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.

Adam LaRoche Traded For Two Minor Leaguers

The Pittsburgh Pirates traded first baseman Adam LaRoche for minor league SS Argenis Diaz and minor league pitcher Hunter Strickland.  Diaz was rated 29th and Strickland 38th best prospects in the Red Sox system according to http://www.soxprospects.com/.

Diaz 22, SS:

Scouting Report: Diaz is an elite defensive shortstop, and if he improves his concentration on routine plays, he could compete for a gold glove in the bigs right now.  He has plus range, excellent footing, an impressive glove, and an outstanding  arm.  Makes impossible plays in the field.  However, he does make a lot of errors on off-the-mark long throws off of grounders that he has no business getting to in the first place.  He also really struggles with routine plays on occasion, almost as if he has a mental block.  That is a definite area in need of improvement. The other key for Diaz is how much he will hit. He's a slap hitter with below average to average on base ability and without much power, but he's swung the bat very well during a few prolonged stints here and there. Good bat speed through the zone.  Struggles with advanced off-speed stuff.  Can show lack of plate discipline in stretches. Hits lefties significantly better than righties.  Excellent at laying down bunts. Won't steal a lot of bases. 

 

Strickland 20, RHP:

Scouting Report: Tall righty with projectable frame. Fastball sits about 88-91 mph, topping out around 93.  Fastball is a little flat, but shows some good movement when he takes something off of it.  Strickland has a slow, easy delivery without much explosion at the moment. Good balance. Also works in a 79-82 mph slurve along with a change that sits at 83-85 mph. Changeup could stand to have some more separation from his fastball, look for that to be an area of improvement in 2009.Repeats delivery well, needs to work on his release point to improve his command. His father played in the Tigers organization.

 

Scouting reports are from Sox Prospects.

 

Diaz is planned to head to Indianapolis while Strickland is expected in West Virginia.

 

BTW Take:

The Pirates essentially got a 22 year old Jack Wilson and a right handed pitcher that seems to fit Huntington’s profile for pitchers: Tall and Projectable.  The key with Diaz, Wilson just became a little more expendable.  Expect Diaz to see some time in Pittsburgh if/when Jack Wilson is traded.

 

More later…

 

More:

2:28 - Steve Pearce was pulled from DH duties in Indianapolis’ game today.  Lastings  Milledge did not play in the game either.  Both may be recalled with Jeff Salazar returned to Indianapolis.  Huntington all but confirmed Pearce is being recalled and that Pearce has made some “significant” adjustments.

 

More BTW Take:

Considering LaRoche’s contract and pending free agency, add the fact the Pirates received two prospects in return, the deal seems to be a pretty even swap.

 

MOSS JUST GOES YARD TO TAKE THE SERIES!!!!!!….Wish this was October.

 

Some quotes from Huntington on the trade:

"Diaz is an intriguing shortstop prospect who projects to play above-average defense with soft hands, good first step quickness and an above average throwing arm," said Pirates GM Neal Huntington. "He is developing on the offensive side of the baseball, but Argenis quickly becomes the best defensive shortstop prospect in our system."

"Strickland is a young developing right-handed starting pitching prospect with a good frame, solid delivery, clean arm action and an interesting pitch arsenal," said Huntington. "He is a quality strike thrower with a fastball that has averaged as high as 93 miles per hour, with the potential for a Major League caliber breaking ball and changeup to complement his fastball."

 

BA had Diaz rated the Best Defensive Infielder in Boston’s system.

 

More Huntington Comments:

3:59 On MLB Home Plate Huntington flat out said the Pirates will not pick up the options on Wilson nor Sanchez.

A Few Promising Things

I am not trying to drink the Kool-Aid. I am not saying this team will contend.

What I am saying, even with a four game losing streak, there is still a few things to believe as promising.

Even with Maholm having a bad outing, he never should have started his last inning, Maholm still fought and had his team in a position to win when he was finally removed.

The night before, the Pirates battled back to tie the game at five before the bullpen imploded.

Snell pitched very well, being out dueled in Wednesdays game.

Duke has continued to shine.

The pitching staff still lead the NL in ERA at the end of April, a five pretty good teams in Pittsburgh Pirates history did the same. So there is some hope with the pitching staff.

There are plenty of reasons to think this staff has at least 3 legitimate pitchers at the top of the rotation.

Ohlendorf and Karstens, they have even looked good at time.  They are both filling their roles in the rotation the way they should as forth and fifth starters.  The way they have pitched, many teams would take that production from the 4 and 5 spots.

The Pirates offense has not been as outstanding the last 22 innings, but slumps can be expected on any team. 

The best part of this 4 game skid...The Pirates are still at .500 on the season.  As long as the team can get this skid under control, and soon, there is still plenty of reasons to think this team might break the streak.  The key to breaking the streak, the pitching must maintain what they are doing. 

The starting rotation needs to keep from pushing, thinking they need to go 7 or 8 innings scoreless.  The only way that mind set is avoided...the offense needs to step it up and soon.

Injuries:

Jaramillo has stepped in nicely to fill the mitt behind the plate after Doumit went down with a wrist injury.  He has hit better than expected and has provided a little better defense behind the dish.  While Doumit's bat is missed, his glove has been more than adequately replaced.

Bixler has provided solid play at short with Jack Wilson on the DL.  His bat has yet to fully translate to MLB levels, but his defense has been solid. 

The loss of McLouth for 6 games did not help the offense.  Morgan has continued to play well, when not getting picked off when on base. 

The problem for the Pirates right now, they can't afford any more key injuries.  The depth still is not where Huntington would like it to be.  Luckily, the injuries have happened at positions where adequate players were waiting in the wings. 

If the Pirates take a hit in the starting rotation, that could doom the team to that record breaking season of 17. 

Brother In Arms:

I am formally retiring the Lil and Big LaWhiff titles.  Both brothers are playing well.  Andy has recovered from one of the ugliest starts of a season I have ever seen a player have.  His glove has been solid and his bat has translated enough to show he is ready to be the everyday third baseman until a certain someone arrives.

Adam is being 2nd half Adam in the first half.  If he can keep this up the whole season, he has a good shot at 35 HR's this season.  A nice change for a lineup that hasn't had much pop since the early 90's.

 

Game Thread:

The game thread may be up late again today.  Too many things to do and I am still tweaking the new Netbook.

Plenty Of Reasons

There are plenty of reasons to be optimistic this season:

The Pirates starting pitchers are pitching well, pitching inside and going deep enough in the game to bypass a potentially weak middle of the bullpen.

The offense is showing they can score runs.

The defense has been solid and spectacular at times.

LaRoche’s can hit in April.  Adam is hitting .314 and Andy is hitting .250 after a very slow start.

The pitching staff has 4 shutouts.

Nyger Morgan has been phenomenal to date.

 

 

Now it is time to come back to reality…

Karstens pitches today.

Brandon Moss still has no RBI on his stat sheet.

Doumit’s MRI was inconclusive.  A CT scan is scheduled for Tuesday.

 

But for now, let’s enjoy a good start to the season and see what comes first.  A winning streak or a losing streak.

Looking Ahead Is Interesting

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

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

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

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

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

Bixler and Ford could be playing up the middle. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

BTW March Madness:

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

Here is the Link:

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

IF it requests a password: pirates

Pirates Win, Moss Injured

The Pirates get good pitching, poor base running, and an Adam LaRoche sighting.  The bigger news of the day was the injured thumb of right fielder Brandon Moss. 

Moss was injured in the second inning while attempting to catch a Michael Cuddyer triple to right.

Moss is scheduled for an MRI on the thumb Saturday night in Bradenton.

BTW Take:

Depending on the extent of the injury, remember what a damaged ligament did for Andy LaRoche last year, a position in right may have just opened up to start the season.  It could be interesting who would fill that spot.  McCutchen would be an interesting choice, he as made some good contact this spring, he just has nothing to show for it average wise.  The Pirates likely would go a different route, to save on service time with McCutchen.

Craig Monroe is likely on the team anyhow, for no other reason than having a right handed bat.

Jeff Salazar and Steve Pearce are the two players who could reap the greatest benefit if the injury sidelines Moss for any extended period of time.  Salazar is the better defender of all but McCutchen.  Pearce and Monroe are the bigger bats.  Pearce needs to work at first, to step in after Adam LaRoche is moved later in the season.  My money is on Salazar in a platoon with Monroe if Moss is to miss any significant time. 

LaWhiff

Ah, it truly is baseball season, almost.  After reading Dejan Kovacevic's piece on Steve Pearce in the Post-Gazette today, I casually started looking at spring stats for our 6-1 Pittsburgh Pirates.

I damn near choked at this stat line.

Avg - .167, OBP - .167, SLG - .167, Ab -12, SO -8, R- 0, RBI -0

Yes, it looks like Adam LaRoche is in Mid-May form.  Really, that is correct, EIGHT strike outs in 12 at bats.  He has two, count them, two hits.  Both were singles.  He has not drawn a base on balls.  The only time he has touched the plate is during his walk back to the dugout after striking out.  The bright spot, of the four balls he has put in play, fifty percent have been for base hits.

Now, rounding back to the Pearce article, HOW can the Pirates not find playing time for Pearce in Pittsburgh?  Especially early in the season during LaRoche's down time.

With so many unknown quantities coming into the year such as Morgan, Moss, Andy LaRoche, Ohlendorf, Karstens and half the bullpen.  In addition, at some point in the season we will likely see McCutchen and Tabata.  What would it hurt to add one more unknown to the list in Pearce?

If the Pirates can find a taker, and get anything of value in return, trading LaRoche early in the season or during spring may be the best move they could make.  This is a year of discovery for so many players.  Why not take the chance and see if Pearce is also ready for his shot?  

 

Five Questions:

In case you missed the Five Questions installment yesterday, I recommend you take the time to read it.  It is a very good read and well worth the time.  I must say, it is easier to ask questions and have someone else write the post for you.  Thanks Jen, that was a great series of answers. 

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.

It Is A Good Day

Today, February 12th, I spent the better part of the day celebrating my two youngest sons fourth birthday.  We had a small cake after dinner, Saturday is their party thus the small cake.  We made a trip to Wal-Mart to purchase their new bicycles, to Nicky it is his motorcycle.  Thanks Ga-Ga Goodwrench for the funding for the new wheels.

We also went to their favorite restaurant for lunch, a really nice Scottish restaurant.  You may have heard of it, a place called McDonalds.  I am still trying to digest that greased hockey puck they call a hamburger.

Today was a good day.  This week is a good week, with pitchers and catchers reporting on Friday and Nicky and Alex celebrating their fourth birthday in typical four year old fashion.

Looking back on today, I started reflecting on the last four years.  I have been very fortunate to have three healthy sons, even though two of them have been diagnosed with forms of autism, I am thankful they are who they are.

Over the last four years I have been lucky enough to celebrate two Super Bowl Championships for my hometown Steelers with my three sons and beautiful wife.  I sometimes wonder if she needs stronger lenses in her glasses since she still finds me attractive.

I have also been able to enjoy seeing my hometown Penguins make it to a Stanley Cup Finals, only to lose to my dear wife’s hometown Red Wings.  What the hell is a Red Wing anyhow?  Why would a team name themselves after a smelly work boot?

A couple years ago I was lucky enough to be able to take my oldest son, T.J., to PNC Park to see the Pirates with his papaw.  We had good seats on the lower level behind home plate, about 10 rows from the back row.  We showed up early enough to walk around PNC Park with our Bob Walk Bobble Heads in tow.  This was the first trip for any of us to PNC Park, living in Iowa limits my chances to make it to games as often as I wish.

That day will always be one of my fondest memories of the Pirates, it even outshines getting to watch the ‘79 series in person as a eight year old with my dad, because I could share this game with my son.

I still vividly remember arriving in Pittsburgh, coming in from the south, and my sons eyes lighting up as we saw downtown.  Being an Oswald fan at the time, he referred to it as “Big City”.  After we found a parking garage and started the walk to PNC, T.J. was excited to see “Big City”  had a McDonalds. 

T.J. nearly fell over trying to see the tops of the “big buildings” and nearly collapsed from excitement when he saw a crane downtown in the process of raising girders into position for the workers on one of the buildings.  He has always loved big trucks and tractors, they don’t get much bigger than that crane.

We took a few pictures on the way to PNC, one of T.J. standing on the sidewalk across the river from PNC.  His eyes were wide with excitement and thrilled to be able to walk over a bridge rather than ride in a car across.

That excitement soon waned as his little legs got tired half way across and Dada had to carry him the rest of the way.  Just writing that memory down sends a sudden twang into my lower back.

We watched the players warming up and the grounds crew make their final preparations before the National Anthem.

After the managers exchanged score cards, it was time for the most memorable words one can ever hear.  “Can we go home now?”

AAAAAAACK!

Well, like a good Pirate fan, he toughed out the first three innings only asking, “Can we leave yet?” a few dozen times between each pitch.

I wanted to make it to the third inning, so when we started to walk through the park, we could at least give our support to the Pirates Fans For Change walkout that day.

We walked out to left field and visited the souvenir shop, explored the stadium, stopping periodically so dada could see some of the game.  From left field, after buying a wooden Pirates baseball bat pen and a few baseballs of the severely overpriced kind and a Pirates matchbox truck of the severely overpriced kind, we saw Adam LaRoche send a ball into the right-centerfield stands giving the Pirates the lead.  T.J. was extremely pleased with the fireworks display after the ball landed.

When we returned to our seats to check on papaw, my favorite reliever of the decade, Masumi Kuwata, was coming into the game.  He inherited a bit of a pickle, bases loaded.  I remember seeing him for the true legend he is in Japan as he masterfully worked his way out of the jam and kept the Pirates in the lead.  I often wonder what it would have been like to see him pitch in his prime.  That one inning, I think he relived his prime in front of our very eyes.

For T.J., his first game was one to remember for more than the play area in right field, the Pirates actually won that game.

I wrote much more on that game than I cared to, but something about memories can come rushing back and makes for easy story telling.  Regardless, I wrote the occurrences of the game from memory, there aren’t too many games in the last 16 years that can be recalled so easily, even if some of it was out of order.

The point of the flashback is simply reliving a moment and realizing exactly what it is about baseball I love.  The entire experience that three generations can share together, when the youngest generation isn’t begging to go home.  I look forward to the day I can take Nicky and Alex to their first game at PNC.

Pittsburgh sports is part of my family and my children are also embracing the teams from a distance.  Baseball will always hold a special spot in my heart, just as the Pirates do. 

I hope someday soon I can enjoy a playoff run with my three sons.  I want to take all three to a game sometime soon.  I want them to remember the games the way I do.  I know T.J. is craving going to a baseball game again, he wants to play tee ball this year as he told me today.  I want all three to look forward to sharing baseball with dada and, God willing, with their children someday.

Most importantly, I want them to get excited about spring training, the day pitchers and catchers report.  I want them to know the Pirates as a winning franchise not the butt of punch lines on every late night sport show.

Pitchers and catchers are ready to report Friday, what is now today as I write this later at night, and I am excited for it. 

What a great couple 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.

Andy LaRoche IS The Future Of The Pittsburgh Pirates.

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

Quite possibly, that player is Andy LaRoche.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

If Andy Fails:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

Addition:

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

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

 

Discussion:

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

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

 

Donate:

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

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.

The Pirates Avoid Arbitration With Four Of Six

The Pittsburgh Pirates have avoided salary arbitration by coming to terms with Adam LaRoche ($7.05M), Zach Duke ($2.2M), John Grabow ($2.3M) and Tyler Yates ($1.3M).

The two remaining arbitration eligible players are Nate McLouth and Paul Maholm.  McLouth and Maholm are each asking for $3.8M, while the Pirates submitted $2.75M for McLouth and $2.65M for Maholm. 

BTW Take:

To celebrate his contract signing, Adam LaRoche should purchase Super Bowl tickets for all Pirates bloggers.  If he does have a slow April, I am sure we would all cut him some slack this year.  When you read this Adam, just email me for my mailing address.

The million plus difference in the two remaining cases almost assures the Pirates will be heading to at least one hearing, possibly two. 

 

Slide Note:

Due to a heavy workload, I will not be posting the next part of the Free Agent series for a couple days. 

 

Got A Ticket?:

Anyone who has a spare ticket to the Super Bowl, look no further.  Just email me and I will gladly accept such donations.  :)

Long and Mini and More

Long

HeraldNet ran a pretty good article on Pittsburgh Pirate hitting coach Don Long.  The article starts off recapping how long caught half a bat upside his head last season.  After the gruesome details, the article goes on to recap his career and some great advice he received from Lee Elia.

BTW Take:

It is interesting to read how Long took Elia’s advice and has parlayed it into his every day coaching style.  Just reading how Bay reacted to him should explain why he is a good coach.

 

Mini

Dejan Kovacevic, over at the PG, is running some frequent updates from Pirates mini-camp.  He has been updating as need be, which seems to be at least three times a day.

A few highlights include Capps and Gorzy coming to mini-camp in excellent shape.  Maholm is shaping up to be the staff leader.  At least one LaRoche is hitting before June.  Moss took his first hacks in a cage after walking around all day like Pedro Cerano, Major League, with a bat in his hand.  Hopefully he was not cursing Jobu for not helping him hit breaking balls and hopefully no one sacrificed any live chickens.

BTW Take:

When Dejan took over the Pirates beat a couple years ago, I cringed.  I really did not enjoy his coverage of the Penguins.  Why?  I do not remember.  But as the Pirates beat writer, he has been fantastic and has really grown on me.  The guy seems to never sleep and it is fantastic actually getting so much Pirates info year round.  I always liked Paul Meyer, but Dejan is an old school baseball reporter.  I can imagine him in a hat with his press badge gnawing on a day old cigar.  Thanks DK, you truly are a bright spot for a desolate franchise.  The great thing, more than once I have seen on ESPN, and other large sites, references to the tireless Dejan Kovacevic.   Well done old chap.

More

There is an AP recap of some of the events of the owners meeting in Arizona.  The main focus of the article is a salary cap.

BTW Take:

There has been a huge call for a salary cap by many owners after the Yankees most recent spending spree.  Needless to say the large market teams don’t mind what the Yankees are doing, but the rest of the owners seem to be banding together on the topic.

 

Dig Doug

I’ve been trying to dig up some info on what is going on with Doug Mientkiewicz and the Pirates.  From what I have unearthed, it seems there was an un-official understanding with Greg Landry, Doug’s ex-agent, on what the Pirates terms would be and a general idea of what the contract offer would look like.  The Pirates are still interested in bringing Doug back, but, as Dejan reported, there does not seem to be a good fit between what Doug would like to have in playing time and what the Pirates can offer in terms of playing time.

Along the same lines, if the Pirates found a taker for Adam LaRoche and could get fair return, Doug and Steve Pearce would likely split time at first if terms could be reached with Mientkiewicz.  As of now, the Pirates have not been shopping LaRoche but a few teams have inquired loosely about his price tag.

 

Arbitration

All six players eligible for arbitration filed before the deadline.

A Wild Thought Looking to 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

Adam LaRoche likely will not be a Pirate beyond 2009. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If LaRoche is not moved?

Teixeira can play third.

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

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

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

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

Why would the Pirates make such a 10 year gamble?

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

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

Non-Tendered and Possible Pirate Targets

Here is a link to the non-tendered players:

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=mlb&id=3766373

 

The three guys I'd like to see as possible targets are:

Willy Taveras -The Pirates have gone a long time without a speedy leadoff guy.  I don't count Duffy in this since he never really established himself in MLB.  Plopping Taveras in CF with McLouth in LF and Moss in RF makes a decent offensive outfield.  Defense could be poor though.  This would also buy a little more time for McCutchen in Indy.

Aaron Miles - IF the Pirates are actually looking at moving Sanchez, this is a good target for them.  The other option is getting Miles and sending Freddy back to 3B.

Tkashi Saito - If his new age medicine works, this is a guy who would solidify the late innings in Pittsburgh.  Saito in the 8th, Capps in the 9th.  That should take some strain off the starters from having to go 7 to feel safe with a lead.

With a first 3 in the Lineup of Taveras, Miles and McLouth the team is in good shape for small ball and good speed at the top of the order.  Sanchez could also bat second if he played 3B. 

If McCutchen can take away an outfield spot, Taveras could slide to left and McLouth moves to right.  While the team would lack power, it could be a very aggressive lineup on the base paths.  I am thinking along the line of St. Louis in the Coleman days.

If Huntington was sincere in saying McCutchen will be on the roster at some point in the season, a possible lineup of the following could produce some RBI chances and a few interesting games.

Lineup:
McCutchen, CF
Taveras, LF
Sanchez, 3B
Doumit, C
McLouth, RF
LaRoche, 1B
Miles, 2B
Wilson, SS
Pitcher, P

Just a drunken thought, that's all.

Trade Bait Special

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

Jack Wilson

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

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

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

 

BTW Take:

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

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

Why do I think this?

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

 

Freddy Sanchez

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

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

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

 

LaRoche

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

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

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

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

 

John Grabow

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

 

Nate McLouth

I doubt his value could get any higher. 

He should be traded. 

He may be traded.

But...

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

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

 

Zach Duke

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

 

Rule 5

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

 

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

 

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

Jose Bautista Demoted

Jose Can You See?:
Jose Bautista has been optioned to Indianapolis to clear room for Adam LaRoche to return to the lineup Thursday.

BTW Take:
Bautista likely makes the most sense to be sent down. Doug M. has filled in well at 3B as a sub behind Andy LaRoche. There is an over abundance of outfielders and better options at 2B and SS. Overall, Bautista did not have a place in the field. Depending on who may be retained, Bautista may not receive an arbitration tender in the offseason either.

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Game 120, Adam LaRoche, Alvarez Talk, Scheppers Throws, J-Bay

Vitals:

CINCINNATI REDS (53-67)	RHP JOSH FOGG (2-4, 7.98 ERA)
PITTSBURGH PIRATES (54-65)	LHP PAUL MAHOLM (7-7, 3.76 ERA)
Game Time	7:05 EDT
XM	XM 183
TV	FSN

 

Adam LaRoche:

Adam (Biggie L) LaRoche will not be joining his brother Andy (Lil L) LaRoche tonight in the Pirates lineup.  Adam will be playing one more game in Hickory.

 

Alvarez Talk:

A couple links on whether Alvarez will sign or not.  At the Trib they discuss Pirates-Alvarez near deadline while Sportsnet Canada snags a Beaver County Times article Sideshow aside, Alvarez will sign. 

BTW Take:

It is hard to disagree with Alvarez really has no leverage if he goes back to school.  I figure the Pirates will sign 3 "Targeted" players before Alvarez signs his deal.  Each player that signs, lowers what the Pirates will offer.  Even though a MLB Contract is not currently on the table, it will definitely be shelved if Alvarez waits too long to sign.  Boras is playing his usual game, nothing shocking there.  BTW Official Prediction:11:32 PM signing on Friday.

 

Scheppers Throws:

MLB.com and The Fresno Bee both report on Scheppers throwing session yesterday.

BTW Take:

Sheppers will be one of the three players to sign before Alvarez.  Huntington and Coonelly will start playing hardball at that time threatening to take the MLB contract out of the equation for Alvarez.

 

J-Bay:

Over at the Bleacher Report they have an interesting piece on the Bay-Manny-Many Prospects deal just before the trade deadline.  I love the ending...

 

Scary Stat:

The Bucs have gone 30-24 in games decided by two runs or less this season, which includes a 19-15 record in one-run games (12-5 at home).  They went 16-22 in one-run games in 2007 and 24-31 in 2006.

BTW Take:

Imagine how bad the record would be if they continued to performed at 2007 and prior levels?  Interesting side note, only 17 1-run games in 2008 to date, 48 in 2007 and 55 in 2006.  Is that due to better offense or horrible pitching?  I guess more blowouts help lessen the 1-run game sting.  See it could be worse.

 

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BTW QA

A question from Rick:
How do you see the Bucs OF shaping up next year? With McClouth, McCutchen, Moss and Pearce, someone seems to be on the outside looking in. I'm betting Pearce gets the shaft again. What say you?

I've been thinking about that, for most of the 10 hour drive to WV.
I can see one of two things happening:
McCutchen spends another year seasoning in Indianapolis, he has been quite streaky this year.

or...

Pearce is moved back to first. McCutchen takes over in left with Moss moving to right. I have a hunch that Huntington will try to move Adam LaRoche over the winter. He and Andy should savor their time together this season.


And one from Eric:
When is someone in this Organization going to understand NO MITT Doumit is NOT A CATCHER!!!!!!!!!

He missed 3 pitches last night & costs the Pitchers who knows how many strikes by not knowing how to catch pitches or Is incapable of doing it.

Doumit's struggles last night were more to do with Hererra crossing him up than Doumit not being able to play catcher.
One thing with Hererra, he has a ton of movement on his pitches, so much so he rarely knows where they are going. I think this movement stems from his loss of velocity since he left Cuba. If he ever regains that speed, he will regain some of his control.


Only 5 days until I head back to Iowa...Then back to normal posting with pregame vitals.

New Lineup

It seems like the offense has not lost a step. After Adam LaRoche returns, the middle of the lineup could be just as potent. McLouth, Doumit, LaRoche and LaRoche could be a potent 3 through 7. It seems 3B may no longer be a complimentary position in the lineup.
It was relaxing to see Andy deliver big in a clutch situation.
My big question is, who bats 1 and 2? My guess is Sanchez then Wilson.
Any thoughts?

While I am on "vacation", I will be doing mostly quick thoughts with the occasional deeper post when I can get to a computer.
Posting from my handheld means no spell checking...