Draft Haul: 32 Pitchers, 25 High Schoolers
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PITTSBURGH -- The Pirates concluded the draft the way they started it with lots of pitchers.
On Thursday, they made their final 10 selections, eight of whom were pitchers. Overall, their 50 picks included 32 pitchers, eight outfielders, three catchers, three first basemen, three shortstops and one third baseman. Twenty-five were high school candidates.
The draft list by round:
1. Jameson Taillon, pitcher, The Woodlands (Tex.) High School: Had 8-1 record and 1.78 ERA in 11 games as senior. . . Struck out 114 batters and walked 21 in 62 innings. . . Fanned 19 batters in a no-hitter on March 23. . . Rated by Baseball America as best pitcher available in draft and as second-best overall player among top 200 prospects in country. . . Also was rated to have best fastball and being closest to major leagues among all high school pitchers. . . Made The Woodlands varsity team as freshman and went on to post 22-6 record and 282 strikeouts in 173 innings pitched in his career. . . Credited with victory in Gold Medal Game against Cuba for USA Baseball's 18-and-under National Team in 2009 Pan American Junior Championship. . . Had 2-0 record, 0.00 ERA and 28 strikeouts in two starts in the tournament.
2. Stetson Allie, pitcher, St. Edwards (O.) High School: Posted 9-1 record and 1.29 ERA as senior at Lakewood, O., school this season. . . Fanned 134 batters in 60 innings. . . Struck out 13 batters in six innings in the Division I state championship on June 6 and reached 100 miles per hour on the radar gun half-dozen times. . . Ranked by Baseball America as eighth-best prospect in the country prior to draft. . . Also was said to have second-best fastball behind Taillon among high school pitchers.
3. Mel Rojas Jr., outfielder, Wabash Valley (Ill.) Community College: Hit .398 with 19 doubles, 10 triples, 12 home runs, 71 RBI and 94 runs scored as a freshman for Mt. Carmel, Ill., school, which won Region 24 title after 50-12 record in regular season. . . Led the nation with 61 stolen bases in 64 attempts, 12 more steals than next highest total. . . Tied for team lead with 97 hits. . . Was named 2010 Great Rivers Athletic Conference Freshman of Year. . . Father is Mel Rojas, former major league pitcher.
4. Nick Kingham, pitcher, Sierra Vista (Nev.) High School: Among Baseball America's top 200 prospects prior to draft (No. 186). . . The 6-foot-5 right-hander had 8-3 record, a 2.01 ERA and 73 strikeouts in 13 games as senior this season. . . Was named first team All-State. . . Was No. 2 recruit in the state of Nevada (No. 156 nationally), according to Perfect Game Crosschecker. . . Signed letter of intent with Oregon. . . Sat out his junior year after transfer. . . Played last summer for the Las Vegas Scout Team and recently competed at Arizona Senior Fall Classic in October. . . In 2009, he had 10-1 record for Las Vegas Lions, his American Legion team.
5. Tyler Waldren, pitcher, Oregon State: Had 4-6 record, three saves, 56 strikeouts and 5.90 ERA in 23 games (seven starts) as junior this year. . . Team was eliminated from the College World Series in Gainesville Regionals. . . Was 32nd-round selection in the 2007 draft (Florida Marlins) but did not sign Played 2008 season for Pacific University, where he had 3-7 record, 5.20 ERA and team-leading 91 2/3 innings in 15 starts. . . Posted 6-4 record and 4.15 ERA in 16 appearances (14 starts) with Oregon State in 2009. . . Is graduate of Golden Sierra High School, where he was a four-year all-league performer and two-time Most Valuable Player. . . Was also named the Sacramento Player of Year in 2007. . . Posted 0.65 ERA as senior, allowing seven earned runs in 76 innings. . . Also hit .530 with 12 doubles, two triples and two home runs as high school senior. . . Had 7-2 record and 1.13 ERA as a junior at Golden Sierra High School.
6. Jason Hursh, pitcher, Trinity Christian Academy (Tex.): Had 9-1 record, 2.32 ERA and 108 strikeouts as senior this season. . . Committed to pitch at Oklahoma State. . . Widely considered to be premier pitcher to come out of Trinity Christian Academy since David Purcey, Toronto Blue Jays first-round pick in 2004 Draft.
7. Austin Kubitza, pitcher, Heritage (Tex.) High School: Ranked by Baseball American among top 200 prospects in country prior to the draft (No. 153). . . The 6-foot, 5-inch right-hander went 4-1 with one save, 1.79 ERA and 35 strikeouts in 39 innings this season. . . Also left-handed hitting outfielder who batted .356 with five home runs, eight doubles and 30 RBI. . . Was District 5-5A Player of the Year. . . Earned honorable mention All-District 15-5A and was member of AFLAC All-American Team.
8. Dace Kime, pitcher, Defiance (O.) High School: Posted 7-0 mark, 1.21 ERA and 103 strikeouts in 63 2/3 innings as senior. . . Also hit .420 with team-leading 37 RBI. . . Was preseason Louisville Slugger All-American, first team All-State selection and 2009 Western Buckeye League co-Player of Year. . . Went 9-0 recod, 0.70 ERA and 105 strikeouts for Defiance High School in 2009. . . Attended Perfect Game National Showcase, the East Coast Showcase in Lakeland, Fla., and the Area Codes in Long Beach, Ca. . . Is two-time All-State and All-District honoree with 0.66 career ERA and 20-1 recordPitched two no-hitters at the prep level and had personal best 16 strikeouts in game as junior. . . Also lettered in basketball and football.
9. Brandon Cumpton, pitcher, Georgia Tech: Posted 9-3 record and 5.50 ERA in 15 starts as junior this season. . . Made 12 starts last year and ranked second on the team in strikeouts (63). . . Had 4-3 mark and 4.76 ERA in 64 1/3 innings. . . Also led the ACC in fewest home runs allowed (three) as sophomore. . . Was four-year letter winner at Greenbrier High School and two-year captain of baseball team. . . Was tabbed Louisville Slugger High School All-American as pitcher and third baseman in 2007. . . Finished high school career with 31-3 record and 1.01 ERA. . . Also hit .415 with 10 home runs and 106 RBI. . . Led Greenbrier to 2006 and 2007 AAAA State Championship as well as three region championships. . . Selected Region Player of the Year in 2007. . . Was named a Team Georgia Senior Selection in 2007 after playing for Team Georgia in 2006. . . Led his 2007 Savannah Chain team to the Barrett-Fletcher World Series title, earning win in championship game.
10. Zack Weiss, pitcher, Northwood (Calif.) High School: Turned in 7-5 record, two saves and team-leading 2.45 ERA in 14 games (11 starts) as senior. . . Also led team in innings pitched (65 2/3) and strikeouts (82). . . Was named Northwood High School Pitcher of the Year. . . Committed to UCLA. . . Had 4-2 mark, 2.70 ERA, 36 strikeouts and one save in 33 2/3 innings as junior in 2009. . . Played for Milwaukee Brewers Gray Team at 2009 Area Code Games in Long Beach, Calif.). . . Competed for Irvine Rox at Junior Olympics and played in Southwest Future All-Star Series. . . Also took part in Dodgers Elite Lasorda Classic Showcase. . . Secured scholar-athlete honors as junior at Northwood High School.
11. Daniel Grovatt, outfielder, University of Virginia: Hit .289 (65-for-225) with nine doubles, four triples, eight home runs and 56 RBI in 58 games as a junior. . . Named first team All-ACC in 2009 and was MVP of the ACC Baseball Championship. . . Led team in batting with a .356 average as a sophomore. . . Named an All-Star in Cape Cod League as member of Harwich Mariners, for whom he hit .288 with team-high 36 hits in summer of 2009. . . Named to ACC Academic Honor Roll and All-ACC Academic Team after 2008 season in which he hit .324 with 46 RBI in 58 games. . . Named Freshman All-American by Louisville Slugger. . . Graduate of Seneca High School and was named 2007 South Jersey Player of Year by Philadelphia Inquirer and Courier Post. . . Led team to 2007 state championship, earning title game MVP honors after hurling three-hitter with 13 strikeouts. . . Set single-season school records for batting average (.588), triples (seven) and wins as a pitcher (10). . . Posted 20-2 career record on mound, including 10-1 as senior. . . Also hit .588 with five triples, 11 doubles and seven home runs as senior.
12. Vincent Payne, pitcher, Cypress (Calif.) College: Had four starts and 14 appearances as freshman last season. . . Finished with 1-3 record, 18 strikeouts and 7.58 ERA in 19 innings pitched. . . Is graduate of El Modena High School in Orange County, Calif., which he led to Century League championship as junior. . . Led team in hits as senior and was two-year letter winner. . . Also excelled in basketball.
13. Christopher Kirsch, pitcher, Marple Newtown (Pa.) High school:
Posted a 5-4 record and 1.35 ERA as senior. . . Totaled 42 strikeouts in 26 2/3 innings as senior.
14. Bryce Weidman, pitcher, Southwestern Oregon Community College: Had 4-6 record, one save and 2.20 ERA in 13 appearances this season. . . Struck out 82 batters and walked 15. . . Known for his powerful, accurate fastball. . . Earned first team All-State honors in 2008 and 2009. . . Recognized as Player of Year in Far West League.
15. Andrew Maggi, shortstop, Arizona State University: Hit .343 with 10 doubles, three triples, four home runs, 37 RBI and 34 stolen bases in 58 games as sophomore this season. . . Appeared in 61 games as freshman and was honorable mention All-Pac-10 selection after hitting .309 with 34 RBI. . . Scored 63 runs, most ever by Sun Devils freshman. . . Also stole 21 bases, breaking record shared by Barry Bonds and Steve Garrabrants for most by freshman. . . Selected by Arizona in 47th round of 2008 draft.
16. Matthew Curry, first base, Texas Christian University: Hit .353 with 26 doubles, 17 home runs and 59 RBI in 60 games as a senior. . . Hit .315 with three homers and 31 RBI in 51 games in 2009. . . Played two seasons at Howard Junior College and was first-team All-Conference performer both seasons. . . Twice broke school record for doubles in season with 28 as freshman and 32 as sophomore. . . Hit .425 with 10 home runs and 70 RBI as freshman and .451 with 20 home runs and 90 RBI as sophomore. . . Drafted by Pirates in 37th round of the 2008 draft.
17. Ryan Hafner, pitcher, Lee's Summit West (Mo.) High School: Senior 6-foot-6 right-hander has committed to Missouri State. . . Was first-team All-Conference pitcher in 2008 and 2009. . . Also earned All-Conference recognition as first baseman. . . Had 5-2 record and 2.02 ERA as junior, striking out 63 batters and allowing 28 hits in 45 innings.
18. Chase Wentz, outfielder, Louisiana State University (Shreveport): Hit .348 with 10 doubles, 11 triples, six homers and 56 RBI in 55 games this season. . . Named to Gulf Coast All-Conference Team. . . Known for his strong arm, he produced six assists from right field this season and 12 in his three-year college careerProduced .312 average, 22 home runs and 121 RBI in 144 career games.
19. Kent Emanuel, pitcher, Woodstock (Ga.) High School: Turned in 6-1 record and 0.92 ERA as senior. . . Stands 6-foot-4 . . . Struck out 114 batters, walked eight and allowed 23 hits in 58 2/3 innings pitched. . . Named All-County and All-Region as junior in 2009 and was named Cherokee County Male Athlete of Year. . . Named county Pitcher of Year and earned All-County honors as sophomore. . . Also was standout basketball player in high school.
20. Justin Bencsko, outfielder, Villanova University: Hit .356 with 31 RBI and 24 stolen bases in 50 games as a senior. . . Is graduate of Pequannock High School, where he lettered four years in baseball and soccer and three in basketball. . . Received All-County and all-conference honors in baseball while earning Associated Press All-State second team accolades.
21. Dale Carey, outfielder, Wheeler (Ga.) High School: Finished his career at Wheeler by hitting .373 with five home runs, 21 RBI and nine stolen bases in his senior season. . . Signed letter of intent with University of Miami, choosing Hurricanes over Georgia, Georgia Tech and Florida. . . Attended same high school as Josh Burrus (first-round pick, 29th overall by Atlanta Braves in 2001) and Jeremy Hermida (first-round pick, 11th overall by Florida Marlins in 2002). . . Ranked by Baseball America as 25th-best prospect in Georgia in draft this year.
22. Adalberto Santos, outfielder, Oregon State: Hit .336 with 15 doubles, 10 home runs and 36 RBI in 56 games as senior. . . Hit .320 with four homers and 43 RBI as junior. . . Led nation with .520 batting average as a sophomore with New Mexico Junior College in 2007. . . Recorded .570 on-base percentage and .861 slugging percentage in 2007 while earning first team All-America honorsWas 17th-round selection by Toronto Blue Jays in 2007 Draft and 35th-round selection by San Diego Padres in 2009 Draft.
23. Jared Lakind, first baseman, Cypress Woods (Tex.) High School: Pitched and played first base in his senior season. . . Hit .404 with 15 doubles, five home runs and .523 on-base percentage. . . Produced .764 slugging percentage and 1.287 OPS in 89 at bats. . . Is Arkansas recruit. . . Ranked 69th in country (No. 9 in Texas) in the Perfect Game rankings of the top 500 high school prospects for this year. . . Hit .316 with six home runs, 26 RBI and four stolen bases while posting a 2.33 ERA and 23 strikeouts in 16 innings as junior in 2009. . . Named honorable mention All-District 15-5A in 2009.
24. Justin Howard, first base, New Mexico University: A transfer from Navarro College who batted .456 (119-for-261) with 32 doubles, 10 home runs and 72 RBI in 59 games with New Mexico as senior. . . Led nation in hits and batting average much of season. . . Named to 2010 Louisville Slugger All-America team and 2010 All-MWC team. . . Helped lead Lobos to first NCAA tournament appearance in 48 years. . . Team lost to Cal State- Fullerton in elimination game at NCAA Fullerton Regional. . . Attended Navarro College in 2007 and 2008. . . Batted .395 with 16 doubles, three home runs, 53 RBI and 21 stolen bases in 53 games.
25. Casey Sadley, pitcher, Western Oklahoma State: Posted 10-1 record and 3.12 ERA in 17 games (15 starts) as sophomore this season. . . Struck out 81 batters in 74 innings. . . Ranked by Baseball America among top 25 players in Oklahoma.
26. Brandon Pierce, pitcher, Gunter (Tex.) High School: Had 9-2 record with 2.00 ERA as senior. . . Was 2010 North Texas High School Baseball Coaches All-StarNamed MVP in District 11-2A and first team All-State selection by the Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association. . . Committed to Nebraska over TCU, Texas A&M, Texas and Miami (Fla.) among others. . . Was one of 144 players from around country chosen to try out for the 2009 under-18 U.S. national teamWas third team All-State pick as junior and sophomore.
27. Kevin Kleis, pitcher, Grossmont (Ca.) College: Stands 6-foot-8 right-hander. . . Had a 1-2 mark and 4.29 ERA as freshman this season. . . Struck out 13 batters in 16 1/3 innings.
28. Zachary Powers, shortstop, Armwood (Fla.) High School: Hit team-high .411 with seven doubles, one triple, three homers and 18 RBI as senior. . . Also posted 9-1 record, 1.51 ERA and .138 opponents batting average . . . Had 3-0 mark, 1.09 ERA and two complete games in three post season starts. . . Pitched complete game four-hitter in 3-1 triumph over St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale) in Class 5A state semifinal, leading school to its first state championship game. . . Signed to play at the University of Florida, where he was recruited as third baseman. . . Also recruited by Clemson, Florida International, Florida Atlantic and South Florida. . . Ranked as the 52nd-best draft prospect in Florida, according to Baseball America.
29. Garret Levsen, pitcher, Sonora (Calif.) High School: Posted 9-4 record and 2.90 ERA in 13 starts as senior. . . Also tossed eight complete games and five shutouts. . . Struck out 80 batters in 80 2/3 innings.
30. Matthew Skirving, catcher, Eastern Michigan: Made 55 appearances (53 starts) for Eastern Michigan this season. . . Hit .259 with six home runs and 28 RBI. . . Led team with 17 doubles. . . Hit .348 in 54 starts with 16 homers (fifth in MAC) and team-leading 64 RBI in 2009. . . Earned first-team All-MAC and first-team All-Region accolades as designated hitter in 2009. . . Was three-year letter-winner at H.H. Dow High School, where he was selected to MHSAA All-Region and All-District teams his junior and senior yearsWas selected to All-State team as junior and All-State Dream Team as senior.
31. Jason Townsend, pitcher, University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa): Posted 2-1 record and struck out 36 batters in 36 innings. . . Made 21 appearances (two starts) as junior. . . Joined Alabama after 11-5 record and 4.47 ERA in previous two seasons at Chipola Junior College in Marianna, Fla., where he made 28 career appearances (20 starts). . . Helped Chipola to win 71 games during his two-year career, as school made its second straight appearance in National Junior College Athletic Association World Series in Grand Junction, Colo., in 2008.
32. Chase Lyles, infielder, Northwestern State University: Senior third baseman-shortstop earned All-SLC second team honors after hitting .350 for season. . . Totaled seven home runs and team-high 56 RBI. . . Set single-season school record with 34 stolen bases and single-game record with four in one game this season. . . Hit .362 with team-high 14 home runs and 47 RBI (second-best on the team) in 2009. . . Also paced team with 55 runs scored, two triples, 135 total bases, 27 walks, 17 stolen bases and 51 games played as juniorLed team with 20 stolen bases in 23 attempts as sophomore in 2008.
33. Justin Ennis, pitcher, LSU (Shreveport): Turned in 12-0 record this season. . . Ranked fifth in the NAIA in wins and 18th in the NAIA in strike outs (92). . . Tied for team lead with 94 2/3 innings. . . Also led LSU in wins and ERA (2.85) this season. . . Was preseason All American selection in NAIA in addition to earning a spot on the Pre-Season All Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Team. . . Was also named to first team All-GCAC. . . After three seasons, he is currently second in career wins (28) and fourth in innings pitched (274.1).
34. Kelson Brown, shortstop, Linfield (Calif.) College: Hit a team-best .443 (third best on Linfield career list). . . Set club records for hits (89) doubles (27), RBI (72) and total bases (147) and led school to record 37 wins. . . Played and started all 50 games at shortstop. . . Was first team ABCA All-America shortstop as senior and led Linfield to within two victories of the NCAA Division III national championship. . . Named West Region and Northwest Conference Player of Year. . . Is graduate of La Caada High School in La Caada, Calif., on northwest outskirts of Los Angeles, where he was two-time Rio Honda League All-Star.
35. Andrew Muren, outfielder, California State (Northridge): Hit .290 with three home runs, 21 RBI and 47 runs scored in 52 games as sophomore this season. . . Was two-sport athlete at Ramona High School, where he played football and baseball. . . Named All-Valley League and All-CIF as senior...Led football and baseball teams to league championships as junior. . . Hit .472 with nine home runs and 1.44 ERA as senior.
36. James Archibald, pitcher, McLennan (Tex.) Community College: Had a 3-1 record and 3.00 ERA and team-high 27 innings this season. . . Named 2009 Houston Area Baseball Coaches Association All-Star. . . Was two-time first team All-District selection.
37. William Allen, catcher, Buchholz (Fla.) High School: The 6-3, 215-pounder hit .470 with 11 homers and 33 RBI as senior. . . Finished his career as all-time team leader in home runs. . . Committed to attend University of Mississippi.
38. Alex Cox, pitcher, Santiago (Calif.) High School: Named to Riverside County All-Star team. . . Was a second-team All-Big 8 Player. . . Had 5-3 record and 2.67 ERA.
39. Kevin Decker, pitcher, College of Charleston (Ind.): Posted 8-0 record, 3.78 ERA and 67 strikeouts in 17 games (11 starts) as senior. . . Played two years at Seminole Community College before move to College of Charleston. . . Attended Washington High School in Washington, Ind., where he was four-year starter on baseball team from 2003-06. . . Was member of Washington basketball team that won 2005 state championship.
40. Harrison Cooney, pitcher, Vero Beach (Fla.) High School: Joined Vero Beach this spring after transfer from Sebastian River High School. . . Did not pitch until the 10th game of season. . . Had 7-1 mark, five complete games, 1.52 ERA and 55 strikeouts in 50 2/3 innings. . . Pitched no-hitter against Centennial High School on March 20. . . Also had three one-hitters this season.
41. John Trepagnier, pitcher, East St. John (La.) High School: Earned spot on All-Parish county team. . . Struck out 69 batters in 64 innings and hit .323 in senior season.
42. Stephen Lumpkins, pitcher, American University: Starting 6-foot-8 forward on basketball team last sason. . . Averaged 13 points and 8.5 rebounds. . . University does not have a baseball team. . . Played in American Legion games in month that he was home in California last summer. . . Plans to join Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League's Bethesda Big Train for their summer season this summer if he does not sign pro contract. . . Earned four varsity letters (two in basketball, two in baseball) while at Junipero Serra (Calif.) High School. . . Named basketball MVP in junior and senior years. . . Was also two-time San Mateo County Player of the Year, All-WCAL and league-leading scorer.
43. Garrett Hicks, pitcher, Yucaipa (Calif.) High School.
44. Cory McGinnis, pitcher, Shelton State (Ala.) Community College: Had 11-2 record and 3.93 ERA in 18 games as freshman this season. . . Is 2009 graduate of Hampton High School.
45. Connor Sadzeck, pitcher, Crystal Lake Central (Ill.) High School: The 6-foot-6, 200-pound right-hander had 6-4 record and 3.56 ERA as senior. . . Pitched no-hitter year on May 10. . . Struck out 89 batters and walked 26 in 52 1/3 innings. . . Was Northwest Herald All-Area honorable mention selection in 2009 after 6-3 record and 2.70 ERA. . . Pitched at The Perfect Game in East Cobb, Ga., as well as Area Code Game in Long Beach, Calif., in 2009. . . Committed to University of Oklahoma.
46. Ryan Wiggins, catcher, West Seattle (Wash.) High School: Hit .452 with six home runs, 33 RBI and 31 runs scored in 21 games this season. . . Named First Team All-Metro in 2009.
47. Nathan Sorenson, outfielder, Texas High School: Was 2010 first team All-13-4A District Baseball Team selection. . . . Signed to play quarterback at Oklahoma State University over TCU, Kansas State, Texas Tech and Rice. . . Won gold medal at high school state track championships in 800-meter relays this year.
48. Dillon Haviland, pitcher, South Fayette (Pa.) High School: Had 10-0 record, 0.51 ERA and 96 strikeouts this season. . . Selected as Class AA Pitcher of Year by WPIAL coaches. . . Pitched no-hitter against Bald Eagle Area in first round of playoffs and struck out 15 in two-hit, 4-0 win against Mt. Union in semifinals. . . Accepted scholarship offer from Duke. . . Struck out 136 batters in 70 innings as junior in 2009.
49. Logan Pevny, pitcher, West Milford (N.J.) High School: Had 3-2 mark, 4.59 ERA and 49 strikeouts in 32 innings as senior. . . Also hit .340 with team-high eight homers and 34 RBI. . . Became first West Milford player drafted directly out of high school.
50. Dusty Isaacs, pitcher, Lebanon (O.) High School: Had 4-3 record, 2.09 ERA, 69 strikeouts in 56 innings as senior. . . Struck out 61 batters in 41 innings as junior in 2009. . . Also hit .457 with five homers and 24 RBI in 25 games.

