Matt Walbeck fired from Altoona (34-59)

The Pirates start their last game with the news that the League Champion Altoona Curve's manager, who was named manager of the year, was fired. Kind of strange. But probably a good move.

1. No reason to doubt that the reason given is a legitimate reason. Walbeck wanted to move up into AAA. Hard to blame him. Probably deserves it. But, this crop coming to AAA is the future of the franchise. If they don't pan out then Hunington is done and the Pirates are toast for another 10 years. Development is always better when you get a new set of eyes, a new voice. That is the point of having a different manager every year in the minors as you move up. So, no spot for him in AAA, so why not just part ways and let the man get the job he wants elsewhere.

2. I think that Walbeck probably deserves some criticism. Sure the Curve won. They should have with that rotation and that infield. Yet, the best hitting prospect on the team struggled all year in Chase D'Arnaud. Not exactly something you want to hang your hat on in the minors. You judge minor league managers by talent development. I think there is room for criticism here. D'Arnaud's set back. Do we even need to speak of Tim Alderson. He was a big time piece of the puzzle that had to be sent down to High A. Yikes. Those are two serious prospects (or at least used to be) that fell flat under Walbeck's watch. Now take a look at the prospects that got pushed up to AAA. Michael Crotta was lights out at AA, but only so-so at AAA. Does that mean he was not ready? Maybe. Maybe that is just his talent level. What about Daniel Moskos, another big name talent. Moskos was in his first year of bullpen duty, but had pitched at AAA last year. Moskos fell flat at AAA, and actually had to be sent back down to AA. Only Presley, who was a fringe prospect at best had any success in making the jump. Some of that blame has to fall on the manager.

3. I think the Pirates were already suspicious of Walbeck. Think back on the season and think about how many Pirate Prospects at High A were ready for the jump to AA, but never made it. Sanchez was ready, but went no where, and then took a pitch to the face. It was claimed that Hector Gimenez was having such a great season that there was no where to put Sanchez. It is true Gimenez had a great season, but he is a journeyman minor leaguer. Sanchez is last year's number 1 pick. You make room. Sterling Marte was ready before and then again after his hand injury. Yet, he too never made the jump. Marte was a consensus top 5 prospect in the system, and has to be added to the 40 Roster this year, but he has never even seen AA play. He is another guy you make room for, but they did not. They also did not promote Jeff Locke until the very end of the season.

So, I think the Pirates have been planning this move for a while.

As for last night's game it was an ugly loss. James McDonald continues to be impressive as he struck out 7 in 6 with only 1 run allowed. The Pirates lost anyway. Chan Ho gave up two and Martinez another. A late tally for the Pirates was pointless, and that is it for McDonald this year. He looks good for next year, but the Pirates cannot have the offense disappear like that and compete for the playoffs or even .500 next year.