Pirates Prospect Profile: Gorkys Hernandez

Today, I will highlight one of the Pirates lesser known prospects.

Gorkys Hernandez (Altoona Curve)

2010 Topps Pro Debut series 2

All-Star Futures Game Jersey gold border numbered 11/25

Gorkys Hernandez came to the Bucs as part of the 2009 Atlanta trade that sent fan favorite Nate McLouth away.  I still laugh at that trade because it was basically a 2 1/2 year free rental for players like Jeff Locke, Charlie Morton, and Gorkys Hernandez.  Nate is back with the Pirates for less than a quarter what he was making in Atlanta.  Oh sweet irony.

Getting back to the scouting report on Gorkys.  The guy can flat out field.  He is currently the Pirates best defensive outfielder in the system and has been since the day he got traded from Atlanta.  The one time Tigers prospect will be turning 24 this year so he will need to improve his plate discipline more (4:1 k/bb rate).  He also will never hit for power.  He only has 6 homeruns in over 1,200 at bats since joining the Pirates minor league system.  He could however prove a useful role similiar to what Xavier Paul did for the Pirates last year.  Possibly being a defensive replacement or pinch runner late in games.  The Pirates have so much talent coming in the next couple years in regards to athletic outfielders that I wouldn't be surprised to see Gorkys get traded as part of a package to land a pitcher. 

Prior to the 2011 season Gorkys was ranked 15th on the Pirates prospects list.  That number has since dropped with the acquisitions of Gerrit Cole, Josh Bell, Clay Holmes, and Alex Dickerson.  Not to mention breakout performances by Kyle McPherson and Matt Curry.