May 05--ST. LOUIS -- Chicago Cubs President Theo Epstein made a pit stop Monday at Busch Stadium before departing for a scouting mission in preparation for the June 6 amateur draft.
The Cubs, with the ninth overall pick, could be aided by selecting a college pitcher projected to reach the major leagues quickly.
But the Cubs, who have selected high school outfielder Albert Almora and college position players Kris Bryant and Kyle Schwarber with their first picks since Epstein took over after the 2011 season, will continue to take the best player regardless of need.
"You can't draft out of need," Epstein said Monday. "He has to be the best guy."
This year's draft brings intrigue because several top non-high school pitchers, such as left-handers Brady Aiken and Nathan Kirby, along with Michael Matuella, have been hurt. Aiken and Matuella each underwent reconstructive elbow surgery.
Last season, Jeff Hoffman of East Carolina was considered as a top five pick before suffering a season-ending elbow injury about one month prior to the draft.
But that didn't prevent the Toronto Blue Jays from selecting Hoffman as the ninth overall selection.
Epstein didn't rule out selecting a college pitcher, but only "if he's the best player with the best combination of upside and certainty."
