Vanderbilt star on Pirates' radar

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08:23 AM ET 06.01
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The Pirates are in no position to say definitively which player they will select at No. 2 overall in Major League Baseball's draft Thursday, but there are strong indications, internally and externally, that they favor Vanderbilt University third baseman Pedro Alvarez. That might surprise some. For one, Alvarez, a 21-year-old left-handed power hitter, is represented by super-agent Scott Boras, who has sent signals that he will seek a bonus in excess of $7 million, as well as an immediate major league contract.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Pittsburgh Pirates, AP

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June 1, 2008 02:27 PM ET

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With Neil Walker struggling a little bit in AAA, this becomes interesting. If Beckham goes at #1, that leaves Alvarez and Posey on the board. The Pirates really screwed up by taking Moskos last year. If they had taken Wieters, they would have sewn up their catcher position and could have taken Alvarez no-doubt. But they have Walker in the wings...I hear both Posey and Alvarez are studs, with Alvarez grading out better (but he has a hand injury...can that heal 100%?) I also think there are 2 stud pitchers...but the Pirates have worn our their welcome with first round pitchers. Posey or Alvarez...good problem to have! I just hope the Pirates take the BEST (regardless of Boras).

Lazo

Johnstown , PA

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June 1, 2008 09:28 PM ET

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Got to keep players you draft instead of trading away talent becauase of the botom line - $$$ If you are going to draft someone - develop him, bring him to the Majors and if he works out KEEP HIM AND PAY HIM !!!

Mike C. 1927

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June 2, 2008 11:54 AM ET

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We do not need a 3rd baseman! WHAT! $7000000!

Random Caribou

Pittsburgh , PA

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June 2, 2008 12:09 PM ET

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Beckham, Alvarez or Posey - Good problem to have. From the PG, it looks like one of those three (and management is not shying away due to agent selection or position problems).

The Pirates do not have enough talent to worry about to which position they are drafting. WRT Alvarez, most draft analysis state he will end up being shifted in position anyway. Posey and Beckham have the tools to shift elsewhere too. Take the highest ceiling Bucs.