Welcome to the Pirates Prospects daily video rundown, where we pull some of the top videos of the Pittsburgh Pirates across the internet.
Player Spotlight
Cal Mitchell
Mitchell wasn’t protected from the Rule 5 draft by being added on to the 40-man roster during the winter. Fortunately for the Pirates, thanks to the extended lockout they are forgoing the Rule 5 this year, meaning Mitchell is safe for at least 2022.
The former second round pick is one of the players that could benefit most from the universal DH in the system, and on August 24th we saw some of why. Mitchell went 5-for-6 in that game, and in an offensive outburst by the Altoona Curve, collected each hit by the fifth inning.
After getting a brief stint at Triple-A, you can expect Mitchell to begin the year there, waiting for an opportunity at the major league level.
Daily Videos
Oneil Cruz
There has been a lot of talk about what position Cruz is going to play at the major league level, but almost none of it has been him at second base.
Oneil Cruz showing off the range at … second base! pic.twitter.com/UMfcK40kpy
— Jason Mackey (@JMackeyPG) March 17, 2022
Here we get to see Cruz flash a little bit of leather at second base. Cruz was seen catching some fly balls in center field while at Altoona last year, but never got any game action there. It is known that the Pirates will be looking to introduce secondary positions to all their players, hence Cruz’s action at second here.
JT Brubaker vs Bryan Reynolds
Ever wonder what it’s like to face an MLB pitcher? Here’s a full live AB, up close, featuring Bryan Reynolds vs. JT Brubaker: pic.twitter.com/tRCtIjzrbM
— Jason Mackey (@JMackeyPG) March 17, 2022
In probably one of the biggest matchup we’ve gotten to see on video, All-Star Bryan Reynolds faced upon against JT Brubaker in a live batting practice. Brubaker is looking to re-find his form from the beginning of 2021 as Reynolds looks to build upon his great season.
Anthony Alford
Some hacks from Anthony Alford. In his last 38 games last year, Alford had a 114 wRC+. pic.twitter.com/oQ93sxqW0d
— Justice delos Santos (@justdelossantos) March 17, 2022
Alford is going to be in the mix for a starting outfield spot during Spring Training. He earned one last year, but got off to a historically bad start before being DFAd and sent to Indianapolis. After figuring some stuff out, he made his way back to Pittsburgh and actually had a decent end to the season. As the tweet mentions, his wRC+ was 114 his final 38 games with Pittsburgh
