Pittsburgh Pirates Draft History

The 2011 MLB Draft will being tonight at 7 PM and the Pirates will own the #1 overall pick.

The last time the team picked first was in 2002 and selected Ball State pitcher Bryan Bullington. We all know how that turned out.

By all accounts, the Pirates scouting department has done a good job in the last few years rebuilding the farm system which was left empty by former GM Dave Littlefield.

The team has done well but have missed opportunities to pick up elite talent.

Here's a look at some recent draft picks and some players the Pirates passed up drafting:

2006 Pirates selected RHP Brad Lincoln with the 4th overall pick.
*7th overall, Dodgers: Clayton Kershaw, LHP
*10th overall, Giants: Tim Lincecum, RHP
*5th overall, Seattle: Brandon Morrow, RHP

2007 Pirates selected LHP Danny Moskos with the 4th overall pick
*5th overall, Orioles: Matt Wieters, C
*14th overall, Braves: Jayson Heyward, OF
*27th overall, Tigers: Rick Porcello, RHP

2009 Pirates selected C Tony Sanchez with the 4th overall pick
*25th overall, Angels: Mike Trout, OF (#1 overall prospect in baseball)
*12th overall, Royals: Aaron Crow, RHP
*10th overall, Nationals: Drew Storen, RHP
*8th overall, Reds: Mike Leake, RHP