Pirates AFL Updates: Defense Down for Prospects

Just two Pirates prospects appeared in the Scottsdale Scorpions’ 4-1 loss to the Mesa Solar Sox on Thursday night, with both shortstop Kervin Pichardo and center fielder Sammy Siani making their way on base.

Siani went 1-for-4 with a single and two strikeouts, while Pichardo went 1-for-3 with a double and a strikeout.

Pichardo also committed a throwing error on a fielders’ choice that eventually allowed a run to cross. While it’s only his first error in seven games played this fall league season, it’s the latest in a worrying trend for Pirates’ prospects as a whole.

Catcher Geovanny Planchart has four errors and a passed ball in five games behind the dish; Termarr has one apiece at shortstop and second base.

Siani has played strong defense, as evidenced by his October 20 performance against the Salt River Rafters but, overall, the Young Bucs have left something to be desired during their time in the field.

It would be the crown jewel of small sample sizes to hit the panic button over a handful of fall ball games, but it’s something to keep an eye on… especially with the more marquee prospects.