WTM’S PIRATE PLAYER PROFILES

2007
R:  288/346/353, 139 AB, 9 2B, 11 BB, 22 K, 1-3 SB

Had a decent debut in rookie ball, hitting for average but not much power.

2008
R+:  281/316/447, 253 AB, 14 2B, 8 3B, 4 HR, 11 BB, 40 K, 4-4 SB
A:  263/364/474, 19 AB, 1 2B, 1 HR, 2 BB, 5 K

Welch hit better in the advanced rookie Appalachian League, with good gap power but very few walks.

2009
A:  239/271/359, 92 AB, 3 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 4 BB, 19 K
A+:  278/350/412, 216 AB, 10 2B, 2 3B, 5 HR, 20 BB, 37 K

Welch didn’t hit well in low A, but the Mets promoted him to the Florida State League and he did much better there.  He had a passable walk rate and hit for decent power.

2010
A+:  256/325/395, 496 AB, 29 2B, 8 3B, 8 HR, 37 BB, 126 K, 2-3 SB

Returning to the FSL, Welch didn’t hit as well and his K rate skyrocketed.

2011
A+:  271/361/438, 436 AB, 19 2B, 3 3B, 16 HR, 57 BB, 105 K, 3-4 SB

Returning to the FSL for a third season, Welch showed the most HR power of his career and also posted a career-high walk rate.  He turned 23 at the end of the season, so he was only a little old for the level.

It’s not easy to see what the Pirates will do with Welch.  They’re likely to have Matt Curry and Calvin Anderson at Altoona, and Alex Dickerson and Justin Howard at Bradenton.  It could be they’re planning to move Welch to third.  He could head for either Altoona or Bradenton.