Brock & Brooks

No, that's not the title of a lawfirm or a new clothing line.  It's two autographed cards of Pirates prospects that I won on ebay for less than $5. 

Brock Holt was drafted in the 9th round of the 2009 draft out of Rice University.  He's going to be 24 years old this year and will most likely start in AAA Indy.  Last year, Brock made his 3rd straight All-Star game in his minor league career when he lead the Eastern League second basemen in most hitting categories.  He will probably be used as a middle infield utility guy when he hits the majors, since Neil Walker has the 2B job on lockdown for the next few years.  I got to see Brock play a couple times last year with the Altoona Curve and he's an excellent top of the lineup bat.  He takes pitches, battles off foul balls, and runs really well.  I would expect Brock to get his cup of coffee in the majors as a September callup barring any trades or injuries.  Pictured above is a 2011 Bowman Chrome AUTO of Brock Holt.

Brooks Pounders is no longer viewed as a future power bullpen arm for the Pirates.  Why?  Well he was traded this offseason to the Kansas City Royals for Yamaico Navarro.  Navarro is most likely just going to be bench player for the Pirates.  He has shown power potential and can play most infield positions.  Pictured above is a 2009 Donruss Elite Extra Edition Brooks Pounders AUTO numbered 711/844