Pittsburgh Pirates Make More Cuts

The Pittsburgh Pirates have announced that Kyle McPherson, Jordy Mercer, Alex Presley, Felix Pie, Ryan Reid, Mike Zagurski, Vin Mazzaro, Lucas May and Carlos Paulino have been cut from camp.

McPherson was trying to win the fifth starter’s spot after pitching well during his debut season last year.  Jeff Locke was able to earn the fifth starters spot despite not pitching great, but pitching better than most everyone else – which doesn’t say a whole lot about the Buccos roster.

Mercer hit well, but just wasn’t old enough to fit the ‘veteran presence’ mold the Bucs brass are living and dying with.  (think Ryan Church, Bobby Crosby, the list goes on and on…)

Alex Presley kept getting on base in his final ten games or so, but seems to have fallen from favor a bit after struggling from the leadoff spot last season – despite hitting ten homers on the year.

Ryan Reid was on a roll, but struggled in his last outing.

Mike Zagurski certainly worked hard to make the club.

Vin Mazzaro was unbelievable at times with his ability to strike out opposing hitters, but when he was hittable, oh, he was so hittable.

The catching tandem of May and Paulino performed well at times.  May showed he could hit, Paulino flashed the gun on numerous times that has scouts so high on the Buccos catcher.

So there you have it, one could assume Josh Harrison has grabbed the final roster spot should Brandon Cringe start the season on the DL.  We could also presume Jeanmar Gomez will be the final arm in the bullpen.