PNC Park’s right field is shorter than the average ballpark, however that does not mean it does not present its own unique challenges.
Gregory Polanco is in his first full season of playing right field for the Pittsburgh Pirates, and after a part-time run last season filled with ups and downs, his defense his been an improvement.
“I’ve played right field before so I knew the angle of the ball and when they hit,” Polanco said. “It’s just practicing every day and getting better.”
Polanco’s throwing arm and speed are two aspects of his game that are fairly known, however his route running is an aspect that has been a work in progress.
“He had to learn ball off the bat it was all about repetitions,” outfield coach Rick Sofield said. “He’s so athletic and has such good work ethic he just needed to get out there and see rep after rep, have some insight on the flight of the ball and let his natural instincts take over from there.”
Last season, Polanco had a quick start, however his performance in the field was not up to the team’s liking and at the plate was hitting 1-for-46 from August 11 until his demotion on August 26.
“What happened I think was last year he had a small little pocket where he was sent back to relax a little bit which didn’t taste good which it never does,” said Sofield. “I think he came back with a purpose and this winter he got some rest and some work on some special things. He came into spring tremendously prepared and worked his butt off in Spring Training and it’s paying dividends now.”
In Spring Training, many praised the Pirates outfield and their collective speed stating they could track down any ball. Polanco has been living up to his end of the bargain.
“He’s got centerfielder’s ability, if you look at the scouting charts he has all the requirements to play center,” Sofield said. “As we know Andrew McCutchen’s the most valuable player of the league, and Starling Marte is a pure centerfielder, so the reality is things do feel in. The game is queer wants to get you. We have an outfield that takes a lot of pride in what they’re doing.”
Right field at PNC Park is not easy and baseballs take bizarre bounces off the Clemente Wall. This makes it hard as a fielder to gauge where the ball would land. Polanco offered the following reply when asked about his philosophy about playing the wall.
“When you see they hit the ball, you go in front of the wall and see if you can catch it,” said Polanco. “Then you just run back and see where the ball is going to bounce.”
Polanco’s hard work has earned manager Clint Hurdle’s trust. As a result, he has played all three positions in the outfield. He was strictly placed in right field last season.
“Clint sticking him in center shows a lot of confidence,” Sofield said. “We’ve stuck him in left, which he has very little left field in him which isn’t brain surgery to go from right to left. He went out there, and I think the confidence Clint has shown in him to sketch him in the lineup and play anywhere has paid tremendous dividends.”
While the season is less than two months in, Polanco has committed himself to becoming a better defensive player. While his error total is already higher than that of last season, his Ultimate Zone Rating has increased by 7.5 and his UZR/150 has improved by 47.3. This promise gives the Pirates hope that the outfield will live up to its billing on the defensive side of the ball.
