GORKYS HERNANDEZ

9/7/87; NDFA '05 (Detroit); Venezuela
R/R; 6-0, 175

Level	BA	OBP	SA	AB	2B	3B	HR	BB	K	SB	CS
2006 R (Det)	.327	.356	.463	205	9	2	5	10	27	20	4
2007 A (Det)	.293	.344	.391	481	25	5	4	36	69	54	11
2008 A+ (Atl)	.264	.348	.387	406	23	6	5	48	79	20	4
2009 AA (Atl)	.316	.361	.387	212	11	2	0	15	54	10	8
2009 AA	.262	.312	.340	344	14	2	3	24	76	9	8

The Pirates obtained Hernandez, along with RHP Charlie Morton and LHP Jeff Locke, from the Braves for Nate McLouth. The Braves had acquired Hernandez from Detroit in the Edgar Renteria trade. Baseball America rated him the fourth best prospect in the Braves' system going into 2009 and the third best in the Carolina League in 2008. He also won an MVP award in 2007. BA bills Hernandez as a five-tool player, although there hasn't been any evidence of power yet. So far he's looked more like a CF/leadoff type player with modest gap power. He runs well and is very good defensively, with a strong arm. He gets good jumps and takes good routes. A hamstring injury cut significantly into his SB total in 2008, but his efficiency as a base stealer took a steep dive in 2009. Some concerns about his attitude surfaced after the trade. He was removed from games twice, once for failing to run out a ball and once for his actions toward an umpire.

Considering that he was playing in AA at age 21, Hernandez was doing very well at the time of the trade, but he struggled afterward, hitting .244 in June and July. He did rebound to hit .286 in August and September. Even if he hits for a good average, though, two big concerns are the high K rate and lack of power. Hernandez tends to swing defensively, sitting back and hitting inside out on most pitches. When he gets the bat head out, he's capable of driving the ball. Hopefully, he can make some progress next year, when he should be starting in AAA at age 22. He was added to the 40-man roster after the season.

Not surprisingly, the McLouth trade was greeted with howls of protest by Pirate fans. The fact is, all three of the players the Pirates acquired have significant potential and McLouth may not be as good as many of the team's fans think. If two of the players they received approach their ceilings, the trade will be a big win for the Pirates.

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