Jim Negrych

Negrych forced his way into Pittsburgh's picture with a combined .359 batting average at High-A (.370) and Double-A (.310) in 2008. Spotty defense at the hot corner, not to mention prospects like Pedro Alvarez, prompted the Pirates to move Negrych to second base in winter ball. He hit just .225 in the Hawaiian Winter League and missed time with a finger injury. He'll likely start the 2009 campaign at Double-A, but could move up to Triple-A depending on the injury scene. Only Shelby Ford ranks ahead of Negrych in the minor leagues.