On October 3rd, Pirates rookie Infielder Josh Harrison headed down to Bradenton, Fla., for 10 days for the instructional league in an effort to improve his versatility. Already able to play second and third base, Harrison is working on getting reps at shortstop, a position he hasn’t played regularly since College at the University of Cincinnati.
“I’m getting a lot of personal one-on-one time with the instructor Gary Green,“ Harrison said in a phone interview. “It’s been good, it’s been efficient. Instead of having 20 guys at shortstop later in spring training, I get to work on what they want me to specifically.”
Harrison made 47 starts at third base and five at second this season with Pittsburgh. After taking the field for the first time at shortstop at Pirate City, Harrison said he felt comfortable from the get go.
“I really didn’t feel any rustiness,” Harrison said. “I’ve bounced around quite a bit so I’ve done it before. I’ve played there, it’s just a matter of getting some more reps to get back to feeling the way I was when I played.”
The 24-year-old played in one game at shortstop this season with Triple-A Indianapolis. It was the first time since being drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 2008 that Harrison had gotten playing time at shortstop. Although he wasn’t surprised when he saw the No. 6 next to his name on the lineup card.
“I wasn’t so much surprised because I think [Manager Dean Treanor] told me that I might start playing some games at shortstop,” he said.
Adding a third position makes Harrison more of an attractive option. That versatility is important, especially heading into spring training with a chance to make the club as a backup infielder for the 2012 opening day roster.
“It definitely helps,” Harrison said. “Anything I can do to make myself more valuable, try to get a spot on that roster. Hopefully it makes the job a lot easier for [Pirates Manager] Clint [Hurdle] when he has to make a double switch or needs to play short here or there, or second or third, depending on what it is.”
In 65 games with the Pirates this season, Harrison went 53-for-135 (.272 average) with 21 runs, 13 doubles, two triples, one home run, 16 RBI and four stolen bases.
Photo credit: Yahoo! Sports
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