Pirates Welcome Back Alex Presley

Alex Presley

will finally put on the black and gold this year when he makes his return to the Pirates tonight. Presley was an eighth round pick of the Pirates in the 2006 draft. He was doing very little in the minor leagues.

As recently as two years ago he was in high A ball for Lynchburg putting up a .684OPS.

And then something clicked.

In 2010, he put up a .932OPS with Altoona and earned a promotion to Indy where he had an .809 OPS and a .460 slugging earning him a September callup to the Pirates. Presley was named the Pirates minor league player of the year for his efforts.

This year he continued his monster tear. Let’s trust tonight he continues ripping baseballs. The Pirates offense can use all the help it can get. Another thing to note is we can’t say enough about keeping players in AAA until they absolutely prove deserving of a call to the majors. It has been done by this front office before although it can’t be said it’s always been the case.

But we do know that it worked with Neil Walker. Neal Huntington repeatedly states that there are several objetives for each of their prospects to complete. A check-list if you will. Looking at some of the call-ups over the past few years, it seems in large part to be working.

Andrew McCutchen is an example. When Cutch got the call in 2009 he had four homers, eight triples, and ten doubles in 219 plate appearances.

Last year when Jose Tabata got the call he had three homers, two triples and 13 doubles in 252 plate appearances. Jose Tabata is another one.

Presley had 321 plate appearances with eight homers, five triples, and 14 doubles. He looks more than ready especially when you add those 18 steals to the mix.

Tonight we start to find out if Alex Presley can be the next one.

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