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Phillies Opposition Roadblock: Pittsburgh Pirates

ByMike Azzalina|
May 18, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Maikel Franco (7) runs the bases after hitting a home run during the fifth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
May 18, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Maikel Franco (7) runs the bases after hitting a home run during the fifth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
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May 9, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Josh Harrison (5) can’t make a play on a bunt by Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Julio Urias (7) in the sixth inning of the game at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
May 9, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Josh Harrison (5) can’t make a play on a bunt by Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Julio Urias (7) in the sixth inning of the game at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Position Player: Josh Harrison

Many of my friends will know this is going to pain me quite a bit. For a reason I am unable to truly identify, I have never been a fan of Josh Harrison. I have always found him to be overrated. And now, because the Pirates are struggling to find an offensive identity, it seems as though he is their most consistent offensive piece.

Since Starling Marte is suspended and Andrew McCutchen has really struggled this season, Harrison has stepped up to be Pittsburgh’s best hitter. This season, he is slashing .286/.350/.471, which ranks 1st/1st/2nd on the team. His six home runs are tied with McCutchen for second on the team behind only Josh Bell. The 29-year-old Harrison’s 17 runs are good enough for third on the team only trailing the two leaders by one and two runs scored.

In 21 games against the Phillies, Harrison has put together a nice collection of numbers. His 76 at-bats have resulted in .303/.338/.447 and seven extra basehits. Harrison has scored ten runs against the Phils in those games as well.

In my opinion, Harrison is a super-utility guy that the Pirates would rather have coming off the bench, but are constantly forced to toss in the lineup on a daily basis because of one issue or another. He has been pretty good against righties and lefties this season. He has a higher OPS vs. left-handed pitching (.989 vs. .771), but he will not see any this weekend against the Phillies.

He is thriving on fastballs in the middle and outer parts of the zone against righties. The Phils have struggled with fastball location this season, so it is imperative they locate their pitches against him on the inner part of the plate. Being a slap hitter, you can see how the righty likes breaking and off-speed stuff on the outer-half of the plate. He loves to drive the ball the other way, especially when it is down in the zone.

Two years ago, I would have guaranteed anyone this article would have been about McCutchen, based on his career at the time, and my attitude toward Harrison. Amazing how a couple years can change everything.

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