MLB draft: Did Pirates get it right with Konnor Griffin, Levi Sterling and Wyatt Sanford?

On his daily First 10 podcast, Post-Gazette sports columnist Jason Mackey recaps the MLB draft. Was Konnor Griffin the right pick for the Pirates at No. 9 overall? What about Levi Sterling in the compensatory round? Or Wyatt Sanford in the second round? And what awaits Mars High School product J.J. Wetherholt with the St. Louis Cardinals and Mt. Lebanon product David Shields with the Kansas City Royals?
Jason tackles those questions, previews the week at the All-Star game for Pirates representatives Paul Skenes and Bryan Reynolds and reacts to the weekend sweep of the White Sox in Chicago.
For more sports, visit post-gazette.com.

[@DavidYosten]

I like the pick. The holes they have in their line up need to be filled now, thru trades and free agency, not by a college bat that is still 2 years away. remember, even Dylan Crews who everyone wanted last year is not expected to be up until next season. That's normal. Immediate promotion to MLB is not.

[@MischievousMike]

Exactly. I think people need to understand that Paul Skenes is an anomaly with how quickly he got up here and how impactful he’s been. Draft the best talent, and it seems like this kid has the chance to be real special.

[@Sub-Life666]

In 10 days the Steelers will begin training camp. This is the first year in a long while, when they will share the spotlight with the Pirates. I hope it lasts until late September.

[@mtb-di1hh]

I appreciate the analysis. One question: do you have a dip in while doing this?

[@RobertKrzeminski-v4e]

One question. I get taking the most talent, but was does a defensive first SS as you second pick do fit you? Another Alina Williams? Can’t you do better than that at the #47 pick???

[@kevinmcclainsr.2706]

Connor could be the next Andy Van Slyke for the Pirates in the outfield.

[@joshl.685]

According to the broadcast he could turn into a GG centerfielder and the face of the franchise if his bat develops. I love the pick. High ceiling. One of the analyst said he could turn into Tatis Jr. I'll take that.

[@davidjones5547]

The key to your statement is "if his bat develops." It has been 20 years since this team has developed a bat. Do you have faith that they could do it this time? I most certainly don't.

[@godirectwildlandfire6077]

The issue is, the college bats have had at least a couple years more and better coaching than HS. Developing hitting has not been the Pirates strong suite, so drafting a college bat means less chance they can screw it up. OTOH, there's Henry Davis...

[@mikaeltorres2746]

Not so much in recent years if you can go to many good schools primarily prep or well funded. You can be well developed enough to be in the league especially how accessible technology is today and professional online coaching. But I do agree hitting development definitely needs to step up in the clubhouse.

[@mikaeltorres2746]

When it comes to high school guys its mainly kids with either big size or tall or a combination of multiple attributes. So they have lots of room to develop still.

[@davidjones5547]

I am 75 years old. chances are quite good that I will be dead by the time these high schoolers make it to the majors if ever

[@thebourg]

@@davidjones5547 I'm sure they took that into consideration

[@JASN-oj5qu]

This is not a organization that develops talent, they would be better of drafting ready college players.

[@PghCrawfords2K]

You’re fooling yourself if you think that most elite college players can help their mlb time in the short run. Dylan Crews from last year’s draft is still in AA and probably at least 1-2 years away. IMO, the Pirates drafted a kid with elite skills, a great baseball head, and a very promising future.

[@Cpl4200]

I am not too thrilled with the HS picks. Won't help in this window!

[@yurky1]

I don't mind griffin for the 1st pick. Young kid has a lot of potential. But the other 2 picks from yesterday was a little shocking that all 3 were HS players.

[@Cpl4200]

@@yurky1 I agree! I just hoped for a college bat that could help sooner than later even if we took one in the other rounds. We all see how Johnson is progressing and honest it makes me nervous.

[@yurky1]

@@Cpl4200 ya I agree. Griffin I just thought had so much potential. Says he has a hitch in his swing but he already said he has been working on that since the season ended. But then I was hoping to load up on some college bats. Man we need some help with our outfield and 1st base. Don't have anyone within a few years of the majors.

[@Cpl4200]

@@yurky1 Griffin's batting was the exact worry I had the other worry is about this organization actually developing these kids. A college bat would have been up here in 2 or 3 seasons to help.

[@WBSlashH]

Drafting these players allow them to trade their current assets for help. So they help this window by refilling the organization allowing them to trade some of their top 30 players for an established MLB bat

[@isitsustainable820]

Taking high school players is a good way to lose fans’ interest.

[@SpeezyBeatsTUP]

lol well bye