With the 1st pick of the 20th Round (587th overall), the Astros select 6'6" 200lb Daniel Pinero, a right-handed hitting SS from Western Technical-Commercial School (HS) in Canada.
Baseball America ranked Pinero #456 in their Top 500. With his unusually large stature for the SS position, he's been compared to 6'8" Richie Sexson, but (of course) he models himself after Derek Jeter.
Perfect Game USA says this:
"[Pinero] has a large projectable frame with an lean athletic build. Has great arm strength across the infield with a smooth arm action, has good footwork, has good lateral agility, makes sound defense plays, fields the ball cleanly. Starts with an open squatty stance at the plate, has high hands, leg lift trigger, good balance, patient approach, has good bat speed with lift in his swing, makes line drive contact. Has good instincts on the bases with good speed. Is an excellent student."
His full Perfect Game USA profile is here.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
