taillon was still the higher-rated prospect based on the average of all the ratings services.

You would be correct sir!

Truth be told: MLB draft is a real crap-shoot.

The Pirates rolled snake-eyes that year!!

wbcincy, how about those Pirates drafting 3-SS in the 1st round the last two years?

I do value your opinion, as you know, so please offer an explanation.

Perhaps the best SS stays there; the other two, move to 3rd and 2nd base respectively??

 

[wbcincy]

Yeah I think you already nailed it. It's very easy to convert shortstops into great defenders at various positions, and the Pirates have shown a focus on defense with their analytics/shifts/etc. Just like the Bucs currently have multiple CFs manning the OF (and their top OF prospect is Austin Meadows, a CF), they'll someday have multiple SS-caliber defenders across the infield, minus first base.

I do expect next year they look at pitching earlier again.

 

[TheGLOV]

Yeah I think you already nailed it. It's very easy to convert shortstops into great defenders at various positions, and the Pirates have shown a focus on defense with their analytics/shifts/etc. Just like the Bucs currently have multiple CFs manning the OF (and their top OF prospect is Austin Meadows, a CF), they'll someday have multiple SS-caliber defenders across the infield, minus first base.

I do expect next year they look at pitching earlier again.

As always, thank you for your reply my friend!

 

[wbcincy]

As always, thank you for your reply my friend!

Any time. For some perspective, here are some guys who were drafted as shortstops, but ended up elsewhere in the majors: Chuck Knoblach, Brandon Phillips, Dustin Pedroia, Chipper Jones, Adam Jones, Justin Upton, BJ Upton, Mike Moustakas, Michael Cuddyer, and of course, your boy Manny Machado. At the high school level and sometimes college, coaches end up putting their best player at SS, even if it's unlikely they could play that position in the majors.

 

[nits74]

Yeah I think you already nailed it. It's very easy to convert shortstops into great defenders at various positions, and the Pirates have shown a focus on defense with their analytics/shifts/etc. Just like the Bucs currently have multiple CFs manning the OF (and their top OF prospect is Austin Meadows, a CF), they'll someday have multiple SS-caliber defenders across the infield, minus first base.

I do expect next year they look at pitching earlier again.

They may need to, what with the injuries they've had in the minors. Never know about pitching. Just when you think you're in good shape, it can evaporate. Not saying it has, but depth is so important.

 

[TheGLOV]

They may need to, what with the injuries they've had in the minors. Never know about pitching. Just when you think you're in good shape, it can evaporate. Not saying it has, but depth is so important.

You are oh soooooo correct nits74!!

Just ask the NY Mets organization!!

 

[wbcincy]

They may need to, what with the injuries they've had in the minors. Never know about pitching. Just when you think you're in good shape, it can evaporate. Not saying it has, but depth is so important.

Yeah, that's the truth, but given how well guys recover from Tommy John these days, we're just a year away from having that depth back. Next year we could see Taillon, Glasnow and Kingham all by the 2nd half.

 

[TheGLOV]

Yeah, that's the truth, but given how well guys recover from Tommy John these days, we're just a year away from having that depth back. Next year we could see Taillon, Glasnow and Kingham all by the 2nd half.

perhaps. Time will tell sir.