Tim Williams: Polanco Batting Leadoff A Good Transition To Majors
PITTSBURGH (KDKA 93-7 The Fan)- Pirates prospect Gregory Polanco was recently moved to the leadoff spot in Indianapolis as preparation for a promotion to the majors.
Tim Williams, of PiratesProspects.com, told Tab Douglas and Stacy Kauffman that while Polanco projects eventually as a middle of the order bat, hitting leadoff is a good start.
"It's a good transition to just ease him into the majors by having him as a top of the order guy, rather than a guy who is expected to basically carry the team from day one in the middle of the lineup," Williams said. "It would be a pretty good way to bring him into the majors."
Williams said that Polanco will be able to contribute in more than one facet when he is called up.
"He's not just relying on one skill set here. He's relying on a lot of stuff to bring him value. And because of that, I think that he's going to provide value in a number of ways. Maybe not every way from the start," Williams said. "But, he's got so many ways to provide value that he's going to at least give some sort of value when he comes up."
Andrew Lambo will miss six-to-eight weeks after surgery on his thumb. With Ike Davis now at first base for the Pirates, and Polanco blocking Lambo's path in right field, Williams said that Lambo's best value is as a trade chip. But, his injury might prevent that from happening.
"I'm just not sure that he's going to be back in time to really be used as a trade chip if they want to make that kind of move come the end of July," Williams said.
Tim Williams: Polanco Batting Leadoff Good Transition to Majors
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