Irvine getting a feel for third

Guy Cipriano

UNIVERSITY PARK — Pat Irvine resembled a veteran third baseman, charging a ball hit by Brooklyn's Luis Rivera and making a running throw to get an out during Thursday's first inning.

Irvine resembled a third base novice two innings later, bobbling a hard hit ball. His instincts took over, so he fired toward first baseman Justin Byler. The ball bounced into right field and the Cyclones parlayed the error into three runs.

The tough plays Irvine makes surprise those who understand his situation. The indecisiveness is partially expected.

Irvine, after all, started playing third base in June.

The Pittsburgh Pirates selected Irvine as an outfielder during the 33rd round of this year’s draft. He still plays outfield — he started Friday’s series finale at left field — but Irvine spends most of his time and energy learning one of baseball’s toughest positions.

“I’m so proud of Pat Irvine because he really had no idea when he got off the airplane that someone was going to say, ‘OK, let’s see if you can play third,’” manager Gary Robinson said. “Not only is he going to be able to play it, he’s going to be able to play it very well.”

The only inkling Irvine received of a position change came during conversations with Pirates area scout Greg Schilz, who covers the Carolinas and North Georgia. Pirates director of player development Kyle Stark decided to work Irvine at third base with infield coordinator and former major-leaguer Carlos Garcia during a preseason minicamp.

Irvine, literally, wasn’t equipped to handle the position. He brought an outfielder’s glove and catcher’s mitt to State College. He swapped the outfielder’s glove for the infielder’s glove of friend and Baltimore Orioles farmhand Zach Booker.

As shocking as the situation appeared, Irvine, who also caught at Elon (N.C.) University, somewhat expected it.

“Greg Schilz told them I could play corner infield, corner outfield or catch a little bit, so I came here prepared to play everything,” he said.

Irvine made his first start at third base June 23 at Mahoning Valley. He has appeared in 32 games at third and 15 in left field. Irvine has played both positions in the same game three times. Robinson said Irvine, who has 11 errors in 69 attempts at third, is a quick learner.

“You come out during workouts and watch him catch and throw when there’s no crowd and lights and he does things that look just like a big-leaguer,” Robinson said. “He just hasn’t learned to deal with the game and crowd anxiety yet because he’s not comfortable, and that’s not his fault. I have so much respect for the kid it’s unbelievable. Not one time did he moan about it, not one time did he come in and say, ‘Can I get more time in the outfield because I’m not feeling real good at third base.’ He’s accepted the challenge and wants to become a good third baseman.” Irvine said he enjoys playing third.

“There’s definitely a lot more action than outfield,” he said.

The versatility allows Robinson to keep Irvine’s developing bat in the lineup. After a slow start, Irvine entered Friday with a .247 batting average and team-leading 29 RBIs through 51 games. He has raised his batting average more than 50 points since Aug. 6 and is tied for the league lead with six triples.

“I’m finally feeling real comfortable and getting those close pitches I was missing at the beginning of the year,” said Irvine, who hit .407 with 17 homers and 57 RBIs as a senior at Elon. “I’m starting to hit. I’m seeing offspeed pitches better and feeling comfortable facing guys throwing 90-92 guys every night.”