Pirate Moves
Posted: Fri Apr 22, 2022 8:13 pm
I agree with SyrBucco regarding Cruz. It is better to move him to a new position now while he is in AAA rather than letting him continue to pretend that he is going to be a ML SS, and then suddenly asking him to play LF or RF at the major league level. None of the young infielders that the Pirates have suddenly played in the outfield last year or this year - Tucker, Castillo, and Park - have distinguished themselves in the outfield. All appear leery of the fence/wall, Tucker doesn't understand when it is the CF'ers ball, and all have misjudged shallow fly balls.
Peguero appears to be the better defensive shortstop and could be ready for the majors at about the same time as Cruz. Any number of good (some great) major league players have been asked to change positions during their careers, and the Bucs should be working with Cruz to explain why the position switch is in his and the team's best interest.
I also see where Cruz's current production in the minor's is on a par with Newman's at the major league level; meaning that neither is hitting well. Clearly its early, only 12 minor league games or so, but no HR's, an OPS of .558, and a batting average of .175 screams trouble rather than a player who could be the the next Pirate great.
Sure hoping that Cruz's hitting comes around soon and that he can demonstrate that he has earned a call-up to the Burgh.
Peguero appears to be the better defensive shortstop and could be ready for the majors at about the same time as Cruz. Any number of good (some great) major league players have been asked to change positions during their careers, and the Bucs should be working with Cruz to explain why the position switch is in his and the team's best interest.
I also see where Cruz's current production in the minor's is on a par with Newman's at the major league level; meaning that neither is hitting well. Clearly its early, only 12 minor league games or so, but no HR's, an OPS of .558, and a batting average of .175 screams trouble rather than a player who could be the the next Pirate great.
Sure hoping that Cruz's hitting comes around soon and that he can demonstrate that he has earned a call-up to the Burgh.