Pedro Alvarez.

[Lefteyelouie]

I'm not as upset with Barmes at the plate. I am upset more with what he is doing in the field. I think 6 errors already.

[jack daniel]

I'm not as upset with Barmes at the plate. I am upset more with what he is doing in the field. I think 6 errors already.

Same here, he leads to the team with 6 doubles but also leads the team with 6 errors.

[Crimson's Ghost]

Ronny Cedeno had 18 Errors in 2010, and 13 in 2011. His two years as the featured SS for the Bucs not to mention numerous mental errors, and is still one of the worst base runners I have ever seen.

People seem to forget, Ronny Cedeo wasn't any good! He did nothing to deserve a third season as the Pirates ShortStop. He is a loser, and always will be. And now he is a back up for the Mets. I say good riddance.

[Eaglealum]

This is true but Barmes is a backup 2nd baseman not a starting shortstop...better off bringing up a prospect that will be a shortstop and lettin him go. Barmes decision making is worse than his glove...almost as bad as Bara(hahaazz)

[Eaglealum]

The success of this guy is more important to the Pirates than anyone in the organization in a very long time. If he can become a middle of the lineup threat, their lineup becomes so much more dangerous. That makes teams put more pitches over the plate to McCutchen. Allows them to put Walker anywhere in the lineup, possibly the 2 spot. If Alvarez can continue this for a long period of time, here is the lineup Hurdle could go with:

1 Presley
2 McCutchen
3 Walker
4 Alvarez
5 McGhee/Jones
6 Tabata
7 Barajas/Fort
8 Barmes
9 Pitcher

Could flip Cutch and Walker but I like Cutch in the 2 spot. Throughout a season that can be 20 more at bats. If Barmes doesn't turn it around in the next few weeks, look for Chase d'Arnaud to get the call up because he is really the only full-time option in the system.

If he doesn't continue to produce in this way the Pirates will be lost at finding a middle of the lineup player that can really threaten opposing pitchers and drive in a ton of runs.

I like cutch in the 2 hole too, maybe he won't try to pull everything in that spot...if he ever uses the whole field consistantly , he'll be one of the best in the game. Also like McClouth in the starter role and Tabata as a reserve/utility...McClouth has matured and gets good at bats every time up and makes more contact. Tabata is still a "potential" guy, I personally doubt he ever puts up the numbers they expect.

[YANKEESUCK]

how could u play mclouth in a starting role. he hasn't done anything in 3 years to merit this. he has 2 rbis this year. cutch would have made those catches on friday nite if he wouldn't have been sickhope they trade him n bring up starling marte if he deserves 2 b moved up mcclouth SUCKS

[Crimson's Ghost]

Nate McLouth has no bearing on Starling Marte's career. I understand people are calling for him to come up asap. He still needs time in AAA. He is not ready.

McLouth over Tabata is ludicrous. He is coming off some terrible seasons in Atlanta, Tabata got a pay day from the Bucs, he needs to play everyday and in the long run, it will pay off. Starting Nate McLouth does nothing for the future, and really not much for the present.


Alex Presley is the man that needs to look over his shoulder, He is slumping a bit and is the least talented and oldest among Marte,Tabata, and himself.


This team likely can't win this year, they are getting closer whether people know it or not. Marte,McCutchen, and Tabata is going to be a fun Outfield to watch when it happens in June or July.

[jack daniel]

Crimson nailed it, Marte needs more time at AAA he's only played about 30 games there and isn't exactly lighting it up. Him, Cutch, and Tabby will be outfield of the future, at least until Josh Bell is ready in 3 years or so. Like he said this team is close to competing, next year they could have a legit shot at the NL Central with that outfield, Pedro at 3rd, Walker at 2nd, and a rotation that is some mixture of McDonald, Morton, Justin Wilson, Rudy Owens, AJ Burnett, Jeff Locke, and Kyle McPherson. I also expect Taillon and Cole to reach the majors next year. This organization has tons of pitching depth, and some good OF depth too, they need to fix holes at 1B, SS, and C. I'd like to see them package say Robbie Grossman with one or two of these young pitchers, and even Joel Hanrahan if its needed, to go get someone to fill one of those holes. Preferably a slugging first baseman to stick in the 5 hole to give Pedro some protection in the coming years.

[abpk2903]

I agree with the logic Jack but not the position. They need a SS that can hold down that position for years. The only legit prospect I see in their system is Holt and he is struggling in AA. Protecting Alvarez is a luxury but getting a shortstop that can catch the ball and bat above the Mendoza line is a must in order to have any success in the future.

[Crimson's Ghost]

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/prospects/watch/ ... list=draft
Top 100 Draft Psospects, Pirates have the 8th and 45th pick(Compensation for Doumit). I think it would behoove them to take a SS with one of the picks.

Also, unknown to many but the Pirates have a dude on absolute fire right now in Low-A West Virginia Power. He is a middle infielder, unfortunately likely won't be a Shortstop. But definitely a guy to remember.

http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.js ... pid=593700