Pirates Travel To Face Tigers: Chris McGuiness Opening Eyes

Jun 12, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers first baseman Chris McGuiness (21) stretches to catch the ball as Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Rajai Davis (11) runs to first during the game at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Pirates make the long trip to Lakeland today.  The player at first base is a guy that got little attention this offseason.  In fact, people were pissed when we actually liked the deal that brought Chris McGuiness to Pittsburgh.  Neal Huntington and his guys went out and grabbed the ex-Citadel standout with ML experience who was blocked in Texas.

Cool article from the Herald Tribune with quotes about the big lefty today:

"“McGuiness has shown up,” said Clint Hurdle"

Unfortunately, little is being written about McGuiness.  But if he keeps hitting, that will change.  Yesterday he drove in the winning run with a blast off the outfield wall.  Another big hit, even though it was against non-roster left-hander Henry Owens,

"“Left-on-left, off a good pitcher on the mound, a left-hander, definitely,” Hurdle said. “We prep our guys that the games don’t count, but they matter. So, your at-bats matter, the plays you make in the field matter.”"

The defense looks solid, he has a patient approach at the plate with gap to gap power.

Yeh, it’s Spring Training, we know.

The Lineup:  Jaff Decker will lead off and is in right field.  Jose Tabata will bat second and play left.  Gregory Polanco will be in centerfield.   Pedro Alvarez will make the trip and bat cleanup.

Brent Morel will be the DH.  As we keep saying, the Pirates like what they have seen from Chris McGuiness and he will be at first base today.  Andrew Lambo is on the lineup card and will get some time as his backup.   (Gaby Sanchez said his knee is going to be o.k.)

Jordy Mercer will be the shortstop.  Josh Harrison will play second and bat eighth.  Chris Stewart gets the bottom of the card and will catch starter Charlie Morton.

Who doesn’t Jessica?

Other pitchers scheduled to go today are Brandon Cumpton, Vin Mazzaro, Yao-Hsun Yang, Josh Kinney and Cody Eppley

Rob Biertempfel tweeted the lineup card out this morning.