2nd Full Squad Workout
Brandenton FL -- Day 7 of spring training marked the second full squad workout for the Pirates. Wednesday also marked the first live batting practice of the spring.
*13 pitchers threw 2 innings of live practice today: Among the pitchers who threw two innings were Jeff Karstens, Steven Jackson, Anthony Claggett, Bryan Morris, Paul Maholm, Donnie Veal, Ross Ohlendorf, Justin Thomas, Virgil Vasquez, and Chris Jakubauskas.
I kept a close eye today on Bryan Morris, a key prospect to the Jason Bay deal and maybe the Pirates last hope of showing anything of substance in the return for Bay two years ago.
Morris who struggled mightily in Class A last season, has great velocity and the physical tools are there.
His command though is a major issue and just watching him throw 30+ pitches of live practice, the ball gets away from him.
*The star of batting practice was Jose Tabata. Tabata hit a number of sizzling line drives and belted a home run that caught the eye of others in the practice fields away from where Tabata was.
*As expected Garrett Jones spent the day in right field in outfield drills after being assigned to first base on Tuesday. Jones will get extensive work at both positions this spring.
*Today's infield assignments included Jeff Clement at first base with Delwyn Young at second base, Ramon Vasquez at short-stop and Andy LaRoche at third base.
Bobby Crosby spent the entire workout at first base, behind Jeff Clement in the 2nd rotation.
*2009 1st round pick Tony Sanchez has a very quick release behind the plate. His defensive abilities are exceptional. The key for him in the minors this season will be developing as a hitter.
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