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Spring Training Notes: The Roles of Andrew Lambo and Jordy Mercer

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During yesterday’s meeting with the media, Clint Hurdle made two comments that really stood out to me as far as how the Pirates see two of their starting positions.

The first base position has been in question this off-season, with Andrew Lambo seeming to be the front-runner. The Pirates added Chris McGuiness, who has looked good in limited appearances so far this Spring. But Hurdle’s comments on McGuiness pointed to Lambo being the guy at first base.

“We’ve liked the kid. We got him here for a reason, to provide some depth,” Hurdle said. “An outside opportunity to possibly break with the club. Let’s see where he can take it.”

That’s not a big surprise, since I’ve been projecting Lambo as the starter and McGuiness as the backup. What was more surprising was when Hurdle said that Jordy Mercer was the front line guy with the Pirates. Mercer moved into the primary role last year, getting more playing time at shortstop than Clint Barmes after taking over in early June. It sounds like that playing time could be increasing.

“We’re pushing Jordy forward this year,” Hurdle said.

Barmes has been playing second base so far in Spring, and will also play some third. He also has a first baseman’s glove, so it looks like they’re preparing him as a utility infielder. His best asset is his defense at shortstop, so I’d expect him to continue getting starts there. However, it doesn’t sound like he will come close to the playing time he had last year.

Tim Williams
Tim Williams
Tim is the owner, producer, editor, and lead writer of PiratesProspects.com. He has been running Pirates Prospects since 2009, becoming the first new media reporter and outlet covering the Pirates at the MLB level in 2011 and 2012. His work can also be found in Baseball America, where he has been a contributor since 2014 and the Pirates' correspondent since 2019.

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