Pirates Add Add Pitcher from Czech

According to MisterBaseball, Pirates signed 20-year-old Czech righty Mark Minarik to  a minor league contract. The deal is pending some visa issues.

Minarik pitched 2 seasons (2011-2012) for GCL Phillies. However, Phillies released him in last spring. He spent the 2013 season in Czech league.


Tall, skinny and raw, the 6' 7", 195 lb kid has a fastabll which can touch 93 MPH but usually sits around 88-91. Minarik has a good frame and the potential to add some velocity. He also throws 12-6 curve and split-like change up. I think adding sinker is going to help him.

Minarik has posted a good BB/9 numbers (1.4) in the minors, but clearly has control problems. He should learn to repeat his mechanics.