CHRISTOPHER AURE

10/13/89; '08 15th; North Pole, AK
L/L; 6-0, 180

Level

W-L-Sv

BB/9

K/9

WHIP

OAVG

ERA

2008 R

3-2-2

27.2

3.90

5.20

1.41

.257

3.90

The Pirates almost literally went to the ends of the earth to scout Aure. Well, okay, North Pole, Alaska, isn't really at the north pole, but Alaska is seldom scouted much. Baseball America referred to Aure as the state's best prospect since 1999. He's more about potential right now, as he's occasionally reached the upper 80s with his fastball but could add velocity, and BA says that his curve and change could eventually be good. BA considered him a good candidate for the draft-and-follow process, but it no longer exists. Aure told a local paper that the Pirates called him shortly after the draft and he expected to be in Bradenton with two weeks, meaning he'd have been passing on his commitment to Cochise (Arizona) JC. Either way, he figured to need some lighter-weight clothing. As it turned out, he signed after the draft. You really have to hope this guy succeeds. He pitched respectably in his first pro trial, which is good considering his experience level. He had a stretch in July in which he struggled with his control, after which the Pirates cut back on his workload. He pitched well his last few times out. He was much better in relief and was primarily a flyball pitcher. Hopefully he'll at least make it to State College next year.

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