NEW YORK (AP) — The Washington Nationals had it pretty easy in the last two baseball drafts.
Fireballing righty Stephen Strasburg was the clear-cut No. 1 pick in 2009, while powerful slugger Bryce Harper was in the same spot a year ago. Well, it’s the Pittsburgh Pirates’ turn with the first overall pick Monday night, and it’s no simple task.
While Strasburg and Harper were hyped as No. 1 picks for months, several players have taken turns at the top of mock drafts this year.
UCLA right-hander Gerrit Cole could be the Pirates’ guy. Or, maybe Rice third baseman Anthony Rendon. Perhaps it will be Virginia lefty Danny Hultzen, or Oklahoma high school righty Dylan Bundy.
The Pirates last drafted first in 2002, when they took pitcher Bryan Bullington.
