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Pittsburgh Pirates: Options for Center Field Moving Forward
By Marty Leap
Stick with Anthony Alford & Dustin Fowler
This is not an option many fans would like or want to hear. However, it is a real option for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Both Alford and Fowler are former top-50 prospects who have plenty of untapped potential. While both are off to a slow start this season, it is just a 12 game sample size. This is far too small of a sample size to draw any huge conclusions.
In 23 plate appearances this season Alford is 0-for-19 with 15 strikeouts. Yes, 15 strikeouts in 19 at-bats. That’s an unbelievable 65.2% strikeout rate. At this point, Alford looks overmatched and like he does not belong in the Majors. Honestly, it is hard to watch as Alford is a friend of the Rum Bunter Podcast and one of the best dudes you could ever talk to.
As for Fowler, the 26-year-old left-handed hitter is 5-for-27 this season. He has hit one double, walked once, been hit by a pitch and has struck out 12 times. While it is not as poor as Alford’s strikeout rate, Fowler’s 40.0% strikeout rate is still way too high.
Again, it is a small sample size this season and both Alford and Fowler are former top-100 prospects. Due to this the Pittsburgh Pirates could continue to give them opportunities in center field. However, it appears likely that something will change soon.