Pittsburgh Pirates Neal Huntington met with assembled media members prior to Sunday’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers and discussed a variety of topics.
There has been media speculation that the Pirates may send Jung-ho Kang to Triple-A Indianapolis. Huntington however had one question for the media. Why?
“We have a ton of respect for what he did in Korea and what our scouts saw and for what we’ve seen so far,” Huntington said. “Ten plate appearances into the season after 30-some plate appearances in Spring Training, it’s an awfully quick rush to judgment in our minds.”
Huntington says that the gap between Triple-A and the major leagues has never been larger and credit’s Kang’s bat speed, defense at shortstop and a successful move to third base.
Huntington referred to Kang’s perceived lack of playing time as inaccurate on the basis that not many teams had role players with 10 at-bats that were not affected by either injury or a platoon situation. Huntington stated it would be a bad thing for Kang to have more playing time at this point because it would be due to injury or ineffectiveness.
“Our goal is to put our major league club in a position to win games and we believe right now Kang has earned the opportunity to be on this club,” said Huntington. “He is one of the best 25.”
Huntington echoed manager Clint Hurdle’s comments about Tony Sanchez and providing balance with two catchers with the Pirates major league club and two in Triple-A Indianapolis. Huntington stated that there were a lot of American League opponents coming up for the Indianapolis Indians and whichever player between Sanchez and Elias Diaz does not start would play DH. Huntington classified the situation as a whole as a good problem to have.
An early standout thus far in the minor league season has been Tyler Glasnow in Double-A Altoona. Starters in Altoona have posted a 0.33 ERA and Glasnow is 1-0 in 11 innings pitched with a 0.82 ERA.
“His last outing especially he had the ability to add and subtract with the breaking ball,” Huntington said. “He threw it for strikes, he threw it for chase. We still have change development we have to get with when you throw as hard as he does, you’re doing hitters a favor when you throw a changeup. It’s something we need to continue to work with him on.
“The fastball is explosive and plays at the top and bottom of the zone. He’s continuing to refine and allow his mechanics to be his mechanics and not have to expend energy between innings and starts. We’re making good progress and we’re pleased with where he’s at right now.”
In Single-A Brandenton, Austin Meadows is off to a quick start. Meadows, an outfielder is hitting .375 with 15 hits in 40 at-bats. Meadows has four RBI and a .905 OPS. Catcher Reese McGuire has a .290 batting average with three RBI. Huntington says the goal for both of these players is to grow and get better while refining their games, skills and tools.
Huntington also provided an update on Jameson Taillon who had Tommy John surgery last April.
“Jameson Taillon is continuing to make progress and check box after box,” said Huntington. “[We’re] Looking forward to getting him to play against opposition sooner rather than later. Publicly we build on each outing. Privately we have everything scripted out for him.”
Photo credit: USA Today
