Pirates/MLB
Pittsburgh Pirates The Pittsburgh Pirates today agreed to terms with right-handed pitcher Brooks Pounders, who was selected by the club
in the second round of the 2009 First-Year Player Draft.
in the second round of the 2009 First-Year Player Draft.
Pounders, 18, went 9-2 with a 1.96 ERA (64.1ip/18er) and 91 strikeouts this past season for Temecula (CA) High School.
The 6’5″, 235-pounder also threw four complete games, including one shutout. At the plate, he hit .421 with seven dou-
bles, seven home runs and 25 RBI.
bles, seven home runs and 25 RBI.
“We are happy to add Brooks Pounders to our player development system,” said Senior Vice President, General Manager
Neal Huntington. “During his high school career, he showed an above average fastball, breaking ball and change up. We
feel he has the mental and physical aptitude to refine his pitch arsenal to match his ability to pitch and develop into a qual-
ity major league starting pitcher.”
Neal Huntington. “During his high school career, he showed an above average fastball, breaking ball and change up. We
feel he has the mental and physical aptitude to refine his pitch arsenal to match his ability to pitch and develop into a qual-
ity major league starting pitcher.”
The son of former San Diego Padres minor leaguer and UC-Riverside All-American Brad Pounders, Brooks was a four-year
starter for the Golden Bears.
starter for the Golden Bears.
As a junior he batted .333 with 10 home runs and 39 RBI while going 7-3 with a 1.81 ERA and 75 strikeouts in 65.1 innings pitched on the mound.
Pounders had signed a letter of intent with USC before signing with the Pirates today. He is scheduled to begin his pro-
fessional career with the Gulf Coast League Pirates in Bradenton, Florida.
fessional career with the Gulf Coast League Pirates in Bradenton, Florida.
