2011 Post Opening Day Season Preview - AL

Here are the officially unofficial BTW MLB 2011 American League predictions:

 

American League - East

1) Boston

  Possibly the most complete team in the AL.  Trying to find a hole in this team is almost impossible.  If they do not win 100, the regular season could be considered a disappointment.

2) Tampa

  The biggest question for the Rays is how the bullpen holds up.  The pitching staff is the strength of the team.  The loss of Crawford will hurt badly, especially to another team in the division.

3) New York

  The offense is full of All- Stars, catcher has to be a concern defensively.  With Rivera as the closer the only questions at the back end of games is will father time finally catch up and how will the pen fair bridging the gap to Rivera.  The starting rotation is another big questionmark, if Burnett can pitch to the level expected of him the rotation becomes a little more solid.  Getting 15 wins from Burnett could push the Yakees above Tampa in the standings.

4) Toronto

Another season depending on the long ball.  I don't see Bautista coming anywhere near his 2011 levels.  In any other division this team would be challenging for the division crown.

5) Baltimore

A young rotation with all the building blocks of a nice rotation in a couple years.  The offense may be ugly at times, they could challenge for the league lead in strikeouts.  

 

American League - Central

1) Minnesota

Somehow, someway Minnesota always ends up near the top of the division.  This season will be no different.  Team health will have a lot to do with their success.

2) Chicago

A solid rotation and a good offense that plays well to their home field.  As always, more attention will be paid to Ozzie Guillen than the play on the field.  I usually shy away from picking them to finish second because Williams is never shy to pull the trigger on trades if he feels they are out of contention.

3) Detroit

This, unfortunately, may be Jim Leylands last stand in Detroit by no fault of his nor the play on the field.  I expect the Tigers to be very active at the trade deadline whether to add or subtract is the big question.  They have a legitimate chance to win the division.  Next offseason should be interesting to see how big of players the Tigers will be in free agency.

4) Kansas City

Up and coming.  It would be a surprise to see them challenge in the division with the strength of the top three teams.  There are still a few holes on the team and plenty of youth.  How quickly will the prospects get a chance to show their wears in MLB?  It will be a fun season for Royal fans to get a glimpse of what the future holds.

5) Cleveland

I don't know where this team is headed.  I have been a closet Indians fan since the 70's.  While other people loved the lovable loser Cubs, I always pulled for the Tribe.  Unfortunately they right now have the look of the Dave Littlefield Pirates.

 

American League - West

1) Texas

This team looks better than the team that started the year in 2010 that won the division.  The loss of Lee won't change things in Arlington, he was only a rental player in the end.  The offense will carry the team.  Hopefully they do not mess with Feliz the way the Yankees did with Chamberlain a few seasons back bouncing him between the rotation and the pen.  The play of Borbon in CF will also play a key role in the fate of the team and overall makeup.  If Borbon fails, Hamilton's health will become a concern with the way he plays the game if he returns to CF.

2) Los Angeles

The rotation is solid, but I don't think Scioscia has the offensive team he likes to play with.  I don't think last seasons results were a fluke.  If the team is still hanging around come the trade deadline they will need to pick up a few pieces (3B) to catch Texas.

3) Oakland

The rotation is one of the better in the AL.  Unfortunately for A's fans, I still wonder where the run support will come from.  Much like the hype of Seattle in 2010, I don't see the team living up to the hype of being every experts sleeper pick in the AL.  

4) Seattle

The easiest way to look at Seattle is waiting for their prospects to arrive this season.  Outside of King Feliz, Chone and Ichiro, the rest of the season will be watching younger talent take their first steps as they arrive in the Majors.

 

Wild Card - I am going to go with the White Sox here.  I think the wild card comes from the Central this season.

MVP - I am picking Robinson Cano here, as much as it pains me to pick a Yankee, he might be the best player in the AL for the forseeable future. 

Cy Young - I am going to go with Lester here.  Partially because he will get plenty of press if the Red Sox live up to expectation but mostly because he will have the numbers to support it.  I really wanted to pick Price here, but I think Lester will end up with enough wins to make up the difference in the other numbers.

 

Watch for the NL post in the next few days.

 

Feel free to rip me for my predictions in the comment section.  

Blackout Lifted

The blackout has been lifted in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ local television market for MLB Network's simulcast of the Pirates at Boston Red Sox Spring Training game tomorrow, March 13, at 7:00 p.m. ET (delay from 1:00 p.m. ET start time). MLB Network will carry NESN’s call of the game.

MLB Honorary Bat Girl Contest

Via MLB:

HONORARY BAT GIRL CONTEST TO RECOGNIZE FANS

RETURNS FOR 2010 MOTHER’S DAY CELEBRATION

Program to Reward Inspirational Stories of Going to Bat Against Breast Cancer

30 Winners to Work with MLB Clubs as Honorary Bat Girls

Major League Baseball® (MLB) and Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the world’s largest breast cancer organization, today launched the 2010 Honorary Bat Girl Contest, a campaign developed to recognize MLB fans who are Going to Bat Against Breast Cancer in their daily lives. Men and women 18 and older can go online at www.mlb.com/honorarybatgirl to vote and enter to win a chance at becoming an Honorary Bat Girl during scheduled Mother’s Day celebrations. Each Honorary Bat Girl will have an opportunity to take part in pre-game activities, be honored during an on-field ceremony and receive two tickets to the game and pink MLB merchandise. MLB.com, the official web site of MLB, has begun accepting fan submissions for the online contest that ends April 13.

During the six-week online submission period, baseball fans can share their stories of inspiration and hope of how they are supporting the fight against breast cancer and why they want to be an Honorary Bat Girl for their favorite MLB Club. Testimonials can be submitted by breast cancer survivors, advocates and supporters of the cause. A celebrity panel of judges will select the winning submissions, based on the following criteria: originality, quality of writing, demonstration of commitment to breast cancer awareness and public appeal as determined by online fan votes.

“Major League Baseball is very proud of the partnership we have forged with Susan G. Komen for the Cure,” said Tim Brosnan, Executive Vice President, Business, Major League Baseball. “The launch of the Honorary Bat Girl campaign last year was a successful complement to our Mother’s Day Celebration, and helped put a face on the millions of fans affected by breast cancer and further helped raise awareness for the cause.”

The program was introduced in 2009 to raise additional awareness and support for the annual Going to Bat Against Breast Cancer initiative, a joint effort between MLB, its licensed partners and Komen for the Cure. Last year, more than 1,000 testimonials were submitted and nearly 2.2 million fan votes were cast.

“A day at Kauffman Stadium as Honorary Bat Girl was truly a memorable experience,” said Jodi Guess Scruggs, Kansas City Royals 2009 Honorary Bat Girl Contest winner. “How rewarding to spend the day with my list of favorites; Royals, Major League Baseball, family/friends and supporting the fight against breast cancer with Komen for the Cure. Now that’s what I call a day at the ballpark!”

On Mother’s Day (May 9), Major League Baseball and its Clubs, along with Komen for the Cure, will celebrate the Going to Bat Against Breast Cancer initiative, which is designed to raise awareness about the breast cancer cause, while also raising funds to support breast cancer research.

     “The stories of these breast cancer survivors and their families are so inspiring and compelling – they provide an opportunity for all of us to truly understand the impact of breast cancer and the urgency we feel

at Komen to end this disease forever,” said Katrina McGhee, Senior Vice President, Global Business Development and Partnerships, Susan G. Komen for the Cure. “Programs like this help Komen provide education, screening and direct help for women and men in our hometowns, while also funding the global research that is leading us to cures for breast cancer.”

     In 2009, Komen provided funds for almost 500,000 breast screenings and for treatment and support programs in 1,900 communities nationwide and around the world, along with funding more than $60 million in research.

Hundreds of MLB players will use pink bats by Louisville Slugger, the Official Bat of Major League Baseball, stamped with the MLB breast cancer logo. To further demonstrate their support for the breast cancer cause, players and on-field personnel will wear the symbolic pink ribbon on their uniforms along with pink wrist bands. Commemorative dugout lineup cards also will be pink. In addition to promotional support, Major League Baseball Charities has committed $50,000 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Game-used Louisville Slugger pink bats will be auctioned off at MLB.com at a later date to raise additional funds for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Fans can purchase their own personalized pink bat at www.mlb.com or www.slugger.com, with $10 from the sale of each pink bat benefitting Komen for the Cure.

Major League Baseball Health Initiatives
The Mother's Day Going to Bat Against Breast Cancer program is one of several cancer-related initiatives supported by Major League Baseball. Other initiatives include Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C), whose mission is to support the groundbreaking scientific research aimed at getting new cancer treatments to patients in an accelerated timeframe; the Prostate Cancer Foundation Home Run Challenge which helps increase awareness of prostate cancer and raise money for the search for a cure as part of Major League Baseball Father’s Day activities; and Play Sun Smart, a league-wide, season-long skin cancer awareness program in conjunction with the Major League Baseball Players Association and the American Academy of Dermatology.

\

About Susan G. Komen for the Cure®

Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure and launched the global breast cancer movement. Today, Komen for the Cure is the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Komen Race for the Cure®, we have invested nearly $1.5 billion to fulfill our promise, becoming the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world. For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast cancer, visit komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN.

Quick Thought While Sick

Sorry for not having the next part of the 40 Man posts up yet.  Right now I am trying to recover from a nasty cold/flu.  I haven’t had the strength to stay online long enough to get all my stats together for one of those rare posts that are heavy on stats. 

Now for the quick thought….

What is Detroit doing?  How can you trade Granderson for financial reasons, then turn around and pay out nearly twice the salary to a 36 year old outfielder with poor defense to take his spot?  Please, someone, explain the Damon signing to me and why Granderson is a Yankee?

Rating the Pirates

MLB.com Top 50:

Jonathan Mayo, friend to BTW so he gets top billing, has his top 50 prospects up at MLB.com.  This list includes segments from the MLB Network Special.

http://mlb.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=7150959&topic_id=7962336

Summary:

Pedro Alvarez makes the top 50 list in the 8 spot.  That’s it for the Pirates.

 

ESPN Top 100 (or so):

Keith Law has his top 100, plus 10 that just missed up on ESPN Insider.  Insider access is required.

Top 100: http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/insider/columns/story?columnist=law_keith&id=4856310

10 who missed: http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=4865823&name=law_keith

Summary:

Brad Lincoln 105

Tony Sanchez 82

Tabata 57

Alvarez 35

 

Law also has the Team Rankings.

http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/insider/columns/story?columnist=law_keith&id=4861174

And top 10 by organization:

http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/insider/columns/story?columnist=law_keith&id=4865694

Summary:

The Pirates pull in at 18.

 

More Rankings:

Dejan Kovacevic, spelled without looking, reports the Pirates rank 16th by Baseball America.  The BA Prospect Handbook will be on sale today.  Or can be ordered online here: https://www.baseballamerica.com/store/store.cgi?browse=cat_books&sid=1264742513454&p=SMEXOB

Tim Williams at Buccofans.com has some additional rankings with links at his site. 

The Scouting Book has their rankings, updated almost daily, for the Pirates here. (Note: As of this writing, the list is in the process of an update due to 2 players needing current team updates in their database.)   The Scouting Book has 3 Pirates in the top 50 in Alvarez, Tabata and Alderson.  Sanchez (103) just misses the top 100 as of this writing.  Lincoln sits at 154.

 

BTW Take:

I was planning on taking a guess at the 25 man roster, but rankings are much more fun to look at. 

Law was overly critical of Pirates prospects, going as far as to question Tabata’s age and saying he would not make the list if he is older than listed.  I wonder how much higher he would be if he lied the other way just to get his drivers license?  Would he be top 10 then?

While the Pirates are rated in the middle third of the league, it is still a great improvement over being in the lower third as they had been in recent memory.  Take into account A. McCutchen, G. Jones, Clement, Ohlendorf, Hart and Morton are no longer in the prospect list, due to them no longer being rookie eligible or age, that ranking takes a bit of a hit.  (I need to double check that statement regarding Clement.)

I am surprised how high the Padres (11) were listed on Law’s list.

Dotel and Sheets

Dotel

The Pittsburgh Pirates and Octavio Dotel have come to terms on a one year deal with a club option.  Specific terms around bonus and base pay have not yet been revealed.  Dotel is scheduled for a physical on Thursday prior to putting pen to paper.  The formal announcement should come shortly after the physical.

A roster move needs to be made to open a spot on the 40 man roster.

BTW Take:

Finally!  In addition to signing with the Pirates, it seems Dotel is also setting up shop in Pittsburgh in another way.  His wife is due to give birth at “any time” and may stay in Pittsburgh to deliver the child.

 

Sheets

The Pirates were one of the teams at the throwing session Tuesday by Ben Sheets.

Sheets contract desires have come to light as reported via MLB Trade Rumors:

MetsBlog's Matthew Cerrone hears Ben Sheets will seek "at least $10 million, plus lots of incentives, and a second-year, player-controlled option."

Dejan Kovacevic states in the PBC Blog:

The Pirates are not a bidder for Ben Sheets.

They scouted the session as a matter of course in developing information on as many players as possible. Happens all the time.

 

Common speculation from sources outside the Pirates, the Pirates are looking at Sheets as an option IF MLB and the Players Union target the team in a similar fashion to the way the Marlins were recently reprimanded for not spending revenue sharing money.  Adding a $10 M contract to an estimated $40 M payroll would get the teams payroll figures back to the neighborhood of the payroll from 2009, actually exceeding it by a few million.

BTW Take:

It would be a shame if the Pirates made a move of this caliber just to appease MLB and the Union.  While adding Sheets would be a good move for the Pirates, to be forced into such a move would undermine anything the front office has done this off-season.

Sheets is a pitcher who could turn a 71 win team into a .500 ball club, something most Pirates fans have been praying for for nearly 2 decades.  Bringing in a pitcher, or any player,  of Sheets caliber should be the last move in rebuilding to put the team over the top, not over .500.

One bonus to adding someone like Sheets would be trade value later in the season if he stayed healthy.  This is one area I don’t understand in most rebuilding projects in MLB.  Teams want to add young talent but won’t sign upper level free agents to bolster the MLB level and allow a trade that would bring in more talent later in the year around the deadline.

To help sell the concept to ownership, signing Sheets in addition to the recent buzz the Pirates have generated would put more butts in the seats early in the season and just add to the butt count when Alvarez and Tabata are brought up.  Simply put, Alvarez + Sheets + a run at a winning record = $$$.

Don’t be surprised IF you hear the Pirates linked to Sheets in the coming weeks, especially if reports are correct the Pirates are next on the MLB/MLBPA hit list are true.

 

An Interesting Link from KC

Kings of Kauffman beg for a deal between KC and Pittsburgh for Brandon Jones.

Random Madness

For those who read this blog regularly, when I post, you know about Random Madness.  For those who just stumbled on the blog, this is where I just randomly comment on an assortment of topics that just don’t fit under one post.

Last Thought On McGwire

He only took steroids for heath?  They didn’t help him set homerun records nor hit homeruns?

Ok, that is one of the most ridiculous statements ever made.  Even if he didn’t gain any power from the steroids, which is bull to begin with, and it only kept him on the field, that cements the fact he isn’t a Hall Of Famer.

Think about it.  If he was hitting a homerun every 15 at bats or so and the roids got him in another 21 games a season.  That works out to roughly 7 homeruns a season over an 11 year span.  In other words, he owes at least 77 homeruns to steroids just based on “health” reasons. 

All the sudden he barely hits 500 homeruns, one of the key marks to make to have a prayer of making an induction speech.  Add in less than a dozen that can be attributed to extra strength, barely 1 a season over the span, and he never reaches 500 for his career.

Considering he wasn’t great with the glove and only average with the bat.  He would have only been a good power hitter and not even considered a Hall candidate.  If anyone who used deserves not to get in to the Hall, McGwire is the poster boy.

 

New York Bay

Talk about a career killing contract.  The deal Jason Bay signed with the Mets will be the downfall of his career.  While Bay is a good player, especially in the right ballpark, he will flounder with the homerun numbers in spacious Citi Field.  If that park can suck the power out of David Wright, how badly will it drain Jason Bay?

 

Pirates Pen

Finally Pirates related…

I have to say, I like the way the bullpen is working out, especially if/when Dotel is signed.  The additions of Bass, Donnelly and Carrasco to Hanrahan and Meek round out a bullpen that will be much improved over last season.  With the loser of the 5th spot in the rotation likely headed to the pen, we finally have an idea what this team will look like coming out of Bradenton.

I know Carrasco and Bass are not on the 40 man roster yet, but they should be when the season starts.  Needless to say, there will be some major changes to the 40 man roster between now and opening day.

For Anyone Who Missed The McGwire Interview

For anyone who missed the McGwire interview with Bob Costas on MLB Network, here are some excepts from a MLB Network Press Release:

QUOTES AVAILABLE FROM EXCLUSIVE MARK McGWIRE INTERVIEW WITH BOB COSTAS ON MLB NETWORK

Costas Gets First TV Interview with McGwire Since Admitting Use of Performing Enhancing Drugs During His MLB Career

Secaucus, NJ, January 11, 2010 – Quotes are available from Mark McGwire’s exclusive in-depth television interview with MLB Network’s Bob Costas that took place live today at 7:00 p.m. ET about McGwire’s admission of using performance enhancing drugs during his career.  This is the first television interview granted by McGwire since he admitted using PEDs in a statement earlier today.

Highlights of the interview are below:

ON WHEN EXACTLY HE USED STEROIDS:

“I believe it was the winter of 1989 into 1990.  I was given a couple of week’s worth, tried it, never thought anything of it.  I just moved on from it.  But as far as using it on a consistent basis, it was the winter of 1993 into 1994.”

ON WHETHER HE THINKS HE WOULD STILL HAVE PERFORMED AS WELL WITHOUT STEROIDS:

“I truly believe so.  I believe I was given this gift.  The only reason I took steroids was for my health purposes.  I did not take steroids to get any gain for any strength purposes…  I’ve always had bat speed.  I just learned how to shorten my bat speed.  I learned how to be a better hitter.  There’s not a pill or an injection that is going to give me -- or any athlete -- the hand-eye coordination to hit a baseball.  A pill or an injection will not hit a baseball.”

ON EXACTLY WHAT PERFORMANCE-ENHANCING DRUGS HE TOOK:

“The names I don’t remember.  But I did injectables.  I preferred the orals.  The steroids I did were on a very low dosage.  I didn’t want to take a lot of it.  I took very, very low dosages, just because I wanted my body to feel normal.  The wear and tear of 162 ballgames and the status of where I was at, and the pressures that I had to perform, and what I had to go through to try and get through all these injuries, it’s a very, very regrettable thing.”

ON REGRETTING HIS STEROID USE:

“I wish it never came into my life.  But we’re sitting here talking about it.  I’m so sorry that I have to.  I apologize to everybody at Major League Baseball, my family, the Marises, Bud Selig… Today was the hardest day of my life.”

ON CALLING ROGER MARIS’ WIDOW THIS MORNING:

“Well, I think she was shocked that I called her.  I felt good…I felt that it was…that I needed to do that.  They’ve been great supporters of mine.  She was disappointed.  She has every right to be.  And I couldn’t tell her how so sorry I was.”

ON THE EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE 2005 CONGRESSIONAL HEARING:

“So, 2005…Flying back there…I was ready, willing, and prepared to talk about this.  I wanted to talk about this.  I wanted to get this off my chest… My lawyers, Mark Bierbower and Marty Steinberg -- I meet them back there. We talked about the situation.  Marty, a former federal prosecutor, laid out a couple of scenarios.  ‘If you go out there, and talk about this without protection, there’s a very good chance of a possible prosecution, or grand jury testimonies.’ So, we talk to – we were in meetings downstairs with Congressman Waxman, and… Congressman Davis… my lawyers were downstairs trying to get immunity for me.  I wanted to talk.  I kept telling myself, ‘I want to get this off my chest.’  Well, we didn’t get immunity.  So here I am in a situation where I have two scenarios, where a possible prosecution or possible grand jury testimonies.  Well you know what happens when there’s a prosecution?  You bring in your whole family, you bring in your whole friends, you bring in ex-teammates, coaches, anybody that’s surrounding you.  How the heck am I gonna to bring those people in for some stupid act that I did?  So you know what I did?  We agreed to not talk about the past.  And it was not enjoyable to do that, Bob. 

ON HIS TESTIMONY BEFORE CONGRESS IN 2005:

“I’m gonna tell you right now, standing up there – or sitting up there, listening, the Hooten family or the other families behind me that lost their loved ones… And every time that I kept on saying “I’m not talking about the past,” I hear these moans.  It was killing me.   I was not gonna lie.  I was not going to lie.  I wanted to tell the truth, but because of the position I was in; to protect my family, to protect me, I decided that I would take the hits.  I think anybody’s going to take the hits.  I’ve been taking hits for five years…doesn’t feel very good.”

ON THE HALL OF FAME:

“I’m not here doing this for the Hall of Fame.  I’m doing this for me, to get this off my chest.  I played this game of baseball because I was given the ability to play.  If I’m lucky enough to get in there, that’s just icing on the cake.  But I played this game because I loved it.”

ON WHAT HE’D TELL CARDINALS PLAYERS ABOUT STEROIDS:

“It was the stupidest thing I ever did.  There’s no reason to even go down that road.  It’s an illusion.  And look what I have to do.  I‘m sitting here by a stupid mistake.”

ON POTENTIALLY BEING FORGIVEN BY FANS AND OTHERS:

“Well, I’m asking for a second chance.  I hope they give it to me.  Because you know, I have a lot to offer.  I have a whole rolodex of things that I love to teach hitters, and I can’t wait to get to spring training.  I can’t wait to teach, and it’s just, it’s always been a passion of mine so it just came to a head this last October when Tony sent me a text to see if I’d consider being a hitting coach.”

 

BTW Take:

I have many comments, but only one I will pass on as this news and the interview will rule the news for the next few days, until the Pirates officially sign Church and that takes over the world of sports.

My only thought, through most of the interview, was: why now?  Why not in December when he was hired? 

The only answer I came up with:  He wanted to stay on the Hall of Fame ballot.  If he does this while the baseball writers are voting, he could simply lose enough ballots that he would be removed from the ballot and have to wait on the veterans committee to nominate him.  By doing in in January, he has a better chance of forgiveness or in the long term many writers simply forgetting when they vote.  He is hoping enough forget or forgive over the next year to keep his name on the ballot.

I know this is a very negative thought, but it was the only thing I could come up with.  Why else hold off on the press conference after being hired?  I couldn’t come up with nor buy any of the answers.

I apologize to Mr. McGwire if I am being unfair in my comment, but I wanted to relay what was going through my mind.

McGwire To Be On MLB Network Tonight 7:00 ET

From MLB Network Press Release:

MARK McGWIRE TO BE INTERVIEWED EXCLUSIVELY BY MLB NETWORK’S BOB COSTAS TONIGHT LIVE AT 7:00 P.M. ET

Costas Gets First TV Interview with McGwire Since Admitting to Use of Performing Enhancing Drugs During His MLB Career

Secaucus, NJ, January 11, 2010 – MLB Network’s Bob Costas will have an exclusive in-depth television interview with Mark McGwire tonight on MLB Network live at 7:00 p.m. ET about McGwire’s admission of using performance enhancing drugs during his career.  This is the first television interview granted by McGwire since he admitted using PEDs in a statement earlier today.

Following the exclusive interview, MLB Network’s Matt Vasgersian, Mitch Williams, Joe Magrane, Tom Verducci and Ken Rosenthal will discuss their reactions to the conversation.  Costas will provide reaction from location in California and MLB Network’s Harold Reynolds and Peter Gammons will also provide commentary.

          MLB Network will be on-air live throughout the day with breaking news coverage and reactions from MLB Network analysts and insiders as well as others throughout baseball.

MLB Network launched on January 1, 2009 as the largest debut in cable television history and is currently available in approximately 54 million cable and satellite homes. With live games, original programming, highlights, classic games, and coverage of baseball events, MLB Network is the ultimate television destination for baseball fans. For more information and to find MLB Network in your area, go to www.mlbnetwork.com.

 

Thoughts and comments from me coming later tonight after I see the interview… 

 

I might even attempt to explain my absence…

FOR THE CURE®

The following is a release from MLB:

 

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL AND SUSAN G. KOMEN FOR THE CURE®

LAUNCH CAMPAIGN TO FIND “HONORARY BAT GIRL” FOR EACH CLUB

MLB Fans Have the Opportunity to Share Inspirational Experiences in

Their Fight Against Breast Cancer

 

Major League Baseball (MLB) and Susan G. Komen for the Cure® have collaborated to launch a search to find an “Honorary Bat Girl” for each Club in celebration of Mother’s Day in stadiums around the country.  Lasting until May 1, MLB.com will host a contest providing fans an opportunity to share stories of “going to bat” against breast cancer in their daily lives.  The initiative is aimed to raise additional awareness and support for the annual ‘Going to Bat Against Breast Cancer’ program, a joint partnership between MLB and Komen for the Cure, the world’s largest breast cancer organization.  Winners will be selected on May 1 by a celebrity panel consisting of MLB Network’s Mitch Williams and Dan Plesac, New York Yankees OF/1B Nick Swisher, Houston Astros 1B Lance Berkman and Baltimore Orioles OF Nick Markakis.  Men and women 18 and older can submit stories and vote for their favorites on www.mlb.com/honorarybatgirl.

          During the registration period, Baseball fans can share their stories of inspiration and hope of how they are supporting the fight against breast cancer in their daily lives and why they want to be an “Honorary Bat Girl” for their MLB home team.  Testimonials can be submitted by breast cancer survivors, advocates or supporters of the cause. 

          “Major League Baseball is excited to launch this new campaign recognizing the incredible lives of our fans who are leading the fight against breast cancer,” said Tim Brosnan, Executive Vice President, Business, Major League Baseball.  “It is an honor to expand our partnership with Susan G. Komen for the Cure.  We are committed to using the popularity of Major League Baseball to help Komen raise funds and awareness for this important cause.”

On Mother's Day (May 10, 2009), Major League Baseball players will wear pink wristbands and the symbolic pink ribbon for breast cancer awareness will be displayed on player uniforms, as well as on all on-field personnel. Additionally, Louisville Slugger, the Official Bat of Major League Baseball, has produced pink bats stamped with the MLB breast cancer logo, which will be available for players’ use on Mother's Day weekend.  In addition, dugout lineup cards will be pink. The Louisville Slugger pink bats will be auctioned off at a later date to raise additional funds for Susan G. Komen for the Cure.  Several players will individually represent their teams on Mother’s Day, and most have personally experienced the effects breast cancer (and other cancers) have had on their families.  These players include Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim P Jered Weaver (mother survived breast cancer), Berkman (aunt survived breast cancer), Markakis (mother survived breast cancer) and Los Angeles Dodgers P Jason Schmidt (mother passed away from brain cancer). 

“Major League Baseball’s partnership and support over the years has been a vital part in enabling us to move forward in our promise to save lives and end breast cancer forever,” said Katrina McGhee, Vice Rresident, Global Partnerships at Komen for the Cure. “The introduction of Honorary Bat Girls is exciting because the passion and the personal stories of breast cancer advocates are what keep us going.”

          Prior to each Mother’s Day game, each “Honorary Bat Girl” will be invited to participate in pre-game on-field activities, will be publicly recognized during an on-field ceremony, will receive a ticket to the game and will be given special baseball pink product.  All 30 Clubs will be represented in this initiative—visiting teams on Mother’s Day will select another date in May to honor their “Honorary Bat Girl.” 

          The celebrity panel consisting of MLB players and MLB Network talent will select each “Honorary Bat Girl.”  New York Yankees 1B/OF Nick Swisher is an advocate of fighting all forms of cancer.  In 2007, Swisher grew his hair out to donate it to create free wigs for women dealing with hair loss from cancer treatment.  Today, Swisher continues to participate in the on-field activities of MLB’s “Going to Bat Against Breast Cancer.”  MLB Network analyst Mitch Williams’ mother survived breast cancer and he is still involved in helping charities associated with the disease.  MLB Network analyst Dan Plesac’s mother was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. 

 

About Susan G. Komen for the Cure®

Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure and launched the global breast cancer movement. Today, Komen for the Cure is the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Komen Race for the Cure®, we have invested more than $1.3 billion to fulfill our promise, becoming the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world. For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast cancer, visit www.komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN.

 

Major League Baseball Health Initiatives
The Mother's Day “Going To Bat Against Breast Cancer” program is one of several cancer-related initiatives supported by Major League Baseball. Other partnerships include Stand Up To Cancer, an innovative charitable campaign designed to raise philanthropic monies for accelerating ground-breaking research; the Prostate Cancer Foundation Home Run Challenge which helps increase awareness of prostate cancer and raise money towards the search for a cure as part of Major League Baseball Father's Day activities; the Commissioner's Initiative for Kids supports the CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation; and Play Smart When it Comes to the Sun, a league-wide, season-long skin cancer awareness program in conjunction with the Major League Baseball Players Association and the American Academy of Dermatology.

###

Contact:     Matt Bourne or Steven Arocho, Major League Baseball, (212) 931-7878

 

Sign The Sheff?

The Detroit Tigers just released Gary Sheffield.

My question is, should the Pirates pursue him?

Look at it this way then tell me your thoughts:

Morgan has less than inspired this spring.

Moss could move over to left field.

With the small right field at PNC Park, Sheffield could play there. He definitely still has the arm for right.

Add Sheffield in the middle of the order, and suddenly the Pirates have and actual threat in the lineup that should make everyone around him look better.

Since Sheffield was under contract with the Tigers, the Pirates would only have to pick up league minimum, if I understand the rule correctly.

What would be in it for Sheffield?  He comes to a team with a need and walks into a starting spot.  A one year deal would allow him to prove he is healthy and can still play. 

This late in spring, there are not may open spots in the outfield and Sheffield hates the idea of being a full time DH.

Another key piece for both parties.  If the Pirates were to sign him, they would have excellent trade bait at the deadline if they are out of contention. Sheffield would have the opportunity to play for a team on a playoff run one more time in his career.

Oh, and Sheff is one home run away from 500.

This sounds like a win-win situation for both parties.

Neal get on the phone.

Or should he?

WBC

The US victory over Puerto Rico may be the defining moment that propels the WBC into the limelight.

Then again, don't hold your breath.

While MLB has done a poor job marketing the WBC beyond the hardcore fan, this one game may draw the attention of the casual fan.

There are quite a few sponsors of the event, look at the Best Buy shoulder patches, but you do not see the sponsors doing anything to promote the event. MLB has scored a fail on bringing the WBC to the people.

Right now I think many fans have a hard time rooting for players they hate 162 games out of the season. I can't imagine Yankee fan standing up and chanting "Youk" just because he plays for the USA. Even Yankee fan still sees him in a Boston uniform.

Can you fault the fans though?

The season hasn't started and Davey Johnson is approaching these games as nothing more than exhibition games. Why else would he have left Peavy in to get some work. Swap short stops just to get each player some reps.

IF MLB wants the WBC to truly capture the imagination of the casual fan, they need to tweak a lot. There are too many days off, especially for players trying to get ready for the MLB season.

They should break things out World Cup Soccer style. Play qualifying tournaments in spring, the during the All-Star break or after the season, have the championship rounds.

If nothing else that would save Chipper Jones a few eyebrows, or at least let them grow back.

While David Wright's single captivated every hardcore baseball fan in America, the casual fan will not take notice, especially come Thursday when March Madness takes the country by storm.

Could you imagine the NHL or NBA playing any games on Super Bowl Sunday?

Why would baseball try to take on the Madness? 

How many fans didn't get to see the game tonight because they don't have the MLB network? 

I am one.  I tuned into ESPN and saw, NIT basketball.

Can you believe the NIT got the nod over the WBC?

What does that tell you Bud?

The WBC should be wrapping up qualifying rounds now, and playing for the championship later when the general sports fan may take notice.

 

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_team?GID=59773&P=pirates

IF it requests a password: pirates

McLouth Signs Long Term Deal

Nate McLouth and the Pittsburgh Pirates have come to terms on a long term deal covering all 3 of his arbitration years as well as a club option for his first year of free agency eligibility.  The deal prevents the arbitration hearing that was scheduled for later today.

Contract terms have not yet been revealed.

BTW Take:

Look for the money to be similar to the deals Ryan Doumit and Paul Maholm signed earlier this offseason.  From what I have heard, the deal is most similar to Maholm.

This is a great move for the Pirates as it almost sets the outfield in the coming seasons to include McCutchen and Tabata alongside McLouth.  With the outfield taken care of and enough arms to go around in the rotation, the Pirates can now focus on what the future of the infield looks like beyond Pedro Alvarez.  I look to see the Pirates to begin to address the middle of the infield come June.

If no long term deal can be reached with Adam LaRoche before the July trade deadline, look for the Pirates to try and land a middle infielder in any deal that happens around the deadlines for Adam LaRoche, Freddy Sanchez or Jack Wilson.

Also look for more arms to be acquired.

 

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.

Why Pittsburgh Fans Don't Empathize With Yankees Fans

First, let us set the record straight.

For all those fools who wonder what was "in" the football when Santonio shook it in his hand. No, it wasn't ketchup nor hot sauce. That was LeBron's powder shake, Pittsburgh style.

Now, on to the point of this post.

Pittsburgh Fans, specifically Steeler Fans, don't empathize with Yankee fans. Steeler fans are not happy unless a Super Bowl Trophy is the prize. Much like Yankee fan expects World Series wins. Both fan bases expect championships and to a degree feel it is their teams right to win them.

The difference is in how the teams do it.

The Steelers win championships in a sport where the playing field is leveled by a salary cap. They build it through hard work and dedication to a goal.

The Yankees on the other hand try to buy championships. They go after the best talent and don't blink at the big payouts. They more than triple the average teams payroll.

The Yankees are the most polarizing team in professional sport. Not because they have all the talent, but because they feel it is their right to win and their right to buy the best talent.

The problem with the Yankees. They have all the talent, but they do not have a team. Just a group of individuals. At least Boston develops talent from within and go to free agency to fill gaps unlike the Yankees damning building internally and just buying the pieces to fill their needs.

Cashman is not a great GM, he just signs the best talent on the open market.

Torre was an average manager before he got to the Yankees. He is not a great manager. He did great with the Dodgers last year after they landed Manny. He doesn't make a team better, he simply handles egos well.

The Pirates are going the right way, trying to build a character franchise and build from within. It will take time, but they will get there...someday.

Congratulations to the Rooney's, Mike Tomlin and the World Champion Pittsburgh Steelers!

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.

Maholm, Hinske and Beam. Oh My!

 

Maholm:

Maholm signed his 3 year deal, with a 4th year club option, totaling $14.5M in guaranteed money.  The breakout is as follows:

$3.5M 2009 ($1.5M of which is a signing bonus)

$4.5M 2010

$5.75M 2011

$9.75M 2012 club option, escalators could raise the option to 11.05M

A buyout for the option of  $750K.

If the option is exercised, the minimum value of the contact is $23.5M.

BTW Take:

This is another good move by the front office to lock up their perceived core of talent.  Some may point to the fact the Pirates will be losing players after 2011 in addition to having a high turnover each year after that. 

Looking at other teams and sports, this is the way of life in professional sports.  One merely needs to compare the rosters of the Boston Red Sox between their two championship years to see more than half the roster changed between championships. 

The key is to have players ready to step in or be willing to spend on free agents to fill the holes left behind. 

This concept isn’t exclusive to only baseball.  The Steelers have 20 players returning from their Super Bowl XL roster to play this year in Super Bowl XLIII.  That is more than half of the XL team gone in three seasons. 

The key is to replace those players and continue to improve.  With baseball, they have the farm system to fall back on.  Building a good pipeline will help this team remain competitive if they can get to that level to begin with.  

 

Hinske:

Hinske signed a deal worth $1.5M with another $1M in bonuses based on plate appearances.  T.J. Beam was designated for assignment.  If Beam clears waivers, he will be assigned to Indianapolis. 

BTW Take:

Beam will likely be claimed off waivers.  Hinske will be adding depth in the event one of the many young players on the team are injured (Moss) or struggle (Andy LaRoche and Nyger Morgan) or traded (Adam LaRoche).

 

Link:

Here is a link to a very entertaining article on the next Pirate uniform suggestions at our friends front office at We Should Be GM’s:

http://pabaseball.blogspot.com/2009/01/new-pirates-uniforms-to-be-proud-of.html

 

Tomorrow:

Neal Huntington was on MLB Live at MLB Home Plate XM 175.  I will try and get a transcript of the interview up tomorrow.  He had some interesting comments that I want to pass on to my friendly readers.

 

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.

Free Agents Conclusion

This isn’t the conclusion I was hoping to write, but it looks like the Pirates are close to signing someone.  To recap, Huntington is looking for a versatile right handed bat.  I guess that makes the next sentences all the more wrong.

The Pirates are in contract discussions with left handed hitting Eric Hinske.  Hinske is a corner outfielder/infielder. 

The Pirates have also been in touch with Juan Gonzalez.  Gonzalez is limited to outfield duty and likely would be better suited to play in the AL this season, for no other reason than his age of 41. 

Meanwhile another left handed bat has changed his outlook on free agency.

Bobby Abreu has lowered his asking price to 3 years and $30M.  Abreu, 34, is a 20+ HR guy who can play any position in the outfield.  He is also a player who will have trade value at the deadline.  If the Pirates were willing to go a little over budget, they could have a player to flip for prospects at the deadline.  This type of signing would show the fans ownership is willing to fork out some cash and can bring back more prospects later in the season.

Dejan Kovacevic tallied the Pirates payroll to be near $47.9M if the Pirates win both arbitration cases.  If they lose both cases, the total would be 50.1M.  This would allow the Pirates $4.9M-$7.1M to spend on free agency if they hard capped at $55M.  A deal for Abreu might be had at 3 years $24M with incentives to reach $10M a season.  The market is prime for a market the size of Pittsburgh to add talent on the cheap.  Considering what is being paid to Adam LaRoche, this deal would be a bargain.  After the season and LaRoche is off the books, Abreu would eat up what is freed by LaRoche.

If nothing else, it would appease fans that are begging for a real free agent signing while proving ownership isn’t in this for the pocket lining. 

Signing the next free agent would also appease fans and fit the description of what is being looked for.

Doug Mientkiewicz is still not mentioned, even though he has proved his versatility to the team.  Oh, by the way, he bats right handed.

Some other names to watch for, in some instances again:

Juan Uribe, 28 – Right handed hitting infielder.  He could fill in the shoes Jack Wilson will leave behind if traded.

Ty Wiggington, 30 – Right handed hitter who can play LF, RF, 1B, 2B, 3B.

Brad Wilkerson, 31 – Left handed hitting OF, 1B.  Injuries are always a concern for him.  Has not played in over 140 games since 2005.

One other free agent that will likely be rumored but would not sign with Pittsburgh is Tony Garciaparra.  Also known as Nomar.  If you live in Boston, it is Nomah.

I maintain the best fit for what the Pirates are looking for is Doug Mientkiewicz.  I don’t understand what is going on with the front office when they proclaim they are looking for a versatile, right handed bat to come off the bench and have a player who wants to return that fits the mold to a tee.  Someone please explain.

 

From the pitching side, Pedro Martinez has been mentioned.  Look for a John Garland rumor to start in the next few days.

 

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.

Remaining Free Agents

Here is the most current list of free agents still available on the market.  Amazingly, there are still 109 free agents available with less than a month until pitchers and catchers report.  The rank is from BA/ESPN. 

Who should the Pirates target as late pickup/trash heap type of free agents?  I will post my thoughts later tonight, after the Steelers/Ravens game.  Hopefully I will be in a good mood at that time.

 

Player	Age	Status	Old Team	Rank
Manny Ramirez, LF	36	Free Agent (A)	LA Dodgers	3
Adam Dunn, LF	29	Free Agent (A)	Arizona	7
Oliver Perez, SP	27	Free Agent (A)	NY Mets	10
Orlando Hudson, 2B	31	Free Agent (A)	Arizona	12
Bobby Abreu, RF	34	Free Agent (A)	NY Yankees	14
Juan Cruz, RP	30	Free Agent (A)	Arizona	16
Brandon Lyon, RP	29	Free Agent	Arizona	20
Orlando Cabrera, SS	34	Free Agent (A)	Chicago Sox	21
Ben Sheets, SP	30	Free Agent (A)	Milwaukee	23
Randy Wolf, SP	32	Free Agent (B)	Houston	24
Andy Pettitte, SP	36	Free Agent (A)	NY Yankees	26
Jim Edmonds, CF	38	Free Agent	Chicago Cubs	32
Joe Crede, 3B	30	Free Agent	Chicago Sox	34
Jon Garland, SP	29	Free Agent (B)	LA Angels	36
Ken Griffey Jr., RF	39	Free Agent (B)	Chicago Sox	37
Paul Byrd, SP	38	Free Agent (B)	Boston	38
Gregg Zaun, C	37	Free Agent	Toronto	39
Braden Looper, SP	34	Free Agent (B)	St. Louis	43
Pedro Martinez, SP	37	Free Agent	NY Mets	44
Ivan Rodriguez, C	37	Free Agent (B)	NY Yankees	46
Jason Varitek, C	36	Free Agent (A)	Boston	49
Will Ohman, RP	31	Free Agent	Atlanta	51
Eric Hinske, RF	31	Free Agent	Tampa Bay	54
Garret Anderson, LF	36	Free Agent (B)	LA Angels	55
Frank Thomas, DH	40	Free Agent (B)	Oakland	57
Eric Gagne, RP	33	Free Agent (B)	Milwaukee	61
Dennys Reyes, RP	31	Free Agent (B)	Minnesota	62
Brian Shouse, RP	40	Free Agent (B)	Milwaukee	65
Ray Durham, 2B	37	Free Agent	Milwaukee	67
Russ Springer, RP	40	Free Agent (A)	St. Louis	68
Juan Uribe, 3B	29	Free Agent (B)	Chicago Sox	70
Joe Beimel, RP	31	Free Agent (B)	LA Dodgers	72
Kenny Rogers, SP	44	Free Agent	Detroit	75
Nomar Garciaparra, SS	35	Free Agent	LA Dodgers	76
Sean Casey, 1B	34	Free Agent	Boston	77
Cliff Floyd, DH	36	Free Agent	Tampa Bay	78
Omar Vizquel, SS	41	Free Agent	San Francisco	80
Craig Counsell, 3B	38	Free Agent	Milwaukee	81
Emil Brown, LF	34	Free Agent	Oakland	85
Brad Wilkerson, RF	31	Free Agent	Toronto	87
Mark Grudzielanek, 2B	38	Free Agent (B)	Kansas City	88
Curt Schilling, SP	42	Free Agent	Boston	90
Daryle Ward, 1B	33	Free Agent	Chicago Cubs	92
Moises Alou, LF	42	Free Agent (B)	NY Mets	97
Luis Ayala, RP	31	Free Agent (B)	NY Mets	98
Alex Cora, SS	33	Free Agent	Boston	99
Jacque Jones, LF	33	Free Agent	Florida	100
Adam Melhuse, C	36	Free Agent	Colorado	NR
Alex Cintron, SS	30	Free Agent	Baltimore	NR
Ambiorix Burgos, RP	24	Free Agent	NY Mets	NR
Aquilino Lopez, RP	33	Free Agent	Detroit	NR
Argenis Reyes, 2B	26	Free Agent	NY Mets	NR
Brad Ausmus, C	39	Free Agent	Houston	NR
Brendan Donnelly, RP	37	Free Agent	Cleveland	NR
Casey Fossum, RP	31	Free Agent	Detroit	NR
Charlie Haeger, SP	25	Free Agent	San Diego	NR
Chuck James, SP	27	Free Agent	Atlanta	NR
Damion Easley, 2B	39	Free Agent	NY Mets	NR
Doug Mientkiewicz, 1B	34	Free Agent	Pittsburgh	NR
Eddie Guardado, RP	38	Free Agent	Minnesota	NR
Elmer Dessens, SP	38	Free Agent	Atlanta	NR
Freddy Garcia, SP	32	Free Agent	Detroit	NR
Gary Bennett, C	36	Free Agent	LA Dodgers	NR
Henry Blanco, C	37	Free Agent	Chicago Cubs	NR
Jairo Cuevas, SP	24	Free Agent	Kansas City	NR
Jamey Wright, RP	34	Free Agent	Texas	NR
Jason Isringhausen, RP	36	Free Agent (B)	St. Louis	NR
Jason Jennings, SP	30	Free Agent	Texas	NR
Javier Valentin, C	33	Free Agent	Cincinnati	NR
Jay Payton, LF	36	Free Agent	Baltimore	NR
Jeff Kent, 2B	40	Free Agent (B)	LA Dodgers	NR
Jeff Salazar, OF	28	Free Agent	Arizona	NR
John Parrish, SP	31	Free Agent	Toronto	NR
Jon Lieber, RP	38	Free Agent	Chicago Cubs	NR
Jonny Gomes, DH	28	Free Agent	Tampa Bay	NR
Josh Fogg, SP	32	Free Agent	Cincinnati	NR
Juan Rincon, RP	29	Free Agent	Cleveland	NR
Julian Tavarez, RP	35	Free Agent	Atlanta	NR
Keith Foulke, RP	36	Free Agent	Oakland	NR
Kent Mercker, RP	40	Free Agent	Cincinnati	NR
Kevin Millar, 1B	37	Free Agent	Baltimore	NR
Lance Cormier, RP	28	Free Agent	Baltimore	NR
Livan Hernandez, SP	33	Free Agent	Colorado	NR
Luis Gonzalez, LF	41	Free Agent (B)	Florida	NR
Luis Rivas, SS	29	Free Agent	Pittsburgh	NR
Mario Alvarez, SP	24	Free Agent	LA Dodgers	NR
Mark Mulder, SP	31	Free Agent	St. Louis	NR
Mark Sweeney, 1B	39	Free Agent	LA Dodgers	NR
Matt Wise, RP	33	Free Agent	NY Mets	NR
Miguel Cairo, 1B	34	Free Agent	Seattle	NR
Mike Timlin, RP	42	Free Agent	Boston	NR
Odalis Perez, SP	31	Free Agent	Washington	NR
Orlando Hernandez, SP	39	Free Agent	NY Mets	NR
Paul Bako, C	36	Free Agent	Cincinnati	NR
Paul Lo Duca, C	36	Free Agent (B)	Florida	NR
Ramon Martinez, 2B	36	Free Agent	NY Mets	NR
Randy Flores, RP	33	Free Agent	St. Louis	NR
Ricardo Rincon, RP	38	Free Agent	NY Mets	NR
Rich Aurilia, 1B	37	Free Agent	San Francisco	NR
Ron Villone, RP	39	Free Agent	St. Louis	NR
Rudy Seanez, RP	40	Free Agent	Philadelphia	NR
Sal Fasano, C	37	Free Agent	Cleveland	NR
Scott Elarton, SP	32	Free Agent	Cleveland	NR
Sidney Ponson, SP	32	Free Agent	NY Yankees	NR
Tom Glavine, SP	42	Free Agent	Atlanta	NR
Tom Gordon, RP	41	Free Agent	Philadelphia	NR
Tony Armas, SP	30	Free Agent	NY Mets	NR
Ty Wigginton, 3B	31	Free Agent	Houston	NR
Tyler Johnson, RP	27	Free Agent	St. Louis	NR

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.

Game 132, 8 To Go, Duke's New Slot, Bautista Trade, We're Number 10, Thursday Replay, Round Table

Vitals:

CHICAGO CUBS (81-50)	RHP CARLOS ZAMBRANO (13-5, 3.29 ERA)
PITTSBURGH PIRATES (57-74)	RHP IAN SNELL (5-10, 5.60 ERA)
Game Time	7:05 EDT
XM	XM 184
TV	FSN

 

8 to Go:

Only 8 more losses until the sweet 16th losing season...

 

Duke's New Slot:

The PG had this to say about Duke:

felt encouraged by his performance Friday night, when he used a glove-over-his-head windup designed to loosen his delivery for the first time in a game.

BTW Take:

I am wondering if this change in his delivery is more to disguise the pitch and hide it longer from the batter.  Considering Duke is by no means a power pitcher, being able to distract the hitters or hide the ball longer could only help him.  Hey, a Hooters restaurant in the batters eye could help the pitchers too.  Just need to close the door while the home team is batting, they are distracted enough as is.

 

Bautista Trade:

The Pirates received Robinson Diaz as the PTBNL in the Bautista deal. 

I haven't had an opportunity to comment on the trade yet, so here I go...

BTW Take:

Toronto inherited the best power numbers on their active roster.  Yes, Bautista's 12 HR's led the Blue Jays active roster as of the day of the trade.  The Piartes land a catcher who has 7 years of service in the minors.  He can make good contact (.300+ career minor league average) who rarely strikes out or walks with minimal power.  John Sickels ranks him as a C grade, so he should show up in a few top 20 lists.

I like the trade, utility infielder for backup catcher.  Catcher is a week spot in the Pirates system, considering their best catching prospect (Walker) was moved to third by Littlefield and crew.

Huntington got more in return than I was expecting for Bautista, especially after they demoted him.

 

We're number 10:

On the Forbes The Worst Cities To Be A Sports Fan the Pirates were able to bring Pittsburgh the distinction of landing in the 10 spot despite the best efforts of the Pens and Steelers.  Let's Go Bucs!

BTW Take:

It is kind of a hokey ranking system.  But the Pirates are noted for their rebuilding...

 

Thursday Replay?:

MLB.com has a press release from MLB stating Replay will begin Thursday August 28th in limited release.  Friday will begin the full slate of games. 

Instant replay will apply only to home run calls -- whether they are fair or foul, whether they have left the playing field, or whether they have been subject to fan interference. The decision to use instant replay will be made by the umpire crew chief, who also will make the determination as to whether or not a call should be reversed.

BTW Take:

MLB, welcome to the 20th Century.

 

Thursday Replay?:

MLB.com has a press release from MLB stating Replay will begin Thursday August 28th in limited release.  Friday will begin the full slate of games. 

Instant replay will apply only to home run calls -- whether they are fair or foul, whether they have left the playing field, or whether they have been subject to fan interference. The decision to use instant replay will be made by the umpire crew chief, who also will make the determination as to whether or not a call should be reversed.

BTW Take:

Get the joke?

 

Pittsburgh Pirates Round Table:

New Pirates Roundtable is up.

 

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