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.

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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.

Garrett Jones

A couple days ago Chuck Finder answered questions on the PBC Q&A as to whether Garret Jones can maintain his performance.  Well, in a rare event on BTW, I am going to try and put some numbers together and let you come up with your own answers…Of course I will give my opinion as well.  After reading the Q&A I felt a need to postpone the 40 Man post until tomorrow night.

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?

More Free Agent Signings?

Before I get to the meat of the post, here is a quick link for an interview on Mets Paradise of the best blogger I know personally.  He really is a great guy. 

Free Agents Signings

Frank Coonelly did his monthly chat on the Pirates.com website.  The full transcript can be found here.  One question and answer caught my attention more than the others:

bucsin09: Hi, Frank! Is it safe to assume we are done with free-agent signings and trades before Spring Training?

Coonelly: With the [Octavio] Dotel, [Brendan] Donnelly, [Ryan] Church, [D.J.] Carrasco and [Javier] Lopez signings and several Minor League free-agent signings, it is likely that we will head into Spring Training with the current group. We are, however, keeping tabs on certain free agents who might be a fit if their financial demands soften.

Coonelly and crew are “keeping tabs on certain free agents who might be a fit if their financial demands soften.”

Who would “fit” if they soften enough?

Let me compile a list from the MLBTradeRumors.com free agent list.

First, let us eliminate some positions. 

Outfield

The Pirates are well stocked in the outfield with the following outfielders on the 40 man roster:

	19 Ryan Church	L/L	6-2	220	10/14/78
	43 Gorkys Hernandez	R/R	6-0	175	09/07/87
	16 Brandon Jones	L/R	6-1	210	12/10/83
	46 Garrett Jones	L/L	6-4	230	06/21/81
	22 Andrew McCutchen	R/R	5-10	175	10/10/86
	85 Lastings Milledge	R/R	5-11	200	04/05/85
	44 Brandon Moss	L/R	6-0	210	09/16/83
	58 John Raynor	R/R	6-1	205	01/04/84
	31 Jose Tabata	R/R	5-11	210	08/12/88
	24 Delwyn Young	S/R	5-10	190	06/30/82

 

Shortstop

Shortstop is very thin with remaining free agents, so they also can be ruled out.  Here is the list:

Shortstops
Chris Gomez (39)

Third Base

Third base is a no brainer on the depth chart with LaRoche, Walker and Alvarez on the 40 man.  They won’t be looking into 3B options.

Second Base

Second base also is fairly well manned right now, I doubt any interest will be made of the following FA’s:

Second basemen
Adam Kennedy (34)
Felipe Lopez (30) - Type B, not offered arb
Pablo Ozuna (35)

I do think it may be worth keeping an eye on all three, depth never hurts considering Iwamura did have injury problems last season.

Catcher

Doumit and Jaramillo will man behind the plate.  I would not be surprised to see Tony Sanchez make an appearance if either gets injured.  Although it is more likely we would see a call up from AAA or Neil Walker stepping behind the plate as a super utility guy.  Here are the free agents available, just for reference sake.  I removed Torreabla since he is rumored to be nearing a deal.

Catchers
Paul Bako (38)
Rod Barajas (34) - Type B, offered arb
Michael Barrett (33)
Jose Molina (35)
Javier Valentin (34)

 

Now, that ends the elimination round.  Lets look at who the Pirates may be considering.

First Base

Ideally Jeff Clement or Steve Pearce show they can handle MLB pitching and field the position.  If neither steps up to the plate during spring training, Garrett Jones is the fall back option.  This makes me wonder if the Pirates may be looking at an outside option.  I bolded the players below who may be a “fit” when their salary request “softens”.

First basemen
Rich Aurilia (38)
Hank Blalock (29)
Russell Branyan (34)
Tony Clark (38)
Carlos Delgado (38) - Type B, not offered arb
Nomar Garciaparra (36)
Mike Jacobs (29)
Daryle Ward (35)
Dmitri Young (36)

The three of Blalock, Branyan and Jacobs could all add some decent pop to the middle of the lineup.  Protection for Garrett Jones and Ryan Doumit can only help whatmay be an anemic lineup.

Branyan hit 31 home runs in 116 games for Seattle last season.

Blalock hit  25 home runs in 123 games for Texas.

Jacobs hit 19 home runs in 128 games for the Royals.

 

Starting Pitcher

The list is long, so I am only bolding the ones I think may “fit”.

Starting pitchers
Brandon Backe (32)
Cha Seung Baek (30)
Erik Bedard (31) - Type B, not offered arb
Kris Benson (34)
Paul Byrd (39)
Bartolo Colon (37)
Adam Eaton (32)
Shawn Estes (37)
Tom Glavine (44)
Mike Hampton (37)
Livan Hernandez (35)
Jason Jennings (31)
Jason Johnson (36)
Braden Looper (35) - Type B, not offered arb
Noah Lowry (29)
Pedro Martinez (38)
Eric Milton (34)
Dustin Moseley (28)
Mark Mulder (32)
Odalis Perez (33)
Sidney Ponson (33)
Mark Prior (28)
Jason Schmidt (37)
John Smoltz (43)
Brett Tomko (37)
Chien-Ming Wang (30)
Jarrod Washburn (35)
Todd Wellemeyer (31)
Kip Wells (33)

Lowry, Wang and Prior are coming back from injuries.  There should be some scheduled workouts for both in the coming months.  Neither Wand nor Prior are likely to be ready for the start of the regular season, though Wang just started doing long toss and Prior is working off of a mound.  Lowry recently postponed a workout session to get some extra time on the mound.

I did skip a few other names, mostly due to rumors of them signing in the next couple weeks.

 

Left Handed Reliever

Considering there is only 1 lefty in the pen, this could be the actual target for a free agent.  Like before, look for the bolded names.

Left-handed relievers
John Bale (36)
Joe Beimel (32) - Type B, not offered arb
Alan Embree (40)
Ron Mahay (39)
Will Ohman (31) - Type B, not offered arb
Glendon Rusch (35)
Scott Schoeneweis (36)
Ron Villone (40)
Jamie Walker (38)

Considering the lack of lefties, any one of them could be a target.  I selected the ones that have been scouted by the Pirates in recent years and or weeks.

 

Leave some comments below as to anything I may have overlooked.  I’d like to get a good discussion started on this one.

 

Site Info:

I am going to be updating my blog list and some other parts of the site in the coming week.  If any bloggers out there want to be added contact me so I can add you to the list. For those listed, please verify your link is correct, if wrong please drop me a line so I can correct them.  Thanks.

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.

Busy Day For The Pirates

Keeping Up With The Jones’

The Pittsburgh Pirates claimed Brandon Jones off waivers from the Atlanta Braves.  Brandon Jones was DFA’ed when the Braves signed Eric Hinske.  A scouting report on Brandon Jones can be found here, and stats can be found here.

BTW Take:

Jones was dropped repeatedly by the Braves in the depth chart regardless of his readiness due to experienced players being brought into the organization.  He is an athletic and highly touted player much in the mold of many of the outfielders Huntington has acquired in his tenure.  His defense is above average and he is said to have an above average arm in the outfield.  His bat is said to be MLB ready.

While there was speculation a trade was imminent another roster move was made…

 

Steven Jackson DFA’ed

In a less than expected move, but not quite shocking, Steven Jackson was DFA’ed to make room for Jones on the 40 man roster.

BTW Take:

With the number of relievers, quality relievers at that, still available via free agency, moving Jackson off the 40 man roster should not be a surprise.  While Jackson will likely garner some attention, he has a good chance of clearing waivers when similar pitchers are still available and willing to agree to a minor league contract that does not tie up a 40 man roster slot.

When pitchers like Brian Bass and D.J. Carrasco sign minor league deals, the odds another team would take Jackson on a waiver claim seems much slimmer to me.

It is a gamble, but I would call it a calculated risk that Huntington is taking.

 

No Arbitration Hearing For Duke

The Pirates and Zach Duke avoided arbitration by agreeing to a 1 year contract valued at $4.3 M.

BTW Take:

No surprise on a 1 year deal as is customary when dealing with arbitration.  Duke was in his 2nd year of arbitration with one more remaining after this coming season. 

 

What Does This All Mean?  And Thanks For All The Fish.

I believe Jeff Clement will not be on the Opening Day roster with Pittsburgh.  It seems the recent moves point towards the Pirates wanting Clement to get a little more time playing first base in AAA before he takes the field for the Pirates at the MLB level.

With the number of outfielders on the roster, Garrett Jones can resume play at his natural position of first base.  The athleticism in the outfield with the additions of Ryan Church, Brandon Jones and rule 5 pick John Raynor.  Add those names with Young and Moss, and there isn’t much room on the 25 man roster for Clement, Garrett Jones and Steve Pearce.

It has been an interesting offseason so far, but I feel there is yet more to come after the Dotel signing is finalized.

Would the Pirates be daring enough, bold enough, even crazy enough to make a free agent signing that could spur them into the discussion for one of the most improved teams of the offseason?  Would the Pirates be willing to sign an ace?  Yes I am talking about Ben Sheets. 

Why would he sign with the Pirates and why would they try to sign him?

For Sheets:

First, the Pirates can guarantee Sheets has the chance to be on a contending team by years end.  If/when the Pirates are out of it come the trade deadline, they can move him to a contender.

Second, Sheets would have the opportunity to prove he is still ace quality and earn a large payday after the season while pitching in a less stressful environment for most of the season.  Think of it as a minor league rehab assignment while collecting a MLB paycheck and pitching against MLB hitters.

Third, if he led a staff that ended the longest losing season streak in pro sports history, he would automatically be enshrined in the Pirates Hall of Fame and become a legend in the city of Pittsburgh.

Forth, the opportunity to work with the legendary Dave Kerwin and stick it to the Brewers.

For the Pirates:

First, Sheets would provide a true ace on the staff and set up a very nice rotation of Sheets, Maholm, Ohlendorf and Duke. 

Second, it would add a player who could be traded at the deadline for a bounty of prospects or be kept and land a first round pick as a type A free agent.

Third, a signing of Sheets would raise the Pirates payroll and keep the dogs of the union and the commissioners office off the trail of not spending revenue sharing.  The Pirates do have a sizeable amount of cash still available under their self imposed salary cap they could use to lure Sheets to Pittsburgh.

Forth, it would give the fans a sense the Pirates want to win.

Will it happen, no.  Should it happen?  I believe yes.  It is a gamble considering his history of injury problems, but Huntington seems to be a gambling man based on his history of acquisitions.

 

Update: I forgot one Item

KDKA-FM as reported by the Post-Gazette.

Jesus, Awards, Condolences and A Rant

First Church, Now Jesus?

The Pittsburgh Pirates are feeling very religious lately.  Shortly after signing Ryan Church, they have now traded for Jesus.  Well, Jesus Brito.  Brito was listed by Baseball America as an AZL top 20 prospect.  Brian Bixler was sent to Cleveland in return for Brito.  This opened a spot on the 40 man roster for the signing of Brendan Donnolly, which was also made official today.

BTW Take:

Brito, 22  (born Dec 25,1987), is an actual prospect at some level.  Some will point that he is old for his level, but he did play DLB prior to arriving in Rookie ball last year.  If he can work his way through the low A ball system he may actually earn a prospect rating.  The fact Neal Huntington could land any value in return for Bixler after his track record in the majors is phenomenal.

To ease the minds of Indians fans, Bixler is better than his numbers show.  I still think he has a chance to be a decent MLB player.  Hell, who am I kidding.  Bixler has a problem making contact with Major League pitching.  When he does make contact, he makes things happen.  Part of that may be due to the defense falling asleep expecting a strikeout.  Bixler making contact is akin to a 60 year old comedian making contact against a MLB pitcher.  Wait, sorry Mr. Maholm and Mr. Crystal.

But how sweet is it Brito was born December 25th?

Maybe the Pirates do have a prayer…sorry, I could not pass that up.

 

ROY Award

Congratulations to Andrew McCutchen for being named the NL Larry Doby Award winner by the Negro League Hall of Fame Legacy Awards.  The award ceremony is scheduled for Jan 30th, 2010 in Kansas City.

Larry Doby Award-presented to the AL and NL "Rookies of the Year"

2009 Recipients: Elvis Andrus, Texas Rangers and Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh Pirates

 

Condolences:

Condolences to Masumi Kuwata and his family on the tragic loss of his father.  I still wish I could have seen Kuwata in his prime.  And I still wish I could have owned one of his jerseys with the Pirates.  For some reason, I really enjoyed watching him pitch and try to envision how great he was.  I hope he returns to the Pirates in some form.  But, for now, deepest sympathies to him and his family at their loss.

 

Rant

I have a confession to make.  I…I…I lived in Cleveland for 4 years.  This was in the early 90’s and I grew to enjoy Indians baseball.  You could call me a fan of them as well as a lifelong fan of the Pirates.  Yes, I still follow the team but not at the level I follow every move of the Pirates. 

I have been to Jacobs Field almost as many time as I have been to PNC. 

It saddens me to see the Indians fans going through the same pain we Pirates fans have come to know in the Nutting Era.  Horrible ownership and an even worse front office.  At least the Pirates seem to have a direction with Huntington in charge.

Here is a link to the many rants of Indians fans, and this is over acquiring Bixler.  http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/index.ssf/2010/01/cleveland_indians_acquire_infi_1.html

Cleveland fans have it worse.  They once had an owner they could entrust much the way the Rooney family has become part of Pittsburgh.  But that rat pulled up shop and moved to Baltimore.  I hate to admit this, but I am glad the Browns beat the Steelers this season, maybe the best rivalry in sports can be reborn.  There are very few teams that are as despised in my book the way the Ravens are despised, it was a good weekend seeing them lose.  Only the Yankees and Cowboys are near the same level of disgust.

Cleveland has one player, one team to enjoy.  And they could lose him soon to free agency.  I am a Pittsburgher, and I bleed Black and Gold, but even Cleveland deserves better than their pro sports teams are delivering.

MLB needs to step in on behalf of the fans and force a minimum of two owners to sell.  One owner in Cleveland and one owner in Pittsburgh.

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…

Another Trade?

I just received word the Pittsburgh Pirates have been contacted by the Texas Rangers about the availability of a third baseman.  The name given to me was none other than Andy LaRoche.  With the injury to Michael Young for the Rangers and the recent addition of Neil Walker to the the team, this seems like a good possibility.  With the depth the Pirates have at 3B in the system at this time, remembering Pedro Alvarez is close, it will be interesting if anything develops from this inquiry.

BTW Take:

This would not be a surprising move considering the offense that Texas carries.  A lighter hitting 3B with a good to great glove would fill their needs until Young is healthy, estimated to be in two to three weeks.  LaRoche would not be eligible for the post season so he would seem to be a good inexpensive fit for a team rumored to have financial concerns.  Other names thrown around in Internet rumors include Garrett Atkins, Melvin Mora, Troy Glaus and Jamey Carroll.  LaRoche would be by far the least expensive player of the list I have seen.

Clemens and Blackout Rules

Roger Clemens will be on EPN radios Mike and Mike around 8:15 Tuesday morning. Just wanted to pass this on, since it should be somewhat interesting.

I finally got an explanation of MLB blackout restrictions. It seems that if there is a nationally televised game and your game is not part of the MLB package, this enables the restriction. I'll try to explain better tomorrow when I have more time.

Well. It is a deep subject.

.235

.229

.195

 

.167

.160

 

Those are batting averages.

 

These are the players:

 

Monroe

Hinske

Moss

 

Bixler

Vazquez

 

Jack Wilson can not get back soon enough at short.  His .255 batting average dwarfs those of Bixler and Vazquez.  Vazquez has the redeeming value of walking 12 times to double his batting average to have a respectable on base percentage.  Only problem with walks, they rarely drive in runs.

 

What to do in right is another question.  Could we see McCutchen called up to play right?  If Andrew is called up, does McLouth move to right?  Will McCutchen be called up soon?

Don't expect that call up too soon.  McCutchen is batting a pedestrian .255 in Indianapolis.  While a top of the lineup of McCutchen, Nyjer Morgan could create some early runs with speed alone, McCutchen is not looking like he is ready just yet.

The way Morgan can bunt or line one past a drawn in 3B when they are cheating in for the bunt, the Pirates could have a run on the board before the ball left the infield.  Not that many balls the Pirates have hit recently have cleared the infield.

 

Don't look now, Andy has a better average than Adam.  Andy is hitting .250 compared to Adam's .240.  Maybe it was too soon to claim Adam has shaken the early season slow start.

 

Don't blame the recent 1-9 run on Doumit's injury.  Injuries have played a huge role in the slump with Wilson and McLouth missing considerable time.  Even Capps has not been right.

 

The pitching is coming back to earth as well.

 

I asked a few weeks back about which came first, a long winning streak or the long losing spell...guess that was answered.  Now let's see what happens as they get healthy, and no doubt make some sort of call up.

BTW News, Pirates 2009, New Young Buc

Ahhh!

Yesterday, my youngest son had surgery to remove adenoids and to have tubes put in his ears.  Everything went well and he is doing very well.  As a parent you have a tendency to be distracted when your child is about to have an operation, no matter how minor.  Just the thought of your child going under is a scary proposition, no matter how many times you have been through it.  Needless to say, holding him in the recovery room made a huge weight be lifted from my mind.

 

Pirates 2009:

While sitting in recovery holding Nicky as he slept, my mind started wandering back to baseball and the Pirates.  The 4-3 start to the 2009 season is a good thing, like that is breaking news. 

My biggest interest going forward is what will happen first.

You see, I have a belief that it is easier to stay above .500 than it is to get back to .500.  When trying to recover lost ground, teams always seem to press because of a tangible goal of .500.  When a team gets close, then fails, the pressure keeps building.

Failing to reach .500 for a young team, such as the Pirates, seems to always have a snowball affect, more like an avalanche.  When they get close but come a win or two away from the mark, as we have seen a few times in the last 16 years, the team seems to always have that losing streak right then.

A team that is over .500 can endure a losing streak and still not worry of a tangible goal they are failing to achieve, as long as they stay above .500.

So what I am looking for is what happens first.  Do the Pirates have a long winning streak or long losing streak?  If they can attain a long winning streak first, that will go a long way towards breaking the 16 year spiral we as fans have endured.

As for players so far, here are a few things I have noticed:

• Brandon Moss seems to be a little faster than last year, I have been impressed with the speed he has shown so far.  While not blazing speed, he has been impressive none the less.
• Staying with Moss, he has yet to earn a RBI.  A somewhat distressing fact.
• Was I wrong on Nyjer Morgan?  He has been a catalyst for this team with the bat and with his speed and toughness.  He is doing a lot of little things right that have plagued him in the past.  A couple example are breaking up a double play to keep the inning going just prior to Doumit's grand slam.  Another example was taking out the catcher on an excellent hip check from his youth.  While he didn't need to make contact, the play was closer than it appeared as the ball was on it's way home.
• Freddy Sanchez and Jack Wilson both look like they want to stay in Pittsburgh.  Each has been fantastic, maybe no more so than the fantastic double play they turned against the Reds.
• Zach Duke looks as if he has turned back the clock, or at least hit the same point that Maholm did a year and a half ago.  He seems to be trusting his pitches again and is pitching to all parts of the plate.
• With Maholm, Duke and Ohlendorf all pitching well, getting Snell to stay in a groove rather than grooving too many pitches will be a big hurdle for Russell and Kerrigan to clear.  If Snell finds himself again, the bullpen may not be an issue as they will not be used often.

I fear the warm and fuzzy sensation I have been having about the Pirates, too many times in has turned into a stomach virus the last 16 years.

 

New Young Buc:

The Pirates have acquired Delwyn Young from the Dodgers for two PTBNL.  Look for Luis Cruz to be demoted after Young arrives in Pittsburgh.  Young will likely be used as a utility player who can play outfield and most infield positions save 1B.

BTW Take:

Cruz was on the roster due to Bixler becoming a prospect again in spring training.   This move allows the Pirates to have a bat on the bench, rather than just a glove.  It doesn't make perfect sense, since Young has not played 2B in two years. 

Monroe is Torqued

Craig Monroe is not happy.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are looking at a trade with Detroit for Brent Clevlen.  Clevlen, 26 OF, is out of options and may be heading to Pittsburgh.  The Tigers are looking for bench players or bullpen arms.  I wonder if they will take Bautista back?

Monroe needs to be placed on the 25 man roster today or he has the option of opting out.

Andino Not A Pirate

The Marlins traded Roberto Andino to the Baltimore Orioles for pitcher Hayden Penn.

 

BTW Take:

Yawn!  At least the Pirates didn't get Andino, good glove but you can't hit with a glove.

Report: Breaking Trade News

At first I thought this was some kind of joke, but now I am finding links all across the Internet.  Apparently the Pirates and Blue jays are in serious discussion for a deal sending Roy Halladay to Pittsburgh.

My first link is from our friendly GM's:

Pittsburgh Pirates are apparently in negotiations to acquire Vernon Wells and Roy Halladay from the Toronto Blue Jays in the packaged headlined by Jose Tabata.

From a few other sources, we have these comments:

Buccos GM Neal Huntington thinks that with stud ace Halladay and offensive force Wells in tow that the Pirates can contend with the Chicago Cubs for the NL Central and break out of this 16 year losing streak.

And this one:

The Pirates can contend with the Chicago Cubs for the NL Central and break out of this 16 year losing streak.

I am having a hard time believing the deals contents.  One site is claiming McCutchen is actually part of the trade. 

Apparently the deal could be done at some point today.

 

I will try to keep this updated as the day wears on.  Check the comment section for updates, I will be posting from my Black Berry.

Don't Count Your Chickens

Before Jeff Karstens is hatched.

 

According to the PG's Dejan, it looks like Jeff Karstens has secured the 5th starters spot.  But don't bet on that just yet.  Karstens has not been told he has made the team as of this time.

 

There are rumors of a few trades on the wires where the Pirates are looking for starting pitching.  I will post more as I can find out more.  The Pirates are in discussions with as many as 4 teams about possible deals.

 

A list of today's cuts so far:

SP Virgil Vasquez

RP Chris Bootcheck

RP Denny Bautista

RP Jason Davis

OFJeff Salazar

IF Andy Phillips

IF Garrett Jones

C Erik Kratz

 

The 25 man is down to 27, Dumatrait is expected to be placed on the DL which will drop the number to 26.  More to come as the day wears on.  I will be posting from Black Berry the better part of the day.

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?

Bloom Back To Bucs

Kyle Bloom's contract has been returned to the Pittsburgh Pirates.  Bloom was taken in the Rule V draft.