For the most part, the starting lineup for the 2012 Pittsburgh Pirates is settled. The bench, however, is a different story. Generally, a team in the NL will carry five bench players, comprised of at least one backup catcher, at least two players that can play various infield positions, including first base, and one or two backup outfielders. After looking over the current options on the 40-man roster and the non-roster invitees, I feel there are 12 candidates for the bench. This list of players consists of Michael McKenry, Jose Morales, Matt Hague, Jake Fox, Josh Harrison, Casey McGehee, Chase D’arnaud, Yamaico Navarro, Gustavo Nunez, Nate McClouth, Gorkys Hernandez, and Nick Evans.
The backup catcher job will most likely be going to Michael McKenry. Out of the three catching options on this list, the other two being Jose Morales and Jake Fox, McKenry is the only one on the 40-man roster, so there would be no roster move needed in order for him to make the team. Also, McKenry proved he can be a reliable defensive option behind the plate in 2011, and has worked personally with manager Clint Hurdle this offseason, focusing on his hitting ability.
With the Pirates entering the season with Garrett Jones, who struggles against lefties, as the probable starter at first base, righty Casey McGehee is a lock to make the bench. Because of Jones’ struggles to hit lefties, McGehee should see his fair share of starts at first, possibly even in a platoon with Jones. (Also remember that McGehee hit .285 with 23 home runs and 104 RBI’s in 2010.) The other infielders are a little more difficult to project. Harrison, D’arnaud, Navarro, and Nunez are the players that have the ability to play middle infield and third. D’arnaud and Navarro still could be good prospects, so it is probably better for their future if they get everyday playing time in AAA. However, Navarro will probably make the major league team as the backup shortstop because Harrison is new to the position, and Nunez, as a Rule 5 draft pick, probably isn’t capable of staying in the majors.
There won’t be much of a competition for the fourth outfielder, with the signing of former Pirates’ All-Star Nate McClouth. If Presley or Tabata struggle early in the season, McClouth will be ready to step in as a starter, and hopefully he can get back to 2008 form (.853 OPS) with a return to PNC Park. Also, the team will be able to use Garrett Jones as a fifth outfielder if needed.
With McKenry, McGehee, Navarro, and McClouth looking as though they will make the team for opening day, that leaves one more spot. The competition for this spot will most likely be between Josh Harrison and Jake Fox. Harrison can play third, shortstop, and second, while Fox can play catcher, first, third, and left and right field. Harrison could use some more time in AAA to refine his defensive ability his newly learned shortstop position, and it would only benefit him more to get more at bats. Jake Fox has proven that he can hit at the AAA level (41 HR’s, 156 RBI, .955 OPS in 645 at bats), so he is ready to handle major league pitchers, and has already showed some power at the major league level with 20 HR’s in 489 career at bats in the majors.
The bench picture is not clear heading into spring training later this month, but as of now it looks likely to be McKenry, McGehee, Navarro, McClouth, and Fox. Some of these players, specifically McKenry, McGehee, and McClouth, will probably see good playing time, especially if players at their positions struggle. McGehee and McClouth are bounce back candidates who have hit very well in the past, and any improvement on the 2011 season could be a big boost for the 2012 Pirates.
The backup catcher job will most likely be going to Michael McKenry. Out of the three catching options on this list, the other two being Jose Morales and Jake Fox, McKenry is the only one on the 40-man roster, so there would be no roster move needed in order for him to make the team. Also, McKenry proved he can be a reliable defensive option behind the plate in 2011, and has worked personally with manager Clint Hurdle this offseason, focusing on his hitting ability.
With the Pirates entering the season with Garrett Jones, who struggles against lefties, as the probable starter at first base, righty Casey McGehee is a lock to make the bench. Because of Jones’ struggles to hit lefties, McGehee should see his fair share of starts at first, possibly even in a platoon with Jones. (Also remember that McGehee hit .285 with 23 home runs and 104 RBI’s in 2010.) The other infielders are a little more difficult to project. Harrison, D’arnaud, Navarro, and Nunez are the players that have the ability to play middle infield and third. D’arnaud and Navarro still could be good prospects, so it is probably better for their future if they get everyday playing time in AAA. However, Navarro will probably make the major league team as the backup shortstop because Harrison is new to the position, and Nunez, as a Rule 5 draft pick, probably isn’t capable of staying in the majors.
There won’t be much of a competition for the fourth outfielder, with the signing of former Pirates’ All-Star Nate McClouth. If Presley or Tabata struggle early in the season, McClouth will be ready to step in as a starter, and hopefully he can get back to 2008 form (.853 OPS) with a return to PNC Park. Also, the team will be able to use Garrett Jones as a fifth outfielder if needed.
With McKenry, McGehee, Navarro, and McClouth looking as though they will make the team for opening day, that leaves one more spot. The competition for this spot will most likely be between Josh Harrison and Jake Fox. Harrison can play third, shortstop, and second, while Fox can play catcher, first, third, and left and right field. Harrison could use some more time in AAA to refine his defensive ability his newly learned shortstop position, and it would only benefit him more to get more at bats. Jake Fox has proven that he can hit at the AAA level (41 HR’s, 156 RBI, .955 OPS in 645 at bats), so he is ready to handle major league pitchers, and has already showed some power at the major league level with 20 HR’s in 489 career at bats in the majors.
The bench picture is not clear heading into spring training later this month, but as of now it looks likely to be McKenry, McGehee, Navarro, McClouth, and Fox. Some of these players, specifically McKenry, McGehee, and McClouth, will probably see good playing time, especially if players at their positions struggle. McGehee and McClouth are bounce back candidates who have hit very well in the past, and any improvement on the 2011 season could be a big boost for the 2012 Pirates.
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