Pirates Dan Gamache Hot Start in Arizona Fall League

Dan Gamache is off to a hot start as he makes the most of his opportunity in the Arizona Fall League.  The first pick of the Bucs in the sixth round back in the 2011 draft has hits in both games with the Scottsdale Scorprions.

The infielder out of Auburn University had a coming out party, of sorts, for the Altoona Curve in 2014 hitting for more power than he ever has. It all happened after missing the beginning of the 2014 season with yet another injury.

If you recall, near the the end of his fiinal season with Auburn, Gamache broke a bone in his hand.  That didn’t scare Pirates scout Darren Mazeroski–)(yeah, Bill’s son,) who had evaluated Gamache all along.    The injuries have chased Gamache throughout his career and this season was no exception as he fouled a ball off his foot this spring and didn’t join the AA Curve until midseason.

But now Rule 5 Draft eligible, Gamache is putting all of that behind him.  He hit his first AFL homer providing the Scorpions with their only appearance of offense as they were crushed and fall to 1-2 on the season.  Gamache played second base for Scottsdale last night after doubling while playing third in his first game.

In 2014, he has somehow hit more homers while he has actually played less than he did in 2012 and 2013.  In a ridiculously small sample in the AFL he is at least off to a good start of proving that the .825 OPS might not have been fluky.  Now if he can remain healthy, the Bucs could have an important infield prospect on their hands.

Dan Gamache career minor league numbers from MiLB.com

Other Pirates in action for the Scorpions were DH Josh Bell in the five hole and Elias Diaz who hit third in the order.   Bell was held hitless with a walk a stolen base and a GIDP.

Elias Diaz was not able to get a hit, but did walk in his first appearance at the plate.  Diaz had a throwing error and went 0-for-3 with a groundout and two strikeouts.

In his other at bats, Gamache lined out and flew out.

Although not active since 2013, you can follow Gamache on Twitter here and can find out that he thinks leashes for children are necessary.