NY has chosen their PIT prospects to close the Nova deal, PIT's #17 prospect, LHP Stephen Tarpley and #27 prospect OF Tito Polo (rankings from MLB.com):
Stephen Tarpley | Rank: 17 (Preseason: 19)
Team: Bradenton Marauders (A Adv)ETA: 2018Position: LHPAge: 23 DOB: 02/17/1993Bats: R Throws: LHeight: 6' 1" Weight: 180 lb.
Drafted: 2013, 3rd (98) - BAL
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Scouting grades: Fastball: 60 | Curveball: 45 | Slider: 50 | Changeup: 45 | Control: 50 | Overall: 45
The Pirates got a pair of left-handers from the Orioles in the Travis Snider deal prior to the 2015 season and the early returns have certainly been positive. Steven Brault finished second in the organization in ERA and Tarpley, making his full-season debut, finished fourth.
The Pirates had been intrigued by Tarpley's pure arm strength and were pleased to find a better overall feel for pitching than they expected during his first season in the organization. He'll run his fasball up to 94-95 mph at times and throws it with good sink to generate ground-ball outs. Tarpley has two breaking balls and likes to throw his curve more than his slider, though the Pirates feel the slider is better. It might behoove him to consolidate them into one pitch in the future. He also has a good feel for his changeup, giving him a solid three-pitch mix he uses to pound the strike zone.
Tarpley has a tendency to think a bit too much on the mound. The more he can trust his stuff, the more success he's going to have as he moves up the system.
Tito Polo | Rank: 27 (Preseason: NR)
Team: Bradenton Marauders (A Adv)ETA: 2018Position: OFAge: 22 DOB: 08/23/1994Bats: R Throws: RHeight: 5' 9" Weight: 185 lb.
Signed: March 12, 2012 - PIT
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Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 45 | Run: 60 | Arm: 50 | Field: 50 | Overall: 45
After signing out of Colombia in 2012, Polo hit well enough in two seasons in the Dominican Summer League to earn a trip to the United States. He swung the bat well again during his U.S. debut in the Gulf Coast League in 2014 but stumbled a bit when the Pirates challenged him with a leap to full-season ball a year later. A return to West Virginia in 2016 was just what the doctor ordered, as Polo hit his way up to the Florida State League in late June.
Polo has shown a knack for making consistent hard contact from the right side of the plate and should continue to hit for a decent average. Though he is just 5-foot-9, he has surprising strength, and he started tapping into it more in 2016, hitting 12 homers in 54 South Atlantic League games before his promotion. Polo runs very well, with his speed allowing him to be a base-stealing threat and cover a good amount of ground in the outfield. He's seen time in all three outfield spots, focusing more on center field than anywhere else.
Polo plays with high energy, and that should allow him to maximize his tools. He may eventually profile best as a fourth outfielder, but one who can help a team win in a number of ways.
http://m.mlb.com/prospects/2016?list=pit
