Opportunity Knocks
Bucs Prep for Draft
By Walter Villa

The next huge day in the development of the Pirates' organization is June 9, when they pick fourth in the major-league draft.

After selecting Vanderbilt third baseman Pedro Alvarez second overall in 2008, the Pirates get another opportunity to add front-line talent.

Unfortunately for the Bucs, they likely won't get a chance to draft the pitcher with the 103 mile-per-hour fastball who could be ideal atop their rotation in the near future.

That's Stephen Strasburg, the 6-5, 225-pound right-hander from San Diego State. He struck out 23 in a one-hit win over Utah last season and had 17 Ks in a no-hitter last month over Air Force.

Washington has the No. 1 pick this year and will be followed by Seattle, San Diego and the Pirates.

Baseball America rates University of North Carolina right-hander Alex White as the draft's No. 2 prospect, followed by Southern Cal shortstop Grant Green.

If the draft follows that road map, it would leave the Pirates with the chance at grabbing another big bat in UNC first baseman Dustin Ackley, a lefty hitter with power.

But drafts often don't go according to plan. Green, for example, has had an off year and could slip. And there is a chance that Strasburg's expected asking price could scare away Washington, Seattle and San Diego.

At least that's the dream for Pirates fans, which have had more than their share of draft nightmares the past 16 years.