colbyjack

ROUND 11: Michael Marseco - SS - SIGNED 5'9", 140, R/R, Samford Univ. http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y155/colbyjack/2008%20Draftees/michael_marseco.jpg BREWERFAN.NET SCOUTING REPORT: Goes by Mikey, Marseco is a pesky little infielder that makes the most of his talent. His game is highlighted by his defense, as he has excellent footwork, good range and a strong enough arm to handle the position. He can make all of the plays, and should provide defensive stability in the lower levels of the minors as he moves up the chain. A switch-hitter, he had a big year at the plate this spring, although isn't expected to be much of a thread offensively at the next level, but he does continue to prove doubters wrong. He profiles in a similar fashion to David Eckstein. NOTES & INFO: Michael Marseco Stats NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE: Michael Marseco Profile Michael Marseco Draft Story

ROUND 6: Jose Duran - SS - SIGNED 5'11", 190, R/R, Texas A&M Univ. http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y155/colbyjack/2008%20Draftees/jose_duran.jpg BREWERFAN.NET SCOUTING REPORT: Duran transferred to Texas A&M after two seasons at North Central Texas Junior College, and his bat exploded this year as he was named the Big 12 conference's player of the year. With a good, strong yet shorter frame, Duran has very good strength, and he started to drive the ball more consistently this spring. He has a good, not great overall tool-set and is able to do a lot of things on the baseball field to help his team win. He will probably have to slide over to second base at the pro level. Duran's older brother German made his big-league debut for the Rangers this spring. NOTES & INFO: Big 12 Player Of The Year Big 12 Newcomer Of The Year All Big 12 First Team NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE: Jose Duran Profile Jose Duran Q&A

ROUND 7: Steven "Trey" Watten - RHP - SIGNED 6'3", 180, R/R, Abilene Christian Univ. (TX) http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y155/colbyjack/2008%20Draftees/trey_watten.jpg BREWERFAN.NET SCOUTING REPORT: Watten is a NAIA standout that came to school known more for his powerful bat than for his arm. His arm strength and lean, projectable build led to his move to the mound, and he has taken well to the switch in a short period of time. He easily throws in the low-90s and could add a few more ticks to his fastball as he continues to hone his craft. He has good yet inconsistent secondary stuff, but he has induced plenty of swings and misses the past couple of years. As a third baseman in addition to his power bat and power arm he is a pretty slick fielder, making him another well-rounded pitching prospect made for playing in the National League. NOTES & INFO: Steven "Trey" Watten Stats NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE: Steven "Trey" Watten Profile

ROUND 4: Josh Romanski - LHP - SIGNED 5' 11", 180, L/L, San Diego Univ. http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y155/colbyjack/2008%20Draftees/josh_romanski.jpg BREWERFAN.NET SCOUTING REPORT: Romanski is a talented two-way threat that excelled both as a weekend starter and in the middle of the Toreros lineup while also playing centerfield the past three years. He was part of a very talented San Diego recruiting class that included the fourth overall pick in this year's class, Brian Matusz, and is a big part of San Diego's success the past three years. His upside may be somewhat limited, as he does a lot of things well, but he's not great in any one area. His upside is greater as a pitcher, as he throws in the upper-80s and can touch the low-90s, showing very good control of a three-pitch arsenal that includes a sharp curveball and a very good changeup. His stuff and overall command is expect to improve once he steps away from his hitting responsibilities and focuses on his pitching craft each and everyday, with many feeling he may find a few more ticks on his fastball in the process. NOTES & INFO: Previously drafted, San Diego, Round 15, 2005 Pitched no-hitter vs Harvard, 2008 Played for Team USA during the summer of 2007 NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE: Josh Romanski Profile Josh Romanski Article

ROUND 5: Maverick Lasker - RHP - SIGNED 6'2", 190, R/R, Sandra Day O'Connor HS (AZ) http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y155/colbyjack/2008%20Draftees/maverick_lasker.jpg BREWERFAN.NET SCOUTING REPORT: Lasker, Odorizzi and Lintz are all very similar prospects, as the Brewers seemed to target projectable yet not overly tall right-handed pitchers with almost equally good history swinging the bat. Lasker could still be groomed as a hitter at some point, as he showed very good power at last summer's Area Code Games, and while he missed some time this spring due to biceps tendonitis, most scouts flocked to see him perform as a pitcher. He can dial it up to 93-94 and sits comfortably in the 90-92 range. He has a good feel for a well-rounded repertoire that includes a sharp slider, curveball and nice changeup, but he doesn't throw those pitches as consistently as he needed to. With a good delivery, although with some effort to it, and nice sink on his powerful fastball, Lasker will be part of a very talented rotation at either Arizona or Helena this summer. NOTES & INFO: Has scholarship to San Diego State Maverick Lasker Stats NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE: Maverick Lasker Profile

ROUND 3: Logan Schafer - CF - SIGNED 6'1", 170, L/L, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Univ. http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y155/colbyjack/2008%20Draftees/logan_schafer.jpg BREWERFAN.NET SCOUTING REPORT: Schafer soared up draft charts this spring as his bat exploded. He has always been known to be an aggressive ballplayer that can steal some bases and players centerfield extremely well. His arm is average at best, but he makes great reads in the outfield and shows great instincts defensively. He started to show more power this spring as he started to square up the ball better and drive it more consistently. He's probably not going to be a huge power threat down the road, but at least proved that he's capable of hitting double-digit home runs, and should have his fair share of doubles and triples. He shows a good approach at the plate, and could move quickly through the lower levels of the minors. NOTES & INFO: Drafted twice previously - Boston, Round 31, 2006 & Colorado, Round 47, 2007 First Team All-Big West Did not commit an error in 140 chances this season. NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE: Logan Schafer Profile Logan Schafer in Mustang Daily

ROUND 2b: Cutter Dykstra - SS/CF - SIGNED 5'11", 180, R/R, Westlake HS (CA) http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y155/colbyjack/2008%20Draftees/cutter_dykstra.jpg BREWERFAN.NET SCOUTING REPORT: Dykstra is the son of former big-league All-Star Lenny, and like his father he brings a high-energy approach the game. He's very athletic, and his game is highlighted by his speed and his aggressive approach on the basepaths. He's fearless, but there isn't much physical projection left in his sub-6' frame. He has a very good, patient approach at the plate, and can sting the ball to all parts of the field. He has surprising power for his frame, but will be more of a doubles and triples hitter as he moves up the organizational ladder with the ability to steal bases. He's a smart and heady baseball player, although it remains to be seen how he takes to centerfield the more he becomes comfortable there, as he was converted this spring after playing the middle infield for most of his young career. NOTES & INFO: Has scholarship to UCLA. NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE: Cutter Dykstra Profile Cutter Dykstra Article NY Times article

ROUND 2c: Thomas "Cody" Adams - RHP - SIGNED 6'2", 180, R/R, Southern Illinois Univ. http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y155/colbyjack/2008%20Draftees/cody_adams.jpg BREWERFAN.NET SCOUTING REPORT: Adams has flown under the radar somewhat the past couple of years, but has no problems lighting up radar guns. He has touched 96, and sits in the 92-94 range with his fastball. He commands the pitch very well, and uses it to set up the rest of his repertoire. His offspeed pitches aren't as consistent as his fastball, as he also throws a slider and a changeup, with both being very good pitches when they're working for him. Many believe those pitches will become better, more consistent offerings when he hones his mechanics and learns to repeat his delivery better. In shorter stints he can throw even harder, so it's not out of the question that he becomes a short reliever down the road. Physically he resembles both Odorizzi and Lintz with a nice, projectable frame and an arm that works very well. NOTES & INFO: Says he expects to be signed within a few days, wants to pay off student loans, and get a better car. NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE: Thomas "Cody" Adams Profile http://thesouthern.com/articles/

ROUND 2a: Seth Lintz - RHP - SIGNED 6'1", 170, R/R, Marshall County HS http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y155/colbyjack/2008%20Draftees/seth_lintz.jpg BREWERFAN.NET SCOUTING REPORT: Lintz is a very similar pitching prospect to Jake Odorizzi in both size and stuff. He's very athletic, and handles the bat well, and received some consideration before the spring as a hitter. His body is still growing, as he has a projectable frame and many seem to believe he'll be 6'3" and around 200 pounds when his body is done maturing. A spike in velocity on his fastball this spring allowed him to soar up draft boards, as he now throws in the 90-92 range consistently and can touch 94, but that upward trend is expected to continue. He also throws a very sharp, true curveball, although he does need to become more consistent with that pitch. His fastball has good, late life, but he can struggle to command it at times, although that's not unusual for a high school pitcher. He is a very good student, but should sign fairly quickly to begin his pro career with fellow prep draft picks Lawrie, Odorizzi and Dykstra. NOTES & INFO: Has scholarship to Kentucky. Kentucky saw four current players taken in the first ten rounds, and two rercuits, Lintz and Robbie Ross taken in Round Two. NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE: Seth Lintz Profile Lintz to Sign

ROUND 1S-a: Jacob Odorizzi - RHP - SIGNED 6'2", 175, R/R, Highland HS, Illinois http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y155/colbyjack/2008%20Draftees/jake_odorizzi.jpg BREWERFAN.NET SCOUTING REPORT: Odorizzi is a very athletic pitcher that also starred as a hitter at Highland High School in Illinois. He has a nice, projectable frame and an easy delivery and overall arm action that makes it look as though he's playing catch on the mound. His fastball explodes out of his hand, as the pitch sits in the 90-93 range and tops out around 95-96. He repeats his delivery well, and doesn't overthrow, which allows him to maintain his velocity deep into ballgames. He throws a slider and a curveball, the slider being a wicked breaking pitch that he can get batters fishing in the dirt, while he can drop his sharp curve in for strikes. He also throws a promising changeup, and works off of the strength of his fastball to set-up all of his offspeed offerings. He throws strikes, commands the strike zone well, and could move fairly quick for a high school pitcher. NOTES & INFO: Has scholarship to Louisville. Will absolutely be a pitcher, but swings the bat very well. Gatorade player of the year for Illinois. NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE: Jacob Odorizzi Profile Jake Odorizzi - The One Highland's Jake Odorizzi displays awesome two-way talent

ROUND 1S-b: Evan Frederickson - LHP - SIGNED 6'6", 225, L/L, Univ. San Francisco http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y155/colbyjack/2008%20Draftees/evan_fredrickson.jpg BREWERFAN.NET SCOUTING REPORT: Fredrickson is a tall, powerfully built left-handed pitcher that has been rising up draft boards all year by touching the mid-90s and sitting in the low-90s all spring. He also has a potentially dominant breaking ball that is a nasty pitch when it's working for him. The problem with Fredrickson is consistently, as he reallly struggles to throw strikes and his breaking ball doesn't always work for him the way it should, but he seemed to take well to instruction after transferring from Virginia Tech, where he spent his first two years in college. He is wild with all of his pitches, and his delivery has significant effort to it. Many believe pairing him with a good pitching coach to help him focus on his mechanics will be just what he needs for his game to come together for him, as much of his wildness has to do with inconsistent release points and deliveries. Fredrickson defines the idea of a high-risk, high-reward type of prospect, and he is the first college pitcher scouting director Jack Zduriencik has taken before the third round during his time with the Brewers. NOTES & INFO: Drafted previously by Minnesota, Round 27, 2005 NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE: Evan Frederickson San Fran Profile

ROUND 1: Brett Lawrie - C 6'0", 190, R/R, Brookwood SS (British Columbia) http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y155/colbyjack/2008%20Draftees/brett_lawrie.jpg BREWERFAN.NET SCOUTING REPORT: Lawrie is a versatile, Canadian prep player with an extensive history using a wood bat. He has been on tour this spring playing against professional teams in an attempt to improve his draft status, and he has made the most of those opportunities, rising up draft boards to become a legitimate first-round target after entering the spring as more of a second to fourth rounder. With very strong hands he generates very good bat speed, giving him power to all fields. He can lace doubles to the gaps, and has a discplined eye at the plate. His advanced approach should allow him to move at a reasonable pace through the minor leagues. The Brewers seem intent to initially groom Lawrie as a catcher, and there's no reason to believe he can't stick there. He's relatively inexperienced at the position, but he has shown that he's a fast learner. With good footwork and a strong arm, he could excel at the position down the road, and is a similar overall prospect to Buster Posey given his bat, versatility and arm strength. If he's unable to stick behind the plate, third base would probably be his next best position, with a corner outfield spot also being a possibility. He has played the middle infield as well, but probably doesn't project to have the kind of range necessary for second base as his body matures. NOTES & INFO: Committed to play for Arizona State. NEWSPAPER AND WEB COVERAGE: Brett Lawrie Profile Brett Lawrie Q&A www.canada.com Canadian GM Brings Lawrie To Milwaukee

This thread will be used to post all draft picks in order of their selection, as well as page-by-page details of the picks, which we will slowly but surely add to in the coming days. Myself or another moderator will update the picks and player profiles. If you have comments/links about a player, please post them in the appropriate discussion thread. Bold indicates player has signed. 1. Brett Lawrie, C, Brookwood SS (British Columbia) 1S-a. Jake Odorizzi, RHP, Highland High School (Ill.) 1S-b. Evan Fredrickson, LHP, Univ. San Francisco 2a. Seth Lintz, RHP, Marshall County High School (TN) 2b. Cutter Dykstra, SS/CF, Westlake High School (CA) 2c. Thomas "Cody" Adams, RHP, Southern Illinois Univ. 3. Logan Schafer, CF, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Univ. 4. Josh Romanski, LHP, San Diego Univ. 5. Maverick Lasker, RHP, Sandra Day O'Connor HS (AZ) 6. Jose Duran, SS, Texas A&M Univ. 7. Trey Watten, RHP, Abilene Christian Univ. (TX) 8. Erik Komatsu, LF, Cal State Fullerton 9. Michael Bowman, RHP, Virginia Military Institute 10. Gregory Miller, RHP, Seton Hall Univ. 11. Michael Marseco, SS, Samford Univ. 12. Garrett Sherrill, RHP, Appalachian State 13. Robert Wooten, RHP, North Carolina 14. Corey Kemp, C, East Carolina Univ. 15. Mark Willinsky, RHP, Santa Clara Univ. 16. Stosh Wawrzasek, RHP, Walnut Creek SS (Canada) 17. Damon Krestalude, RHP, Port St. Lucie HS (FL) 18. Nicholas Bucci, RHP, St. Patrick HS (Canada) 19. Blakeney Billings, RHP, Hillcrest HS (AL) 20. Liam Ohlmann, RHP, Manchester CC (CT) 21. Lucas Luetge, LHP, Rice Univ. 22. Benjamin Jeffers, RHP, Chipola JC (GA) 23. Marcus Knecht, OF, St. Michaels Col School (Canada) 24. Brandon Ritchie, LHP, Grand Rapids CC (MI) 25. John Delaney, SS, Quinnipiac Univ. (MA) 26. Derrick Alfonso, C, Louisville Univ. 27. Austin Adams, SS, Faulkner Univ. (AL) 28. Brandon Garcia, C, Bishop Gorman HS (NV) 29. Tommy Collier, RHP, Cypress-Fairbanks HS (TX) 30. Wayne Dedrick, OF, Hillcrest HS (AL) 31. Brandon Rapoza, RHP, Flagler Col (FL) 32. Colt Farrar, RHP, First Baptist Academy (TX) 33. Michael White, RHP, Anderson County HS (TN) 34. Calvin Drummond, RHP, Huntington Beach HS (CA) 35. Mike Vass, RF, Chapman Univ. (CA) 36. Evan Bronson, LHP, Trinity Univ. (TX) 37. Kyle Winkler, RHP, Kempner HS (TX) 38. Michael Roberts, C, Virginia Military Institute 39. Eric Decker, LF, Univ. of Minnesota 40. Nicholas Fogarty, LHP, Thorniea SS (Canada) 41. Joseph Scott, SS, Cal State Fullerton 42. Ryan Wood, SS, East Carolina Univ 43. Dexter Price, RHP, Air Academy HS (CO) 44. Kaleb Herren, RHP, North Central Texas College (OK) 45. James Kottaras, 2B, Milliken Mills HS (Ontario, Canada) 46. Carlos George, SS, James Monroe HS (NY) 47. Kayvon Bahramzadeh, RHP, Catalina Foothills HS (AZ) 48. Marcus Salmon, RHP, Miami Dade CC South 49. Dan Meadows, LHP, Temple College (TX) 50. Sean Nolin, LHP, Seaford HS (NY)

Consider me thinking that the Brewers will take a bat with their first pick a "hunch." Keep in mind that my hunches have not been that reliable in past years, which says a lot about how quietly the Brewers scouting department goes about their business. As for the mock draft as mentioned above, some people may not like the idea of taking three prep players, much less two prep pitchers, with the team's top three picks, but after Lawrie I have taken Jake Odorizzi and Ross Seaton at #32 and #35. I don't expect both of those players to be there, as they are just too good (BPA theory) to pass up at that point in time. I'm pretty sure this draft wraps up at the end of the supplemental round, otherwise my focus would probably shift to a mix of college arms and bats with the second rounders.

Fielder is an exception to the HS rule - he was generally regarded as the best high school bat to come out in the last 10 years and an 80 on the power scale, and the reason he was still there at #7 had nothing to do with hitting potential. He was practically a once-in-a-generation player. Actually, Fielder didn't slide at all in the 2002 draft. The Brewers were the only team that were ready to take Fielder as early as they did, with the exception of the Tigers, who picked right after the Brewers that year. Otherwise he may have very well fallen to the Indians, who were picking in the 'teens or 20s that year, and if the Indians wouldn't have taken him, he may not have been selected in the first round. Basically, he wasn't considered a once-in-a-generation player by most at the time of the 2002 draft.

Conor Gillaspie could soar up through the minors pretty fast, but #16 might be a little high for him, I'm not sure, as you may be able to get him with one of the team's supplemental picks. Gillaspie's errors do bother me though. Chris Dominguez is actually a true sophomore. He's draft-eligible because he's old for his class. The same goes for players like Mark Sobolewski and Cole Figueroa. Here's my attempt at the fix six picks: 16. Brett Lawrie: I think the universal love for this young man is starting to grow, and we all know Jack Z. prefers polished bats with his first rounder. If he's not here, I would go with either Zach Collier or Anthony Hewitt 32. Ross Seaton: Again, if he's here. A rising prep arm with good size and stuff. Mike Montgomery, a prep LHP on the rise, would be plan B. 35. Chris Carpenter: Another good sized righty with very good stuff. Some past injury concerns, but he's been dealing all spring while staying healthy. 53. Lonnie Chisenhall: Pure hitter that should be able to play 3B. 54. Aaron Weatherford: Closer project that I obviously have shown my interest in. 62. Carlos Gutierrez: Closer now, I still contend he could begin his career as a starter. The Brewers have shown more interest in college arms that haven't been used as much as most (Steve Hammond comes to mind), as Weatherford, Gutierrez and Carpenter all apply here, although all three have some injuries in their past. 94. Antonio Jimenez: Athletic catcher, and the Brewers have had their eyes on Puerto Rico more than most teams in recent years. Adrian Nieto and Jake Jefferies would be plans B & C as catchers at this pick since catchers always seem to get drafted higher than where you think they would go.

I don't think anyone expects that pitching will provide a quick fix, but the Brewers really do need to add more pitchers to their system one way or the other. I agree with your preference for bats early, and do hope the team goes this route with their first pick, since bats in the first round are a much better bet to succeed than a pitcher, college or high school.

I just made the pick for the Brewers as part of a bloggers mock draft: http://mlbloggermockdraft.wordpress.com/2008/05/27/welcome-to-the-first-ever-united-baseball-blogger-collaborated-mock-draft/#comment-16 I ended up selecting Brett Lawrie, which was a tough call between him, Zach Collier and Anthony Hewitt. Even having Shooter Hunt still on the board was tough to pass up, and I know some would make some noise for Joshua Fields here, but I think the Brewers are thinking bat with their first pick and will load up on arms with their supplemental selections, saving possibly their last 2nd rounder for a catcher like Nieto or even Antonio Jimenez. That said I still think Lawrie goes to the Twins a few picks ahead and the Brewers end up with Hewitt.

So many prospects are having great months of May, none better than Gamel, who so far is having the best year of any Brewers prospect, but between Gamel, Bell, Lucroy, Salome, Green, Errecart, Escobar, Cain and Gillespie you could make one heck of a May lineup, and that doesn't even include the team's top prospect Matt LaPorta who obviously has been slumping. There is no shortage of bats in the system, as I'm still confident guys like Gindl and even Farris will start to turn things around, and Helena hasn't even begun play (watch out for Chris Dennis who reportedly is tearing up EST). This organization needs a serious injection of pitching...we'll probably see that happen a week from today.

If Melville is willing to accept money in the 10-15 range, I don't think money at the #16 spot would be that far off for the Brewers to get him in the fold, unless of course you're suggesting they take him with one of their sandwich picks, of which I would agree with.

I'm not sure what Law is talking about. Lawrie's been hitting with wood this entire spring, and is used to hitting with wood since most Canadian Leagues use wood bats. He impressed scouts last summer on the showcase circuit (the East Coast Pro comes to mind), and again, they use wood bats, which is part of the main point about showcase events. The main travel circuit during the summer that uses metal bats is the BCS league, of which I don't know if Lawrie was a part of or not. Lawrie's being able to catch or not is definitely more of a long-term project, and as noted his bat is thought to be more advanced that you may not want to slow his bat down. I think he could handle 3B, and if he can't he can move to a corner OF spot. I'm not so sure 2B is a good match for him, as I think he's going to get to big to have the range necessary for a middle IF. He's a good fit for the first of two Twins first-round picks, as they probably won't have a chance to get him with their 2nd of two first's, and they do have a history of drafting Canadians. He's actually a very similar player to Michael Cuddyer given his skill-set.

Friedrich falling to #16 isn't that big of a stretch, although I personally don't think he'll make it that far. I remember you pining for Mike Gosling way back when, as your passion for lefties may surpass my own http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif. I've already shared my interest in Cole St. Clair, one of my favorite prospects entering the 2007 draft season.

Huntsville is really must see viewing.. I haven't followed one team this closely since Prince, Hart, Hardy, and Weeks all played on the same team. Unless you mean with the Milwaukee Brewers, I'm pretty sure those four guys never played together for the same team in the minors. I think Hart, Fielder and Weeks had some time together at AAA, but Hardy was in Milwaukee by then IIRC, and even then Hardy was more well known for his time spent with Hart, Brad Nelson and Mike Jones at AA a few years before ('03?). Maas and the guys who really study the minor leaguers......is Gamel this good of a hitter. I know he was posted solid numbers on the way up, but this is upsurd. The Southern league is a pretty notorious pitcher's league if I am not mistaken and he is making it look like a joke. I know there are models to relate what a hitter is doing in the minors and project that to a major league equivelant....what do Mat's numbers look like? battlekow already provided the MLB calculator, which sounds way too good to be true, but yes, Gamel is this good of a hitter. He drew high praise from the team for his left-handed stroke when they drafted him, and just take a look at his minor league numbers as he has progressed. They keep getting better at each level, and people all along have been telling us that there is more power in his swing that his numbers suggest. It's a shame that he's not considered a better bet to stick at third base than he is, but he should hit well enough to play a corner OF spot down the road should 3B not work out. Just to share some praise for a couple of my other organizational faves, Jonathan Lucroy continues to put up big numbers, and is among the league leaders in almost every offensive category in the Sally League. Cole Gillespie's numbers may not be as gaudy as Gamel's, Salome's or LaPorta's, but his average has been creeping higher and higher this year after starting the year slow. He, like Lorenzo Cain at BC, is having a big month of May (and Gillespie didn't have too shabby of an April).

Here's a pic of Hewitt from BA today, along with a feature story (subscribers only) linked below: http://www.baseballamerica.com/images/ahewitt08428309.jpg http://www.baseballamerica.com/online/high-school/high-heat/2008/266161.html

There's an interesting interview conducted by Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette with Pirates GM Neal Huntington and team president Frank Coonelly. Kovacevic asks some good questions, with most of the interest surrounding around the Pirates not selecting Matt Wieters a year ago in relationship to whether or not they take Pedro Alvarez this year. ]http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08147/884885-63.stm?cmpid=pirates.xml[/b] Here's Coonelly's response to taking a player like Alvarez given his bonus and MLB contract demands: That's one way to say that you don't want to give into a player like Alvarez' bonus demands. I've been saying for quite some time that I don't think the Pirates take Alvarez if he's available (which seems more and more likely with the Rays reportedly zeroing in on Posey and Tim Beckham). The story does go on to state that the Pirates also have Posey and Tim Beckham on their short list, along with two pitchers (probably Matusz and Crow, but I think the Pirates take a bat at #2).