Random Spring Madness

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

Starting Rotation:

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

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

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

Then there is always Pedro, Martinez not Alvarez.

Houston, We Have A Problem:

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

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

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

BTW March Madness:

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

 

Here is the Link:

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

 

IF it requests a password: pirates

 

More info coming.

Notes From Bloggers In Bradenton

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

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

No word yet on visa problems.

Dumatrait threw three sessions of 25 throws from 150 feet.

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

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

BTW Take:

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

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

 

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

BTW Take:

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

 

Donate:

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

 

BTW Break:

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

Info To Help Round Out The 25 Man Roster

Here are the Pittsburgh Pirates who are out of options in 2009:

Phil Dumatrait

Sean Burnett

Craig Hansen

Tyler Yates

Andy LaRoche

Brandon Moss

We already know LaRoche and Moss are heading north.  Dumatrait will probably start the year on the DL, thus earning some time in Indy.  Hansen, Yates and Burnett will eat up 3 of the bullpen slots.

 

Keep this post tucked aside as you try to put together your 25 man roster.

 

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.

 

Slide Note:

Hopefully I will have another few minutes or the rest of the Huntington interview done tomorrow.