Pat Irvine

PAT IRVINE
CORNER OUTFIELDER
Age: 24
Born: January 27, 1986
Height: 6′ 0″
Weight: 197
Bats: Left
Throws: Right
Drafted: 33rd Round, 985th Overall, 2009
How Acquired: Draft
College: Elon
Agent: N/A 

Photo Credit: Wilbur T. Miller

WTM’S PIRATE PLAYER PROFILES

Baseball America rated Irvine the 36th best prospect in North Carolina based on his bat. He obviously put up some big numbers as a senior, but Elon must have played in a high-offense environment, as the team slugged .596. The regulars averaged over 16 HRs apiece and all slugged at least .534. The school’s web site attributes Irvine’s bad junior season to unspecified injury problems. He was listed on the school’s roster as OF/C, but he played mainly LF.

2009: Surprisingly, was regular at third for State College. Had 15 errors in 47 games, which isn’t good but not a disaster, either. Also played 16 games in left. Like many Spikes’ hitters, struggled initially, hitting just .176 in July, but posted OPS of .954 in August. Had huge home/road split (.833 OPS vs. .648, respectively), which was true of all the Spikes’ LH hitting regulars.

2010: Opened 2010 still in spring training, then went to West Virginia to serve as backup catcher after Josue Peley was traded. That didn’t go well, as he didn’t hit and baserunners ran wild on him. Pirates replaced him with Jairo Marquez and he went to State College, where he played mainly in left. Didn’t hit there, either, but did draw boatload of walks.

The Pirates seem to be having trouble finding a position for Irvine. They evidently don’t think he fits well as an outfielder, but it seems to be the only spot that works for him. If he’s still around in 2011, he’ll be backing up in the low minors.

STATS
Baseball Reference–Minors
Fangraphs
MiLB.com
CONTRACT INFORMATION
2011: Minor League Contract
PLAYER INFORMATION
Signing Bonus: N/A
MiLB Debut: 6/19/2009
MLB Debut: N/A
MiLB FA Eligible: 2015
MLB FA Eligible: N/A
Rule 5 Eligible: 2012
Added to 40-Man: N/A
Options Remaining: 3 (As of start of 2010 season)
MLB Service Time: 0.000
TRANSACTIONS
June 10, 2009: Drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 33rd round, 985th overall pick.
June 16, 2009: Signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates to a minor league contract.