WTM’S PIRATE PLAYER PROFILES

2008-09: Got semi-regular playing time as rookie in 2008 and hit respectably, with some power but poor plate discipline. Got little chance, however, in 2009 despite hammering AAA pitching. Of course, these numbers always should be questioned, especially with prospects with west coast teams, whose affiliates often play in the extreme hitter’s leagues, which are the Cal League and the Pacific Coast League. Giants’ AAA affiliate, Fresno, plays in the PCL in a park that inflates HRs, but otherwise is a pitcher’s park.

2010: Continued to blast PCL pitching while getting little opportunity in majors. After trade, Pirates sent Bowker to Indianapolis. GM Neal Huntington characterized him as possible spare outfielder who’d fit well with PNC Park’s dimensions. Didn’t play much at first with Ryan Doumit and Lastings Milledge both playing right. Pirates seemed to get more interested around mid-month. Played most of the time the rest of the way against RHPs, mainly in right but with four starts at first. After getting only one hit in first twenty ABs with Pirates, finished 15-for-49 (.306). As major leaguer, has just five hits in 46 at-bats against LHPs. Small sample size, but players who have yet to establish themselves in majors at age 27 don’t get extended opportunities.

Bowker is out of options, so he had to make the team out of spring training in 2011 or go through waivers.  Going into camp, it looked like heavy odds against him, but he had a good spring and opened the season with the team.  He was helped by Chris Snyder’s back problems, which prevented the team from carrying three catchers.  Nevertheless, Clint Hurdle seemed to have little interest in Bowker, giving him no starts until the team finally designated him for assignment in late April after claiming Xavier Paul off waivers.  He was not claimed and the Pirates assigned him to Indianapolis.  He’s already shown he can hammer AAA pitching, so it’s probably not going to matter much what he does there.