Pirates/MLB
Pittsburgh Pirates *Pirates GM Neal Huntington isn’t ready to sing the praises of Pedro Alvarez just yet, who is hitting .350 with 3 home runs and 13 RBI’s in 17 games for Triple-A Indianpolis.
Huntington today called Pedro’s .350 average “misleading”, indicating that during a 7-for-8 stretch, Alvarez only hit a couple balls out of the infield.
On a possible timetable? Huntington did indicate Alvarez is showing some improvement over the past couple games but there are some things that still need to be worked out. Huntington gave no indication that Alvarez will be up for the start of the Atlanta series, when asked directly about it.
*The Pirates are not close to making an impact trade as the trade demands for rentals remain extremely high. Huntington said for about the 4th straight week, that he has a willingness to move prospects but only for the right trade.
Huntington said that players who can be acquired for deals that involve just taking on salary for a “bag of baseballs”, are usually players who are not good.
Huntington who has been active in making inquiries, mentioned he is “anxious” to add to the club and believe “this club deserves something to help them.”
*Alex Presley (thumb) is likely headed to the DL. Huntington said it’s a possibility and that Gorky’s Hernandez could be a candidate to join the Pirates. Hernandez is hitting .296 with 1 home run and 26 RBI’s in 86 games. Hernandez has 17 stolen bases.
*Jose Tabata is back in Pittsburgh as he has continued soreness in his strained quad. The injury is taking longer than anticipated and Tabata is in a “rest treatment mode”.
*Once Ryan Doumit is back with the Big Club, the Pirates intend to be cautious with his workload. Huntington said that he and Clint Hurdle have discussed limiting the wear and tear with Doumit and that he and Michael McKenry would share duties.
Doumit is rehabbing in Bradenton right now.
*Ross Ohlendorf is starting for Double-A Altoona today. The hope is for Ohlendorf to have an extended outing in the 5-6 inning range. He has previously been limited to 4 innings.
