2014 MLB Draft: RF Jordan Luplow Highlights Pittsburgh Pirates Day 2 Picks
By Matt Shetler
Pirates 3rd round pick Jordan Luplow (Photo Credit: Max Preps)
A day after selecting Arizona high school shortstop Cole Tucker in the first round, starting a trend that saw the Bucs take three prep players among their four selections on Thursday.
The Pirates strategy changed dramatically during the second day of the draft on Friday.
Rounds 3-10 saw the Bucs focus heavily on college players as seven of their eight selections came through the collegiate ranks.
They also showed a tendency to focus on position players as five of their eight picks focused on the offensive side of things.
With that being said, here’s a quick look at how the Pirates fared on day two of the 2014 MLB Draft.
Round 3, Pick 100, Jordan Luplow, RF, Fresno State
Fresno State’s right fielder and No. 3 hitter has shown the ability to hit for average and power in 2014, improving his draft stock consistently throughout the spring.
The right-handed hitter makes consistent hard contact with good bat speed. While none of his other tools particularly stand out, Luplow is considered to be more of a solid all-around player.
Luplow hit for a .385/.478/.629 line in his junior season this year and can play all three outfield positions.
He is good value at this spot as he was ranked the 94th best draft prospect by MLB.com and the 95th by Keith Law.
Round 4, Pick 131, Taylor Gushue, C, Florida
Gushue has established himself as a solid all-around catcher in his three years at Florida. He is a capable receiver with an average arm and a quick release. Gushue is a switch-hitter and has a quick, compact swing from both sides of the plate.
He doesn’t have great power but could develop into a nice gap to gap hitter.
This year he hit for a .320/.389/.473 line with six homers in 222 at-bats. Baseball America had him rated 107th, and says he could be a below-average hitter with average raw power.
Last year’s first round pick Reese McGuire is the Pirates likely catcher of the future, so Gushue will be coming up behind him in the future.