Alex Presley got off to a fast start to the 2012 season, hitting .303 with four doubles in his first 19 games. Since then he's three for his last twenty-eight, and Clint Hurdle and company have apparently taken notice.
For the third time in the last four games, Presley is sitting the bench. This time it's Yamaico Navarro in for him. Granted, the Nationals are throwing a lefty at the Pirates, which is probably the main reason for this. Despite that it's pretty evident that the Pirates aren't too confident in Presley right now. You don't see a team bench an everyday start in three of four games without him being hurt or sick.
I'm not suggesting that this has some higher meaning, it's not like Starling Marte is on his way to the big leagues soon and they're clearing a spot for him. There's also no way that the Pirates think that Nate McLouth or Yamaico Navarro are a bette option than Presley, it's just a little strange that he's getting so much time off right now.
Presley isn't your typical non-experienced major league player. This kid isn't some big time prospect that is settling into a long career in the majors. He's 26 years old and came basically out of nowhere. Presley's future with the Pirates isn't something that is set in stone, I wouldn't be surprised at all to not see him in a Pirates uniform again after this year. However, he's certainly a big part of this team this year.
After tonight, Presley should be in there everyday regardless of who is on the mound. Hopefully he'll get out of this slump, but for now Jose Tabata and Neil Walker are doing a nice job holding down the top of the lineup.
Original Story:
http://www.mceffect.com/2012/05/alex-...
For the third time in the last four games, Presley is sitting the bench. This time it's Yamaico Navarro in for him. Granted, the Nationals are throwing a lefty at the Pirates, which is probably the main reason for this. Despite that it's pretty evident that the Pirates aren't too confident in Presley right now. You don't see a team bench an everyday start in three of four games without him being hurt or sick.
I'm not suggesting that this has some higher meaning, it's not like Starling Marte is on his way to the big leagues soon and they're clearing a spot for him. There's also no way that the Pirates think that Nate McLouth or Yamaico Navarro are a bette option than Presley, it's just a little strange that he's getting so much time off right now.
Presley isn't your typical non-experienced major league player. This kid isn't some big time prospect that is settling into a long career in the majors. He's 26 years old and came basically out of nowhere. Presley's future with the Pirates isn't something that is set in stone, I wouldn't be surprised at all to not see him in a Pirates uniform again after this year. However, he's certainly a big part of this team this year.
After tonight, Presley should be in there everyday regardless of who is on the mound. Hopefully he'll get out of this slump, but for now Jose Tabata and Neil Walker are doing a nice job holding down the top of the lineup.
Original Story:
http://www.mceffect.com/2012/05/alex-...
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May 10, 2012
