No, not like that.
But who is going to be playing first base for the Pirates in 2012?
Right now, it’s looking like Garrett Jones could very well end up being the starting first baseman. However, it is known that Jones cannot hit lefties very well. In 2011, he hit just .147 against southpaws.
So where do you go from there? With Jones’ inability to hit lefties, we could very well see at platoon at 1B. Either Nick Evans, who was picked up in free agency from the Mets, or Casey McGehee, acquired in last week’s trade with Milwaukee, could be candidates for the platoon job. Evans is a career .295 hitter against left-handers. McGehee has only played a handful of games at 1B and will most likely be a backup to Alvarez anyway. I, for one, am not a fan of the platoon, as it has not been very successful in past years for the Buccos.
Another option would be to aggresively pursue a first baseman in free agency, such as Carlos Pena or Derrek Lee. The Pirates are still showing interest in Lee, although it’s unknown if he has any interest in them. Pena’s name has been quiet and has been relatively left off the rumor mill. Although he strikes out a ton, it would be great to have a bat like Pena’s in the middle of the Pirates lineup. I expect both of their names to be brought up in discussion once Prince Fielder makes a decision on where he will play in 2012.
I would love to see the Pirates attempt to make a trade for a first baseman. Ike Davis has been rumored to be on the trade block, but it would cost a good amount (Marte, Lincoln, etc.) to acquire him. I feel that the Pirates have plenty of trading pieces. The outfield packed with Cutch, Tabata, Presley, and Marte on the way. Also, Joel Hanrahan‘s value is higher than ever, after Heath Bell and Jonathan Papelbon received massive contracts.
Regardless of who’s on first for the Buccos in 2012, we hope that they can provide consistent offense, as the team really needs to get the offense going to be successful.
Go Bucs
