The FortTracker: Week Two

The quest continues.

Two weeks into the 2012 MLB season and it is brutally obvious that Michael McKenry should be the everyday starting catcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates.  Despite a 14-year career of splendid mediocrity, Rod Barajas isn’t winning anything for the Bucs, unless there happens to be a post-game burrito eating contest.  Meanwhile, “The Fort” is busting his ass every time he hits the field, providing decent hitting and fantastic defense for the Pirates.

Week Two of the FortTracker gives us similar numbers to Week One.  It shows that while Barajas is getting the lions share of playing time, in the minimal time “The Fort” is getting, the Pirates are a better team.  It shows that Michael McKenry is a team player, a stand-up guy, and quite possibly the next professional athlete who is invited to a Snedden family picnic (Hey, at least the Tomlins sent me a “no thanks” card.  More than I can say for Joe Beimel.).

So without further fanfare, Week Two of the FortTracker is ready to blow the doors off the Pirates catching situation.  This – my fine feathered (and eyepatched) friends – is sports journalism at its finest.  Suck down the glory that is Week Two of the Rumbunter FortTracker.

The FortTracker:  Week Two (April 14th – April 22nd)

April 15   Pirates 4, Giants 1    AT&T Park

McKenry started and received four at-bats, walking three times.  He struck out once.  Defensively, he failed to throw out Brandon Belt on a steal on second base.

April 18  Pirates 2, DBacks 1    Chase Field

“The Fort” started and got four at-bats, ripping a single off of SP Daniel Hudson.  He was 1 for 4 on the day.  Defensively, he threw out AJ Pollock on a steal of second base.

April 22  Cardinals 5, Pirates 1   PNC Park

McKenry went 1 for 3 with a leadoff double in the eighth that led to the only run of the game when Casey McGehee drove him in with a  single up the middle.  Defensively, McKenry was charged with a passed ball – his first of 2012 – and failed to throw out Rafael Furcal on a steal of second.

FortTracker Totals for Week of April 14 – April 22

11 AB  1 Run Scored  1 single 1 double  3 walks

Season Stats:  .286/.444/.571

Defensive:  1 PB, 1/2 on steal attempts

Rod Barajas Stats for Week of April 14 – April 22

18 AB  0 runs scored  1 single   1 double   2 walks  3 K’s

Defensive:  1 PB,  0/2 on steal attempts

Season Stats:  .091/.143/.152

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FortTracker Summary For Week Two

Another week of limited action for our hero, but he maintains a better overall batting line than Barajas, and “The Fort” has lived up to his name – saving numerous balls from getting behind him as passed balls or wild pitches.

Hopefully, the Pirates begin to take inventory soon and realize that Barajas is an albatross in their lineup.  #StarttheFORT is the Twitter hashtag for you Tweetheads.

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