Taillon limiting damage at Class A: Pirates starting pitcher prospect Jameson Taillon had his worst start of the season last time out for Class A Bradenton. Taillon, who was the second overall pick in the 2010 MLB draft, was tagged for six runs on seven hits (two homers) and two walks in 5 2/3 innings against St. Lucie on May 16. Prior to that outing, Taillon allowed a total of six runs in his first seven starts and didn't allow a home run in that span. For the season, Taillon is 2-3 with a 2.55 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, 40 strikeouts and nine walks in eight starts (42 1/3 innings). (Updated 05/22/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/25/12).
Fantasy Analysis
Even the best pitchers have bad outings from time to time. The takeaway point here is all the progress Taillon is making in his second pro season. Last year, the Pirates goal was to get Taillon on a five-day routine as he built up arm strength. Now, the Pirates are starting to take some of the restrictions off Taillon and let him develop as a pitching prospect. The 20-year-old hurler is still a few years away from a Fantasy impact, but you can see the potential. Taillon could pair with Gerrit Cole down the road to give the Pirates a dynamite 1-2 combo at the top of the rotation. Taillon remains a solid long-term Fantasy keeper. (Updated 05/22/2012).
03/26/2011 04:14 Pirates camp report: Likes and dislikes
Danny Knobler discusses what he likes and doesn't like about the Pittsburgh Pirates in spring training camp.
Though it's a moot point considering they had the second overall pick, the Pirates say they would have selected Taillon over Bryce Harper in the 2010 draft, which seems a little far-fetched, but it should at least give you some idea of Taillon's upside. The right-hander's 6-foot-6 frame, ability to hit 98 on the radar gun and sharp breaking ball (though his is more of a curve than a slider) make him potentially the second coming of Josh Johnson, which would of course be a dream come true for Fantasy owners. Though his numbers in his first professional season weren't bad, they didn't completely live up to the hype, but keep in mind the Pirates limited his arsenal for the sake of his development, with an emphasis on preserving his arm and improving the command of his fastball. Considering he was throwing his secondary pitches only 20 percent of the time, his numbers were pretty darn impressive. The Pirates are clearly willing to take their time with Taillon, which means the earliest he'll arrive is at some point in 2013. His upside makes him a must-have in long-term keeper leagues. (Updated 1/12/12)
Actual 
AccuScore Projections) Note: Points are rounded down.
= probable start