Gregory Polanco Named To All-World Baseball Classic Team

Mar 16, 2017; San Diego, CA, USA; Dominican Republic outfielder Gregory Polanco (25) reacts as he rounds the bases after a one run home run against Venezuela during the 2017 World Baseball Classic at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2017; San Diego, CA, USA; Dominican Republic outfielder Gregory Polanco (25) reacts as he rounds the bases after a one run home run against Venezuela during the 2017 World Baseball Classic at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Pittsburgh Pirates’ outfielder Gregory Polanco has received some recognition for his outstanding showing at the World Baseball Classic

Pittsburgh Pirates’ left fielder Gregory Polanco was a member of Team Dominican Republic in the recently finished World Baseball Classic. Polanco was one of the best hitters in a loaded Dominican lineup. Due to his performance, Polanco earned some recognition.

On Thursday, the All-World Baseball Classic Team was announced. Gregory Polanco was one of 12 players announced to this prestigious team. For Polanco, this honor was well deserved.

During the World Baseball Classic, Gregory Polanco hit .579 for the Dominican Republic. This included a home run for Polanco. Hopefully, his performance in the World Baseball Classic is a sign of things to come for Polanco this season.

The fact that Gregory Polaco was the representative on the All-World Baseball Classic Team for the Dominican team is a very impressive feat. Team Dominican Republic included some of the best hitters in all of Major League Baseball. This included hitters such as Jonathan Villar, Jose Bautista, Manny Machado, Nelson Cruz, Robinson Cano, and Polanco’s Pirate teammate Starling Marte.

Maybe it is due to him reaching the Major Leagues at such a young age, but many people seem to forget Gregory Polanco is only 25 years old. This means that he has yet to even enter the prime years of his baseball career.

All signs point toward Polanco being primed for a huge 2017 season for the Pittsburgh Pirates. This includes his performance in the World Baseball Classic. In his return to Grapefruit League play on Thursday, Polanco went 1-for-4 with a double.

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Pirates Re-Assign Nine Players

On Thursday, the Pittsburgh Pirates trimmed their Spring Training roster. Pitchers Brandon Cumpton, Dan Runzler, Edgar Santana, and Jason Stoffel were all re-assigned to Minor League Camp. Cumpton, who is still battling back from multiple arm surgeries, did not pitch this spring. Santana is a bullpen arm that should make his Major League debut at some point in 2017.

The Pittsburgh Pirates also re-assigned five position players to Minor League camp on Thursday. Catcehr Elias Diaz and infielder Max Moroff were optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis. Additionally, utilitym an Eric Wood, outfielder Eury Perez, and outfielder/first baseman Joey Terdoslavich were re-assigned to Minor League camp.