WTM’S PIRATE PLAYER PROFILES

2007: Signed a week before deadline and got in a few outings in the GCL and the NY-P, fanning a lot of hitters.

2008: Started season in extended spring training but joined Hickory later in April. Pitched very well for Crawdads, allowing very few baserunners. Also had a ground out/air out ratio of 1.63, which is a good combination with high K rate. The one time I saw him he was topping out at about 90-91, but was struggling with an oblique strain and didn’t pitch again the rest of the year. Earlier in the year his velocity had been better. Had significant platoon split, as LH batters hit .254 against him and RH a measly .128, no doubt a testament to his slider.

2009: Opened with Lynchburg, but went out injured again after just two outings. Returned in late July after rehabbing in GCL. ERA was outstanding, but except for very low walk rate his other numbers weren’t. The couple of times I saw him, his command was shaky, notwithstanding the lack of walks. It seems likely that missing so much time had an impact. Still had large platoon split.

2010: Back in high A, Boleska struggled early. By the end of May, ERA was well over 5.00, but pitched very well after that and earned promotion to Altoona in late July. Continued pitching well in AA; five of eight earned runs he allowed came in one very bad outing. Doesn’t have dominant stuff, but has been effective most of the time when he’s been healthy enough to pitch.

Boleska was eligible for the Rule 5 draft, but the Pirates did not add him to the 40-man roster and he wasn’t selected. He’ll probably open 2011 back at Altoona.