Weeks ago many around baseball thought the Pittsburgh Pirates were done and that they were just one year wonders with not enough talent to compete for a division title. They were a team that was fading and falling as they were nine and a half games back, and in need of a spark. But, just like last season when they brought up Gerrit Cole, the Pirates have looked no further than their minor league system to get the boost in the standings. By calling up top prospect Gregory Polanco, the team has gotten the jolt they needed to put themselves right back in the middle of the crowded NL Central race.
As a minor leaguer, Polanco became a top prospect but making steady improvements at the plate each season. Although he struggled when his professional career began, he made adjustments to take his talent to an elite level. In 2012, he was voted SAL League player of the year after a stellar season in which he batted .325 and racked up 48 extra-base hits. He continued to impress this season by batting .362 in his first 62 games in AAA Indianapolis.
In Polanco the Pirates not only have plus bat, but they have stability at the leadoff spot. Through his first 26 games, Polanco has batted .284 with three home runs, also swiping four bases. His patient approach and ability to take an extra base has helped make the entire lineup around him better.
Polanco also helps to make an already top-flight outfield even stronger. By teaming with Andrew McCutchen and Starling Marte, the Pirates outfield arguably covers the most ground in all of baseball. While he has talent to play centerfield, his strong arm makes him a perfect corner outfielder.
Last season, Gerrit Cole stepped in and became the Pirates most consistent pitcher by season’s end. This year with the club floundering, Polanco has turned their fortunes again. Although he has only played in 26 games the Pirates are 17-9 with him. Without him they are three games under the .500 mark. If they are going to prove that they are not just one year wonders, they are going to need Polanco to carry the torch set by Cole and remain the sparkplug that they so desperately needed.
Statistics Provided by Baseball Reference
Picture Courtesy of Peter Diana/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
