Spencer Horwitz, recently traded by Blue Jays, excited for chance to be everyday player with Pirates.
Photo credit: Sportsnet
Spencer Horwitz was on his way to see Gladiator 2 when he got the call. It was Ross Atkins, General Manager of Toronto Blue Jays, letting him know that he had just been traded to Cleveland.
Shortly after, Cleveland called and gave him the heads up that he could be on the move again. Sure enough, he was dealt to Pittsburgh that night.
While the initial trade was a surprise, especially since Cleveland already a first baseman, the recently traded Josh Naylor, Horwitz felt better about things upon the learning of the 2nd trade to the Pirates. Pittsburgh hasn't had full time first baseman since they dealt Josh Bell a few years back.
While Horwitz played some 2nd base with Toronto, his understanding is that he will be vying for a first base in Pittsburgh. And Horwitz is ready to compete.
Nothing is gonna be given to me and I know that. But it's nice to feel wanted. That's really exciting.
Horwitz broke out with the bat last year, hitting 12 home runs. Part of his excitement of going to Pittsburgh is working with hitting coach Matt Hague, the former Toronto assistant recently hired by the Pirates.
Horwitz understands who he is as a hitter and a player.
I think I bring a quality at bat and can work counts and can do damage. Damage isn't just about home runs.
Although he has power, Horwitz also had 19 doubles last year and a solid .357. OBP.
For him, it's about anticipating what the pitcher is going to throw
Understanding scouting reports. Sometimes I over scout.
Although he played 97 games last year, this is his chance to be a full-fledged, everyday, Major League Baseball Player.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 22 | 207 ANSWERS Spencer Horwitz, recently traded by Blue Jays, excited for chance to be everyday player with Pirates. Will Horwitz be the everyday first baseman for the Pirates? | ||
| Yes | 178 | 86 % |
| No | 29 | 14 % |
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