Huntington, Pirates brass mulling whether Matt Hague in part time role will still "ensure continued development"

As the Pirates brass works towards finalizing their opening day roster, the most intriguing storyline is what to do with first baseman Matt Hague. Hague batting .383 (18-for-47) this spring with a team leading 5 home runs, is making a strong push for a roster spot.

The problem for Hague though, he's behind Garrett Jones and Casey McGehee at first base and others at third base.

However, at age 26, is Hague past the development curve where getting regular at-bats in the minor leagues isn't a big factor for him anymore?

That's among the factors GM Neal Huntington and his staff are weighing right now.

"There does come a point in time in a player's development curve where he is prepared to play a role on the Major League team versus getting more at bats in Triple-A, " Huntington told Inside Pittsburgh Sports.com on Saturday when broached about Hague.