Lincoln picked 4th by Bucs

They've been watching the University of Houston pitcher since high school.
PITTSBURGH (AP) -- The Pittsburgh Pirates have had their eye on Brad Lincoln since he was in high school.
On Tuesday, the Pirates took the 21-year-old right-handed pitcher/first baseman with their first-round pick, fourth overall, in the Major League Baseball draft.
Lincoln, considered one of the country's top two-way players, was drafted out of the University of Houston, where he went 12-2 with a 1.69 ERA and 151 strikeouts in 127 2-3 innings during his just-completed junior season.
"We thought he was the most talented guy available," Pirates general manager Dave Littlefield said. "And the best guy in regards to the opinion of the overall scouting staff. He's someone who is very accomplished at a major college and closer than the next group of players that were out there."
Downplay expectations
The Pirates have had a tendency to downplay expectations of recent first-round picks -- the club famously referred to 2002 No. 1 overall selection Brian Bullington on draft day as a projected "No. 3 starter" in a major-league rotation. But the organization's brass showed little restraint in displaying their excitement in getting Lincoln.
"Brad has the potential to be a top-of-the-rotation starter," said director of scouting Ed Creech, noting the club almost selected him out of high school and has had a scout at each of his starts this season.
"I do see him as a high-ceiling starter."
Lincoln is most commonly compared to Milwaukee Brewers starter Ben Sheets, as much for the similarities in his fastball, which hits the mid- to upper 90s and cutting curveball. Sheets, the 10th pick by the Brewers in 2001, is 6-foot-1, while Lincoln stands 6-foot, 200 pounds.
Conference USA's top pitcher
Lincoln was Conference USA pitcher of the year and first-team all-conference as a pitcher and designated hitter. He hit .295 with 14 home runs in 61 games for the Cougars.
"We really like his overall athletic ability," Littlefield said.
Lincoln hoped to reach the major leagues in two or three seasons. Creech said he was hopeful Lincoln could be on a fast track like that of lefty Paul Maholm, who was taken in the 2003 first round and was in the rotation by the end of the 2005 season.
The Pirates said if Lincoln signs quickly, he would likely pitch for one of the organization's full-season Class A affiliates in Hickory or Lynchburg.
"My experience is to start out at a lower level and let him gain confidence and get moving," Littlefield said "The end game is most important, and that's to be a good major-league pitcher. Where you start at, it really doesn't matter."
Represented by Berkman
Lincoln is represented in part by Larry Berkman, the father of Houston Astros all-star outfielder Lance Berkman. Peter Vescovo also is serving as Lincoln's agent.
Lincoln and Creech said they expected a contract to be signed by the end of the week. It would likely come with a signing bonus that would fall into the financial range of last season's No. 4 overall pick, Ryan Zimmerman. The Washington Nationals reportedly gave him nearly $3 million to sign.
"I just want to get my feet wet quick and get up there to wherever they send me and get going," Lincoln said. "It's a dream come true."
Notes
The Pirates selected left-handed pitcher Michael Felix out of Troy University with their second-round pick, and second baseman Shelby Ford of Oklahoma State in the third round. Five rounds of the draft were completed Tuesday. ... Chad Tracy, son of Pittsburgh manager Jim Tracy, was taken in the third round (88th pick) by the Texas Rangers. Chad Tracy is a catcher from Pepperdine.\
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