Tike

Redman

Redman, who hit .280/.310/.374 in 155 games this season, may remain the Pirates’ starting center fielder in 2005. Moving Jason Bay to center and bringing in a corner outfielder is a possibility, but it’s never a good idea to count on the Pirates to do the smart thing.

Redman had a .310 OBP last season and hit a terrifying .231/.250/.301 in 173 AB from the leadoff spot. The Pirates shouldn’t even be penciling him in as a regular, much less making him their leadoff hitter. Jason Bay could play center or the team could look to acquire Marlon Byrd.

GM Dave Littlefield is certain to bring in a catcher and either a first baseman or a right fielder (Craig Wilson can play either position). That might take the whole $4 million, allowing Tike Redman to remain a regular in center field.

It’d certainly be interesting to see the Pirates get someone who might contribute beyond 2005. Among the players they could look at are Aubrey Huff, Austin Kearns and Eric Byrnes. Byrnes would come the cheapest of the three.

Assuming no late additions, of course. Redman is the favorite to have the job initially. At least McClendon is no longer threatening to use him as a leadoff hitter. That’s Matt Lawton’s role.

Both players are hitting .311, but Redman has more doubles (13-12), triples (5-3), home runs (3-2) and RBI (16-14) than Lofton. Manager Lloyd McClendon said that in his mind, center field is not a position the Pirates need to address in the offeseason.

Redman has been sitting out with a strained right hamstring.

Despite hitting .221/.317/.253, Redman had managed to start all of the Pirates’ games so far. Just because the Pirates continue to start him, does not mean that you have to as well on your fantasy team.

''I’m not losing confidence in the young man. We’re trying to make him better, not punish him,’' McClendon said regarding Redman’s being on the bench the last two games. Redman shouldn’t be in a fantasy team’s starting lineup, but as long as the Pirates want to use him he’s worth holding on to.

He was beat out at center by Rob Mackowiak to start the year, and the Pirates have seen the future with the arrival of Chris Duffy. Redman’s got a good outlook though. ''I can start in the majors. I proved that last year. Anybody can see that. But now that I’m not ... I’m cool with it. I’m doing my thing. I’m working hard. My head is up right now. I’m just trying to have good at-bats, whether I’m starting or pinch-hitting. When Mac calls on me, I’ll be ready.’' He may or may not be back with the Pirates next year, as it depends on his salary arbitration and how he plays the rest of the way.