Takeaways From Pirates First Full-Squad Workout in Bradenton (+)
BRADENTON Fla. — After rain kept workouts inside on Sunday, the Pittsburgh Pirates were back outside under sunny skies for the first full-squad workout at spring training on Monday.
There was infield practice, a live bullpen, catcher drills and much more happening at Pirate City.
Some of the Pirates’ more compelling players this spring training were in the spotlight. Here are a few takeaways after watching all that transpired.
Oneil Cruz Looks Rusty, as to be Expected
It’s been over 10 months since we last saw Oneil Cruz on the field in Pittsburgh Pirates’ gear.
He’s been working during the Pirates’ daily practices and drills, but was notably at the forefront of Monday’s activities.
Cruz’s day began fielding grounders at shortstop. He looked a lot smoother than I expected, but it was still clear that he was getting back into the swing of things defensively. There were a few drops and bobbles, but he was moving pretty well and his arm looked strong.
The 25-year-old also faced Luis Ortiz in a live bullpen and had two at-bats. His timing was understandably off, not only because of how early it is in spring but because it’s going to take even longer for him to get acclimated.
Manager Derek Shelton offered what he wants to see from Cruz this spring.
“At the plate, it’s just gonna be about timing. You miss an entire year and it’s rusty,” Shelton said during his media session. “That’s why we’re gonna try to get him in as many live situations as possible like he was today off Ortiz. Movement-wise, laterally, he’s been doing it since last year during the season. Running the bases is gonna be the last one and sliding is gonna be a big one.”
Luis Ortiz Looked Sharp
Speaking of Ortiz, he is one of a handful of pitchers in competition for a starting rotation spot this spring. He threw his first live bullpen on Monday and looked pretty good.
The most encouraging sign for Ortiz is how his changeup played. It’s a pitch he has been working on to help complement his power fastball and sharp slider.
Ortiz faced Cruz, Bryan Reynolds and Jared Triolo during his session. It was only a small showing, but his stuff looked crisp, especially considering how early it is.
That changeup could be a game-changer for Ortiz if he is able to consistently execute it.
“I thought he moved down the mound well,” Shelton said. “He threw a couple good changeups and the sinker had some action to it. Talking to Bryan, Tri and Cruzy about it, it seemed like the ball had good action to it, and that’s the most important thing.”
Henry Davis Might be Able to Salvage His Position
Davis is by no means a finished product defensively. He has a long way to go with only two major-league innings caught. Still, there are some things to like.
One of the drills the Pittsburgh Pirates’ catchers were working on was throwing to each base with a simulated batter standing in the box.
When it was Davis’ turn, I took out the stopwatch on my phone and clocked his pop-time wen throwing to second base. It’s not an exact measurement on my part, there is human error, but I had Davis with an average of about a 1.90-second pop-time from each of his three throws.
That would put Davis amongst the better in the league. His cannon of an arm certainly helps.
Will Pirates Add Another Starter?
The Pittsburgh Pirates have still been linked to starting pitchers this spring. They recently signed Chase Anderson as a non-roster invitee.
Anderson was seen at Pirate City for the first time on Monday. He will be in competition to earn a spot in the rotation.
“He’s been pitching in the league for a while and he’s a guy we had liked previously and had talked to in previous situations,” said Shelton. “We’re just needing to add starter depth. We’ve named guys who are in that and we’ve talked about adding veteran guys in. He’s in competition in that spot.”
Anderson doesn’t move the needle much for the Pirates. They still have some time to bring in a more solidified option, but will they?