WTM’S PIRATE PLAYER PROFILES

2012
R:  233/282/315, 73 AB, 3 2B, 1 HR, 2 BB, 10 K, 2-6 SB

Ross signed late enough that he played only half the season.  He spent about two-thirds of his time at third and the rest at second.  He went 3-for-27 in July, then hit 304/347/413 in August.

2013
R:  000/176/000, 14 AB, 1 BB, 4 K

Ross went back to the GCL and played in five early season games, all at first.  He went 0-14 and was then placed on the suspended list for undisclosed reasons.

2014
A-:  265/281/352, 162 AB, 11 2B, 1 HR, 4 BB, 13 K, 1-2 SB

Despite his limited experience, the Pirates sent Ross to Jamestown, where he shared first base duties with David Andriese and also played a few games at third.  For some reason he didn’t play much in August.  Ross had an odd season, rarely walking or striking out.  He was blistering hot during a three-week stretch starting at the end of June, going 24-54 (.444).  He hit only .176 the rest of the time.  He had a large platoon split, posting an OPS of .796 against LHPs and .583 against RHPs.

Ross seems to have at least some potential with the bat, especially if some doubles start turning into HRs.  He should have been in the mix for some sort of corner role at West Virginia.  He won’t be playing until well into the season, though, because he was suspended during the off-season for 50 games after testing positive for the second time for a drug of abuse.  Presumably, he’ll join the Power once the suspension is over.  He’ll play the season at 21, which would be a decent age for the level.