Bucs take SS in draft
The Pirates had two picks in the opening round of Monday’s Major League draft, the 19th and 32nd selections. The second pick was a compensatory pick for the loss of catcher Russell Martin in free agency.
With the 19th selection, Pittsburgh took 22-year-old Arizona University shortstop Kevin Newman (6-1, 180).
Newman led the Cape Cod League in batting in each of the past two seasons, becoming the first player to do that in the prestigous college league’s history.
He’s considering a strong contact hitter who might have the athleticism to remain a middle infielder.
With their second selection, the Pirates selected Texas high school player Ke’Bryan Hayes, the son of former Major League Baseball star Charlie Hayes.
Hayes, like his father, a third baseman, has committed to the University of Tennessee but is considered signable. He has a powerful 6-1, 210-pound build and the 18-year-old could develop into a power hitter.