Pirates Battle Rays: Pedro Alvarez Is Not Alone

The Pittsburgh Pirates

take on the Tampa Bay Rays for what seems like the tenth time in Grapefruit action. Tony Watson will get the start for the Bucs, who will be sending relievers to the hill.

We noticed in yesterday’s game notes that Brad Lincoln was named as the starter, but today we see Watson’s name. It’s safe to say Lincoln and others will see some work today.

The Bucs will face a lefty for the 13th time as the Rays counter with Matt Moore.

The Pirates offense has been cranking out hits this spring, although the wins haven’t been piling up. Casey McGehee has been swinging a hot stick with four hits in his last eight at bats, three going for doubles. Andrew McCutchen is destroying baseballs, as is Neil Walker – all of which are nice signs for the Bucs offense.

Players that will likely be coming off the bench are hot as well: Nate McLouth and Yamaico Navarro are both swinging hot sticks.

Someone that isn’t hitting well this spring is slugger Carlos Pena.   The Rays’ first baseman is 4 for 37 this spring with 15 strikeouts.  Yikes!

Pena has a double and a triple in his .119 batting average.  The slugger has never hit this poorly in spring training.  He doesn’t have a homerun, but he has walked nine times to bump his OPS to the 400 range.

And you know what it all means?  Nothing in about six days.

Notice anything?

Lineups: Baseball Press