Comments on: First Pitch: Platooning Pedro Alvarez

By: stillhopeforbucs

stillhopeforbucs — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 18:02:47 +0000

If we are looking on the hopeful side for Pedro, the one high K guy that comes to mind is Jim Thome. It’s a stretch, but Pedro shows such raw power when he gives in and goes the other way. I believe hitting against lefties forces him to at least consider that approach which can also positively affect his approach against right-handers. Way to much upside to possibly stunt his growth with a platoon.

By: emjayinTN

emjayinTN — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 20:19:10 +0000

Agree all the way. 2012 was the only year he has had 500 AB’s. Will play all of 2013 as a 26 year old with 2 whole years of MLB Service. We have him through 2016 – no real need to get vervous about his ability to hit or not hit LHP’s. It is all a learning experience where confidence is the most important factor – do more to encourage him and less to discourage.

By: Yo Cho

Yo Cho — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 19:51:47 +0000

It’s been stated many times platoons are a good way to get value for teams who can’t sign expensive superstars.
Sadly, it has just failed many times for the Pirates at 1st finding a good platoon partner for G Jones.
But I agree we need to be more patient with Pedro than G Jones, cause of Pedro’s age and potential. How patient is up to the “experts” to decide.

I know i’m getting great value in my video game “MLB The Show” platooning Pedro with the resigned Casey Mcgehee. =)

By: leadoff

leadoff — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 15:36:03 +0000

Alvarez is the 3rd baseman, period, splits have nothing to do with him playing at this time. Should he need a blow once a week or so, Inge could fill that void as well as Harrison or Mercer, since Hurtle is not keen on young guys, carrying Mercer probably is a bad idea, Hurdle just won’t play him, but he probably will play Inge. I believe Huntington has to and has figured out his manager, so if he is going to give him players, it better be players that Hurdle will play.

By: atniup

atniup — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 15:12:56 +0000

Fantastic analysis.

We can’t sign anybody to do anything better. Let me be more specific…

Look at our recent history, just the ones you cited, Matt Diaz, Brandon Inge, Gaby Sanchez, Etc. These are the type of platoon players (and similar players) that cannot be considered over Alvarez, IMO, just based on what you said, “If he improves again in 2013, he could become passable against left-handers based on his power alone,” (or something.) I agree 100%, but I would go as far as saying that if he did NOT improve but had similar numbers vs. lefties, the power threat he poses would be more valuable than anything Inge or Sanchez could provide, under normal circumstances.

On another note, if someone told me that Josh Harrison, Jordy Mercer, etc. could not put up “Inge-like” numbers or better, I’m not sure I’d buy it.

By: jalcorn

jalcorn — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 14:21:52 +0000

Agreed, when you’re 31 and can’t hit LHP its one thing (Jones), its a big difference when you are talking about a 26 year old entering his prime. Its way too early to give up on him being an everyday guy. Sure you can give him off days against the Kershaws of the world, but he needs to play full time.

As is Pedro is arguably at top 10 3B in MLB, some small strides on K rate (31% to 29%) would cement him as franchise cornerstone.

By: Chris Hale

Chris Hale — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 12:45:53 +0000

Sorry Mr Williams, I can’t accept Alvarez Platooning for the Pirates. This guy was drafted 2nd overall to be our franchise 3rd basemen and our 4 hole hitter who has the ability to hit 30 and knock in 100 runs every year. We have to let me take his lumps and improve He’s a part of the core of this team. with Cutch ,Walker and Marte and hopefully Taillon and Cole soon

By: tempman89

tempman89 — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 11:40:19 +0000

Invites to spring training are always low risk, so no problems there. But sending him to AAA isn’t what the bucs should do. Giving ABs away to a 37 year old when Mercer and company need them is not appropriate.

By: whiteAngus

whiteAngus — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 11:33:20 +0000

or…
Inge makes the team as a backup, starts at 3B when the Pirates face an extremely tough LHP, like a Kershaw or Bumgarner, and can also be a defensive replacement.
.
Inge > Harrison, even at 36 yrs old.
.
or….
Inge ends up like Garret Atkins and doesnt make the squad, then asks for his release. either way, its worth the risk.

By: CamJay87

CamJay87 — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 07:43:39 +0000

I think you hit the nail on the head towards the end, Alvarez proved last year he deserves to he an every day starter. Send Inge to Triple-A, no matter what his stats are in ST. Let Pedro know we believe in him, boost that delicate ego, and call up Inge if Pedro struggles mid season.