It hasn't been an especially good year for the Pirates' farm system, but the West Virginia Power's lineup has certainly been a highlight, and two Power hitters, Alen Hanson and Gregory Polanco, appeared in the South Atlantic League All-Star Game Tuesday night, along with starting pitcher Matt Benedict. (Hanson and Polanco went a combined 0-for-6, while Benedict pitched a scoreless inning.)
↵Benedict isn't much of a prospect, but Hanson and Polanco certainly are.Hanson hit .316/.377/.561 in the first half after getting off to a blistering start. He had 38 extra-base hits, including 10 homers, a remarkable total for 269 at bats by a 19-year-old.
↵Polanco, a 20-year-old, is someone hardcore prospect hounds had been watching for years, since he has a prototypical top young outfield prospect's body (at 6-foot-4, 170 pounds) and excellent athleticism. He's finally showing why this year, hitting .292/.351/.470 with 10 homers.
↵For more on the Pirates' minor-league system, check out Bucs Dugout.