Ryan Leaf Effect: The Pittsburgh Pirates Draft Story, Part Three

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4 Oct 1998: Quarterback Ryan Leaf #16 of the San Diego Chargers leaves the field following a game against the Indianapolis Colts at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Colts defeated the Chargers 17-12. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Laforet /Allsport

Welcome back for the third and final installment of the Ryan Leaf Effect: The Pittsburgh Pirates Draft Story.

As we have looked back at some of the decisions, some questionable, some brilliant, there are still questions floating around about the development of these players.

This time, we will look at the Bucco's first round picks from 2006 to 2009. After we finish with the picks, we will look at the hypothetical "Pirates of the Future", and will need YOUR feedback to the slideshows, as well as your thoughts for the future team.

2006: Fourth Overall Pick, Brad Lincoln

ST. LOUIS, MO - JULY 12: U.S. Futures All-Star Brad Lincoln of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches during the 2009 XM All-Star Futures Game at Busch Stadium on July 12, 2009 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

The jury is still out on Lincoln. After taking a $2.75 million contract, he has struggled with injuries. He missed an entire year after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

Despite the surgery and lingering elbow and oblique pains, Lincoln is pitching reasonably well, with a 2-6 record and 2.69 era in the 16 games he has played this year.

Lincoln was recently named to the All-Star Futures Game in St. Louis.

Notable Players passed up: Brandon Morrow, Ian Kennedy, Joba Chamberlin

2007: Fourth Overall Pick, Daniel Moskos

14 Jun 2000: Ryan Riley #42 of the Clemson Tigers hangs his head as he sits in the dugout during the College World Series againt the Louisiana Lafayette Ragin Cajuns at the Resenblatt Stadium in Omaha, Nebraska. The Raggin Cajuns defeated the Tigers 6-3.M

Although that is not Moskos, his former teammate's reaction says it all about this pick.

With a prospect (catcher Matt Wieters) in the draft who was supposed to be a guy who "comes around every so often," the Pirates went with who they could "afford" and picked the third (I believe) pitcher in Clemson's starting rotation.

Moskos is currently in the Pirates' AA system. He is 6-7, with a 4.20 era in 18 games. His fastball has been clocked at a 94 mph average, sometimes flirting with 96.

Moskos could pan out well, if he stays on the course he is now. One criticism is his ability to hold runners on base, but that could easily be improved with experience.

Notable Players passed up: Matt Wieters, Rick Porcello, Ross Detwiler

2008: Second Overall Selection, Pedro Alvarez

ST. LOUIS, MO - JULY 12: U.S. Futures All-Star Pedro Alvarez of the Pittsburgh Pirates runs onto the field during the 2009 XM All-Star Futures Game at Busch Stadium on July 12, 2009 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Alvarez will be a star. It's just a matter of when.

Alvarez, the second pick in the draft, is currently in Altoona, where he is batting .228, with a .767 OPS.

The only downside to Alvarez is his agent, Scott Boras. As he progresses, he could possibly demand more money than he already makes ($6.4 million), and would the Pirates be willing to pay that?

Another question is what happens with other 3B's such as Laroche (Andy), and Neil Walker? What will happen with them, or will Alvarez become a SS?

He was recently named to the All-Star Futures Game in St. Louis.

Notable Players passed up: ?