PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates drafted hard-throwing Texas high school pitcher Jameson Taillon with the No. 2 pick in the baseball draft Monday, hoping he'll be the impact starter they have failed so frequently to land.

Taillon's fastball has been clocked at 99 mph, and he has the kind of power arm the Pirates lack in their system. They passed on Florida high school shortstop Manny Machado, who was regarded as their other likely selection.

In 10 seasons from 1998-2007, the Pirates drafted eight pitchers in the first round — and only Paul Maholm is in their rotation. Several were flops who didn't reach the majors.

The 6-foot-7, 230-pound Taillon has an excellent curveball and slider and has been compared to Josh Beckett at this stage of his career.