Grapefruit game 19: McPherson vs. Cook

Thursday, 14 March 2013 11:51

Written by Bill Brink

Game: Pirates (8-10) at Phillies (7-10)

Time: 1:05 p.m.

Site: Bright House Field

Radio: Pirates.com Webcast

Weather: 59 and sunny

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CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Here are the lineups for today's game

PIRATES

1. Alex Presley 7
2. Jose Tabata 9
3. Andrew McCutchen 8
4. Brad Hawpe 3
5. Neil Walker 4
6. Brandon Inge 5
7. Clint Barmes 6
8. Michael McKenry 2
9. Kyle McPherson 1

Scheduled to pitch: Andy Oliver, Mike Zagurski, Kris Johnson, Brooks Brown, Roman Colon

PHILLIES

1. Freddy Galvis 6
2. Michael Young 5
3. Chase Utley 4
4. Ryan Howard 3
5. Domonic Brown 9
6. Darin Ruf DH
7. Laynce Nix 7
8. Erik Kratz 2
9. Ender Inciarte 8
Aaron Cook RHP

Scheduled to pitch: Jonathan Papelbon, Rodrigo Lopez, Phillippe Aumont, Jake Diekman, Cesar Jimenez

McPherson will face a good portion of the Phillies' opening-day lineup, a good test for the right-hander battling for the rotation. In 72/3 innings this spring, he has allowed eight runs on nine hits, walked four and struck out five. His main competitor, Jeff Locke, has allowed six runs in 131/3 innings, walking six and striking out 10.

Remember that spring training stats don't tell the whole story. A couple of McPherson's runs came on a freak bloop hit. But eventually, performance will matter, and the staff will look at how he performs facing a lineup of major leaguers.

They appear to be competing for one spot. The news that Jeff Karstens should make the active roster means he, A.J. Burnett, Wandy Rodriguez and James McDonald will comprise four-fifths of the rotation. Until Francisco Liriano or Charlie Morton are healthy, or the Pirates decide to call up Gerrit Cole, Locke and McPherson seem the best bets.

If the Pirates decide neither one of them is a good option, look for them to add. They could snatch someone who was waived to make room on the 40-man for a prospect, or pick up a non-roster invitee who exercises an opt-out clause. There may be a player that fits as the sixth man in a rotation somewhere else but would serve as a temporary No. 5 for the Pirates.