2014 MLB Draft: RF Jordan Luplow Highlights Pittsburgh Pirates Day 2 Picks
By Matt Shetler
Pirates 8th round pick Austin Coley (Photo Credit: Belmont University)
Round 8, Pick 251, Austin Coley, RHP, Belmont
Coley was drafted in the 27th round by the New York Mets last year and put up a nice season with a 2.72 ERA in 82.2 innings this year, with an 85:42 K/BB ratio.
His fastball sits in the 91-93 MPH range and has a decent curveball and changeup.
He only has average control, but the Pirates like guys with solid fastballs and changeups and Coley fits that bill.
Round 9, Pick 281, Kevin Krause, C, Stony Brook
Krause hit for a .354/.441/.551 line with eight homers in 198 at-bats this past season.
Scouts say he could remain behind the plate although he has played the outfield as well. Krause has a good arm but will need some work behind the plate.
He is said to have decent power but won’t hit for a high average.
Krause is the third catcher the Pirates have selected in the first nine rounds, although second-round pick Connor Joe will certainly move to right field.
Round 10, Pick 311, Alex McRae, RHP, Jacksonville University
McRae had a down season this year, putting up a 6.06 ERA in 87.2 innings, with a 69:32 K/BB ratio and wasn’t among baseball America’s Top 500 prospects.
All I know about this guy is he throws 89-93 with his fastball and has a good slider.
The 2014 MLB Draft will continue on Saturday. Check back to City of Champions Sports for all your updates on who the Pirates select.