PITTSBURGH — The opportunity to play in a big league game in September may not have came for several prospects who were considered. But a different kind of opportunity has come for five of them.
First baseman Matt Hague, outfielder Gorkys Hernandez and pitchers Bryan Morris, Kyle McPherson and Justin Wilson are all in Pittsburgh for what Bucs manager Clint Hurdle referred to as an “observation.”
“They will not be playing,” Hurdle said. “They are going to work out in the afternoons and be a part of everything we do, other than being dressed and being ready for the games for a few days.”
Hague batted .309 this season with Triple-A Indianapolis. His teammate, Hernandez, finished with a .286 average, respectively.
“For Hauge, he was in our hitters meeting today as was Gorkys,“ Hurdle said. “We spent a spring training with him. We didn’t get to know Matt as well. Just encompass a lot on the field and some work detail that we will do and will point them in some specific areas, instruction for them to work on over the winter.”
McPherson, who was named the Double-A Altoona Curve’s pitcher of the year, is coming off his best season professionally. He posted a 12-6 record and a 2.96 ERA combined with High-A Bradenton and Altoona this season.
Right-handers Bryan Morris and Justin Wilson have seen their starting roles move into the bullpen. But both have been dominant in the relief role. Morris, who was named the Curve’s fireman this season, posted a 2.05 ERA in 26 games from the ‘pen. In nine games in relief, Wilson has a 3.21 ERA.
The opportunity to come observe with the club was something that the Pirates skipper wanted to reward them with from their successful 2011 seasons.
“I really want them to use their eyes and their ears,” Hurdle said. “This is as much about us getting to see them, thanking them for their effort in a tangible way.”
The experience for the young players goes beyond just batting practice at PNC Park. Hurdle hopes it’s a learning experience to take into the off-season.
“Having a sit down conversation with me, I hope that will be meaningful for them,“ Hurdle said. “It will be meaningful for me. [To] find out what their takeaways from the season [were], what areas they think they made the greatest improvement. What were some of the challenges they had to meet this year. Maybe they are still in front of them. And then maybe I can point them to some players and personnel out there to have some meaningful discussions within while they’re here. They’ll also get to spend a little bit of time with the coaching staff. [It’s] important for the pitchers to spend time with [pitching coach] Ray [Searage] and [Bullpen coach Eucildes Rojas].”
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