So far we have taken a look at how the first four round of 2016 Pittsburgh Pirates draft picks have fared during the 2017 season. To continue the trend we have a look at fifth round pick Blake Cederlind.
Blake Cederlind was originally a 22nd round pick of the Minnesota Twins in 2015 with the 650th pick of the draft. He didn’t sign with the Twins and re-entered the Draft. The Pittsburgh Pirates took him with the 165th pick during round number five out of Merced Junior College in California.
Cederlind is 21 years old and 6’3,190 pounds and is a right-handed pitcher. The report on him is mid 90’s on the fast ball and a good arm and body. Pittsburgh’s top 30 prospects list does not include Cerderlind.
2016
After signing on June 15th, Blake Cederlind received his assignment to Bristol of the Appalachian League. At Bristol, he made six starts with a 4.67 ERA in 17.1 innings pitched. He walked seven batters while striking out 14. Hitters hit .277 off him. Giving Cederlind a rocky welcome to professional baseball. To make things worse he was placed on the 7-day disabled list on August first. Activation from the disabled list came on September 9th, after the season had ended.
2017
On April 5th Blake Cederlind received his assignment and a promotion to the single a South Atlantic League West Virginia Power. For the Power this season Blake Cederlind has made 19 appearances with seven starts. Statistically, Cederlind isn’t doing too well. Cederlind has a 7.36 ERA in 51.1 innings pitched. He has struck out 49 and walked 26, which is good to see. However, hitters are hitting .295 against him, up almost .20 points. His WHIP has also risen from 1.44 to 1.69.
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Overall the numbers don’t look too strong on Cederlind so far. 25 games is just a small chunk of a baseball career. I wouldn’t say it’s doom and gloom for Cederlind, but he hasn’t shown the numbers you expect from a higher round pick. I think Cederlind repeats Single-A next season, at least to start, even with a successful close to the second half.