In our daily Wake-Up Call, we get you ready for the day with a complete look at all things Pittsburgh Pirates.
The Pittsburgh Pirates will undoubtedly explore every avenue to improve their 2017 outlook. We have seen the club explore under utilized avenues in the past, such as groundball heavy pitchers and signing position players in the KBO.
They may be well-served by going back to the KBO for an impact bench bat, but it might not be a name you would expect.
Outfielder Eric Thames may ring a bell to some baseball fans. The 30 year old bounced around a few teams in the early 2010s before flaming out and heading over to the Korean Baseball Organization.
Since then, the left-handed bat has rediscovered things, slashing .348/.450/.720 in three KBO seasons. Last season alone saw 41 home runs from the 30-year old, but perhaps his newfound patience is the most impressive. After walking just 38 times in parts of four major league seasons, Thames drew 103 walks in 2015 alone, in just 142 games.
Of course, many would be remiss if they did not acknowledge that the KBO is very friendly to hitters, with bandbox-type stadiums and suspect pitching. The Pittsburgh Pirates are no stranger to these factors, having proven the ability to sift through the intangibles with Jung Ho Kang.
Thames made $1.5 million over last season in Korea, and MLB teams are already declaring their interest. This may price the Pittsburgh Pirates out of Thames’ services as a bench bat, yet he would make a ready-made replacement for the likely departed Matt Joyce.
Baseball Talk on the Web
- The Colorado Rockies may be competing with the Pittsburgh Pirates for a playoff spot in 2017. Here is their offseason outlook, courtesy of MLB Trade Rumors.
- Several Texas Rangers prospects are involved in alleged sexual assault. Call to the Pen has the details.
- Can the Orioles catch lightning in a one-year contract?
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