Huntington Says Morton Ready To Start Season
BRADENTON - Pirates General Manager Neal Huntington said there was some miscommunication and Charlie Morton's start on Saturday was not make-or-break and that he is ready to go following hip surgery in September.
"I think I tried to say a handful of times our intent was for him to be in our rotation and we feel good about where he is and where he'll be come time for him to take his turn," Huntington said Sunday.
Watching Waivers
With the final roster due in less than a week, Huntington admits a player with an option could be sent to the minors in order to keep one who is out of options.
"Yeah, unfortunately they do," Huntington said after being asked if options matter. "We're not in a position of forcing someone on a club, but when all things are relatively equal, yes, options could become a factor and we've been transparent to our guys about that."
That could mean John Holdzkom could be sent down to keep Arquimedes Caminero, for example.
"The best seven may not be the seven best because of configuration of bullpen and compliments of each other," Huntington said, "Left/right, power/sink, breaking ball - command control/strikeout to give Clint as many options as we can to win a game."
Stewart Improving
Physically, catcher Chris Stewart is getting better and is going through baseball activities, but they want to be careful and it's likely Stewart will start the season on the disabled list.
Top Draft Picks Get Shot
On Saturday, 2013 first round pick Reese McGuire doubled and scored in his first major league Spring Training game. Today, another 2013 first round pick, outfielder Austin Meadows, started against Atlanta.
Meadows tripled and scored in his first at bat.
"It's an absolute blast, it's a great opportunity to come over and just get a very quick taste as to what major league Spring Training actually is," Huntington said. "If everything goes as planned, when they get over here for the first time, the awe factor eliminated a little bit, and they just come over and play."