Pirates' Konnor Griffin Decision Shows That They Aren't Messing Around
Pittsburgh is fast-tracking its elite young shortstop to fix a glaring lineup hole right as the season opens.
Pirates' Konnor Griffin Decision Shows That They Aren't Messing Around originally appeared on NESN . Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The Pittsburgh Pirates are wasting no time addressing their shortstop woes.
The club's decision to call up Konnor Griffin this early in the seasons (and this soon in Griffin's career) shows that they are firmly in win-now mode and uncomfortable with relying on sub-par shortstop production for further games. Current shortstop options Jared Triolo and Nick Gonzales have combined for a dismal . 546 OPS while the position has cost the team minus-2 defensive runs saved.
Griffin’s promotion comes after he excelled in his first 16 Triple-A at-bats (. 438, 1. 196 OPS) and showed improved plate discipline following spring training.
The 19-year-old phenom tore through three minor-league levels last season, batting . 333 with a . 942 OPS, 21 home runs, 94 RBIs, 117 runs and 65 stolen bases to earn Minor League Player of the Year honors.