There were questions going into the 2014 season about the lack of offense at the middle-infield positions for the Pirates. At second base, Neil Walker had shown glimpses of power, but injuries plagued him forcing him to sit when things seemed to be coming around.
At shortstop, there wasn’t much to look forward to. Clint Barmes could barely keep his head above the Mendoza line and a young Jordy Mercer looked to be at least a full year or two away from being a solid starter.
To the surprise of us all, both positions were solidified by season’s end due to solid seasons by both as they aided in a second-straight NL Wild Card appearance.
What makes things more favorable for the team in 2015 is that both players should stay on course with their performances last season which will help solidify a potentially lethal lineup.
Second Base
Neil Walker finally showed everyone the potential that everyone knew he had in 2014 posting a .271/.467/.809 with an .809 OPS, 23 home runs (Pirates single-season record for second basemen), 25 doubles and 73 RBI.
This stats were good enough for Walker to earn his first Silver Slugger Award and had it not been for emergency appendectomy surgery in mid-June, he would have been a clear-cut NL All-Star.
Walker’s fielding continues to improve under the tutelage of Hall of Famer, Bill Mazeroski in Spring Training as he only committed five errors in 630 chances last season. His career .989 fielding percentage ranks third among active NL second basemen.
If Walker can avoid the DL for the first time since 2011, he could have a run at his first NL All-Star nod.
Shortstop
Jordy Mercer came into the 2014 season as the team’s starting shortstop with Clint Barmes behind him to help the 27-year-old get accustomed to his role.
What the finished product looked like was a pleasant surprise as Mercer finished the season with 129 hits, 12 home runs, 27 doubles and 55 RBI which looks even more impressive when compared to his predecessor’s statistics.
Mercer’s defense improved as he posted a .982 fielding percentage (4th-best among NL second basemen) which is 20 points higher than his .962 fielding percentage in 2014. He does still have much room for improvement as he made 11 errors last year.
If Mercer can improve on his numbers from last season, the Pirates will have the shortstop position locked down till the end of the decade.
Middle-infield help
With Josh Harrison taking over at third base, the Pirates will look at Jung-ho Kang to be the team’s backup at the middle-infield position. Kang has not had the spring that ones had hoped batting .111 with a home run, double, three walks and a RBI in 30 plate appearances.
Everyone knew the transition from the offensive-friendly KBO to the Majors wouldn’t be an easy one and the Pirates know that as they have continued to show confidence that Kang can turn into a solid utility infielder with power.
Pedro Florimon (214 MLB appearances) and Sean Rodriguez (96 games with the Rays in 2014) are also names to look for during the season to help at the positions.
(Photo Credit: Gene J. Puskar)
