Winter League Update

During the offseason between the 2012 season and the 2013 season, several members of the Pirates organization have participated in Winter Leagues. Notable players who have received a substantial amount of playing time are listed below. Included below each player's name is their exploits during the offseason.

#21 Pirates Prospect - Victor Black

Buried Treasure Top 30 Prospects
#21 - Victor Black

Measurables: 6'4, 205
Bats: R, Throws: R
Position: P
Acquired: 1st Supplemental Round (49th), 2009
Bonus: $717,000
DOB: 05/23/1988
Buried Treasure 2012 Top 20: Not Ranked

Under the Radar Breakout Candidates

Every year a group of prospects each take an unexpected big step forward.  It could be a player who was highly touted coming into the system, but had failed to make a big impact thus far in their career.  For the Pirates, that was Robbie Grossman last year.  It could be a lottery ticket type guy who's left for dead that manages to resurrect himself and his career.  Wes Freeman anyone? It could be a player who had come virtually out of nowhere to have an intriguing year the year prior.  That year is then followed up by a breakout year that solidifies their prospect status.  Last year, that was Kyle McPherson.

This year, there are the more obvious candidates to fill that roll.  Tony Sanchez could bounce back in a Robbie Grossman type fashion.  Stetson Allie could have a season that makes him part Grossman, part Freeman.  However, predicting that is somewhat boring and easy.  Instead, it's more fun to look for guys like Kyle McPherson, lesser names who don't pop up as a bright and obvious blimp on a radar.  These three guys - outfielder Willy Garcia, pitcher Victor Black, and shortstop Dilson Herrera - might be those names for this year.