Comments on: Pirates Notebook: Holt, McCutchen Pick Up Four-Hit Nights

By: emjayinTN

emjayinTN — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 16:12:00 +0000

Holt is seen by the Pirates as a future Utility Infielder. Last year they played him at 2B in 90+ games and at SS only 30+, but he did well at both. Veterans down the stretch? AJ in his last 10 games is 5-3, 3.57 ERA, 71 IP, 66K/20W. Wandy in his last 4 games, 22 IP, 1.23 ERA. Is this the time to skip both JMAC and Karstens in the Rotation? Burnett, Locke, Wandy against the Cubs?

By: Bryan Graham

Bryan Graham — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 12:28:00 +0000

His defense at SS might not be as good as Barmes’ when Barmes is at his best, but Barmes hasn’t been anywhere near his best the last couple months with the glove. I don’t see how the Pirates have the luxury of sitting a potential .300+ hitter who takes walks at the leadoff spot when Walker comes back. 2B isn’t an option for Holt when Walker is back. Maybe somebody who knows more than me can speak to Holt’s ability at SS since he does have time there in the minors.

By: emjayinTN

emjayinTN — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 09:20:00 +0000

We definitely needed the spark at the top of the lineup, but I think his defense at SS will never be as good as it will be at 2B. Barmes has not had a great year, but his glove has been a plus for the Pirates overall. With Barmes signed for $5.5 mil for 2013, I would not expect the Pirates to be looking elsewhere.

By: Bryan Graham

Bryan Graham — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 06:52:00 +0000

I for one am really hoping Holt gets a shot at SS when Walker comes back. Maybe he can be the answer to our SS and leadoff hitter struggles. One thing is for certain, Barmes has been doing much more harm than good over the last couple months.