As a very frustrated but loyal Pirate fan, I cannot help but feel joy for Joe Bauserman's choice.
The Pirates organization is possibly the worst organization in the Major Leagues at developing pitching talent. Worst of all, they are almost definitely the worst organization in the Major Leagues at developing pitching talent.
I'm still honestly surprised Joe Bauserman didn't need Tommy John surgery, shoulder surgery, elbow surgery, or some sort of freak injury that would have ruined his arm.
Through the 2005 draft, the following Pirates pitchers drafted by David Littlefield (Ding dong the witch is gone) right out of HS suffered injuries in the minor leagues:
- Blair Johnson, 2002, 2nd round, should surgery
- David Davidson, 2002, 10th round, various injuries and control issues
- Kyle Pearson, 2003, 4th round, missed one year with unknown injury
- Russell Johnson, 2003, 7th round, elbow surgery
- Eric Ridener, 2004, 8th round, sore arm
5 out of 7 injured, and they haven't amounted to anything. Major setbacks ruin Pirates pitchers. The uninjured pitchers were Matt Capps (Pirates closer, 2.37 ERA, 17 saves this year) and Joe Bauserman.
Want some more signs? Kris Benson (Tommy John Surgery), Bobby Bradley (Tommy John Surgery and other operations), Sean Burnett (Tommy John Surgery and shoulder surgery), John Van Benschoten (Labrum surgery), Bryan Bullington (Labrum surgery), and Brad Lincoln (Elbow surgery) were all former first round draft picks who played for the Pirates or their minor league affiliates who never reached their potential.
This is an abnormal amount of injuries for a teams high profile draft pick pitchers. A large amount of it has to do with the Pirates being unable to condition their minor league pitchers. They can't teach pitchers how to throw with less strain on their arms. They can barely develop pitchers.
Joe Bauserman could have been something, but he ended up in the Pirates organization. If he were to, say, end up in the St. Louis Cardinals organization, with Dave Duncan and his crew, he could have at least made middle relief. He would be a major league pitcher. They develop pitching talent.
Bauserman realizes this. His parents and everyone around him tell him to go to baseball, take the high bonus, make money, and put the
free college clause in his contract.
Bauserman takes a shot at baseball. It doesn't work out. Where does he go? To Jim Tressel. A football coach that cares about his players, keeps his players conditioned and healthy, and develops talent.
He went from the Pirates, who don't develop talent, to the Buckeyes, who develop talent.
What a smart guy.
Only Bucs.Net: Still Wanna Draft a Pitcher? - Article with Pirates pitchers information.
