Clint Robinson

CLINT ROBINSON	FIRST BASEMAN
	Born: February 16, 1985 Height: 6’5″ Weight: 240 Bats: Left Throws: Left Drafted: 25th Round, 756th Overall, 2007 (Royals) How Acquired: Trade (from Royals) with Vin Mazzaro for Luis Rico and Luis Santos College: Troy University Agent: ACES

WTM’S PIRATE PLAYER PROFILES

Robinson has never gotten much respect from scouts. He wasn’t drafted until his senior year in college, and then only in the 25th round, as scouts didn’t like his body or athleticism. Despite his size and some good HR totals in the minors, he’s more of an all-fields hitter rather than a pull hitter; Baseball America characterizes his power as “average.” He had the misfortune to be blocked with the Royals by Billy Butler and Eric Hosmer. Robinson is a very slow runner and weak defensively at first. He’s played almost no outfield. The Pirates acquired Robinson and Vin Mazzaro from the Royals for Luis Rico and Luis Santos.

2007
R+: 336/388/593, 253 AB, 18 2B, 1 3B, 15 HR, 19 BB, 42 K, 2-2 SB

Robinson got off to a strong start after being drafted, leading the Pioneer League in RBIs with 66 in 67 games.

2008
A: 264/333/472, 379 AB, 22 2B, 3 3B, 17 HR, 37 BB, 67 K, 0-3 SB

In low A, Robinson had just an OK season.

2009
A+: 298/356/463, 436 AB, 31 2B, 1 3B, 13 HR, 35 BB, 79 K, 4-7 SB

Robinson improved slightly in high A, but didn’t show a great deal of HR power.

2010
AA: 335/410/625, 477 AB, 41 2B, 5 3B, 29 HR, 58 BB, 86 K, 4-7 SB

Continuing to move one level per year, Robinson had a major breakout season in AA. He hit for more power and also drew a lot more walks. The numbers have to be viewed with some caution, though, as Robinson played in a friendly hitting environment.

2011
AAA: 326/399/533, 503 AB, 35 2B, 0 3B, 23 HR, 58 BB, 88 K, 2-3 SB

Robinson continued hitting the ball hard, although it was again in a hitting friendly environment. He did not, however, get a callup, not even in September.

2012
AAA: 292/393/452, 487 AB, 37 2B, 1 3B, 13 HR, 79 BB, 65 K, 1-3 SB
MLB: 000/000/000, 4 AB, 2 K

Robinson fell off from his 2011 numbers, although he did improve his BB and K rates impressively. The main difference in his hitting was that his HR dropped off significantly. He got his first four major league ABs, three of them at PNC Park.

Robinson has an option left, which no doubt played a role in him getting only a cursory look in spring training. The team showed more interest in the obviously washed-up Brad Hawpe. Robinson was among the first cuts, but then was designated for assignment when the Pirates added Jonathan Sanchez and the aging Brandon Inge to the roster. Hopefully he’ll clear waivers and go to Indianapolis, but there’s a good chance he’ll be claimed.

STATS

Baseball Reference–Majors
Baseball Reference–Minors
Fangraphs
MLB.com
MiLB.com

CONTRACT INFORMATION

2013: Major league minimum

PLAYER INFORMATION

Signing Bonus: $1,000
MiLB Debut: 2007
MLB Debut: 6/8/2012
MiLB FA Eligible: N/A
MLB FA Eligible: 2018
Rule 5 Eligible: N/A
Added to 40-Man: November 19, 2010
Options Remaining: 1 (USED: 2011, 2012)
MLB Service Time: 0.007

TRANSACTIONS

June 8, 2007: Drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 25th round, 756th overall pick; signed on June 10.
November 19, 2010: Contract purchased by the Kansas City Royals.
November 20, 2012: Designated for assignment by the Kansas City Royals.
November 28, 2012: Traded by the Kansas City Royals with Vin Mazzaro to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Luis Rico and Luis Santos.
March 27, 2013: Designated for assignment by the Pittsburgh Pirates.