Alvarez, Pedro

Pedro Alvarez was the second overall pick in the 2008 amateur draft out of the fine Vanderbilt program. Pedro struggled slightly in high-A ball where he was initially assigned, but then ripped the cover off double-A upon promotion, batting .333 with a 1.009 OPS. And this in Altoona for The Curve which is not an easy place to hit.

The Pirates are going to take it easy with their #1 prospect, but if he is ready he will play. Pedro has tons of power, he slammed 27 home runs in his 126 professional games. He strikes out a lot - his one K in every four at-bats as a professional was mirrored in his college record. So if he does win a job there's every possibility that major league pitchers will be able to handle him.

You want Pedro Alvarez even if he does not go north with the team as he is almost certain to be up sometime during the seasons and for regular work. When he arrives there will be great rejoicing in steel city. .270-30-10-35-1. 250ABs