Holt's Defense

[Burns80y]

I am by no means ready to declare him the "anything" of the future but looking at his defense in the minors. Is his problem at short the arm or the glove?

 

[Illinest]

I'm trying to find scouting reports on him right now. So far all I've heard is that he doesn't have the arm to play SS.

 

[Darkstone42]

That's unfortunate, because early indications are that he can really hit, and we could use that at shortstop. When Walker gets back, we have to find a place for him in the lineup, though.

 

[magnumo]

That's unfortunate, because early indications are that he can really hit, and we could use that at shortstop. When Walker gets back, we have to find a place for him in the lineup, though.

I don't recall ever seeing a prospect advance two levels during a season and hit as well as Holt:

AA----- .322/.389/.432/.821 in 382 at bats
AAA---- .432/.476/.537/1.013 in 95 at bats
Majors-- .462/.500/.538/1.038 in 13 at bats

Obviously, we're looking at smaller sample sizes as Holt has progressed..... and just as obviously, he's not going to continue to hit .400. On the other hand, as you stated, he looks like a pretty good hitter..... and a good fit at leadoff, as well.

If he stays hot with the bat, they've just GOTTA give him a shot at SS and put up with a less-than-ideal arm. If he can match his AA numbers in the majors (which would be quite a feat), the Pirates need to let him play and continue in the leadoff spot.

I just hope we don't see any "let's move Walker to SS" posts..... or even thoughts about moving Alvarez to 1B, Walker to 3B, and Holt to 2B (which would leave the gaping black hole at SS).

 

[Darkstone42]

I don't recall ever seeing a prospect advance two levels during a season and hit as well as Holt:

AA----- .322/.389/.432/.821 in 382 at bats
AAA---- .432/.476/.537/1.013 in 95 at bats
Majors-- .462/.500/.538/1.038 in 13 at bats

Obviously, we're looking at smaller sample sizes as Holt has progressed..... and just as obviously, he's not going to continue to hit .400. On the other hand, as you stated, he looks like a pretty good hitter..... and a good fit at leadoff, as well.

If he stays hot with the bat, they've just GOTTA give him a shot at SS and put up with a less-than-ideal arm. If he can match his AA numbers in the majors (which would be quite a feat), the Pirates need to let him play and continue in the leadoff spot.

I just hope we don't see any "let's move Walker to SS" posts..... or even thoughts about moving Alvarez to 1B, Walker to 3B, and Holt to 2B (which would leave the gaping black hole at SS).

In the long run, I do see the latter as a viable solution, even if it doesn't solve the shortstop problem, but right now, Jones is hitting too well to get him out of the lineup, and he's simply too bad in the outfield to play him there regularly. I would also like Alvarez to get significant work at first base before he takes over there in games which count for something.

In the meanwhile, I would be just fine with dealing with Holt's sub-par arm at short. I think he'll get back at least as many runs with his bat as he'd give up with his arm over the offensive incompetence of Barmes.

 

[Illinest]

I've always thought Walker should've stayed at 3B. He was fantastic at 3B from everything I've heard.

But now he's getting to be a pretty decent 2B and I'm fine with letting him stay there. I don't know what happens with Holt. I think you have to play him as long as he's hitting .400 and I think Barmes is the obvious sitdown candidate.
It might turn out that Holt is the backup middle infielder next year. More likely than anything I bet that he stops hitting like a batting champion and then we'll have a slap-hitting weak fielding middle infielder like so many other guys.

 

[sychmd]

holt seems nice, obviously great start.
more importantly, i like what seems a great mental approach to the game in that he isnt overwwhelmed or awed by the next level, but is calm and fits right in and performs.
does he have the ongoing talent to succeed at mlb level, who knows.
he is very puny and would be an injury waiting to happen as well as never have any power.


assuming he doesnt supplant walker, looks like he is a bargaining chip to throw at a team that needs a 2nd and who has an extra ss we can pick up. what else do we throw in, we have a couple extra young OF with potential and occasional flashes and some AAA pitching prospects that are interesting, and then some other smattering of prospects not named cole, taillon, heredia, hanson.

make a nice package and sell hi on holt to get the SS we really need.

also, why are we playing barajas more than 2 games per week?
when i see barajas, barmes, pitcher, i seriously get bummed about chances for victory. especially with walker and marte out.

 

[Burgh Sports Rule]

I'm probably in the minority here. However, we all know Barmes's bat has been awful this yr. For me personally, I really don't think his defense has been all that great either.

Better than Ronny Cedeno, yes. However, 5M per yr worthy? No way! I still have seen from him a fair bit of poor play on defense & some errors at key times that have ended up hurting us in games.

I personally would LOVE to see Walker at 2B & Holt at SS for the rest of this yr & hopefully into the playoffs. I think Holt could end up being quite competent on defense at SS & Holt's bat, far outshines anything that Barmes could bring this team at the plate.

My vote: Play Him!

Just my opinion.

Burgh

 

[thedddd]

I remember seeing him play in Altoona at that time I thought he was much better suited for 2B. I don't see his arm able to handle SS long term.

If he can become a starter great but a servicable backup IF is fine with me.

 

[element1286]

I've never heard anything good about Holt's defense. But he is good enough to fake it at short, but his defense would certainly be below average. So below average D and a 700-750 OPS, or Clint Barmes, elite defense and sub 600 OPS.

Holt is left handed, which provides some interesting opportunities if Hurdle is willing to play the percentages, and do some sort of semi-platoon situation.