PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – It’s no secret the Pirates are auditioning outfielders at the Major League level this year. Bryan Reynolds is a constant, Gregory Polanco is currently playing every day and then there is the open spot, preferably a centerfielder.
“We have playing time to give to guys and find out more about guys,” said Pirates general manager Ben Cherington. “We want to continue to do that.”
With the minor leagues starting on Tuesday and the closest team to the majors being at AAA Indianapolis. It’s a loaded centerfield group. However, two of those players flunked their early tests. What do the Pirates have?
Right-hand hitting Anthony Alford was the Opening Day centerfielder. He didn’t get his first hit until his 9th game and was 2 for 24 before being designated for assignment. No one else wanted Alford, he reported to the Pirates alternate site.
Left-hand hitting Dustin Fowler came over in a trade with the A’s. He got a little longer look, but had only 7 hits in 46 plate appearances. Fowler also designated for assignment and no one else wanted him either. He rejoined the Pirates.
“We feel fortunate Alford and Fowler are still a part of the organization,” Cherington said. “They will get a chance to play now in Triple A and get a lot of playing time there and continue to get better.”
So as the Pirates look for a centerfielder and give second chances to Alford and Fowler. They also have another centerfielder, a first round pick. Left-hand hitting and throwing, Travis Swaggerty selected out of South Alabama three years ago makes the big jump from high A.
Swaggerty played in 121 games with Bradenton in 2019 hitting .265 with 79 runs, 20 doubles, 9 homers and 40 RBI. His on-base percentage was .347 and he stole 23 bases.
“Most of that is about Travis,” Cherington said. “If we think back to last year, he did get an extended period at the alt site where we saw really good things. He worked hard to make improvements at the alt site and obviously when he’s there he’s facing pretty good pitching last summer in Altoona.”
“He was in major league camp and at the alt site this April in Pittsburgh. That’s another 10 weeks of baseball development and game action. Despite the missed year, he got a good amount of time on the field and at bats and exposure. We just see improvement.”
Cherington said Swaggerty was one of the most consistent hitters in the Pittsburgh alternate site in 2021. The Bucs GM also said he played good defense.
So with Swaggerty, Alford and Fowler all centerfielders, and outfielders like Chris Sharpe 31 doubles, 16 HR in 2019 and Troy Stokes, trying to grow. How do the Pirates find consistent at bats?
“At that level, we want guys moving around the field,” Cherington said. “Ideally we have guys that can play all three outfield positions. Who gets more time in center or if someone gets more time in center. I think that will play itself out.”
“I think basically we have five outfielders. When it’s a DH game most days we will use DH for the outfield. We should be able to get guys playing time and I would expect guys to rotate through the outfield spots.”
As Cherington said, these situations usually sort themselves out. Until they do, it will be an interesting juggling act for the Pirates at the major or minor-league level trying to give players legit opportunities. Oh and then Cherington mentioned they might find other options externally.
Hang on, the merry-go-round ride isn’t about to stop.