Spring Training Updates and First Base Breakdown

Been a slow weekend for the Bucs down in Pirate City, however there is some good news to report via Jenifer Langosch. That news being relieve Joel Hanrahan who was expected to miss opening day is now back on track to be available. The MRI done on Hanrahan's elbow shows no structural damage. Dr. James Andrews who evaluated Hanrahan said that he is available to start some flat ground throwing this week. Hanrahan who is expected to be an anchor for the pen posted a 1.72 ERA in 33 appearances for the Pirates last Summer.

First Base - A corner stone for every MLB team starts with the first basemen. The Pirates however do not have that corner stone sealed up yet. Jeff Clement (26) who was acquired in the Jack Wilson/Ian Snell trade from the Mariners will be given first shot at filling the position. Clement while playing in the American League was predominantly a DH as well serving as their back up catcher. Clement who measures in at 6'1/225 is an intriguing player. His stint in Triple-A last summer with Tacoma and Indianapolis provided us with solid numbers including an overall batting average of .274 with 21 home runs. However his average with Indianapolis was a disappointing .224; that number may be skewed seeing as he had to get readjusted to a different location and team. In 75 career games with the Mariners Clement hit .237 with seven home runs and 26 RBI. Clement is going through a rigorous training regime at first getting him as ready for the season opener as much as possible. If Clement were to fail, Garrett Jones who is currently playing right field would be the most likely option to replace Clement. Jones who before coming to the Pirates had played first base in the Twins organization.

The worst thing about this position, is that the Pirates are very thin at it in the minor leagues. It is very possible that wonder-kin Pedro Alvarez may make the switch at some point in his career if he shows that he doesn't have the mobility to remain at third in the big leagues. Alvarez although has shown great development at the hot corner and for the time being will remain there for the foreseeable future.

Next up on my agenda will be second base, where newly acquired Aki Iwamura will be the starter barring any injuries in spring training. Until next time, Long Live the Bucco Nation!

-Willy

First Post - Spring Training

Alas I am new to the blogging world but cannot keep my thoughts to myself any more. This blog will be focused on, obviously the Pittsburgh Pirates but I would also like to do quite a few posts on prospects and checking up on our minor league affiliates.

Spring Training - A possible do or die for some teams on setting up their final starting lineups and pitching rotations. This current spring training taking place in Pirate City is going to be quite the interesting one. The question going around to many is how will the Pirates be this Summer. I'm going to start with a breakdown for each position. One position a day, two if I'm feeling frisky and at the moment I'm not seeing as it one in the morning in Pennsylvania. But here it goes with the first positional breakdown.

Catcher - Ryan Doumit is the starter still, but with injuries lingering his entire professional career how much more can his body really take? When Doumit is healthy he is a solid player behind the plate and at the plate but the Pirates need to look toward the future. Behind Doumit currently sits or should I say squats Jason Jaramillo. Jaramillo won the backup job last year and did a solid job in relief of Doumit. But the real question on everyones minds is when will #4 overall pick from last summers draft Tony Sanchez from Boston College being suiting up in PNC Park. Sanchez proved himself very worthy of the #4 overall pick by batting a combined .309 in three different minor league levels. Sanchez has been tabbed to start with the high class A affiliate the newly christened Bradenton Marauders. Many scouts say that Sanchez is major league ready when it comes to is defensive mechanics behind the plate however he must still learn to call his own game more efficiently. Many of the critics of Sanchez came only calling about his hitting and as aforementioned seems to be up to par if he can continue his success from last year. In my own opinion I believe that Sanchez completes and another season in the minor leagues before making his debut sometime in 2011.

Thats all for tonight. I hope that everyone has a good night sleep and that everyone is as ready for some Bucco baseball as I am. Over and Out to the Bucco Nation!

-Willy