WTM’S PIRATE PLAYER PROFILES

2009
DSL:  267/370/357, 221 AB, 8 2B, 6 3B, 33 BB, 50 K, 12-16 SB

Had respectable first season as the regular right fielder in the DSL, including lots of walks but also lots of strikeouts.  He hit for only gap power.

2010
R:  202/245/287, 188 AB, 5 2B, 1 3B, 3 HR, 9 BB, 41 K, 19-21 SB

Struggled in GCL, although he did start to show some power, with three HRs.  He finished tied for fourth in the GCL in steals, while getting caught only twice.  His walk and strikeout numbers, though, were very bad.

2011
R:  237/333/361, 169 AB, 4 2B, 4 3B, 3 HR, 24 BB, 33 K, 18-18 SB
A-:  100/100/100, 10 AB, 2 K

Back in the GCL, Polanco showed improvement, especially in his strike zone judgment.  He split time in center with Willy Garcia and also played right, and had eight outfield assists total.  He was perfect as a base stealer.  The Pirates moved him up to State College at the end of the season and he got into three games there.

Polanco will play the 2012 season at age 20, so he’s still young enough to turn into a prospect.  He needs to start showing faster progress with the bat, but the speed and defensive ability are enticing.  He was showing more power in training camp in 2012 than he had previously, so hopefully it will transfer to the season.  He’ll move up to West Virginia, where he’ll be the starter in center.