Pittsburgh Pirates: Assessing Position Players For The Second Half

Shortstop

Jul 20, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop

(10) runs the bases against the Colorado Rockies during the second inning at PNC Park. The Pirates won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Jordy Mercer is in charge of the position now and benefits from having Clint Barmes helping him out for another year. This combination worked well last season and still does even though the roles have reversed and Barmes is currently injured. Michael Martinez recently came up with Barmes injured and his speed will come in handy towards later innings. He will not be graded.

Jordy Mercer- I feel that Mercer was nervous about the starting role. He pressed too much with the bat and his defense for the position was not quite where it should be. As the season has continued, Mercer has become much more comfortable, especially offensively as the batting average has improved every month including a .358 clip in July. The shortstop position has changed where the defense has become more important than the power. There are not many all-round players for the position although Troy Tulowitzki comes into mind. If Mercer continues this roll he is on, the Pirates will get plus value from the shortstop position. Grade B-

Clint Barmes– Barmes has a WAR of 0.5 definitely because of his defense. Pretty much see Chris Stewart on this one. His sample size is small with 88 at-bats but fans know what to expect from Barmes. Grade C-