PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Pirates manager Derek Shelton got some time recently with the Pirates first round pick Henry Davis. Talks continue between Davis and the Pirates and he could be signing soon.
"I was able to see him live," Shelton said. "I got to see him go through the whole workout. I was able to sit down and spend about a half an hour with him. Really excited about our draft. Really excited about Henry."
Davis hit .370 with 9 doubles, 15 home runs, 48 RBI, 21 walks to 24 strikeouts. The Louisville catcher even stole 10 bases in 2021.
"He's a good kid, man," Shelton said. "He's a leader. He wants to win. He likes people to get after it a little bit. He's got some intensity to him and I like that."
"There is a lot of strength. This kid is really strong, ball comes off hot. He really can throw the ball. A lot of positive things. I think the first time you sit down with the major league manager you are a little hesitant. As we got further into the conversation, his true personality came out. It was really cool to see."
Pirates drafted 21 players over the three days, none have officially signed although third round pick Bubba Chandler confirmed he's giving up a Clemson football scholarship to sign with the Bucs.
"I think Steve Sanders and Joe DelliCarri did a great job, excited to get these guys in. Get them sign and a part of our organization."
All-Star Reaction
"Not surprised Adam Frazier got a hit in the All-Star Game," Shelton said. "It seems like he got a lot in the first half. A really cool experience to have two starters in the game. I thought Bryan got the ball that he hit. I jumped off the couch. I thought he hit it out. Fraz made two really good plays. Really cool, good showing for the Pirates."
