Again?

BTW is back, and I am p!ssed!

72-12

0-7

Every Pirates fan knows these numbers from the last week.  Seven loses averaged out at a 6:1 run differential.  What an embarrassment.

What is more embarrassing than 18 straight losing seasons?  How about the last week of baseball?  Or maybe a starter who carries an ERA over 16 getting a vote of confidence that he will not lose his spot in the rotation?

Huntington needs to do something.  And he needs to do it soon.

Russell should be on a short leash, his days as Pirates manager are likely numbered.  Russell is a prime candidate for scapegoat.

Dave Kerwin/Joe Kerrigan is another prime candidate as a scapegoat.  The pitching staff is a complete joke.

Neither of those moves will fix what is happening.  But those are the types of moves that are all too common in baseball today.

Russell sounds like his hands are tied when it comes to Charlie Morton.  Morton is nasty for a trip through the lineup.  Then he is canon fodder.  Hmmm?  A pitcher who is nasty for one trip through the lineup?  That sounds to me like a prime target for the bullpen, that is severely taxed after the last week.

But it won’t happen, at least not in April.  The battle cry of every team struggling in the early season, “It is only April, not the right time to panic.”

Still, a starter with a 16.20 ERA is ridiculous.  No matter what month it is.  If Russell doesn’t have the power to move Morton to the bullpen, where he may be able to gain some confidence back, then Russell is nothing more than a figurehead.  This is not the sign of a manager who should expect an extension at the end of the season.

What can Huntington do?

The pitching has stunk.  The hitting has stunk, especially with runners in scoring position.  They get on base, but no one can drive them in.  Look at how many times in the last week the Pirates have had the bases loaded and left the inning empty handed.

Having a 6 hole hitter struggling to sniff the Mendoza line doesn’t help.  It kind of has the feel of Adam LaRoche in his time in Pittsburgh, at least until June came around. I know the team has high hopes for Clement, but his rope should be shorter than that leashed to Russell.  Clement has looked horrid at the plate occasionally showing outfield grass power. 

If I was the opposing team, I would not give Jones and Doumit anything to hit, knowing they will chase with the team struggling so badly.  The worst case scenario?  You walk both to get to Clement.

If Huntington and crew don’t want a mass rebellion against the team and ownership, larger that what is already brewing, he needs to fix what he can with what is available.

Bring up one of the young promising talents from Indianapolis to appease the fans?  It doesn’t matter who, just show us some signs of the future? 

Lincoln?  Fine, even though he really needs a little more seasoning.

Tabata? Better, move Jones to first.  He still isn’t ready, but he is the closest to it.

Alvarez?  Still good, but he still needs improvements against lefties.

Appeasing fans is the quickest way to move any GM to the top of the scapegoat list.

Save those players the embarrassment.  For now.  They will have plenty of time to spend in Pittsburgh to earn themselves either shame or a huge free agency paycheck 6 years later.

A roster move doesn’t even need to occur to fix some of the offense.  Church goes to right and Jones moves to first.  End the Clement experiment.

Move Morton to the pen and let him work on things there.  If he can lower his ERA to something that starts with a single digit, slide him back into the rotation.  Who starts?  I don’t care, start a reliever.  Any of the relievers on the team could go 3 innings.  Just make it a bullpen day at the park.  Carrasco has started in the past.  Give him a shot.

All I want is the best team on the field.  Neither Clement nor Morton should be on the starting lineup card anytime in the near future.  Huntington needs to allow Russell to try to manage the team and win games, not just be a scapegoat.  There are plenty of scapegoats available.  Let’s spread the wealth.

 

Update 12:36 a.m.:  Jeff Karstens has been recalled from Indy.  Raynor has been DFAed.

 

While I was out

Jakubauskas getting hit in the head Saturday was the most disturbing injury I have seen since Jason Kendall broke his ankle running to first.  I didn’t see the video until today, and I still can’t believe he walked to the cart.  My prayers are still going out to him.

 

BTW News

My family member is recovering nicely from a heart attack.  I will likely still be distracted for some time with this, but we are trying to get back to life as normal as possible in the meantime.

Game Day Threads should start up again soon.  Hopefully they will be part of an expanded setup that includes pregame notes, similar to past seasons.

What Is Next?

With the trade for Akinori Iwamura out of the way, second base seems to be set for 2010.  This trade is so far to the polar opposite of what Huntington has done so far in his tenure, it leads to a few questions…

1) What move is next?

Knowing that Alvarez is not far away.  There are still questions about 1B, RF and SS.  Garret Jones will likely fill either RF or 1B.  Jeff Clement is sitting on the Indy roster waiting for a chance at 1B.   Steve Pearce has relegated himself to bench duty or more seasoning in AAA with his offensive (in more ways than one) showing at the end of 2009.  Brandon Moss has proven to be a 4th outfielder on a bad team, canon fodder on a good team.  Where does Huntington look?

A name that stuck out to me as being “bought out” is Jermaine Dye.  I know I have been hyping him as a target for years now, but at 35 he is an excellent bridge to Jose Tabata’s reign in right for the Pirates.  Dye would fill a nice power hole in the middle of the order and bring some pretty decent defense in right to PNC.  A potential lineup that starts with McCutchen and Iwamura that leads to a combination of Jones, Dye, Alvarez, Doumit and Milledge…  That lineup has the feel of one that could carry a light hitting short stop without problem.

You can replace Dye in RF with Clement at 1B and still have an intriguing lineup, but Jones at first is a more natural position for him.  Remember also, Jones is unproven, he had one half of a great season.  Adding the proven Dye in RF give the Pirates a backup at 1B in Clement.  It also gives Tabata at least one more season of seasoning in AAA.

Is it possible this team is a big bat away from respectability?

2) Have the Pirates turned the corner from rebuilding to building?

Iwamura is a nice complimentary player that rounds out a good team.  What he means to the Pirates is yet to be determined by the rest of the off season moves.  This should be a fun offseason to see what lies in the future for the Pirates and their fans.

What does the blueprint hold for the next moves by the Pirates?

3) Who will be Iwmura’s DP partner?

Will it be Cedeno?  A returning Wilson?  Someone as yet undetermined.  Time will tell, but I don’t think Cedeno has a lock on the position.

 

I’m looking forward to some comments on these questions, as I really haven’t answered any of them.

 

Also, in the next day or so, I will be posting my offseason plans for BTW.  Rest assure, The Winds are blowing again.

 

BTW, I hate the Yankee$.

Random March Madness

Pitt was doing well enough in the tournament, I did not want to jinx them with my posting.  Call it my superstitious side, call it the baseball player in me reemerging.  Call it whatever you will, I had to step back from the keyboard for a couple days, and they won both.  The old rule, don't mess with a streak.

Unfortunately, I am back now.  On to the Madness...Random that is:

How's this for a 180:

The Pittsburgh Pirates and Jack Wilson have begun discussions for a contract extension.  Apparently Wilson has initiated the discussions.

BTW Take:

Did I miss something?  For the last few years Wilson has been making statements on how he would retire after his contract was up.  Now he is initiating discussions for an extension?  Personally, I would be a little annoyed with Wilson.  He has basically undermined trade discussions with his talk of retirement.  Now he wants to continue playing.  I can't blame the guy for wanting to stay in Pittsburgh, it is a great city to live in and I miss it dearly. 

Could there be more to it?

Might Wilson be looking at the team as actually being close in the next couple years?  Might he be showing faith in the direction Huntington is going?  Considering how well the rotation has done this spring.  Considering the stars of the Pirates future (McCutchen, Tabata, Alvarez) are very close.  Thinking Andy LaRoche is ready to show what he can do.  Might all those things add up to Wilson having faith in the direction?  Might he see an end to the humiliation, and end to the streak?

Maybe?  Or Jack is full of it and just wants another payday.  You decide.

 

WBC Should Be WBC:

I have an idea for the World Baseball Classic.  Change the name.  It should be the World Baseball Championship.  I want to see a true world champion determined.  No more of this country versus country crap.  Let's abbreviate it and take league champion versus league champion.  I want to see a true World Champion named.  MLB fans could cheer on their representative, Japanese League fans root for their representative.  I want to see who is the best of the best.  Make it a yearly event.  Make a true World Champion!

 

Rumor Update:

My last post was on a rumor of the Pirates hunting for someone for the rotation.  The next day the Ohman rumors started kicking up again.  Now they can be tied together.  If the Pirates can land Ohman, they will be trying to move Burnett to land a fifth starter off the waiver wire heap.  There are going to be quite a few casualties of the 25 man roster in coming days, the Pirates are scouring the wire for a target.

As a side note, I have heard Walkers name in some rumors surrounding the starting rotation, as trade bait not a position switch.

 

Wily Mo No Mo':

The Nationals released Wily Mo Pena.  Please Neal Huntington, look away from the shiny object like Wily Mo looks away from the ball on defense.

 

McCutchen, Tabata, Alvarez:

This spring, all three have shown they are nearly ready.  Look for Alvarez to finish the year in Indianapolis, he should fly through the system in quick order.  Tabata and McCutchen should be in Pittsburgh and soon. 

 

Left Field:

While Nyger Morgan is a fun and energetic guy, he does not belong on a MLB roster at this time.  It is a certainty that McCutchen will not be starting in left to start the season, more of a business of baseball thing than a baseball decision.  This leaves a few candidates for the starting job: Monroe, Salazar, Jones and Hinske.  A platoon may be in order for Monroe and Hinske.  But my money, if I were to bet, is still on Salazar.  Salazar can play better D than either Monroe or Hinske and is no slouch with the bat either.  Jones is the wildcard, I have liked what I have seen of him and he just seems to have that little something extra.  That something that it is hard to put a finger on.

 

Fifth Of Starter:

Ohlendorf has locked up the fourth starter sot in the rotation.  As mentioned earlier, the front office is not happy with the competition for the fifth starter spot and are looking to fill from outside the franchise. 

 

Jaramillo:

It was made official, Jaramillo was named backup to Doumit.  Diaz was sent to Indy.  I look at this more along the lines of wanting to get the better all around guy some more playing time.  Jaramillo is obviously better with a glove and arm, but Diaz has impressed with the bat.  If Doumit goes down for an extended period, look for Diaz to get called up and step into the starter role.

 

BTW:

It is great to be back writing again, I wish my superstition would have won Pitt the championship.  Anyhow, Jon with his beast of the east entry is leading a pitiful pack of prognosticators in the BTW Bracket Challenge.  It is not a pretty sight.

 

In my Sportsocrocy  Mock Celebrity Bracket, I still have a good chance of winning.  I need a win out of Michigan St and North Carolina today and it is nearly locked up.

Looking Ahead Is Interesting

The Pirates web site is running an article about Brian Bixler, Perry Hill calls him the most improved player on the team.  Hill has worked with Bixler this spring on getting into better position and shortening his arm movement on throws.  From what little I have seen of Bixler this spring, he is starting to look like the guy I saw in college games.

When the Pirates drafted him in the second round, I was quite happy.  I have always though he was the better prospect between he and Brent Lillibridge who was traded in the Adam LaRoche deal.

I have had discussions at The Buccos Forum about whether Bixler would be a good MLB shortstop.  I say he will be, most players struggle on their first trip to the majors.  One of the responses I received was that is true with the bat, but it shouldn’t be with the glove.

While that is somewhat true, Bixler developed some bad habits since turning pro.  Somewhere he picked up the idea it was better to get rid of the ball quick rather than having the good form he showed in college.  That bad habit led to many throws with his weight on his back foot, causing the ball to sail, thus so many throwing errors.

Reading the article had me thinking about what the Pirates may look like towards the end of 2009, especially after September call-ups.  Barring injury, the entire infield could have a distinctly different look as well as an overhaul in the outfield. 

Bixler and Ford could be playing up the middle. 

Pearce could be manning first, or Andy could be moved across the diamond to take the place of big brother.

Walker or Alvarez could be playing third, or either may have a first baseman's mitt on.   I fully expect Alvarez to destroy A ball pitching and be in Altoona quickly.  The way he has looked this spring, he could make Indy by July.

Tabata and McCutchen could be manning the corners in the outfield.

Bottom line, by the end of 2009, we could be seeing the Pirates team for the next three or more years taking the field.

That makes this 2009 season even more interesting in my book.

Which lead to the poll on the right asking, “Which Pirate will be the first to be traded?”

 

BTW March Madness:

The time is coming for March Madness. As in past years, BTW is running a March Madness Pool. I am working on a gift certificate deal that will go to the winner of the bracket.  More details to come, but it will be at least a $20 gift certificate if things pan out.  Join other BTW readers, The Buccos Forum regulars and random bloggers from around the interweb in an intense battle for March Madness Supremacy!!!

Here is the Link:

http://tournament.fantasysports.yahoo.com/t1/register/joinprivategroup_assign_te...

IF it requests a password: pirates

Random Spring Madness

Beating the rush to March Madness, I am going to run with some Random Madness...

Starting Rotation:

Right now, the starting rotation looks to have 4 members in Maholm, Snell, Ohlendorf and Duke.  The 5th starter is a pretty ugly battle, but one that Dan McCutchen may be winning.  He has been far from dominant, but he has limited the hits and performed at an adequate rate for a 5th starter.  While his 5.40 ERA is nothing to be proud of, he is showing more than Karstens or Gorzelanny.  Barthmaier has all but sealed a trip to Indianapolis.

The telltale of the whole 5th starter battle should clear up in the coming weeks, whoever gets the bulk of the innings among McCutchen, Gorzelanny and Karstens in the coming weeks will be the winner of the battle. 

Regardless of the winner, when Dumatrait is deemed healthy and his arm strength is back, look for him to step into the rotation immediately unless one of the three start to show something near adequate value.  I'd expect at least one game in the next two weeks to showcase all three pitching.

Then there is always Pedro, Martinez not Alvarez.

Houston, We Have A Problem:

Houston is 1-11 in spring ball.  The question here is simple.  How bad will they be in 2009?  From all reports across the land, they are looking to shed salary and have a farm system that would make Dave Littlefield proud.

If they simply do salary dumps, they could be headed towards breaking the Pirate soon to be record for losing seasons.  There is not much help on the way either.  If they can rebuild the farm with trades of their current talent, the Pirates record will be safe.  I am interested in seeing if they pull a Aramis Ramirez style trade for Lee, or if they hold out for talent in return.

It should make for an interesting start to the season if the Astros dump players.

BTW March Madness:

The time is coming for March Madness.  As in past years, I will be running a March Madness Pool.  If there is a prize, it is yet to be determined, I will have the info up when the link is posted.  I will have the link up in a couple days, or sooner if I find time tonight.  Plan on joining other BTW readers, The Buccos Forum regulars and random bloggers from around the interweb in an intense battle for March Madness Supremacy!!!

 

Here is the Link:

http://tournament.fantasysports.yahoo.com/t1/register/joinprivategroup_assign_team?GID=59773&P=pirates

 

IF it requests a password: pirates

 

More info coming.

Notes From Bloggers In Bradenton

Jennifer Langosch from By Gosh, It’s Langosch and Pirates.com has some updates from reporting day on her blog.  Of note:

15 position players have already arrived.  She has exceptions listed if interested.

No word yet on visa problems.

Dumatrait threw three sessions of 25 throws from 150 feet.

Moss took some BP and said he was cleared to do everything he usually would do this time of year.  He will wear a knee brace during practice but not games.

She will have some updates over the weekend on both injuries.

BTW Take:

It is good to see so many position players already in camp.  Even better is the news on Moss, if he is already cleared to perform normal baseball duties, barring a setback, he will be ready for opening day.

Another bright spot is Dumatrait and his throwing session.  Apparently the recommended time off after his visit to Dr. Andrews has paid off well.

 

Chuck Finder from the Post-Gazette has a similar report, but also has some info on Pedro Alvarez being not in "shape shape, but baseball shape".

BTW Take:

Apparently baseball shape is round like a baseball.  Pedro needs to spend some of his unearned cash on some Nutri-System.  Maybe Mike Golic can get his a good deal or an endorsement deal.  Lord knows Pedro may have a problem coming up with enough cash to pay for the system.

 

Donate:

I will be walking in the MDA Stride and Ride locally. Please sponsor me in my Stride and Ride Walk for MDA at https://www.joinmda.org/srcoralvilleia09/dharr18. Every dollar is appreciated.

 

BTW Break:

I may not have a post up tomorrow, we will be celebrating Nicky and Alex’s birthday.  If I do post, it will be a late night special, after the sugar ebb has worn off on the boys and they pass out.  Oh, it might be nice to spend some “quality” time with my wife on the Hallmark Holiday of Valentines Day.  I can’t wait for March 14th, that is a holiday I can get behind.  (Link not safe for kids)

Andy LaRoche IS The Future Of The Pittsburgh Pirates.

When it pertains to 2009 performance, who would you say is the most important player on the Pirates current roster as it pertains to the future look of the team?

Quite possibly, that player is Andy LaRoche.

Depending on LaRoche’s progress and his ability to establish himself as the everyday third baseman for the Pirates many players could be affected as to their future with the team.

Let us take a look at how these players futures could change if Andy LaRoche does establish himself as a Major League third baseman:

Pedro Alvarez - With LaRoche established as the Pirates third baseman, the 2008 first round selection of the Pirates could be moved to first base.  Look for Alvarez to play some first base in A ball and more as he progresses through the system in 2009.  The more he plays first, the more likely Andy LaRoche has established himself as the Pirates third baseman of the present and future.

Adam LaRoche - Big brother Adam, regardless of his production in April and May, will likely be traded before the trade deadline.  If he does make it through to the end of 2009, he will become a free agent.  I look for Huntington to move him when his value is his highest, right after he starts heating up in June.

Neil Walker - Walker, who was moved from catcher to third, should expect to move to a corner outfield spot.  He is the most athletic of the Pirates third base prospects and started to show some of the power expected from him in 2008.  I'd expect Walker to move to right field, as he has a strong arm and right field is the easier position for 81 games a year playing at PNC Park.  Another possibility is second base.

Andrew McCutchen - Prior to McLouth establishing himself in center, McCutchen was looked at as the next Pirates center fielder.  After Bay was traded, McCutchen was looked at as the Pirates next left fielder.  With Walker likely tabbed for right field and Tabata likely slated for left field, McCutchen is once again the Pirates center fielder of the future.  He may arrive as a left fielder until...

Nate McLouth - With long term contract talks stalled, look for McLouth to be traded at the deadline, or in the offseason, if LaRoche has established himself at third.  McCutchen would then slide over from left field with Nyger Morgan moving back into left...

Jose Tabata - Morgan would likely man left field until Tabata was deemed ready for the jump.  Look for Tabata to be a call up, if he is ready, at the trade deadline.  Also, look for the McLouth trade to happen only when Tabata is ready.

Brandon Moss - Moss, acquired in the Bay trade, will man right field until Walker is ready and seasoned.  If Moss establishes himself as an everyday player, Walker gets relegated to super sub status or forces Walker to play second base.

Freddy Sanchez - Second is the only other position that Walker could potentially play.  Depending on Sanchez's health and if he regains his stroke that earned him a batting title, second may be a reach for the near term for Walker.  At the same time, Sanchez could be shopped on the open market.

Nyger Morgan - Nyger will be the filler player.  Until a player is ready, he will see significant playing time.  He will remain as the Pirates 5th outfielder for the foreseeable future.  His speed is what will keep him on the roster.  His bat and poor routes to the ball on defense is what will keep him as a reserve at best.

By my count, that is nine players whose fortunes could change if Andy LaRoche establishes himself as the everyday Pirates third baseman.  There are easily more scenarios that could plan out, but these are the most likely.  The performance of Morgan, Moss, Walker and Sanchez will determine their roles.  The timing of moves pertaining to McCutchen and Tabata depend on their development speed and when they are deemed ready.  Another factor is how well Walker can adjust to yet another position, but he would still be making that move if Alvarez is kept as a third baseman.

Andy LaRoche, in 2009, is the key to the look of the future of the Pittsburgh Pirates, at least in my eyes.  At the least, the view of six positions could change if Andy LaRoche is the real deal.

 

If Andy Fails:

If Andy LaRoche struggles and fails, the scenarios all change.

Pedro Alvarez – Still would be considered the Pirates third baseman of the future, Walker is the only one stopping him from claiming the position.

Adam LaRoche – The Pirates could look to sign a long term deal to keep Adam in the black and gold.  If it does not work out, there is always …

Neil Walker – Could still be viewed as a potential candidate for third or first.  His position switch could add yet another position being first base.  You could effectively take outfield off the list since the outfield would already be four deep.  Super-sub could once again be his destination depending on Adam LaRoche.

Steve Pearce – Yet another name thrown in the mix, he plays first and right.  He could be the first baseman of the future, if he can get his bat working at the MLB level.

Brandon Moss – Depending on his performance, he could keep the right field job without much in the line of competition  until Tabata is ready at which time he slides into the fourth outfielder role.

Nate McLouth – His trade scenario is significantly changed.  McLouth would own an outfield spot as long as he is on the roster.

Jose Tabata – Rather than looking for a job in left, right now becomes his destination and he is likely kept in AAA a little longer to better prepare himself.

Andrew McCutchen – His roll becomes a left fielder as long as McLouth is still on the roster.

Freddy Sanchez – Could still be shopped, but the need to find a position for Walker is subsided and forcing Walker to a job at second is minimized.

Nyger Morgan – When Tabat, McCutchen and McLouth are the starting outfielders and Moss is the fourth outfielder, Morgan has little value on the team and become trade bait or an organizational player.

 

If you ask Neal Huntington, he would prefer to have these issues as opposed to constantly looking for players to fill out the roster.  Problems that would be created by Andy LaRoche succeeding are the problems GM’s love to have. 

Here’s to hoping Andy LaRoche succeeds and gives Neal Huntington headaches of a good nature in 2009 and beyond.

 

Addition:

Something I thought of after I submitted the post.  Anyone trying to project a lineup beyond 2009 needs to look no further than their outlook for Andy LaRoche.  I hope I am not putting any additional pressure on Andy, so Andy please forgive me if I do.  I am hoping someday a site will be called “Where Have You Gone Andy LaRoche” because you have earned a place in Pirates lore.

Sorry Pat for snagging a naming idea.  I have also finally updated your link.

 

Discussion:

Over at The Buccos Forum we have a discussion going on this topic.

http://www.thebuccosforum.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1234117540

 

Donate:

I will be walking in the MDA Stride and Ride locally. Please sponsor me in my Stride and Ride Walk for MDA at https://www.joinmda.org/srcoralvilleia09/dharr18. Every dollar is appreciated.

Pedro

The Post-Gazette is reporting Pedro Alvarez is out of shape and suffering from tendinitis. Potentially this could lead to Alvarez reporting to low A ball rather than high A.

BTW Take:
This is a blow not only to the Pirates but Alvarez himself. Starting out in high A could lead to Alvarez making it to AAA Indianapolis by the end of 2009 if he performed as expected.
Now, possibly starting in low A could keep him from Indy with a best case season getting him to AA Altoona.
Between his holdout and his conditioning, Alvarez has likely lost as much as two years of service that could have got him to free agency sooner. Boras has really paid off for him. Hasn't he?
As for the Pirates, this might seal Alvarez playing a few of his peak years in Pittsburgh. If the tendinitis is cronic, it could force the Pirates to move Alvarez to first base.

Prospects On The Rise, Other Stuff

First, I would like to pay on my sympathy to the Pirates organization, former teammates and family of Dock Ellis who passed away Friday.  I remember watching him pitch as a young child.  The baseball world lost a valuable member of its family.

Prospects On The Rise:

According to Dejan the Pirates are hoping to start Pedro Alvarez at High A Lynchburg.  Tabata could start in AAA, creating a log jam of center fielders in Indianapolis.  Lincoln and Moskos could be starting in Altoona to start the season as well.

BTW Take:

I hope Coonley and Huntington aren't rushing Pedro too fast to make up for missed time.  Actually it looks like they are moving quite a few prospects up quickly.  This type of expectation reeks of an organization trying to force its hand and show they are improving well before it is time. 

This is a nice change from the Littlefield era where no one seemed to move at all unless they seemingly had been ready to move up for at least half a season.

If Tabata and McCutchen are both in Indy to start the season, look for both to get significant time playing in left as well as center.  With the large size of left in PNC, this season in Indy should tell the team who will be the left fielder of the future for the Pirates.  I would not be surprised to see an outfield of Tabata, McCutchen and McLouth to close out the year in Pittsburgh.

 

Other Stuff:

Another Bucs Outlet:

Another location to follow the Pirates this season, Evan Foley will be covering the Pirates at Study Of Sports.

 

Doug Is A Good Guy:

An interesting quote from Dejan's Hot Stove Report:

"Busiest guy on the phone this winter might be Doug Mientkiewicz, who has made a habit of calling teammates to ensure they are staying in shape. And this is especially noteworthy, considering Mientkiewicz not only is a free agent but also has yet to receive an offer from the Pirates."

BTW Take:

It seems like Doug might return after all, either that or he is just that good of a person.  Doug will be a great manager someday.

 

Free Agent Updates:

No major updates on the Turnbow, Bootcheck, Hairston nor Cabrera fronts.  The Pirates are still believed to be in the running for each player.  There are at least a dozen teams interested in Cabrera.  At least a handful of teams are interested in Hairston and Turnbow.  There are a couple teams interested in Bootcheck, with the Pirates being the closest to signing him at this time.

 

Contract Negotiations:

A contract is expected to be announce with Ryan Doumit early next week, likely before the Christmas to New Years break.  One thing to consider, the Pirates may actually be busy over the holiday break in hopes of landing an extension or minor free agent signing.

 

Minor League Managers Named:

Several coaches and managers were named.  Here is a link to the PG recap of the moves.

A Wild Thought Looking to 2012

All the anticipation of a Mark Teixeira signing has me thinking.

While listening to an interview on MLB Live (XM 175) during the winter meetings, a key quote came from one of the GM's who were being interviewed.  He made a comment that you aren't building a team for just this coming year, but also building with an eye five years down the road. 

This had my mind wandering with thoughts of what the Pirates moves might mean five years down the road.  None of the recent signings fall under that scenario.  However the rumored discussions going on with McLouth, Doumit and Maholm would at least be looking three or four years in the future.

That lineup in 2012 could have a nucleus of McLouth, McCutchen, Tabata, Alvarez and Doumit.  A few other names could be Sanchez, Andy LaRoche and Walker.  All in all, that seems like a pretty nice lineup to manage.

The rotation in 2012 could consist of Maholm, Gorzelanny, Snell and Bryan Morris and about 10 others to chose from for the remaining spot.

Now the question is, should the Pirates be looking at adding to that lineup now?

Adam LaRoche likely will not be a Pirate beyond 2009. 

In 2012 Alvarez will be manning one of the corner infield positions.  Walker or Andy LaRoche might be manning the other.

Why not make a move to have the veteran centerpiece to the lineup added now?

Teixeira is a rare talent.  Offering a contract to him with an eye to the future could make a nice lineup be formidable.  Obviously there would have to be some sort of out for Teixeira in the event season 20 of losing is looming.  The Pirates would probably like an out too.

Offer Teixeira a $200M 10 year contract with opt outs after year 3 (2012), year 5 (2014) and year 8 (2017).  The Pirates also should receive an opt out after year 5 also.

This would destroy payroll, and could never happen with the somewhere in the range of $50M payroll.  Or could it?

Adam LaRoche will be getting somewhere in the $7-8M range after arbitration.  If that contract was traded, the Pirates still have $12M to pick up.  Ironically there have been many references to the Pirates have $12-15M to spend if the fit is right.

A trade of Jack Wilson would free up some additional room under the estimated payroll.

It seems most of the rotation is already in place.  Why not add the key piece if he would be interested in playing on the east coast, close to where he calls home.  If Teixeira is honestly considering Baltimore or Washington, why not Pittsburgh?  He could be mentioned with Stargell, Clemente, Maz and many other in Pirate lore and be a local hero in a town that follows baseball until Steeler camp opens.  That could change with a player like Teixera on the roster.

A signing like this would sell some tickets in a tough economic time for the Pirates.  Teixeira would be a named face of the team for years to come. 

If LaRoche is not moved?

Teixeira can play third.

Why would Teixeira want to play in Pittsburgh besides being a Pittsburgh hero? 

Take another look at the talent that will be around him in the next couple years.  If $20M isn't enough, the talent that will be coming in the next couple of years could make the decision easier.  He won't be coming into a rebuilding project.  He will be reaping the benefits of coming in at the end of a 16 year rebuilding project.

If Baltimore and Washington are actually part of the discussion, the Pirates have a better future looming based on prospects than Washington.  Baltimore has Weiters and a few other nice prospects similar to the situation the Pirates are in.  My personal biased opinion is the Pirates have better closer than Baltimore.

Another reason, in three years he has an opt out that would likely be a much better market for free agents. 

Why would the Pirates make such a 10 year gamble?

In order for Huntington to build the franchise through trades, there needs to be pieces to trade.  The Pirates could always trade him for a bounty of young talent before year three and further rebuild their minor league system.  Teixeira could be that huge piece, even if he is not in the 2012 lineup.  If he is still here in 2012 and beyond, the Pirates have their new star to hang their hat on.  Not just a nice player hyped by the team as an elite player.

This scenario will never happen, but it is fun to dream isn't it?

Trade Bait Special

Here are some rumors, and me shooting holes in a few...

Jack Wilson

The Detroit Free Press is reporting the Pirates could be working on a deal with the Marlins as a precursor to a deal sending Wilson to the Tigers.

Foxsports.com reported Saturday that the Pirates are attempting to acquire catcher Matt Treanor from the Florida Marlins and then package Wilson and Treanor in a trade with Detroit.

The Insider on Pittsburgh Sports claims the following teams are interested in Wilson: Det, Tor, Bal, CLE, LAD, ATL.

 

BTW Take:

The rumors are starting to fire up as we near the winter meetings.  My advice, take it with a grain of salt.  Huntington has said he will listen to offers, but don't read too much into that statement. 

Wilson is coming off an injury plagued season, his value is quite low at this point.  Wilson will take the field at PNC this spring in a Pirates uniform.  Huntington will hold onto one of his bargaining chips until his value is back where it should be. 

Why do I think this?

Bay and Nady could have been moved last off-season, but the return would be nowhere near what was gained at the July non-waiver deadline.  Wilson fits the same mold.  For the Pirates to gain, they need to be patient and hope a bidding war arises or Jack is hitting .300 in July to improve his value.

 

Freddy Sanchez

There has been a lot of speculating on Freddy's future with the Pirates.  Follow the same line of thinking for the former batting champion.  Freddy is coming off a season where arm, shoulder and eye problems affected him throughout.  The Pirates need Freddy to be healthy and hitting if he is to have any value on the trade market.

At the end of 2008, he was once again hitting like a batting champion.  Freddy needs to start 2009 the same way proving he is healthy and boosting his value. 

Freddy is the opening day second baseman for the Pirates.  No doubt in my mind.  I won't say he will finish the year with the Pirates, but he will start the season there.

 

LaRoche

Pick the brother, and either could be traded.  The more likely of the two is Adam.  A team in need of a defensive first-bagger who can carry a BIG stick late in the season will be interested, but not until that bat starts warming up.  Adam won't be traded until he starts hitting.  If he can start early in the season, that will make his value skyrocket.  Don't wait for fireworks though.  Adam has never hit in the first couple months of the season.  Teams will wait until his offense is worth picking up.   Another deadline day deal is in order here.

Andy is another story.  IF he can hit and play defense like he has in the minors at the Major League level, he will keep the position warm for Pedro Alvarez to arrive.  If he flails early in the season, Neil Walker will be on the bus from Indy to Pittsburgh.  Don't think for a second that Andy doesn't feel Walker breathing down his neck on the 40 man roster.  If he fails with regular playing time, he will either spend time in Indy or be traded as a throw in component for another deal.

If Andy LaRoche succeeds, don't be surprised to see him move to second after Sanchez is moved.  Look for him to get some time there in spring training as well with some spot starts throughout the season to spell Freddy.

Walker was not added to the 40 man to push Andy LaRoche, but that is what he will do.  Walker was added to protect him from the rule 5 draft.

 

John Grabow

Grabow is the one Pirate that will likely be moved this off-season.  He had a good left-handed year and will garnish some attention.  As mentioned earlier, if Matt Treanor is acquired, and possibly traded to Detroit, don't be surprised if Grabow is in the deal somewhere.  Most general managers covet lefty help in the bullpen and will pay a nice price to land even an average lefty.

 

Nate McLouth

I doubt his value could get any higher. 

He should be traded. 

He may be traded.

But...

This is the Pirates we are talking about.  They will hang onto McLouth and hope he hits well to start the season and see what happens on the trade front.  He still has 2 arbitration years ahead of him so the Pirates will roll the dice and hope for more of the same offensively from their new left fielder. 

He could be a mid-season trade if the offer is good enough to land a gold glove center fielder.

 

Zach Duke

Texas has shown a lot of interest in Duke, but I doubt there will be much of a return.  If Duke goes anywhere, look to the Lone Star State.

 

Rule 5

I look for the Pirates to be active in the rule 5 draft this year.  Huntington wants to get some talent in the minors and the drafts are the way to do it.  It would not surprise me if the Pirates actually took multiple players in the Major League portion of the draft and also be quite active in the minor league portion of the rule 5 fiasco.

 

That's it for now.  I'll start doing some "off-season" posts going over rumors and such.

 

Join The Buccos Forum and leave some thoughts there.  There are quite a few entertaining characters that hang out in the forum and will likely help you bash me.  There are always plenty of topics and plenty of opinions to keep you entertained and informed.

Special BDD Live Broadcast Tonight.

I am back in Iowa and trying to get caught back up at work. I should have some good posts up in the near future (tomorrow maybe tonight) recapping my trip back to Pittsburgh and everything that has happened while I was gone.

In the meantime BDD has a special broadcast tonight...

Here is the guts of an email from Eric on the special BDD Live airing tonight. You can listen through the links in the email or the player on the right navigation bar of BTW.

Birmingham, Ala. -- After what has been a whirlwind of litigation and controversy surrounding Pittsburgh's top selection in this year's draft, Pedro Alvarez is now a member of the Pirates organization. In this special presentation of BDD Live, we take a look back at all the players involved in this saga, and how a draft pick questioned the integrity of Major League Baseball. Join Eric SanInocencio as we dig through all the angles, and present different sides of a story that has unfolded at the highest levels of the game.

Scheduled guests include Pirates president Frank Coonelly, Baseball Prospectus writer Kevin Goldstein and Baseball America's Jim Callis. Along with the interviews we'll share clips from Alvarez himself, as he spoke with the media via teleconference yesterday after his contract was announced.

Coonelly joins us for a two-part segment, where he shares his thoughts on what took place pre and post signing deadline. The Pirates President, who for years worked in the league office, explains just what happened between the two camps as the final negotiations where taking place.

Goldstein will explain the legal ramifications of the grievance flied on Alvarez's behalf, and what could have happened had the deal not been reached. Goldstein's work on the issue has been in depth, and the Baseball Prospectus writer will enlighten us on some of the intricacies.

From there we look to the future, where Callis will explain where Pedro fits in from here. How does he stack up in terms of prospects in Pittsburgh? That along with a full scouting report from the amateur guru during our hour presentation.

So join us on tonight (Thursday 9/25) at 7 pm ET at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/baseballdigestdaily to listen to the live broadcast.

You can also download the show or listen to the recording upon completion. Or, to download this and all other podcast archives via iTunes, just do the following:
1) Open iTunes.
2) Click on the Advanced menu at the top.
3) Then click on Subscribe to Podcast.
4) Enter this URL http://www.blogtalkradio.com/baseballdigestdaily/feed and click ok.

Enjoy!

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Game 148-149, BBD Live, Join The Hurd, Alvarez Dillema

Vitals:

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS (78-69)	Saturday: RHP Adam Wainwright (9-3, 2.85 ERA) Sunday: RHP Brad Thompson (5-2, 4.61 ERA)
PITTSBURGH PIRATES (60-86)	Saturday: RHP Jeff Karstens (2-5, 4.46 ERA) Sunday: RHP Ian Snell (6-11, 5.54 ERA)
Game Time	Saturday 7:05 Sunday 1:35
XM	XM 189
TV	Sat: FSN Sun: None

 

BDD Live:

Eric SanInocencio has Phil Hughes and Orestes Destrade joining him on this weeks edition of Baseball Digest Daily Live.  Join him today at 12:00 PM ET at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/baseballdigestdaily to listen to the live broadcast or use the player found on the right hand side of BTW under the links section.

Join The Hurd:

Rick Hurd, at the Contra Costa Times, has a couple good reads on Boras.  The first is entitled  "Great concept: Selig bans Boras from MLB" and the second is an article on a call he received from Boras on Scott Boras' attempt to change his mind called "Hurd: Greed is just part of game"

BTW Take:

I couldn't agree with Hurd more.  It would be great to hear the words from Selig, "In the best interest of baseball, Scott Boras has been decertified."

Alvarez Dilemma:

A few things to consider when viewing the possible outcomes of the grievance filed by the MLBPA against the Commissioners Office:

1. The players union does not represent Alvarez in the grievance.
2. The grievance is filed on the unilateral extension made by the Commissioners Office of the deadline.
3. The Arbitrator can only rule on issues between the MLBPA and MLB, not minor league contracts. 
4. The Arbitrator process was put in place to prevent against lawsuits between the MLBPA and MLB when discrepancies may occur over the collective bargaining agreement.
5. Alvarez is not represented in the hearings as a "plaintiff".
6. Arbitrators rule based on precedent.
7. Arbitrators do not have jurisdiction over Minor League Players, the category Alvarez falls under based on his acceptance.

How can this turn out?  

From my understanding of reading more on this subject than I ever dreamed of reading, this is how I see things working out.

If the Arbitrator rules in favor of the union, the Alvarez contract is not voided.  The finding will only allow the MLBPA the right to negotiate with the Commissioners Office on certain articles in the CBA or potentially void the CBA in a worse case scenario.

A decision in favor of the MLBPA will likely open the door for Boras to file a suit on Alvarez's behalf against MLB to void the Minor League contract.  Boras has fought for years to allow amateur free agency and this will be another step towards that end.  Boras has a dream of dissolving the entire draft format.

If, through a lawsuit, the contract is voided, Alvarez will not be a free agent but eligible for the draft again in 2009.  Likely Boras will have him hold out until the 2010 draft to have him declared a free agent since he would no longer be eligible for the draft.  College seniors have until the following draft to sign contracts.  As a drafted college player, even if Alvarez does not return to college, he would have to enter the 2009 draft before he could be declared as a free agent following the same signing deadline as a college senior.

There is another possibility that Alvarez does not enter the draft and signs a contract with an independent league team after the 2009 draft, making him a free agent sooner.

The key thing is Boras must have the contract voided for any of the above to work, Alvarez is classified on the Restricted List as part of the Pirates.  Boras must get the contract voided or risk Alvarez never playing professional baseball outside of Independent Leagues or overseas as long as he is controlled by the Pirates. 

Don't rule out Alvarez playing overseas until his Minor League deal expires with the Pirates if Boras does not get the contract voided.

MLB will likely argue that the MLBPA granting an extension for one draftee extends the deadline for all draftees in essence granting the Commissioners Office permission to extend the deadline unilaterally.

Basically, even after the hearings are done and the Arbitrator passes judgement, the matter still will not end unless MLB wins the grievance proceedings.  Even then, I am sure Boras will try everything possible to still get the contract voided.  I don't expect to see Alvarez in the Pirates system until spring at the earliest, if at all, because I don't see MLB winning the grievance.

This will be a long winter with Alvarez and the Pirates in the news regularly. 

 

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Game 141 and 142, Where's the Blame?

Vitals Game 141:

PITTSBURGH PIRATES (60-80)	LHP Paul Maholm (8-8, 3.81 ERA)
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS (60-80)	RHP Matt Cain (8-11, 3.69 ERA)
Game Time	9:05 EDT
XM	XM 186
TV	None

Vitals Game 142:

PITTSBURGH PIRATES (60-80)	RHP Jeff Karstens (2-4, 3.62 ERA)
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS (60-80)	LHP Jonathan Sanchez (8-10, 4.50 ERA)
Game Time	4:05 EDT
XM	XM 186
TV	None

Where's the Blame?:

So far nearly every party has been blamed in the Alvarez fiasco.  Except one.

For someone who received so much praise for making the Alvarez signing happen, Bob Nutting has been totally invisible since the grievance was filed. 

If he really had so much to do with the original agreement with Alvarez.  Why is he so quiet now?

Nutting saw how McClatchy was hailed as the Pirates savior for keeping baseball in Pittsburgh, landing the cash cow of PNC Park, scoring two All-Star Games.  Nutting saw signing Alvarez, with Boras as his agent advisor, as his ticket to PR gold.  The one thing he could get credit for that would keep him in the good graces of his customers for at least a few years until he could find another good PR stunt to keep them coming back.

Needless to say, I am still not sold that Nutting is a changed man.  Good businessmen do not change unless it means a profit for his business, even then they only feign change for the sake of a dollar.

BTW Note:

Not that I have posted in a couple days, but it will be at least Monday before I have a chance to do a real post again.  I just wanted to get a quick thought down and the Game Vitals for the weekend.

Also, I'll be in Pittsburgh Sept 16th-22nd for my sister's wedding.  Hopefully I will get to take my family to a game or two while in town.  If I do make it to a game, I'll post where we are sitting if anyone wants to come over and say hi.

 

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Game 137, Boras Costs Money

Vitals:

PITTSBURGH PIRATES (57-79)	RHP IAN SNELL (5-10, 5.77 ERA)
CINCINNATI REDS (61-76)	RHP AARON HARANG (4-14, 5.27 ERA)
Game Time	7:10 EDT
XM	XM 189
TV	FSN

 

Wednesday at Cincinnati 7:10 RHP Ross Ohlendorf (PIRATES DEBUT) vs. RHP Edinson Volquez (16-5, 3.04 ERA) FSNP
Thursday at Cincinnati 12:35 LHP Tom Gorzelanny (6-9, 6.61 ERA) vs. RHP Josh Fogg (2-7, 7.29 ERA) NO TV

Boras Costs Money:

Simple question here.  When will draftees quit using Boras as their advisor? 

Think about it.  In Pedro Alvarez's case, he conceivably could have been in Pittsburgh sometime in 2009 IF he signed after the draft.  Rather than getting into the minors and playing as quickly as possible, he spent the summer waiting for the deadline. 

Now, rather than being arbitration eligible as soon as 2012, now the earliest he will see arbitration is 2013. 

For what he has held out for it has cost him more in the future.  He could have been entering his free agent year in 2015, now he waits until 2016 or later.  This year it would cost him a $20M contract and who knows how much that will be by 2016.  Add in being another year older and taking a year away from his career, a million now means three or more times as much six years down the road. 

Boras is potentially costing his clients a year of time and millions of dollars just so he can squeeze out a few extra pennies now in guaranteed money.

An established player it makes all the sense in the world to have the guy who can get you the big money.  Someone new to pro ball needs to play and work his way up ASAP to get to the really big payday of free agency.

 

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Poor Bob Webb Blamed Again, Alvarez, Boras And The Bucs

Poor Bob Webb Blamed Again:

Apparently Brewer's manager Ned Yost has pulled Ben Sheets' groin in protest to CC Sabathia not being credited with a no-hitter against the Pirates Sunday.  Nost, err, Yost apparently is blaming Bob Webb, Pirates official score keeper, for Yost's pulling of Sheets' groin.

"I started to notice it after the fourth," Yost said. "It wasn't getting tighter, but it was there a little bit."

Yost described it as "very, very slight" tightness.

"I'm not taking a chance of him pulling it," he said.

"He's one of our top pitchers," Yost said. "Do you wanna take a chance of losing him? I don't. I take no chances with starting pitchers this time of year."

Yost has always been considered a players manager.

BTW Take:

Ok, that is my poorest attempt at a Deadspin style post.  Ironically, all the above quotes, taken completely out of context, are from the linked ESPN.com story on Ben Sheets'  tight groin.

 

Alvarez, Boras And The Bucs:

The basic rundown of what has happened:

• Alvarez agreed with the Pirates somewhere around midnight. 
• The Pirates submit the acceptance. 
• Boras was not involved in the acceptance. 
• Boras cries foul to the MLBPA. 
• The MLBPA files a grievance against the Commissioner's office for violating the CBA. 
• The Royals get dragged in and their first round selection Eric Hosmer is pulled from his minor league team until after an arbitrator hears the case from the MLBPA.

We all know the sketchy details, but few know what the times were and if there was an extension.  The Pirates admit the acceptance was submitted sometime after midnight but the acceptance happened before midnight.

The hearing is September 10th.  A likely ruling may not happen until as late as after the World Series. 

The whole thing is sad.  And there is more blame to go around than the Pirates can lose games in a row.

Many point at Alvarez for allowing this to happen.  Simply by allowing his "advisor" to go to the MLBPA.  Although, I have a feeling Alvarez had very little to do with Boras crying foul.  Boras was likely on the phone as soon as he heard word of the acceptance.

Some point blame at Boras for causing such a stir when his clients are in jeopardy of losing $12+ million between the two of them.

Some place blame on the Pirates front office for allowing things to get down to the deadline.

Some blame the Commissioner's Office for blatant disregard of the CBA.

Some even blame the MLBPA for filing a grievance for player's they don't represent, although they are actually filing against the extension rather than the validity of the contracts.  If the extension is ruled a violation, the contracts could be voided.

In the end, the evil genius Scott Boras could win.  For years he has attempted to gain free agency for draft picks not signed.  He has found countless loopholes that have earned his clients millions and in turn has made him a power hungry and very rich man.  In turn, he has many clientele, past and present, that have some ties to him in the MLBPA.

Boras is playing the MLBPA against the Commissioner's Office in an attempt to line his own pockets.  Unfortunately for Hosmer and Alvarez, they are merely pawns in Boras' power trip.

One group I find curiously unnamed in the blame game is the NCAA.  What is the difference between a football player having contact with an agent and a baseball player having an agent as an advisor?  Alvarez could have returned to college with no questions asked if he did not agree to a contract.  Yet this "advisor" will get his percentage of the pie from Alvarez's contract without being his agent?

The NCAA should not allow this dog and pony show to happen.  If a player has an advisor, that is the same as having an agent and their eligibility should be terminated immediately.

Boras is a weasel, but a weasel that knows every loophole and every trick.  I doubt he goes through this for his clients good.  He goes through this for some sick demented pleasure he finds in making league and team brass squirm.  Oh and to line his own pockets.

What could the arbitrators ruling be?  Likely they will find in favor of the MLBPA.  Likely MLB will change a rule.  Likely the arbitrator will not void the contracts, they have no jurisdiction over minor league contracts only MLB and MLBPA issues.

What happens next is where it gets interesting.  Since the MLBPA can not represent Alvarez without an MLB contract, Boras will have one more card up his sleeve.  I would be willing to bet Boras will take on MLB with some frivolous lawsuit in an attempt to have a court rule his clients, err, advisees  deemed free agents.  Many believe Alvarez could get a deal around $20M on an open market.

I don't think this will go away for a long long time.  Don't get your hopes up on the September 10th date, nor when a ruling is announced.  Boras is gunning for an open market, and he won't stop until he gets his power trip filled.

 

 

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Alvarez Discussion On BBD Live

BBD LIVE has an indepth interview with Kevin Goldstein from Baseball Prospectus, here is the embedded interview.


Here is a link also to BDD Live.


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Game 134, Sick, Alvarez

Vitals:

MILWAUKEE BREWERS (77-56)	RHP DAVE BUSH (8-9, 4.24 ERA)
PITTSBURGH PIRATES (57-76)	LHP TOM GORZELANNY (6-8, 6.82 ERA)
Game Time	7:05
XM	XM 184 (All Weekend in case I can't post)
TV	FSN (?)

Sick:

Six losses to 16 straight losing seasons.

No that is not why I am ill, but it fit under the topic. 

I have been under the weather for a few days, hopefully I'll feel up to doing a few comments on the Alvarez issue over the weekend.

No that isn't what's making me sick either.

 

Weekend Starters:

Just in case I don't feel better:

Saturday vs. Milwaukee 7:05 RHP Jeff Suppan (9-7, 4.58 ERA) vs. LHP Paul Maholm (8-7, 3.62 ERA) FSNP (HD)
Sunday vs. Milwaukee 1:35 LHP CC Sabathia (8-0, 1.59 ERA) vs. RHP Jeff Karstens (2-3, 3.48 ERA) FSNP (HD)

 

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Statement From Frank Coonelly On Alvarez Issue

STATEMENT FROM FRANK COONELLY, PIRATES PRESIDENT, ON THE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER'S PLACEMENT OF PEDRO ALVAREZ ON THE RESTRICTED LIST

At the Pirates' request, the Office of the Commissioner today placed Pedro Alvarez on Major League Baseball's Restricted List. The Pirates were forced to request that Pedro be placed on the Restricted List because we were informed by his agent, Scott Boras, that Pedro will not sign the contract to which he agreed on August 15. Boras further informed us that Pedro will not report to the Club unless we renegotiate his contract and agree to pay him more than the $6 million signing bonus to which he agreed.

The Major League Rules provide that a player who refuses to sign a Uniform Player Contract to which he has agreed and report to the signing Club shall, upon a report of the signing Club, be placed on the Restricted List until he signs a contract reflecting the terms to which he has agreed. Such a player may not sign a contract with or play for any other Club. While demanding that we renegotiate his contract and pay Pedro more than the $6 million signing bonus to which Pedro agreed, Mr. Boras has contended that the contract we reached with Pedro was consummated after the August 15 deadline. This claim was not raised on the evening of the 15th when we informed Mr. Boras that Major League Baseball had confirmed that the contract was submitted in a timely fashion. Mr. Boras asserted this claim several days later, after all of the draft signings had become publicized.

The Pirates are confident that the contract reached with Pedro Alvarez was agreed to and submitted to Major League Baseball in a timely fashion and properly accepted by Major League Baseball. In fact, the contract between the Kansas City Royals and Eric Hosmer, another Boras client, was submitted to the Office of the Commissioner after our contract with Pedro was submitted. Mr. Boras is apparently satisfied with the $6 million bonus that he secured for Mr. Hosmer and has not challenged the validity of that contract. Mr. Boras has been informed that if he pursues a claim that our contract with Pedro was not timely he puts Eric Hosmer's contract with Kansas City in jeopardy.

The Pirates made several attempts to commence negotiations immediately following the draft and were willing and ready to agree to pay Pedro a $6 million signing bonus from the very outset. Predictably, however, Mr. Boras refused to engage in any negotiations at all until shortly before the August 15 deadline and even then an agreement was reached only after Pedro took control of the negotiations.

Regrettably, we are not surprised that Mr. Boras would attempt to raise a meritless legal claim in an effort to compel us to renegotiate Pedro's contract to one more to his liking. We are, however, disappointed that Pedro would allow his agent to pursue this claim on his behalf. Pedro showed tremendous fortitude and independent thinking when he agreed to his contract on August 15.

The Office of the Commissioner has assured us that we have a valid contract with Pedro and that it will vigorously defend any claim to the contrary. Despite our disappointment, we continue to believe in Pedro Alvarez the person and the baseball player and remain excited to add Pedro to our system. We will sit down with Pedro and his family as soon as Mr. Boras' claim is rejected to chart a new and much more productive start to Pedro's career with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Pedro The PR Machine

Maybe it is the cynical Pirate fan in me, after 15 years of losing who can blame me, but I am getting the feeling signing Pedro Alvarez was nothing more than Bob Nutting taking an opportunity to improve the people's opinion of him.

Every article I have seen, every interview I have heard has praised Bob Nutting for allowing the Pirates to sign Alvarez.

Yes, Nutting controls the purse strings. He has proved a knack of having the ability to pinch every penny possible.

Why now would he change his ways and allow the baseball people go after the best talent and sign him?

Nutting is a shrewd businessman. He knows his product isn't going to sell in it's current form. He knows nearly every fan blames him and his family for the trials this franchise has endured since their ownership group took control in the 90's.

A mere $6 million investment has put blinders on a majority of the fan base, for at least the short term.

One small investment has restored his public image.

This signing should not restore a fans faith in the franchise and the ownership group. It should merely show fans what should have been happening for 15 years.

Ownership has not changed nor improved. Don't be fooled by one minute before midnight on a deadline day signing. The Nutting's are still part of the worst ownership group in professional sports.

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