Major League Baseball

Pearce could be facing last chance with Pirates

Published Feb. 26, 2010 8:01 p.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

foxsports

Steve Pearce has gone from being a top prospect with the Pittsburgh Pirates to a slugger down to his last swings in a hurry.

Pearce was a hotshot in 2007 when he went from Class A to the majors in the same season. But he's had trouble making an impact in the big leagues since then.

Pearce's main position is first base and the Pirates want lefty-hitting Jeff Clement to play there. Garrett Jones will start in right field, which is Pearce's second position.

``It's time for him to move forward,'' manager John Russell said.

Peace is not afraid of the challenge.

``I'm thriving on it,'' Pearce said. ``It's a competition and that brings out the best in people. It's good not having a job handed to you (because) you go out and work that much harder.''

Pearce pointed to the position battle in 2008 Pirates camp between outfielders Nate McLouth and Nyjer Morgan. McLouth went on that year to hit 26 homers and earn an All-Star berth.

``McLouth won the battle and turned into a monster,'' Pearce said.

In 2007, Pearce made a wild run through the farm system - playing at Class A Lynchburg, Double-A Altoona, Triple-A Indianapolis and Pittsburgh - and hit a total of 31 home runs.

``Steve's shown good power numbers in Triple-A, but it really hasn't equated at the major league level yet'' Russell said.

Blocked by Adam LaRoche and Xavier Nady, Pearce was unable to crack the roster in 2008. Pearce eventually had three stints with the Pirates that season, but the power stroke he showed the year before disappeared.

``I didn't hit a home run for my first 136 at-bats and that monkey on my back kept getting bigger,'' Pearce said. ``When (Boston's) David Ortiz went through that kind of stretch last year, I knew exactly how he felt. When the home runs aren't coming and that's been your game coming up through the system, it starts to wear on you.''

Pearce began last season back in Triple-A, and set career highs in practically every offensive category. In 60 games with the Pirates, Pearce hit .206 with four homers.

``I've got to get consistency with my bat, especially if I'm going to be a bench guy,'' Pearce said. ``I'm going to start working on the quality of my at-bats. I'm going up there not just to get a hit, but to work on the pitcher.''

NOTES: Closer Octavio Dotel indicated his strained left oblique is feeling better. ``I'm going to start throwing next week, I hope,'' he said. ... Reliever Joel Hanrahan, who has been shut down since the start of spring training because of a sore elbow, will begin a long-toss program Wednesday. He is expected to be back on the mound in two weeks and will be ready for opening day. ``I'd love to throw on Monday, but it's smarter to wait and take my time with it,'' he said.

share

Get more from Major League Baseball Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

Major League Baseball