40 Man Roster set with a bevy of surprises

The Pirates finally look like they mean business. They have officially turned the team over to the young guys now. Earlier the Pirates had dumped Chan Ho Park, Justin Thomas, and a few others. That freed up a few slots. As expected Daniel Moskos and Jeff Locke were protected.

The surprises came in who was dropped. The Pirates DFA'd Zack Duke, Dwelven Young, and Andy LaRoche. Now, I have to say, I was expecting Brian Burres to get dropped and maybe Ramon Aguero. Yet, both of those guys are kept. Some were thinking Chris Leroux would get dropped, but I think the Pirates have plans. This might show that is true. Alex Pressley would have even made sense considering the crowded Bucs outfield. Burres, however, is the biggest surprise. He has no options left, which means he has to stay on the 25 man roster all year. His time might still be limited as the first guy off when the Pirates sign a pitcher.

Dropping Duke is not a big deal. They were not going to offer him anything. Young is not all that big a deal either. A little surprising that Duke was not traded, but I think this move shows how low the demand is for Duke. He may have trouble finding a position anywhere, and if he does I bet it is out of the pen. The big surprise to me is Andy LaRoche. They need a middle infielder, which Andy was learning. Plus, in close games, they need a defensive replacement for Alvarez. Andy had that covered too. His bat was awful, but this is surprising.

In addition to Moskos and Locke the Pirates added three more guys. Tony Watson, Kyle McPherson and Michael Crotta. Now, Watson looks good since they moved him to the pen, but it is a bit early. Considering his injury history and lack of consistent power, not to mention he is a lefty, that move makes sense. Crotta makes even more sense to me. He has AAA experience unlike Watson. Crotta is not a high profile prospect, but could develop as a 5 starter, and could easily be hidden all yaer in a bullpen, where I think he will play in the pros with the Pirates. Considering the Pirate trouble with the 5th slot this past year, Crotta is good insurance. Remember I thought he was going to be taken in the Rule 5. I think the Pirate might have agreed. The real surprise to me is Kyle McPhearson. A prospect yes, but has not really faced quality competition. Mostly in Low A. No one was going to take a chance on a guy who had not even faced AA. He would never have made it. Surprise move to be sure.

One note. It looks like the Pirates may not take anyone in the Rule 5 draft. I think that is a good idea. Expect the Pirates to make a few signings and see Burres fall of the 40 man to make room for it.