Pittsburgh Pirates Spring Training Report: Breaking Down Major Position Battles

The Pittsburgh Pirates are 3-6 in spring training, thus far.

Spring training is not about the record, though. Instead, teams use spring training to identify team needs and decide which players will earn the final roster spots. 

The Pirates' starting lineup is set, for the most part. However, the Pirate bench is wide open and players are competing for backup jobs in spring training. 

Here are five major position wars being waged in Pirate city:

Casey McGehee vs. Garrett Jones

Casey McGehee will probably platoon at both corner infield spots throughout the season, but for now he is trying to win a starting job.

Garrett Jones wants to prove he is more than a platoon player by hitting lefties in spring training. 

Either way, these two players will be in constant competition. 

So far, McGehee is hitting .364 and Jones is batting .250. Jones also has one home run. The sample size is still small, but neither player has managed to stand out at the plate. 

Both of these players will make the final roster, but extra playing time can be earned with a noteworthy spring performance from either player.

Starling Marte vs. Alex Presley

This is not a battle for immediate playing time. Alex Presley will start the season in the Pirate outfield, and Starling Marte will start the season with Triple-A Indianapolis. 

However, Pirate fans can expect Marte to receive a call-up, sooner rather than later. Presley is a fine player, but he has marginal long-term potential. On the other hand, Marte is just scratching the surface of a very high ceiling. 

Marte is batting over .600 so far in spring training. He also has a stolen base and two home runs. Marte's red-hot start has Pirate fans buzzing about the 22-year-old outfielder's potential, and when he will get a chance to show it in meaningful games. 

Presley is batting over .300, but has no power. He has peaked, and will eventually provide a solid fourth outfielder. 

Pirate fans are very excited about Marte, as they should be. Andrew McCutchen, Jose Tabata and Marte would provide plenty of excitement in the outfield. 

Anderson Hernandez vs. Josh Harrison vs. Chase D'Arnaud

Clint Barmes and Neil Walker have the middle infield locked down, but the Pirates need a backup middle infielder. 

Three players will have a chance to fill that role. 

Anderson Hernandez has struggled at the plate so far. He is hitting .231 with no home runs. Hernandez can play second base and shortstop. His versatility and major-league experience, will go a long way in determining his role with the Pirates. 

Josh Harrison is hitting .500 with two RBIs and a stolen base. He received considerable playing time last season, and he can play multiple positions. He does not provide much power, but he uses his speed to make something out of slap hits. 

Chase D'Arnaud used to be considered the shortstop of the future for the Pirates. However, he struggled mightily at the plate last season. He is hitting .333 this spring but will probably start the season in Triple-A. 

Expect Harrison to win this battle with Rule-5 draft pick Gustavo Nunez also getting a look once he returns from the 60-day DL.

Casey McGehee vs. Pedro Alvarez

Casey McGehee will get a chance to supplant Pedro Alvarez in the hot corner this spring. 

Alvarez is walking the fine line between prospect and bust. Pirate nation is growing impatient, and the front office appears to be as well. Alvarez is hitting .214 with two home runs so far this spring. 

McGehee is hitting .364 with no home runs. He does not have the raw power Alvarez does, but his high batting average is encouraging. 

Alvarez must provide power to the Pirate lineup. If he cannot make it happen, the Pirates will struggle and Alvarez will likely start the season in Triple-A, or on the bench. 

The Pirates love Alvarez's power so far this spring, but a sub-.250 average looks like more of the same from the big slugger.

Mike McKenry vs. Jose Morales

Mike McKenry gained support from the Pirate fanbase last season. 

McKenry makes up for his lack of size and talent with tremendous heart. 

He is hitting .167 in just six at-bats so far this spring. If McKenry makes the squad, it will be for his defense and leadership rather than his skills at the plate. 

The Pirates signed Jose Morales to a minor-league deal this offseason. He has not received any at-bats this spring, but he has a .289 career average in 218 career plate appearances. 

Pittsburgh is not going to get much offense from this battle, but a backup catcher is important. Rod Barajas is a veteran, and he will need rest intermittently.