THE BULLPEN

Today, Mrs. Black-N-Gold looks at another player who will be called upon to be a key contributor to your Pittsburgh Pirates this season, SS Jordy Mercer. Jordy was drafted by the Pirates out of Oklahoma State University in the 3rd round, 79th overall, of the 2008 MLB Draft. Jordy has competed internationally, winning a bronze medal with Team USA in 2007 at the World Port Tournament and winning silver in both 2007 and 2011 in the Pan-Am Games. While playing for the the Pirates Class A Advanced Carolina League Lynchburg Hillcats in 2009, Jordy finished the season 5th in the league with 83 RBI. This was also second best among Pirates farm teams. Jordy made his MLB debut with the Pirates on May 29, 2012. He collected his first Major League hit a day later, against Reds RH Johnny Cueto. Jordy bounced between the Pirates and their Triple A club, the Indianapolis Indians last season, finally sticking with the big league club on May 13. For the season, Jordy had 95 hits in 333 at bats, good for a .285 batting average. He also cracked 22 doubles and 8 homers to go with a .336 OBP, .435 SLG and .772 OPS. The Pirates re-signed INF Clint Barmes this offseason to back up Jordy and help him improve defensively. If he can do that and continue to provide some much-needed offense from that position, things should look good for the Pirates. Have Mercer! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!