A Busy Night for the Pirates

The 2009 Draft began tonight, and the Pirates selected Boston College catcher Tony Sanchez with the 4th overall pick. Though Sanchez was probably the top rated catcher, selecting him at the 4th spot was considered a reach by many. And of course the more cynical Pirate fans are already calling Neal Huntington and Co. cheap. Though it seems the Pirates are taking the approach that they'd rather spread their money out over the entire draft than dedicate a substantial chunk to one pick. I don't really know enough about college baseball to know if Sanchez is worth this spot or not. I'm willing to give the team the benefit of the doubt for now.

With their second pick, the compensatory one for not signing Tanner Scheppers last year, the Bucs selected RHP Victor Black from Dallas Baptist University. Black was rated the 16th best righthander by Baseball America.

In the second round, the Pirates picked RHP Brooks Pounders, from Temecula Valley High. Though he wasn't highly rated, Pounders does sound intriguing. Also, he has a scholarship to USC, so this might be a case where the Pirates will have pay over slot to get Pounders signed.

In the third, the Bucs picked CF Evan Chambers, from Hillsborough Community College in Florida. Baseball America projected him as a 5th or 6th rounder, so this could be a reach.

With 47 picks to go over the next 2 days, we have a long way to go before we can properly evaluate the Pirates' 2009 draft.

Morton Debuts: Charlie Morton, acquired last week in the McLouth trade, makes his Pirate debut tomorrow, getting the start against the Braves. To make room for him, Tom Gorzelanny was optioned to AAA and Jeff Karstens will head to the bullpen, where he belongs. I'm very excited about this. Though Morton struggled last year with Atlanta, I'm hopeful that he can carry over his minor league success and become a solid member of the rotation.

Speaking of the McLouth trade, Jeffrey Locke, also acquired in said trade, made his debut tonight for Single-A Lynchburg. In 4 innings, he allowed 5 hits, 2 runs and 3 walks with 4 strike outs. Nothing too impressive, but it's nice to see another quality arm in the system.

In Big League action tonight, the bullpen failed to hold the lead for Ross Ohlendorf, as the Pirates fell to Atlanta, 4-3. Ohlendorf pitched fairly well, lasting into the 7th, before Sean Burnett and Jesse Chavez allowed the Braves to score 2 runs and take the lead. Robinzon Diaz, making his first start at catcher in a very long time, doubled home 2 runs for the Bucs.