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Pirates Preview: Infield a Strength Despite Unknowns

By Mark Powell

Mar 31, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; The Pittsburgh Pirates stand for the national anthem prior to the first inning of an opening day baseball game against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 31, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; The Pittsburgh Pirates stand for the national anthem prior to the first inning of an opening day baseball game against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 30, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays designated hitter John Jaso (28) is congratulated by first baseman James Loney (21) as he scores during the fourth inning against the Miami Marlins at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 30, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays designated hitter John Jaso (28) is congratulated by first baseman James Loney (21) as he scores during the fourth inning against the Miami Marlins at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Starter: John Jaso (vs RHP)

Backup: Michael Morse (vs LHP), Jason Rogers

How will the Pirates’ replace Pedro Alvarez? What if I told you they didn’t have to? Look, there’s no doubt they’ll miss the power stroke of the hefty lefty, but it amazes me how quickly fans have forgotten the defensive struggles and strikeouts that drove us mad last season.

John Jaso will likely get the bulk of the playing time, at least against righties.  He has a higher on-base percentage, batting average, average on balls in play, and WAR than Pedro.

This does not mean he’ll have a significantly better 2016, but it shows us what Neal Huntington sees in Jaso—a hitter who gets on base and works the count. However, I will say it’s awfully daring to replace a failed first base experiment with yet another player who has zero experience at the position. We’ll see if it works out.

Michael Morse will likely face lefties, as Jaso’s splits suggest he struggles hitting southpaws. Morse hit .235 against lefties last year, so obviously you’d like to see that number increase. Perhaps the Pirates know something I don’t (which happens quite frequently) but I don’t understand this strategy. 

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Morse has a notoriously high strikeout rate, so what you gain in Jaso’s discipline and walk percentage you lose any time the team happens to face a lefty. Morse certainly once had Pedro power, but those days are long gone. After he was acquired from the Mariners at the trade deadline, Morse hit one home run in 82 plate appearances.

Newly acquired Jason Rogers could also take some games here, and he’s good to play either of the corner infield positions. The former Brewer could really surprise if Clint Hurdle and co. can find him any at bats. He hit .296 last season in 86 games with Milwaukee in his first opportunity at the major league level.

However, the Pirates choose to split the plate appearances.  I think it’s fair to call this position Josh-Bell-In-Waiting.

Next: Second Base

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