In an effort to be more productive on offense, Clint Hurdle has been mixing up the lineup on a daily basis since the start of Spring Training; specifically hitters 1-4. Although star centerfielder Andrew McCutchen is the fastest player on the team (and maybe the entire league), Hurdle may use him in the three spot considering his projection to hit for more power as well as Jose Tabata's ability to get on base. If I had to guess, I would project the line up to go Tabata, Walker, McCutchen and Alvarez. At this point, it is impossible to tell. Today, against the Red Sox, McCutchen sat out while Tabata moved to center and batted leadoff. Yesterday had a different look as players were engaged in split-squad games between the Phillies and Blue Jays.
What Wrist Injury?After coming out early on Friday with a supposed wrist injury, Andrew McCutchen returned to the lineup Saturday to go 2-3 with a double and a homerun. The Pirates, however, lost both games yesterday in split-squad play. In 11 games this Spring, McCutchen is batting .321 with 2 homeruns, 6 RBI's and a .424 OBP. He appears to be ready for April.
Nothing oK with Offense
Against the Phillies yesterday, the Pirates struck out 11 times while against the Blue Jays, they struck out 7 times. So far, the Pirates lead the Majors in strike outs with 138. Their fielding percentage, however, is 7th in the league, a stat which may have to do with Manager Clint Hurdle's attention to detail and fundamentals. Last year the Pirates were tied at the bottom of the league with the Nationals in errors with 127.
by Jon Pennline
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