West Virginia has some interesting prospects, but at the moment they’re probably the only full season league without a top 10 prospect in the Pirates’ organization. The guys who are top prospects either haven’t been consistent enough this season, or haven’t taken their game to the next level. West Virginia should see a surge in talent by the end of June, as prep pitchers like Zach Von Rosenberg could be in line for a Quinton Miller like path once Extended Spring Training ends.
Evan Chambers - Chambers showed what he is capable of in the month of May, hitting for a .284/.416/.402 line, with two homers in 102 at-bats. Chambers has been excellent at getting on base this year, and is also capable of stealing a bag, stealing 9-of-13 bases in the month of May. He’s been a good leadoff hitter, but he could develop some power and be more than just a top of the order guy in the future.
Nathan Baker - Baker had a great month of May, with a 2.73 ERA in six starts, and an 18:9 K/BB ratio in the 33 innings he pitched in those starts. Baker held opponents to a .218 BAA. He could be in line for a promotion to Bradenton once the domino effect takes place following Brad Lincoln’s eventual promotion to Pittsburgh.
Elevys Gonzalez - Gonzalez made his debut in mid-May, after playing in just 13 games in State College last year after spending most of the season in the GCL. Gonzalez was impressive, with a .303/.395/.394 line, and four steals. He doesn’t have any power, but so far he’s shown to be a good hitter. I’m skeptical on him, as he only hit for a .271 average in the GCL, with a .304 OBP in 107 at-bats.
Kyle McPherson - McPherson had a horrible month of April, ending up in the disappointing section of my writeup last month. He turned things around in May, with a 3.48 ERA in six starts, and an incredible 43:4 K/BB ratio in 33.2 innings. McPherson has since carried that excellent run in to the month of June, which makes you wonder if his performance is somewhat legit.
unningham had a great month of April, and has started to come around recently towards the end of May, but overall the month of May wasn’t kind to him. Cunningham hit for a .194/.242/.333 line in 93 at-bats, with two homers. He’s starting to come back around, so hopefully it was only a one month thing.
Wes Freeman - Freeman continued to struggle in May, hitting for a .179/.226/.321 line in 28 at-bats, before being demoted to Extended Spring Training after eight games. Freeman struck out in 15 of his 28 at-bats.
