Left Field: Nyjer Morgan/Eric Hinske/Craig Monroe
All indications are that Morgan will be the starter on Opening Day, but I can’t help hoping that Hinske and Monroe, reserves who have experience as everyday players, steal a lot of at-bats from the light-hitting Morgan. He’s fast, and adequate defensively (minus the candy arm), but offensively he’s just okay. He’ll be serviceable at leadoff if he can repeat his .294/.345 from starting the last 1/3 of the season in 2008. But that’s a big if. When it comes to LF, I’m counting down the days until Andrew McCutcheon gets called up to assume the leadoff position for good. It won’t be too long now; he’s ready for the big show.
Center Field: Nate McLouth
The many people drooling over Nate the Great’s breakout year last year tend to gloss over the fact that he sizzled pre-All-Star Game, and fizzled down the stretch. Well, maybe he didn’t quite fizzle, but it rhymes. And he did have a pretty mediocre 2nd half in 2008, bringing his numbers back down to mortal levels. He’ll likely reach his 2008 numbers of .276/.356/.497/26/94, maybe even topping 100 RBI now that he’ll be hitting exclusively from the 3 spot. He’s a very solid player, and it’s nice to finally have one of those in center.
Right Field: Brandon Moss
One of the many prospects to arrive in all the trade deadline deals, Moss’ health is a huge factor in the Pirates’ success this year. If he’s healthy, there’s no reason why he can’t hit 25 HR with 90 RBI. He won’t wow you with average, but he’ll probably hover around .260-.270, which is fine if he keeps up his good walk numbers. Like McLouth, he has potential to be a very valuable everyday player.
Bench: Hinske (OF), Monroe (OF), Luis Cruz (IF), Ramon Vazquez (IF), Jason Jaramillo (C)
For the 2nd year in a row, Pirates GM Neal Huntington has assembled a good bench full of experienced veterans. Hinske and Monroe should add some power from the plate, and Monroe will be used in platoon situations against LHPs seeing as he’s the only right-handed hitting outfielder. Hinske will also be used occasionally at first and third base. Cruz and Vazquez can fill in when needed, particularly in the middle infield. I know nothing about Jaramillo, but the Pirates’ brass and coaching staff seemed really impressed with him this spring.
Tomorrow: Starting Pitching
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