Pittsburgh Pirates: Gerrit Cole (RHP, UCLA)
As predicted by pre-draft rumors, the Pittsburgh Pirates selected UCLA ace Gerrit Cole with the first overall pick in the draft. A 6-4, 220 pound fireballer, Cole had an erratic season for the Bruins, going 6-8, 3.31 with a 119/24 K/BB in 114 innings.
But scouts remain entranced with him, focusing on his 95-99 MPH fastball, power slider, and excellent changeup.Despite his inconsistency this spring, his K/BB ratio was outstanding and reflects the excellent gains he made with his command and control in college. Although he showed a volatile personality in high school, he has emerged as a very positive makeup player and scouts have no doubts about his intangibles at this point. He's also smoothed out his delivery, enhancing his command.
Cole projects as a definite number-one starter in the majors. He turned down the Yankees as a first-round pick in 2008, 28th overall, and it looks like he made the right decision.