Calling Up the Hague

With September fast approaching, many are awaiting the number of September call ups. The Pirates are in a weird position this season as many of the call ups will be players that have already played a lot this season, as injuries have taken a toll. One player that some think that might get a shot is Matt Hague, firstbaseman at AAA.

I don't see how the Pirates will play Hague as they seem to want to play Derek Lee at first and will need to also get Garrett Jones some at bats as well, leaving the number of at bats as negligible for Hague.

There is no doubt that Hague has had a good season at AAA. He has 35 doubles, 12 HR and 73 RBI. His slash line stands at .306/.368/.458 which is also pretty respectable. What would we get with him at the major league level though?

Hague is in his age 25 season, his first at AAA. I have to wonder how much production we would expect to get from Hague, who seems more like a line drive hitter than a power hitter. Add to the fact we will be playing at PNC with its spacious left field, and you can bet that his power will drop off.

I just don't see where there is excitement with adding Matt Hague. To me he is a little one dimensional offensively and that won't be enough at the big league level. That is not to say I would not encourage him to surprise, but if he gets added for September, I am not going to expect much at all. For one he won't get any opportunities and two, when he does, it will be a struggle.