Pirates Prospect: Matt Curry

The Pirates haven't had a long term answer at first base for a long time now.  The Pirates have had seven different regular first basemen over the last ten years, which is clearly not a good thing.  Out of any first base prospect that is currently in the Pirates' organization, Matt Curry may have the best chance to be that long term answer.  Here is my write up for him for my June top prospects.  He came in at number 18.

18.) Matt Curry (13)--1B--23
Curry spent most of 2011 in AA, so he is repeating the level this year.  In his second time around, he has a .284/.342/.438 line, with only two homers and a .779 OPS.  The Pirates do not have a proven first base prospect in their system, so Curry is as close as it gets.  If he reaches his potential, Curry could be an average to above average big league first baseman who could hit around .280 and somewhere between 15-25 home runs.  His defense isn’t great at first, but shouldn’t be a problem down the road.



Curry started the 2011 season in low-A West Virginia, but after he put up an OPS of 1.148 in 155 at bats, he was moved up two levels to AA Altoona (the Pirates wanted to give him regular playing time, and Aaron Baker was blocking him in high-A).  He struggled in his time at Altoona, with a line of .242/.320/.374, an OPS of .694, and six home runs, along with a very bad 29.8% strikeout rate.  He is repeating the level this year.
Curry was recently injured for a couple weeks, but since he has returned, he has been on a tear.  He's move his season batting line up to .294/.358/.483, with an .841 OPS and four homers.  His strikeout rate is also slightly improved from last year, at 24.9%, but it is still a little too high.  If he can consistently hit around .280-.300 with good power and extra bases, Curry could be due for a promotion to AAA Indianapolis before the end of the year, as he already has over 500 at bats at the AA level.  Currently, Jeff Clement has mostly been playing first base for the AAA team, so he would have to be moved to make room for Curry (I suggest that he is promoted to the majors and be made the regular first baseman, but that's a topic for another post).  But, I find it more likely that Curry spends the rest of the year in AA, then starts the 2013 season in AAA with a chance to move to the majors by the All-Star break. 
Most of the power that Curry possesses has come in the form of doubles this year, with 20 doubles in 201 at bats.  His slugging percentage is also at .483, so there shouldn't be much concern about his lack of home runs.  Also, with the short right field wall at PNC Park, Curry's left handed power should translate into more homers if he reaches the majors. 
As I said in my top prospect write up, Curry could be a good major leaguer with an average around .280 and around 20 home runs a year.   The Pirates have not been getting that out of their first baseman in the recent years, and having Curry would be a good boost to their offensive production.