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2009 minor leagues in review
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The Pirates acquired outfielder Gorkys Hernandez in a June trade that sent all-star Nate McLouth to Atlanta.
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The Post-Gazette's final ranking of the Pirates' top 10 prospects:
1. Pedro Alvarez, 3B, Altoona
2. Jose Tabata, CF, Indianapolis
3. Tim Alderson, RHP, Altoona
4. Brad Lincoln, RHP, Indianapolis
5. Tony Sanchez, C, Lynchburg
6. Gorkys Hernandez, CF, Altoona
7. Starling Marte, CF, Lynchburg
8. Robbie Grossman, LF, West Virginia
9. Jeff Locke, LHP, Lynchburg
10. Chase D'Arnaud, SS, Lynchburg
1. Sanchez: Many fretted when the Pirates drafted him fourth overall in June, well ahead of most projections, but he batted .316 for Class A West Virginia before being promoted.
2. Marte: His first season out of the Dominican Republic made Latin American director Rene Gayo's $85,000 bonus look like quite the investment: .312 with 24 steals and terrific defense.
3. Danny Moskos, LHP, Altoona: The Pirates' controversial No. 1 pick two years ago still projects for the bullpen, but he harnessed his control and had a good season as a starter: 11-10 with 3.74 ERA.
1. Shelby Ford, 2B, Altoona: Management raved about him as heir apparent to Freddy Sanchez last winter, but he batted .188 with Indianapolis and was demoted to Class AA.
2. Bryan Morris, RHP, Lynchburg: The main acquisition in the Jason Bay trade, he went 4-9 with a 5.57 ERA and, late in the season, was suspended for berating an umpire.
3. Jeff Sues, RHP, Altoona: The Pirates' minor league pitcher of the year in 2008, he slumped to a 4.46 ERA with the Curve, though he improved slightly upon a late promotion to Indianapolis.
The Post-Gazette's PBC Blog today breaks down the affiliates' seasons, team by team.
First Published September 11, 2009 12:00 am
