Pirates select young, raw Buckner in 14th round

Nick Buckner is a strong, athletic outfielder from North Shore High School in Houston. But at only 17 years old, he has raw tools and is still learning how to use them.

The Pirates took Buckner with their 14th-round pick, the 419th overall, Saturday on Day 3 of the First-Year Player Draft.

Listed at 6-foot-1, 205 pounds, Buckner generates good bat speed and won't get cheated at the plate. But he has a long, uphill swing, and scouts wonder if he will be able to make the necessary adjustments to allow him to make enough contact to use his raw power.

Buckner profiles as a corner outfielder. He has an average arm and needs to work on his defensive skills. He is committed to the University of Houston.