Minor-ity Report: Spotlight on Pedro Alvarez

April 25, 2009

Drafted 2nd overall in the 2009 amateur entry draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates, Pedro Alvarez may now be better known for the financial controversy that surrounded his hold-out than his collection of works at the NCAA level. Lauded by Baseball America and Sports Illustrated and recognized as a top prospect by scouts and analysts alike, Alvarez set records during his years as the anchor of Vanderbilt’s baseball team (49 homers in  679 at bats).

Alvarez is a bulky left-handed batter and third baseman who will push Andy LaRoche for playing time beginning as early as 2010.  “Vote for” Pedro Alvarez was ticketed for high A ball to begin ‘09, and thus far has handled opposing pitchers with aplomb, knocking 3 homers and 17 RBI in his first 52 professional at bats with 13 walks to 12 whiffs.  Although his batting average is presently sitting around .230, Alvarez looks like his sweet stroke and good eye are serving him well during his adjustment from amateur to pro ball. 

Pittsburgh will have a dilemma if LaRoche steps it up, but it is unlikely that even a healthy Andy LaRoche will be able to fend off Alvarez if Pedro continues to prove scouts right and tear up the Carolina League.  Watch for the rise of the uber-prospect Pedro Alvarez as he ascends the ranks of Pittsburgh’s  minor league system this season.

Written by Russell Sandman · Filed Under Blog, Minor Leagues | 1 Comment 

h2h Corner ~ Back to the Future, Week IV Preview

April 25, 2009

This column will predict how awesome/bad your team can be during next week’s contests. It will prove invaluable for those of you in weekly leagues, but will also help daily league owners because some leagues have started with weekly move caps to cut down on the nefarious streaming pitchers strategy. This makes it important to maximize your move allotment on two-start pitchers and key hitters who will have good matchups. Read more

Written by Albert Lang · Filed Under H2H | Leave a Comment