CarL1 Lynchburg Hillcats

Former Hillcat Promoted, Will Be In Uniform For Pirates Tonight

Published on June 16, 2010 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Lynchburg Hillcats News Release


The Pittsburgh Pirates announced today that they will call up third baseman and 2008 First Round Draft Pick Pedro Alvarez from Triple-A Indianapolis. Alvarez was hitting .277 with a team-leading 13 home runs and 53 RBI for the Pirates' Triple-A affiliate. He ranks third in the International League in RBI, fourth in home runs, third in runs scored (41) and sixth in slugging percentage (.540).

Alvarez was ranked as the Pittsburgh Pirates' Top Overall Prospect for the second straight season according to Baseball America.

He ended the month of June hitting an outstanding .327 in the month. He's also improved his hitting against left-handed pitching, something the Pirates acknowledged they wanted to see before promoting him. Alvarez hit .323 against lefties this season.

The newly called up Alvarez suited up for the Hillcats during the first half of last season. He led the team in home runs with 14 and was second in RBI with 55. Ten of his 14 home runs were go-ahead or game-tying blasts. He was an integral part of the Hillcats' First Half Championship.

He was called up to Double-A Altoona after the first half. He hit .333 in his time with the Curve, and belted 13 home runs and drove in 40.

Pittsburgh drafted Pedro Alvarez with the organizations first round pick, second overall in the 2008 MLB Draft. He signed late and didn't play that season. The contract he signed gave him the largest bonus in Pirates history ($6 Million).

He will be the fourth prospect the Pirates have called up in the past three weeks. Former Hillcat Neil Walker was the first to get the nod. Another former Hillcat, Brad Lincoln, as well as Jose Tabata joined the team last Wednesday.

Pirates General Manager Neal Huntington confirmed that Alvarez will become the Pirates everyday third baseman. Alvarez will be in uniform for the Pirates when the team continues its interleague series with the Chicago White Sox in Pittsburgh. The Pirates are currently on a nine-game losing streak, and in last place in the NL Central.

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Carolina League Stories from June 16, 2010


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