It took until the middle of August, and it happened more or less by default, but the Pirates have found a leadoff hitter who can make things happen and put pressure on opposing defenses with his speed.
And to think, the organization added a bobblehead night for him because of what Pokey Reese has done with his glove.
If the unthinkable doesn't happen and baseball gets past Friday's strike deadline set by the players, Reese will lead off for the rest of the season. That's where Manager Lloyd McClendon hoped to use him after Reese fell into the Pirates' laps as a free agent.
"I wanted him at the top," McClendon said. "I'd like to keep him up there. I can't tell you what a shot in the arm that would be. We'll see how it works out."
Reese has something the Pirates have sorely lacked, and something that's essential in a leadoff hitter. That would be speed, which, as the cliche goes, never goes into a slump.
But Reese was hampered by hamstring problems in spring training, a condition that also had him on the disabled list early in the season. The injuries hampered his running and limited his at-bats, so Reese wasn't sharp enough to bat leadoff.
"We really didn't keep him on the field in spring training. He was hurt quite a bit and never really found a groove," McClendon said. "Really, he's there now by default. It worked out."
Adrian Brown began the season as the Pirates' leadoff hitter, but he didn't get the job done. He's in Class AAA Nashville. Brown's replacement, Chad Hermansen, didn't work out, either and was traded to the Cubs.
Jason Kendall shouldered the load after Hermansen departed. But after Brian Giles had a calf injury, Kendall was moved to the No. 3 spot and Reese was elevated from No. 8 to leadoff.
Reese, who has reached base safely in 19 consecutive games, has led off the past nine games and has hit .324. He has an eight-game hitting streak and he has been successful in his past nine stolen-base attempts. Going back to last season, he hasn't been thrown out stealing in 16 tries. That's the longest current streak in the majors.
But perhaps the biggest thing he has going this year is his improvement in getting on base. Reese has an on-base percentage of .330, which is about 40 points higher than it was last season with the Reds. For the season, he's hitting .267, which is above his career average, and not far off his career best of .285 in 1999.
"The way he's playing right now, the way he's seeing the ball, I don't see that on-base percentage going down," McClendon said. "I think it's going to go up. He's going deep into counts, taking his walks. I'd still like to see him bunt a little bit more. He's a tremendous baserunner. That's the thing that you miss in the eighth spot. He couldn't use his talents on the basepaths. It's kind of hard with the pitcher behind you. I just wish he hadn't got banged up in spring training. He might have been up there all year. We know what a force he is when he on the basepaths."
Reese said, "I don't care where I'm at in the lineup. I've been hitting the ball lately. It's been working out fine. It's fun -- when you're hitting. Leading off gives me a chance to use my speed."
One of the reasons Reese wanted to sign with the Pirates was McClendon and hitting coach Dave Clark said they could improve his batting average, which dipped to an anemic .224 last year. They spotted some flaws, most notably Reese's tendency to swing at pitches up in the zone.
"He's staying away from high pitches. He's really bought into Dave's program and is laying off the high stuff," McClendon said. "Dave's laid the foundation. And that trust is there. Now he can do a lot more things. He's going to be lot more receptive. He knows the stuff he's been doing is working because it's paying dividends. I look for a really big year from him next year. He should be a lot more consistent."
Reese and Clark talk about hitting all the time. And, in batting practice, Reese concentrates on hitting the ball exclusively to right field.
Another thing the Pirates have in mind for Reese is an off-season program designed by strength and conditioning coach Warren Sipp. It's aimed at keeping his hamstrings strong.
"I'd like to see him stronger," McClendon said. "With a stronger upper body and stronger legs, you may not see the little nagging injuries. He may stay on the field a lot more. When he's on the field, we're a much better team. You know that."
Reese, who wants to be a complete ballplayer rather than one just known for his defense, is as receptive to the plan as he is in leading off.
"That's cool with me," Reese said. "It's all good."
Robert Dvorchak can be reached at bdvorchak@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1959.
Reese has fast start at leadoff 
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