PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – After sending the top prospect in baseball to the minors on Saturday, we got the explanation of why Konnor Griffin is in AAA from Pirates general manager Ben Cherington on Monday.
“Coming into Spring Training we weren’t closed off to the idea totally, but knew that he’s really young and he’s incredibly important to us,” Cherington said in Florida. “We think he has a chance to be a very, very good player for a long time. We feel like we have some obligation to make sure we do everything we can to support him in being that very, very good player for the longest time possible. Do whatever we can to help him be ready for the start of what we think and hope can be a really long career.”
“Just ended up feeling like a little time in the minor leagues is what could be best for him to start the season.”
Griffin led the Pirates in Spring Training home runs with four, but also was second in strikeouts (13) with a .171 average, .261 on-base and .749 OPS. He played solid defense, but Cherington said it was a decision made for the future.
Last year as a 19-year-old, Griffin rocketed to be named the top prospect in baseball hitting .333 with a .415 on-base percentage, .941 OPS with 23 doubles, 21 home runs, 94 RBI and 65 stolen bases at the high and low A level and AA Altoona. He also was awarded a Minor League Gold Glove for his play at shortstop.
Now he will start the season with Indianapolis, which will be his first at bats in AAA.
“The great thing about him is that whenever the challenge has been put in front of him, really from the day he signed with the Pirates, he’s attacked it head on,” Cherington said. “I think he feels there is some work to do. We’ve had good conversations about that.”
“We are excited to see what he does.”
Cherington said there is no timetable with Griffin, but said once you get to AAA you are no longer a prospect. You are part of a group that will challenge to help the Pirates win.
Griffin seemingly can do that, at some point.