James

Boone

The 24-year-old also doubled in the first game, making him 3-for-7 on the day. The homers were Boone’s first since his debut for Lynchburn on May 7. However, he is batting .364/.400/.606 for his new team. He’s an intriguing prospect even though he is 3 1/2 years older than the center fielder ahead of him in Double-A.

Finally healthy, the 24-year-old Boone is batting .290/.361/.475 for Lynchburg and .305/.376/.483 in 269 at-bats overall this year. He’s still old for his level, but as a legitimate center fielder and a switch-hitter, he’s a nice prospect.

Boone, no stranger to injuries, hurt his left shoulder with a headfirst slide. He resumed hitting off a tee Thursday and could return next week.

Boone missed five games with a left shoulder injury.

Sporting a .333/.462/.608 line in 51 at-bats, the 25-year-old Boone has been one of the Eastern League’s best players early on. Since he’s a quality defensive center fielder and a switch-hitter, he could have a career as a bench player. Unfortunately, his window in Pittsburgh figures to be pretty small with Nate McLouth in the majors now and Andrew McCutchen on the way.

The 24-year-old Boone was promoted after hitting .327/.400/.495 in 107 at-bats for low Single-A Hickory. A legitimate defensive center fielder and a switch-hitter, he should have a future as a bench player in the majors if he can stay healthy. He might even be something more, but the Pirates already have their long-term center fielder one level ahead of him in Double-A.

Boone, a 2005 third-round pick, is batting .329/.410/.521 in 73 at-bats. He’s a 24-year-old coming off an injury-filled 2006, so he does need a big year to remain a progress. Working in his favor is that he’s a switch-hitter and a legitimate center fielder. Unfortunately, he has Andrew McCutchen ahead of him and he doesn’t figure to make it as a left fielder.