‘A great pick’ Konnor Griffin knows 1st rounder Curiel

PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – It was just two years ago that Konnor Griffin got the call from the Pirates in the first round and it turns out he’s buddies with this year’s first round pick, Derek Curiel.

“We stay in touch, we’ve been texting,” Griffin said Saturday. “He’s been asking questions about how pro life is and being able to talk to him this morning and say ‘hey, I’m praying for you, hope everything goes well’. Pretty cool how that works out.”

“As you guys know, great baseball player, but even better human,” Curiel said. “He actually texted me this morning, said 'Good luck today, bro.' He's like, 'I'm praying for you,' and he said 'God's got a plan,' and I fully believe in that.”

The pair played together on the Under 18 USA Team where Curiel played center field and Griffin was over in right.

“He was controlling the middle of the field,” Griffin said. “He’s great, he can go track it down, athletic kid. He’s going to be fun to watch.”

The pair were even going to play at LSU together. Griffin had committed there, but instead signed with the Pirates. Curiel could have gone pro out of high school, and that’s where Griffin’s respect for the California native grew.

“The cool thing about him, he knew he needed to go to college and get bigger, get stronger and I respect that a lot,” Griffin said Saturday. “He didn’t just fall to just getting drafted, he knew he needed more time and that’s what he did. He went out and performed and it’s been awesome to see what he’s done.”

1st round pick compares game to Pete Rose

The Bucs first round pick said he tries to play like Pete Rose as his father was a big fan. Griffin thought someone of this era and in black and gold.

“People ask comparisons, I compare him a lot to Jake. Just how he can move the ball around the field. He’s going to lay down a bunt if you need it. He’s going to hustle on every play. Same type of player like that.”

“I’m pumped, that’s a great pick.”