Pittsburgh Pirates 2013 Prospect Watch: Ranks 11-15 - KHarmo88's Dynasty

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Pittsburgh Pirates 2013 Prospect Watch: Ranks 11-15

Posted on March 15, 2013 at 09:16 PM.

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Rank 11: Alex Dickerson

The Pirates were hoping they were getting an advanced hitter when they nabbed Dickerson out of Indiana University, and if his first year and change in the organization is any indication, they may be right. The left-handed hitter has shown some natural hitting ability, leading the system in RBIs while finishing third in the system in hits and fourth in batting average in 2012. He was named the Florida State League's Player of the Year in his first full season, and his bat has a chance to play as he advances. That's because he has a good understanding of the strike zone and makes good adjustments. He should be an acceptable defender at first, and just how much his power develops will determine whether he's an everyday first baseman at the highest level, with many feeling it will come in time and his left-handed swing will play very well in PNC Park.

ETA: 2014

Rank 12: Andrew Oliver

When the Tigers drafted this Oklahoma State lefty, the hope was that he�d be a quick riser to the big leagues. That came to pass, as Oliver made two starts for Detroit in his first year of pro ball. He made two more the following season, in 2011, but had not been able to establish himself in the big leagues before being dealt to the Pirates in December 2012. He�s still a big, strong and relatively young southpaw with pretty good stuff. His fastball can touch 94-95 mph, though arm strength has never been the issue. He�ll throw a Major League average slider and changeup, though his secondary stuff has been inconsistent at times. His biggest issue, though, has been his command, with his walk rate increasing each of the last two years. Oliver did get in some relief work at the end of the 2012 season, something to consider as he begins his Pirates career.

ETA: 2013

Rank 13: Nick Kingham

Since signing him with an over-slot deal in 2010, the Pirates didn't hesitate to challenge Kingham a bit, sending him to the New York-Penn League for his debut, largely against much older competition. Then he spent the 2012 season in full-season ball at age 20 and while his overall numbers were mixed, he finished very strongly, with a 1.68 ERA over his final nine starts. The big right-hander could have three above-average-or-better pitches and above-average command when all is said and done. Kingham will touch 95 mph with his fastball, with plenty of movement. His changeup has deceptive sink, and it's been his best secondary offering in the past. His curve may have caught up, and the power breaking ball might be just as good down the road. The Pirates were very aggressive in going after high-ceiling high school arms in the past few Drafts and Kingham has the chance to be one of the best from that effort.

ETA: 2015

Rank 14: Bryan Morris

Morris is the only player still with the organization from the Jason Bay trade, and he's finally ready to contribute at the big league level. The key has been the 2011 move to the bullpen, where his power repertoire plays up in shorter stints. Morris' fastball will touch 95 mph, with a ton of sink to generate a lot of ground balls. He throws two breaking balls, but the power slider is the better option as he doesn't command his downer curve consistently. Command and control was a big reason why the move to relieving made sense, and he'll have to continue to locate better to have an impactful role in the big league bullpen.

ETA: 2013

Rank 15: Clay Holmes

The 2011 Draft may always be known for Gerrit Cole and Josh Bell in Pittsburgh, but it shouldn't be forgotten that Clay Holmes came later in that Draft and the Pirates convinced him to sign with a seven-figure bonus as well. It could be money well spent, as he projects to have four pitches that are Major League average or better. Holmes' fastball has the chance to be a plus pitch, and he uses his height to throw downhill. When he keeps his fastball down in the zone, he does elicit ground-ball outs. Holmes' secondary stuff remains a work in progress, but his curve, slider and changeup all have the chance to be average. Like with many young pitchers, he needs to improve his command, and with his size, maintaining his mechanics will be key. As long as the Pirates are patient, though, the payoff could be substantial.

ETA: 2016