It’s evident how much a veteran player can help a young team like the Pittsburgh Pirates. Since acquiring both first baseman Derrek Lee from the Orioles and outfielder Ryan Ludwick from the Padres, they have both made an impact in the lineup and in the clubhouse.
“It’s there, it’s evident. It’s been evident since both of them have shown up,” Manager Clint Hurdle said.
“The one thing you see out of those two guys is a desire to play, a desire to help win games. Last home stand Derrek Lee slid head first into home plate trying to make a play. He’s laid out a couple times for things. Ludy, he’s doing everything he can to help.”
Lee, 36, has been impressive from the get go. In his Pirates debut, Lee connected for two-home runs. And after coming back from the disabled list, where he fractured his hand from being hit by a pitch, he has gone .355 with five home runs, 15 RBI in those 21 games.
“There’s no question that if you have a veteran presence that performs it can make a big difference for you,“ General Manager Neal Huntington said. “A veteran presence that doesn’t really perform, doesn’t really help you that much. We unfortunately have learned that first hand. We’ve also seen the impact of a veteran presence can perform and Derrek’s a tremendous teammate, he’s a tremendous leader just by who he is and what he does. He’s played extremely well both offensively and defensively since coming here.”
The Pirates have made it known that they would love to bring back Lee next season, but the contract would obviously have to be mutual.
“We would like to have him return,“ Huntington said. “He’s got to walk through some things. Is he going to play next year? Does he want to play in Pittsburgh next year? Does he have a batter opportunity to do something different? We’ll continue to work hard to try to make it happen. I know he’s enjoyed his time here. He likes the team, he likes the fans, he loves the ballpark. Can we make it happen on both sides? We certainly hope to. But if not, he will have a lasting impact on this organization both individually and collectively and we’ll always be appreciate of that.”
Ludwick is batting .229 in 39 games with the Pirates since being acquired at the trade deadline with two home runs and 11 RBI.
“His time and visit here, it will be felt next year from some of the conversations he’s had with a number of these guys and just the way that he goes about preparing for the game,” Hurdle said.
Although Ludwick’s offensive numbers haven’t been where he would like since coming over to Pittsburgh, his impact goes beyond just the numbers.
“Aside from his experience, he’s a great leader, he’s a great guy,“ Rookie Chase d’Arnaud said. “I like having him around a lot. He’s the kind of guy that spreads his knowledge. He treats everyone the same. He’s a very friendly guy and he’s not afraid to teach us tricks.”
“Great team chemistry, he’s a great clubhouse guy,“ Garrett Jones said. “He’s meshed almost instantly since he’s been here. Just a great overall guy. He picks his teammates up. I’m sure he’s not hitting the ball the way he wanted to, but you wouldn’t even know that from the guy because he’s always positive and always talking about the game. He’s a very unselfish player. He’s a great addition to our team.”
Photo credit: Yahoo! Sports
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