With Opening Day arriving in a few short days, it’s time for me to give the preseason analysis of my beloved yet hopeless Pittsburgh Pirates. I’ll be doing so between now and Monday in a few installments. Today, I’ll review the infield. Let’s not waste any more time with small talk…
Catcher: Ryan Doumit
Doumit finally stayed healthy enough last year to show what he can contribute. While he is no all-star by any means, he is a solid presence behind the plate who could approach 20 homers and 80 RBI this year. Manager John Russell has already said he hopes to have Doumit play 150 games, which is asking a lot for the most physically grueling position on the field. If this happens, expect his average to dip to around .290.
First Base: Adam LaRoche
Well, well, well, back again for another Jekyll and Hyde season, eh? Adam LaRoche has a history of starting slow, and it was at its worst last year as he was an offensive liability well into June. I’m sorry, but if you’re a black hole in your team’s lineup for almost a half season, I don’t care how good your second half was. Sure, he was all-star caliber down the stretch, but a team like the Pirates cannot afford another slow start by Adam. But like it or not, we’re stuck with him for now.
Second Base: Freddy Sanchez
Since his All-Star showing in 2006, “Steady Freddy” has come back down to earth. 2008 Freddy (.271 AVG/.298 OBP/.371 SLG/9 HR/52 RBI) is the real Freddy Sanchez we all know and love. He’s solid defensively, but light hitting. He won’t hurt you in the field or at the plate, but he won’t exactly help you much either. Hopefully he’ll at least improve in his OBP, because .298 is way too low for a guy hitting 2nd .
Third Base: Andy LaRoche
Once a can’t miss prospect in the Dodgers organization, Andy is the little brother of Dr. Jekyll who came to the Pirates in last year’s 3 team Jason Bay deal. So far, he has yet to show signs of life, hitting .152 in 49 games after joining the Bucs. He’s a gamble that could work out big, but is more likely just a way to bide time until last year’s #1 pick Pedro Alvarez is ready in a few years. And no, I’m not forgetting Neil “The Real Deal” Walker. I know he exists, I just don’t think Walker will ever really live up to the hometown hero hype that has so mercilessly been placed on him. As for Andy LaRoche, I wouldn’t be shocked if he turned some heads with his play this season. He could be a real fun surprise. Or he could stink like sour milk in the middle of a fish market. I don’t know.
Shortstop: Jack Wilson
Jumpin’ Jack Flash is the last remaining Pirate to have experienced more than a few years of the losing streak. This, in my opinion, is a bad thing. He’s often touted as the team leader, which has always been a bit troublesome for me. He’s fiery, he’s competitive, he’s a “gamer”, yes, but the fact remains that he’s not the All-Star player that Pittsburgh fans treat him as. He’s also never come close to experiencing winning at the major league level. Sure, he’s a defensive whiz, and he’s fine for a #8 hitter, but let’s not forget: he’s a #8 hitter. Anything he gives you offensively is bonus. Look for another Wilson-esque season of .275/.310/.375 and some dazzling defensive plays.
Tomorrow: Outfield and Bench
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