Pittsburgh Pirates Minor Primer: Altoona Curve & Indianapolis Indians

Here now is a quick look at the two highest levels of the Pittsburgh Pirates’ minor league system

While Major League Baseball has already held its Opening Day festivities, Minor League Baseball will do the same today. Here we are going to dive into the Pittsburgh Pirates minor league system and give you a primer on each affiliate.

Who are going to be the standouts? Who has the best chance to gain ground on others they are competing with in the same organization? Let’s take a look at what each level has to offer! We are going to take a deep dive into the Class AA Altoona Curve and the Class AAA Indianapolis Indians.

Altoona Curve

Best Pitcher:

Brandon Waddell has shown that he can be clutch on the biggest stage a young man could face.

He helped the University of Virginia capture a national championship in 2015 and was drafted by the Pittbsurgh Pirates in the fifth round that same year. Waddell is a top 20 prospect in the Pirates system and has shown the ability to get people out on a consistent basis. He has a minor league career ERA of 3.76 in 167.1 innings pitched, but has struck out just 138 batters. Waddell largely depends on deception, not overpowering stuff., to induce outs. Waddell needs to separate himself from the crowd this year in Altoona if he wishes to get a serious look to advance in 2018.

Best Hitter:

Have you ever heard the expression, “it was like taking candy from a baby?” Well, Kevin Newman practices that is at the plate. Newman has a very advanced approach at the plate for his professional experience. Newman has displayed power, a strong batters eye, and that he can hit for average. At this point, he is one of the Pittsburgh Pirates’ best all-around hitters in the entire minor league system. Look for good things out of Newman in 2017. There has been nothing to suggest otherwise to this point.

Most to Gain:

Yeudy Garcia has the most to gain at Altoona. Garcia was recognized across many Pirates top 20 prospects lists last season. He has had good numbers all three years he has been with the Pirates organization, but the club is looking for him to go next level as a pitcher. Garcia has a good fastball, but must develop his secondary pitches and limit walks in 2017. He could start to make a move up thru the Pirates minor league system if he is able to do the aforementioned items. Garcia did pitch in Bradenton last year, so he will have to adjust to the hitters advanced approach at this level.

Most to Lose:

Kevin Kramer is the selection for this category. Kramer has impressed in his first couple of season with the Pirates organization. He is now making the jump from Bradenton in 2016, which will undoubtedly challenge him as a hitter. The Pirates are going out on a flyer with Kramer, making him the starting 2nd baseman for the Curve this year. Can Kramer continue his success? We will see. The worst thing you can do for a prospect is send him thru the ranks too quickly.

When we talked to now-Curve manager Michael Ryan, he told us that – by his estimation – Kramer is the one Pittsburgh Pirates’ prospect that no one is talking about…but they probably should be. Hear why and more in our interview:

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Indianapolis Indians

Best Pitcher:

This will be the most debated area of the article, by far. There are many great names to choose from on this roster, but Steven Brault gets the nod. Brault has shown the ability to execute pitches at the major league level and also at the minor league level. As most are well aware, Brault was fighting for the 5^th starter role in Pittsburgh this spring. He fell short to Tyler Glasnow, but it goes without saying that Brault will be given a chance at some point this year. Injuries, trades, and strange things happen, we will see Brault somewhere along the line. He features a solid fastball, decent control, and good secondary stuff.  He does need to work on his control at Indianapolis this year, every pitcher needs to sharpen their axe against ever hungry hitters.

Best Hitter:

Before this spring, it would have been an easy call to give Austin Meadows the nod here. However, Jose Osuna showed the Pirates crowd what he could do and it was impressive. Still, you have to look at track record and consistency, which goes to Meadows. Meadows is the most complete hitter the Pirates have at the AAA level and will likely be a Pirates at the end of this year when the roster goes to 40 or at the start of the 2018 season. If Meadows is able to perform at a high rate, it is tough to keep holding this kid down. He is a true 5 tool player and will have the chance to be strong outfielder in Pittsburgh.

Most to Gain:

Nothing wrong with being the runner up, Jose Osuna. Osuna had a great spring and if he is able to continue that with Indianapolis, it won’t be long until we see him in Pittsburgh. Jose had a great spring where he had a slash line of .407/.492.759 and a team leading 5 HR’s. If Osuna is able to show improvement on the defensive end, it will be a matter of time until Hurdle finds a place for him in Pittsburgh.

Most to Lose:

The polarizing figure of Drew Hutchison fits perfectly for this category. Once a highly touted prospect in the Toronto Blue Jays organization, Hutchinson was traded to the Pirates mid-year in the Liriano trade in 2016. Hutchinson had the inside track to the #5 starter role, but did not grasp the opportunity. Hutchinson was hit hard in spring training, tallying a 10.02 ERA and 0-3 record. There are many that still believe Hutchinson has the stuff to be a starter for the Pirates and he very well may receive an opportunity. Hutchinson has a higher salary than the average Pirates minor league player and does have some experience at the major league level. Hutchinson has a lot to gain, but more to lose this season.