As the equipment trucks make their way from Pittsburgh to Bradenton, questions still remain with the Pirates.
One arbitration case remains
Pedro Alvarez is the lone arbitration case that remains open on the Pirates roster. His case will decide the Pirates $5.25 million asking price against his $5.75 asking price.
Vance Worley won his case and will earn $2.45 million while the Pirates won it’s case against Neil Walker as he will receive $8 million.
Walker’s dollar amount is not the focus, however, as questions about his future in Pittsburgh remain unanswered.
Both sides reportedly remain distant in contract extension talks and once the season starts, don’t expect anything to happen.
Top players right now
The Pirates are getting national attention ranking most of it’s starting nine on MLB’s Top 10 players right now by position.
Andrew McCutchen No. 1 CF
Starling Marte No. 4 LF
Neil Walker No. 4 2B
Jordy Mercer No. 6 SS
Josh Harrison No. 3 3B
Mark Melancon No. 7 Relief Pitcher
Tony Watson No. 10 Relief Pitcher
The Pirates are set at most positions, but a few key pieces are still in question with Pedro Alvarez being on the top of the list.
Alvarez did not attend voluntary mini-camp — players in arbitration normally don’t attend mini-camp — and will go into spring training with little in-game experience (five games).
If Alvarez can’t get in sync by April Corey Hart will be the leading candidate for the starting job at first.
Another area that’s in question — but is more stable — is right field. Gregory Polanco has the position locked, but will have to avoid the sophomore jinx in order to keep it.
(Photo Credit: Pittsburgh Pirates)
