The Pirates looked absolutely awful in LA. Admittedly Zack Grienke and Clayton Kershaw can do that to bats, but still, it was embarrassing. If not for McCutchen's homer, I think I may have given up all hope for this season.
The good news is we looked a lot better today in Arizona. An early lead, McCutchen driving in multiple runs, and in the end a great bullpen performance leading to a victory. Marte and McCutchen look great. Jones hit a homer, which is a hopeful sign, and Travis Snider has gotten a few hits now. Hopefully Alvarez comes around soon, and maybe Walker too. Then we could have a real offense.
The bad news is that Wandy Rodriguiz left with a leg problem that has been described as a hamstring issue. That is not so good, as both our wins came on his starts. I am not sure the Pirates can afford to add him to the list of Karstens, Morton, and Lirano of good pitchers not pitching.
If he does go on the DL, what I would like to see is a promotion of Phil Irwin. I really like this guy. He just gets the job done. His first start this year was six good innings. One walk, one run, five strikeouts. He has done nothing but win at every level. He does not have the blow your mind speed on the fastball, but he has the results, and he deserves a shot. I like him better than McPherson, at least at this point. I say, bring up Irwin and let him have a shot.
I would rather Wandy not go on the DL at all, but just thinking out loud.
Monday, April 8, 2013
Friday, April 5, 2013
Disappointing Opening
The Pirates dropped their opening series to the Cubs of all teams. Not exactly an overwhelming endorsement for the season.
But, there is some good to come of it. The Pirate rotation looks good. Burnett and Wandy were dominating. Unbelievable in fact. I had huge concerns about James McDonald coming into the season. Was the first half of last season a fluke? Well, that may still be up in the air, but he pitched well in last night's game. Not a ton of strike outs, but he only gave up one run. That ought to be enough for a team to pull out a win or at least have a lead. Not so with the Pirates pathetic offense.
The offense is currently the problem, but then again, it is early. Cutch looks great. Alvarez has hit okay, although had an 0-fer yesterday. I am not sure why Clint put Martin hitting second yesterday. This team's offense is going to be dependent on Marte, Cutch, Alvarez, and Walker. If we want to win we are going to need to get something from the others. Right now the best candidate is Clint Barmes. Yikes. Jones, Sanchez, and/or Martin need to hit with some power and soon.
What was actually more disappointing is the four opening day losses for our minor leagues. Ouch. Hansen (who I am not sold on), and Polanco were held hitless in Bradenton. West Virginia got blanked. Altoona had some good hitting, but no pitching, and Indy had some pitching without real hitting. The lone bright spots were Jason Creasy pitching 3 innings of one run ball. I like that kid. Victor Black striking out the side (his next inning not as good), and the fact that no injuries took place.
Here is to a better second series in LA.
But, there is some good to come of it. The Pirate rotation looks good. Burnett and Wandy were dominating. Unbelievable in fact. I had huge concerns about James McDonald coming into the season. Was the first half of last season a fluke? Well, that may still be up in the air, but he pitched well in last night's game. Not a ton of strike outs, but he only gave up one run. That ought to be enough for a team to pull out a win or at least have a lead. Not so with the Pirates pathetic offense.
The offense is currently the problem, but then again, it is early. Cutch looks great. Alvarez has hit okay, although had an 0-fer yesterday. I am not sure why Clint put Martin hitting second yesterday. This team's offense is going to be dependent on Marte, Cutch, Alvarez, and Walker. If we want to win we are going to need to get something from the others. Right now the best candidate is Clint Barmes. Yikes. Jones, Sanchez, and/or Martin need to hit with some power and soon.
What was actually more disappointing is the four opening day losses for our minor leagues. Ouch. Hansen (who I am not sold on), and Polanco were held hitless in Bradenton. West Virginia got blanked. Altoona had some good hitting, but no pitching, and Indy had some pitching without real hitting. The lone bright spots were Jason Creasy pitching 3 innings of one run ball. I like that kid. Victor Black striking out the side (his next inning not as good), and the fact that no injuries took place.
Here is to a better second series in LA.
Monday, April 1, 2013
Preview and Prediction
The 2012 season starts today!!!!
The Pirates start the season with what I have to admit is a bit of a disappointing line up. But, this is largely because I am a huge Jordy Mercer fan. I think he should have a shot, and his spot as the infield back up was taken by a suspect trade for an older Short Stop, who will sit the bench. I don't have that big a problem with Josh Harrison making the club. He puts the ball in play and plays with energy. I hope he does not lose his spot when Brandon Inge comes off the DL. The Pirates have to start trusting their farm system.
The real concern for the Pirates is the bench. There is not a big time power threat on the bench unless you count Gaby Sanchez. Snider and Tabata have potential, but also give you more reason to think they are going to fail than succeed.
The line up should be improved. Marte's performance will go a long way to how well the Pirates do this year. They need his bat. Martin should be a big improvement at catcher. I also think we will get a slightly better year from Alvarez. I know I am going against stats projections here, but I think his average comes up a bit this year. Not a lot, but enough. Walker really needs to avoid an injury for us to stay in contention this year. Top to bottom this is a better offensive team in the starting line up.
The Rotation does not worry me as much because it will be totally different by mid June. Karstens and Morton will be back in June and around that time will be when Cole can be called up. Burrnett and Rodreguiz are solid 1 and 2, and hopefully James McDonald can put together a full season with some strike outs. Plus, Locke is ready in my opinion.
The bullpen is also not a big concern to me. We have plenty of depth in the minors and I think Grilli will be fine as a closer. In the end, we may not have as dominate a bullpen, but I think it will be fine.
I do think (again) that this is the year we break the curse. I am going to go with 88-74. This will only get us a Wild Card birth in my opinion.
Here are my picks for the year:
AL East - Toronto
AL Central - Detroit
AL West - Oakland
Wild Cards - Tampa Bay and LA Angels
NL East - Washington
NL Central - Cincy
NL West - Dodgers
Wild Cards - Giants and Pirates
I am going to go ahead and pick the Blue Jays to win the Series over the Nationals.
It should be an exciting year.
The Pirates start the season with what I have to admit is a bit of a disappointing line up. But, this is largely because I am a huge Jordy Mercer fan. I think he should have a shot, and his spot as the infield back up was taken by a suspect trade for an older Short Stop, who will sit the bench. I don't have that big a problem with Josh Harrison making the club. He puts the ball in play and plays with energy. I hope he does not lose his spot when Brandon Inge comes off the DL. The Pirates have to start trusting their farm system.
The real concern for the Pirates is the bench. There is not a big time power threat on the bench unless you count Gaby Sanchez. Snider and Tabata have potential, but also give you more reason to think they are going to fail than succeed.
The line up should be improved. Marte's performance will go a long way to how well the Pirates do this year. They need his bat. Martin should be a big improvement at catcher. I also think we will get a slightly better year from Alvarez. I know I am going against stats projections here, but I think his average comes up a bit this year. Not a lot, but enough. Walker really needs to avoid an injury for us to stay in contention this year. Top to bottom this is a better offensive team in the starting line up.
The Rotation does not worry me as much because it will be totally different by mid June. Karstens and Morton will be back in June and around that time will be when Cole can be called up. Burrnett and Rodreguiz are solid 1 and 2, and hopefully James McDonald can put together a full season with some strike outs. Plus, Locke is ready in my opinion.
The bullpen is also not a big concern to me. We have plenty of depth in the minors and I think Grilli will be fine as a closer. In the end, we may not have as dominate a bullpen, but I think it will be fine.
I do think (again) that this is the year we break the curse. I am going to go with 88-74. This will only get us a Wild Card birth in my opinion.
Here are my picks for the year:
AL East - Toronto
AL Central - Detroit
AL West - Oakland
Wild Cards - Tampa Bay and LA Angels
NL East - Washington
NL Central - Cincy
NL West - Dodgers
Wild Cards - Giants and Pirates
I am going to go ahead and pick the Blue Jays to win the Series over the Nationals.
It should be an exciting year.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Prospect List
Pitchers and Catchers are in!!!! Time to get started on another season of Pirate baseball. And for the first time in a long time the Prospects are deep in the system and the future feels solid. So, it is time for my top 20 Prospects.
1. Gerrit Cole - Really, really excited about his appearance this year. He made it to AAA and a slightly less than impressive year for Tailon gives him the top spot.
2. Jameson Tailon - Still great. Probably going back to AA, but he still has ace stuff.
3. Luis Heredia - I may be a little higher on this kid than some, but all agree he has ace upside. I think what he did as a 17 year old in Short Season ball last year was amazing. He may have a way to go, but I think he is the 3rd best prospect.
4. Josh Bell - Remember when everyone was so high on this kid that he was sometimes listed as the second best prospect or at least 3rd? Sure he got hurt and his knee did not heal as fast as we would have liked. But, there is no reason to think his skills have declined. He started a little slow, but was coming around when he got hurt.
5. Gregory Polanco - What an amazing year last year. He has the tools to play. I don't quite understand why people push him ahead of Bell so quickly, but still a lot to be excited about here.
6. Tyler Glasnow - Most do not have this young man so high, but he can hit 96, and seems comfortable at 94. Sure he has some control issues, but who doesn't at 18. He has good movement on his fastball, and one can expect his curve to get better and a change up to be developed.
7. Dilson Herrera - This is probably not who you expected to see here. But I think Dilson got the short end of the publicity stick last year. Dilson hit GCL pitching very well. He led the GCL in total bases and extra bases, which I think could turn into power as he gets older. Bat speed equals power not frame right? He had 7 homers. He can field second base without a problem, and does not strike out a whole lot. And let us not forget that he had an amazing hitting streak in the VSL two years ago that I believe topped 20 games. The kid can play.
8. Nick Kingham - I have been high on this guy since he was drafted, and I still am. He can throw 93, and has a nice curve. He got promoted to High A, and still seemed to be consistent. I expect he may start there again, but will get a mid season up grade to AA. He is a number 3 starter and maybe a 2.
9. Clay Holmes - He throws in the low 90s and could add more velocity as his frame fills out. He has a curve that projects well, and he pitched in State College showing fairly well. A big test for him this year as he goes to full season ball.
10. Kyle McPherson - It seems odd to have a guy who might be on the staff by the end of year this low on the list. This is new for the Pirates. He pitched a little at the major league level last year and has the arm to do it. He should start in AAA as he only had a handful of starts there. Great fastball, and now with a taste of the bigs under his belt, I expect he will do very well.
11. Alen Hanson - WHAT? Hanson down out of the top 10? Yes, I am not as high on Hanson as most. Don't get me wrong, the kid looks to have an amazing bat and a good eye to boot. Pretty rare for a Pirate these days. But 40 errors! Man oh man that is a lot. He cannot stay at short. Not with those kind of errors. And they are not Shawn Dustin errors where his arm is just too jacked up to throw straight. No, he has glove trouble. And I hope they put him at second this year because he needs the practice at where he is going to stick. And I can't see it at short.
12. Vic Black - This guy is a future closer. I think this is why you trade Hanrahan. Let Grilli close this year while Black gets some AAA time, and next year with Black as your set up man. And then Black gets the job full time. He can do 98 on his fastball and has a curve ball that is above average. I hear he is adding a two seam fastball. This should help with throwing strikes to avoid walks which is his problem right now. But what closer does not make things interesting.
13. Wyatt Mathisen - He hit well for a high schooler, and more importantly he walked almost as much as he struck out. Another rare feat for a high school kid. He played short in high school, and that added dimension makes him a high rated prospect for me.
14. Barret Barnes - He seemed to be a fine hitter, but I don't think he will stay in center. The defensive versatility of Mathisen pushed Barnes down a slot.
15. Bryan Morris - I admit I have never been very high on Morris, but he had a good enough year in the pen in AAA last year to make me think he can contribute in a major league pen. He will probably make the team out of camp as he is out of options.
16. Tony Sanchez - His good defense keeps him in the top 20, but his inability to hit makes him the second best catcher in the organization right now. He looks like a bench catcher, and that is not good enough. I hope he hits for some average and power as he has been unable to put them together.
17. Justin Wilson - sometimes I forget this guy should qualify as a prospect. He was up in 2011 out of the pen. And again last year. He should stay in the pen. He is not going to make it as a starter, and he is not going to lower his walks either. Good enough stuff to keep him in the top 20.
18. Phil Irwin - I have not seen Irwin get enough credit. He just does not have the velocity or flare for it. But his stats don't lie. The kid wins. He had a 117/24 K/BB ratio, and that includes a 28/7 ratio in AAA where he only pitched 21 innings and posted a 3-0 record.
19. Jose Osuna - Hard to say if he deserves it, but played well at Single A. He hit .280 slugged over .450 and his OPS was near .800. And surprisingly he only had a 15% strikeout rate. We will see what he does this year at High A.
20. Colten Brewer - While I could have gone a lot of ways here (Duke Welker, Andy Oliver, Adrian Sampson, Willy Garcia, etc) I went with Colten. He held his own last year in the GCL. He had a 2 to 1 K to BB ratio, and only gave up three homers. He is young, and is going to get faster on his fastball, and better all around. I think that makes his upside a little higher than the others.
I know this list is a bit controversial. But overall I am excited about this team.
Bring on the season.
1. Gerrit Cole - Really, really excited about his appearance this year. He made it to AAA and a slightly less than impressive year for Tailon gives him the top spot.
2. Jameson Tailon - Still great. Probably going back to AA, but he still has ace stuff.
3. Luis Heredia - I may be a little higher on this kid than some, but all agree he has ace upside. I think what he did as a 17 year old in Short Season ball last year was amazing. He may have a way to go, but I think he is the 3rd best prospect.
4. Josh Bell - Remember when everyone was so high on this kid that he was sometimes listed as the second best prospect or at least 3rd? Sure he got hurt and his knee did not heal as fast as we would have liked. But, there is no reason to think his skills have declined. He started a little slow, but was coming around when he got hurt.
5. Gregory Polanco - What an amazing year last year. He has the tools to play. I don't quite understand why people push him ahead of Bell so quickly, but still a lot to be excited about here.
6. Tyler Glasnow - Most do not have this young man so high, but he can hit 96, and seems comfortable at 94. Sure he has some control issues, but who doesn't at 18. He has good movement on his fastball, and one can expect his curve to get better and a change up to be developed.
7. Dilson Herrera - This is probably not who you expected to see here. But I think Dilson got the short end of the publicity stick last year. Dilson hit GCL pitching very well. He led the GCL in total bases and extra bases, which I think could turn into power as he gets older. Bat speed equals power not frame right? He had 7 homers. He can field second base without a problem, and does not strike out a whole lot. And let us not forget that he had an amazing hitting streak in the VSL two years ago that I believe topped 20 games. The kid can play.
8. Nick Kingham - I have been high on this guy since he was drafted, and I still am. He can throw 93, and has a nice curve. He got promoted to High A, and still seemed to be consistent. I expect he may start there again, but will get a mid season up grade to AA. He is a number 3 starter and maybe a 2.
9. Clay Holmes - He throws in the low 90s and could add more velocity as his frame fills out. He has a curve that projects well, and he pitched in State College showing fairly well. A big test for him this year as he goes to full season ball.
10. Kyle McPherson - It seems odd to have a guy who might be on the staff by the end of year this low on the list. This is new for the Pirates. He pitched a little at the major league level last year and has the arm to do it. He should start in AAA as he only had a handful of starts there. Great fastball, and now with a taste of the bigs under his belt, I expect he will do very well.
11. Alen Hanson - WHAT? Hanson down out of the top 10? Yes, I am not as high on Hanson as most. Don't get me wrong, the kid looks to have an amazing bat and a good eye to boot. Pretty rare for a Pirate these days. But 40 errors! Man oh man that is a lot. He cannot stay at short. Not with those kind of errors. And they are not Shawn Dustin errors where his arm is just too jacked up to throw straight. No, he has glove trouble. And I hope they put him at second this year because he needs the practice at where he is going to stick. And I can't see it at short.
12. Vic Black - This guy is a future closer. I think this is why you trade Hanrahan. Let Grilli close this year while Black gets some AAA time, and next year with Black as your set up man. And then Black gets the job full time. He can do 98 on his fastball and has a curve ball that is above average. I hear he is adding a two seam fastball. This should help with throwing strikes to avoid walks which is his problem right now. But what closer does not make things interesting.
13. Wyatt Mathisen - He hit well for a high schooler, and more importantly he walked almost as much as he struck out. Another rare feat for a high school kid. He played short in high school, and that added dimension makes him a high rated prospect for me.
14. Barret Barnes - He seemed to be a fine hitter, but I don't think he will stay in center. The defensive versatility of Mathisen pushed Barnes down a slot.
15. Bryan Morris - I admit I have never been very high on Morris, but he had a good enough year in the pen in AAA last year to make me think he can contribute in a major league pen. He will probably make the team out of camp as he is out of options.
16. Tony Sanchez - His good defense keeps him in the top 20, but his inability to hit makes him the second best catcher in the organization right now. He looks like a bench catcher, and that is not good enough. I hope he hits for some average and power as he has been unable to put them together.
17. Justin Wilson - sometimes I forget this guy should qualify as a prospect. He was up in 2011 out of the pen. And again last year. He should stay in the pen. He is not going to make it as a starter, and he is not going to lower his walks either. Good enough stuff to keep him in the top 20.
18. Phil Irwin - I have not seen Irwin get enough credit. He just does not have the velocity or flare for it. But his stats don't lie. The kid wins. He had a 117/24 K/BB ratio, and that includes a 28/7 ratio in AAA where he only pitched 21 innings and posted a 3-0 record.
19. Jose Osuna - Hard to say if he deserves it, but played well at Single A. He hit .280 slugged over .450 and his OPS was near .800. And surprisingly he only had a 15% strikeout rate. We will see what he does this year at High A.
20. Colten Brewer - While I could have gone a lot of ways here (Duke Welker, Andy Oliver, Adrian Sampson, Willy Garcia, etc) I went with Colten. He held his own last year in the GCL. He had a 2 to 1 K to BB ratio, and only gave up three homers. He is young, and is going to get faster on his fastball, and better all around. I think that makes his upside a little higher than the others.
I know this list is a bit controversial. But overall I am excited about this team.
Bring on the season.
Friday, January 25, 2013
2013 looking better
I hope everyone is enjoying this offseason as a lot has been going on.
The main focus of the front office has apparently been the pitching. The rotation appears to be shaping up as AJ Burrnett, Wandy Rodriguiz, Fransico Lirano, James McDonald, and Jeff Karstens. That is a decent rotation with some potential for failure in Lirano and McDonald. However, this year the Pirates have an abundance of talent to replace any slackers. The AAA rotation seems to be Jeff Locke, Kyle McPherson, Gerrit Cole, and Phil Irwin. All of whom I like a lot. Don't forget Charlie Morton should be back midseason.
The bullpen has undergone a transformation with it now officially being the Jason Grilli era. He is going to have Mark Melancon as his set up man, and Vin Mazzaro as a long man. I have my concerns there, but in the pen he was not a disaster like he was as a starter in Kansas City. Tony Watson is the lefty, and Chris Leroux is out of options, so I would imagine he will make the opening day roster. I will be awaiting the arrival of Vic Black, who will probably be the closer in AAA, but I like his future.
The Pirates did fix the catcher slot, at least defensively with Russell Martin. We have to wait and see if his offense disappears and there is some reason to think it will. The Pirates did add some other guys to help out the bench, but how all of that fits is a big question mark. For example, I am super excited about the addition of Clint Robinson. Yet, where does Clint fit. He has an option, but the Jones/Sanchez platoon at first is good, so no room for Clint on the bench, and he has nothing left to prove after being very good in Omaha. Another question is what to do with the crowded infield back up slot. Assuming Barmes is the opening day short stop, that leaves the Pirates with Josh Harrison, Chase D'Arnaud, and Jordy Mercer as back ups. Harrison is a spark plug that can play second and short, and he puts the ball in play, however, he never ever walks. Chase is fast and is a more natural short than Harrison, but does not hit as well as Harrison. Jordy is the best defensive option, and the Pirates like that as he sat the bench and only did defense for many games last year. He can play any of the infield slots without a problem, and he has the most power potential in the group, but has not been given a shot to see consistent balls at the big league level to see if he is going to be able to put the ball in play at all.
The outfield is just as crowded. Marte and McCutchen are sure fire starters. This time last year I would have said Tabata was as well, but he was awful last year. Awful. The Pirates went out and acquired Jerry Sands who is a right hand hitting outfielder just like Tabata. And at the Trade Deadline last year they picked up a left hand outfielder in Travis Snider. This puts speedy lefty Alex Presley in doubt. It seems the Pirates will probably platoon a corner outfield spot, but which righty and which lefty? It seems unlikely that they would carry a fifth outfielder since Garret Jones can play outfield too, and so can Harrison in an emergency.
It will be a more interesting spring training than usual. Looking forward to it getting started.
The main focus of the front office has apparently been the pitching. The rotation appears to be shaping up as AJ Burrnett, Wandy Rodriguiz, Fransico Lirano, James McDonald, and Jeff Karstens. That is a decent rotation with some potential for failure in Lirano and McDonald. However, this year the Pirates have an abundance of talent to replace any slackers. The AAA rotation seems to be Jeff Locke, Kyle McPherson, Gerrit Cole, and Phil Irwin. All of whom I like a lot. Don't forget Charlie Morton should be back midseason.
The bullpen has undergone a transformation with it now officially being the Jason Grilli era. He is going to have Mark Melancon as his set up man, and Vin Mazzaro as a long man. I have my concerns there, but in the pen he was not a disaster like he was as a starter in Kansas City. Tony Watson is the lefty, and Chris Leroux is out of options, so I would imagine he will make the opening day roster. I will be awaiting the arrival of Vic Black, who will probably be the closer in AAA, but I like his future.
The Pirates did fix the catcher slot, at least defensively with Russell Martin. We have to wait and see if his offense disappears and there is some reason to think it will. The Pirates did add some other guys to help out the bench, but how all of that fits is a big question mark. For example, I am super excited about the addition of Clint Robinson. Yet, where does Clint fit. He has an option, but the Jones/Sanchez platoon at first is good, so no room for Clint on the bench, and he has nothing left to prove after being very good in Omaha. Another question is what to do with the crowded infield back up slot. Assuming Barmes is the opening day short stop, that leaves the Pirates with Josh Harrison, Chase D'Arnaud, and Jordy Mercer as back ups. Harrison is a spark plug that can play second and short, and he puts the ball in play, however, he never ever walks. Chase is fast and is a more natural short than Harrison, but does not hit as well as Harrison. Jordy is the best defensive option, and the Pirates like that as he sat the bench and only did defense for many games last year. He can play any of the infield slots without a problem, and he has the most power potential in the group, but has not been given a shot to see consistent balls at the big league level to see if he is going to be able to put the ball in play at all.
The outfield is just as crowded. Marte and McCutchen are sure fire starters. This time last year I would have said Tabata was as well, but he was awful last year. Awful. The Pirates went out and acquired Jerry Sands who is a right hand hitting outfielder just like Tabata. And at the Trade Deadline last year they picked up a left hand outfielder in Travis Snider. This puts speedy lefty Alex Presley in doubt. It seems the Pirates will probably platoon a corner outfield spot, but which righty and which lefty? It seems unlikely that they would carry a fifth outfielder since Garret Jones can play outfield too, and so can Harrison in an emergency.
It will be a more interesting spring training than usual. Looking forward to it getting started.
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Roster moves and Karstens!!!!
The Pirates have started to assemble their 2013 roster. The two big moves to think about are Russel Martin behind the plate and letting go of Jeff Karstens.
First, Martin. I guess I am okay with this, but I probably would not have done it. I think they paid him in the 8 million range, and that is too high for an aging vet who is a good game caller, limited hitter with pop, and only so-so at throwing out runners. He will undoubtedly be an upgrade so it is hard to get upset, but the Pirates are where catchers go to die, and this is just the next victim in my mind. Snyder and Barajas both could not find power in PNC, and I worry about Martin. But the Pirates were desperate, and so how can you blame them.
Second, Karstens was not tendered a contract. I will make no secret of the fact that I have long been a huge Jeff Karstens fan. I thought he was the best of the group when we traded for him, even better than Ohlendorf and Pitch-n-Cutch, and so far I have been right. He is not a great stats guy, and he cannot go deep in games, but he gives you a chance every night. I think that makes him a perfect 5th starter. Let's be honest, you cannot have 5 aces. Karstens is a great back end starter, and he went deeper into games this year. And if your manager knows Karstens is going to hit a wall in the 6th, then your bullpen can be ready and take him out. Now, for Karstans not to be a drain on the pen you need an ace who can give you innings, and they have that now with Burnett. Morton was tendered a contract, and he has always been weak in my mind. Now he has the stuff that Karstens never did, but Morton as the great strikeout pitcher did not work, and now he pitches to contact, and he had one good year with that. This year he was much worse, and I am not sure you can bet on him returning to 2011 stats. Plus, about the time Morton is recovering, you are going to be looking to bring up Cole. So, I would have non-tendered Morton, or at least tendered them both.
But to be fair, let us look at what the Pirates might have been doing. Many rumors abound about getting rid of Hanrahan in a trade. Much of this speculation is founded upon the idea of re-signing Grilli and turning him into a closer. Grilli was amazing this year, but I am worried he will fold as a closer, but why not try it. He is going to be a closer somewhere, and there is no way he resigns with us unless we make him the closer. Saving the 3.8 million from Karstens might could be used to pay Grilli. If that is the plan, then maybe this is worth it. This might also signal a strong trust in the Pirate youngsters such as Locke and McPherson and even Cole. They did trade for Vin Mazzarro, but if he is going to be taking Karsten's place, then I am sick to my stomach and the Pirates are going to have another losing season. If Mazzarro is bullpen depth, then I am okay.
Which brings me to one last point, I am a huge fan of Clint Robinson. He was simply blocked by a former top prospect in baseball in Eric Hosmer and perhaps one of the top 10 players in baseball right now in Billy Butler. Robinson can hit for average and has shown power. His defense is fine, and the man can take a walk which will be nice to see for a change. I hope they do not bury him in AAA, but I expect he will start the season there.
Overall an active Pirate organization is a good sign. We are not talking about Rule 5 draft choices and that means the Pirates are really in contention.
First, Martin. I guess I am okay with this, but I probably would not have done it. I think they paid him in the 8 million range, and that is too high for an aging vet who is a good game caller, limited hitter with pop, and only so-so at throwing out runners. He will undoubtedly be an upgrade so it is hard to get upset, but the Pirates are where catchers go to die, and this is just the next victim in my mind. Snyder and Barajas both could not find power in PNC, and I worry about Martin. But the Pirates were desperate, and so how can you blame them.
Second, Karstens was not tendered a contract. I will make no secret of the fact that I have long been a huge Jeff Karstens fan. I thought he was the best of the group when we traded for him, even better than Ohlendorf and Pitch-n-Cutch, and so far I have been right. He is not a great stats guy, and he cannot go deep in games, but he gives you a chance every night. I think that makes him a perfect 5th starter. Let's be honest, you cannot have 5 aces. Karstens is a great back end starter, and he went deeper into games this year. And if your manager knows Karstens is going to hit a wall in the 6th, then your bullpen can be ready and take him out. Now, for Karstans not to be a drain on the pen you need an ace who can give you innings, and they have that now with Burnett. Morton was tendered a contract, and he has always been weak in my mind. Now he has the stuff that Karstens never did, but Morton as the great strikeout pitcher did not work, and now he pitches to contact, and he had one good year with that. This year he was much worse, and I am not sure you can bet on him returning to 2011 stats. Plus, about the time Morton is recovering, you are going to be looking to bring up Cole. So, I would have non-tendered Morton, or at least tendered them both.
But to be fair, let us look at what the Pirates might have been doing. Many rumors abound about getting rid of Hanrahan in a trade. Much of this speculation is founded upon the idea of re-signing Grilli and turning him into a closer. Grilli was amazing this year, but I am worried he will fold as a closer, but why not try it. He is going to be a closer somewhere, and there is no way he resigns with us unless we make him the closer. Saving the 3.8 million from Karstens might could be used to pay Grilli. If that is the plan, then maybe this is worth it. This might also signal a strong trust in the Pirate youngsters such as Locke and McPherson and even Cole. They did trade for Vin Mazzarro, but if he is going to be taking Karsten's place, then I am sick to my stomach and the Pirates are going to have another losing season. If Mazzarro is bullpen depth, then I am okay.
Which brings me to one last point, I am a huge fan of Clint Robinson. He was simply blocked by a former top prospect in baseball in Eric Hosmer and perhaps one of the top 10 players in baseball right now in Billy Butler. Robinson can hit for average and has shown power. His defense is fine, and the man can take a walk which will be nice to see for a change. I hope they do not bury him in AAA, but I expect he will start the season there.
Overall an active Pirate organization is a good sign. We are not talking about Rule 5 draft choices and that means the Pirates are really in contention.
Saturday, November 24, 2012
40 Man Roster
The Pirates have fixed their 40 Man roster, and it is not a very surprising year. This year I don't think the Pirates will lose anyone in the Rule 5 Draft, although it looks like they could choose someone as the roster is only at 39. If they can't get a free agent, they may take a chance. And they have to make some decisions on tendering offers yet. If they choose not to keep someone like Resop (which would be okay with me) or Karstens (which would upset me), then there are more spots for more signings.
The Pirates added Tony Sanchez and Ramon Cabrera. Both are catchers but only Sanchez has real chance of making a contribution. Cabrera is a sign of our lack of depth at catcher. If we do sign a catcher, he could be dropped from the 40 man without much worry.
They added Vic Black, who is going to be a late inning bullpen guy and maybe one day a closer. I like Black, and I think we see him this year in Pittsburgh. One of the reasons Resop is expendable. They also added Hunter Strickland. This is just the Pirates liking velocity and hoping.
The Pirates added Phil Irwin, who forced them to do it. He is a low 90's pitcher who has done nothing but win at every level. He was their only pitcher when he was at West Virginia, but all assumed he would wash out at Bradenton, a hitters park. He didn't. This past year he showed he could win at AA, and in fact seems to be getting more strikeouts. Irwin would have been taken, so he has to be protected. I am excited to see him at AAA this year.
Those left off are in little danger of going anywhere with one exception. First, this is the end of Jarek Cunningham. He was highly thought of by many people, but was never any good. He had power, but baseball is about a lot more than power, like being able to hit.
The one who could get taken is Kyle Kaminska. He was part of the Gabby Sanchez trade and saw some time with the Pirates. They tried him out in the AFL, but apparently were not pleased enough to give him a slot. He did well in the AFL, but not really anywhere else. We will see if a team takes a runner on Kyle and hides him in the bullpen.
It should also be noted that this is the end of the line for Tim Alderson. He was not added. I don't think he will get picked, but it is basically the Pirates giving up on him. Starter, bullpen, fix his delivery, and whatever else was held out as hope is all gone. Alderson is a bust, and stands as clearly the worst trade the Pirates have made in some time. Just awful.
Winter Meetings are on the horizon. Free agents here we come.
The Pirates added Tony Sanchez and Ramon Cabrera. Both are catchers but only Sanchez has real chance of making a contribution. Cabrera is a sign of our lack of depth at catcher. If we do sign a catcher, he could be dropped from the 40 man without much worry.
They added Vic Black, who is going to be a late inning bullpen guy and maybe one day a closer. I like Black, and I think we see him this year in Pittsburgh. One of the reasons Resop is expendable. They also added Hunter Strickland. This is just the Pirates liking velocity and hoping.
The Pirates added Phil Irwin, who forced them to do it. He is a low 90's pitcher who has done nothing but win at every level. He was their only pitcher when he was at West Virginia, but all assumed he would wash out at Bradenton, a hitters park. He didn't. This past year he showed he could win at AA, and in fact seems to be getting more strikeouts. Irwin would have been taken, so he has to be protected. I am excited to see him at AAA this year.
Those left off are in little danger of going anywhere with one exception. First, this is the end of Jarek Cunningham. He was highly thought of by many people, but was never any good. He had power, but baseball is about a lot more than power, like being able to hit.
The one who could get taken is Kyle Kaminska. He was part of the Gabby Sanchez trade and saw some time with the Pirates. They tried him out in the AFL, but apparently were not pleased enough to give him a slot. He did well in the AFL, but not really anywhere else. We will see if a team takes a runner on Kyle and hides him in the bullpen.
It should also be noted that this is the end of the line for Tim Alderson. He was not added. I don't think he will get picked, but it is basically the Pirates giving up on him. Starter, bullpen, fix his delivery, and whatever else was held out as hope is all gone. Alderson is a bust, and stands as clearly the worst trade the Pirates have made in some time. Just awful.
Winter Meetings are on the horizon. Free agents here we come.
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