Hunington and Robinson extneded

Apparently the Pirates extended the contracts of manager John Robinson and Neal Hunington. I am thrilled that they are keeping Hunington. He is the greatest thing to happen to the Pirates in years. His drafts are brillant. His trades are brillant. The Pirates we are seeing today are already of his making. Alvarez is here and Tabata was aquired in a trade, in fact the same trade that brought tonight's starter, Ohlendorf. That trade was a clear win for the Pirates. Karstens too come to think of it. Trading away Jack Wilson and Snell brought the Pirates ridiculous riches. The trading of Grabow is probably a break even, with a strong possibility of relievers Hart and Ascino later. Hunington traded away Brian Bixler for goodness sake! This year's draft looks like it will put the Pirates over the top. Last years draft was pitching rich, and a cheap and clearly well scouted Sanchez as our catcher.

Even the moves he made that are not turning out okay were still great. He got value for Jason Bay, who was going to leave as a free agent. Now LaRoche looks like a flop and I am still not sure Bryan Morris is going to work out long term, but it was worth a shot. LaRoche looked promising at the time of the trade and who did we have at third at that point? Same thing with McLouth to Atlanta for Charlie Morton and Gorky Hernadez. Both look like garbage right now, but room had to be made for McCutchen, so McClouth had to go. He has not exactly made us sorry with his injury plagued performances. Even the Aki Iwamura signing cannot be faulted. Who thought he would not be able to hit .200? And who did we have to play a big league 2nd base? Jim Negyrch? It had to be done.

As for Robinson, I think that is a mistake. He makes strange decisions, and does not consistently run out the best line up. Tonight he is with Jones at 1B and Milledge in Right. I am not sure I like Alvarez in 6th rather than 5th, but Doumit hitting behind him to protect him is a good idea. Yet, he had no idea who he was going to hit second all year long until Walker. He plays Doumit at 1st and did not have LaRoche taking infield anywhere other than at 3rd until about a week ago. I was not too sure of some of his decision to put on the team either. I guess Kratz has weaknesses behind the plate, but Jarmillo is so bad with the bat I thought some AAA time might do him some good. At least Robinson is trying to steal more this year with Tabata and McCutchen, but he is not doing great things as a manager. The Pirates should shell out the big dollars and get someone good. Someone who will be able to teach these young guys how to win. Robinson has no experience with that. Bobby Valentine would be great. The article does note they can still fire people, which I think gives credence to an earlier report that the Pirates are talking about getting rid of Robinson. It can't be soon enough for me.