Pittsburgh Pirates: Time For Concern About Andrew Lambo?
Feb 26, 2014; Bradenton, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates hitting coach
Jeff Branson(2) talks with right fielder
Andrew Lambo(57) works out prior to the game at McKechnie Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
There hasn’t been much buzz regarding the first-base trade market lately, which means the Pittsburgh Pirates will likely roll into the regular season with a platoon ofGaby SanchezandAndrew Lamboat said position.
As ourFanSided brethren Rumbunter coveredearlier today, reported Pirates trade targetIke Davisis just now getting ready to return from a lower-leg injury, so any proposed swap with the Mets will likely have to wait.
On Tuesday,Tim Williams of Pirates Prospects reportedon the news that the Mariners have declaredJustin Smoakto be their Opening Day starter at first base. Williams also said he doubts Boston will tradeMike Carp, although Texas’Mitch Morelandremains a possible left-handed option if the Pirates would still like to deal.
The trade market stays relevant because of Lambo’s utter lack of production thus far in the Grapefruit League.
Obviously, Lambo’s 32-homer season in the minors last year reminds of his potential, as does his .922 OPS in 2013. He’s 25, so he should still have a couple years of improvement ahead of him, even though seven seasons of pro experience typically indicates a finished product.
But it’s impossible to ignore Lambo’s uninspiring performance this spring. Entering Wednesday’s action, he had collected two hits in 21 at-bats, both singles. Lambo’s triple-slash line of .095/.174/.095 is tempered by the fact that he’s struck out just three times, but the results are still unsightly.
Of course, the Pirates already made a trade for a first baseman this offseason, as they acquiredChris McGuinessfrom the Rangers in exchange forMiles Mikolas. The 25-year-old McGuiness had four singles, two doubles and two walks in 21 plate appearances entering Wednesday.
McGuiness swings from the left side, so he could feasibly hit opposite Sanchez in the first-base platoon. However, like Lambo, McGuiness has just a handful of MLB games to his credit, making him a similar gamble to bring north.
Putting that aside, if McGuiness is able to maintain his .316/.381/.421 line much longer, the Pirates will have a tough call to make on who to plug next to Sanchez in April.