Pittsburgh Pirates Sign South African Switch-Hitting Shortstop

USA - The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed South African shortstop Mpho Ngoepe who some scouts believe has an outside chance of becoming the first player from his native land to reach the major leagues.

The Pirates inked the raw 18-year-old switch-hitter in October after watching him in a showcase of African and Europan prospects in Pisa, Italy this past summer.

Just 5 feet 9, 165 pounds, Ngoepe’s hometown is Randburg - a suburb of Johannesburg. The athletic teen will play for South Africa in the 2009 World Baseball Classic this spring before reporting to the Pirates where in all likelihood he will begin his professional career in the Gulf Coast Rookie League with Bradenton.

Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette