I dont ever remember Pivetta ever cracking a top 10 list but I do know for a fact the he was about our 8th rank farm hand at the time. We had Giolito, Lopez, Ross, and had just drafted Fedde and Voth. AJ Cole was also showing signs of life in the minors as well. Pivetta wasn't a guy anyone on this site had even a tiny hope would become a National and to act like he was is disengenuous.
do you argue just for the sake of arguing
Ranked Washington Nationals #10 prospect after the 2014 season
A Canadian Junior National Team star in 2009 and 2010, Pivetta was fairly raw when he signed with the Nationals for $364,300 in 2013, but he made good progress in 2014 at low Class A Hagerstown. His velocity remained consistent all season, and he markedly improved his conditioning. Pivetta has a physical frame and a long, loose arm action that produces easy velocity. His fastball sits at 92-94 mph and bumps 96. It is effective when he repeats his delivery and pitches down in the zone with good angle, but he gets into trouble when he leaves the ball up. Likewise, the quality of his breaking ball depends upon whether he's staying over his lower half and controlling his delivery. At its best, his curveball is an above-average pitch with sharp 11-to-5 break and power, but at times he'll overthrow it. He also is developing feel for his changeup, which has good sinking action when he throws it with conviction--but he must learn to do so more consistently. Pivetta's mechanics and command still need work, but he has upside as a potential mid-rotation starter if he can continue to progress. He figures to spend 2015 at high Class A Potomac.
Baseball America
