'Tis The Season Of Previews

Our friendly GM's have submitted their Pirates outlook for 2009, and to be frank they are quite harsh.  Although they are not far from accurate.

The Sporting News is not quite as optimistic as the GM's.

BTW Take:

Both articles are harsh on the middle infielders of the Pirates.  While Jack will be Jack, Freddy should be able to rebound back to his hitting of pre-2008. 

Pitching will likely be the week spot on the team, as both articles suggest.  However, I hold a little more hope for the bullpen than either of the above do.  The rotation could be decent or abysmal.  Only time will tell.  Until we see any pitcher in real game situations, the body of work for most is so small, noone can make a educated guess other than they pitch for the Pirates so they will suck.

Overall, both have enough points to make it difficult to dispute much.

 

Walker, Pirates Ranger:

Our last link will send some traffic to The Altoona Mirror, John Perrotto does a pretty piece on Neil Walker.

BTW Take:

Not to dis on Perrotto, but the article has the feel of someone who knows who signs their paycheck.  Walker plays the good company man and says all the right things about his future and the two moves last season that likely spell another position move for him.  Quite frankly, unless Walker can become a solid shortstop, their are now plenty of prospects blocking him in nearly every position.  He could play center, if not for McLouth, McCutchen and Tabat all being ahead of him for center, or any outfield spot actually.  Corner infield is pretty well blocked with Andy LaRoche and Pedro Alvarez, provided LaRoche can prove himself this year and Alvarez is a sure fire lock.  Shelby Ford has the inside track at second.  Short is the only position that doesn't have a legitimate prospect who seems like a lock...Unless catcher is Walkers next destination.

Vote Now! Vote Often!

Here is a call out to all Pirates fans.  Support your favorite Pirates blogs.  Sean's Ramblings is running the Best Pittsburgh Sports Blog Tournament.  Let's show the world Pittsburgh is more than just Football and Hockey.  Let's show them all, Pirates fans are alive and well.  I ask that you all go out and vote for the Pirates blogs, and vote as often as allowed by law.

Voting is scheduled to start on Thursday.  I may not win the Tournament, but I'd like to see one of the baseball blogs win it all. 

 

Here is the link to the bracket:

http://seanramblings.blogspot.com/2009/02/pittsburgh-sports-blog-tournament_18.html

 

Here is the link to the voting:

http://seanramblings.blogspot.com/2009/02/pittsburgh-sports-blog-tournament-round.html

 

Has a 7 seed ever beat a 2 seed?  Since this is the first tournament I know of...I would guess no.

Pirates Set Sites On Abreu, Links

Pirates Set Sites On Abreu, Kinda:

According to Jon Heyman, the Pittsburgh Pirates are one of five teams interested in Bobby Abreu.

However…

MLB Trade Rumors has a series of links pointing to the Angels being close to signing Abreu.  They have opened up a spot on their 40-man roster and it is believed to be for Abreu or Adam Dunn.

Abreu is still looking for a multi-year deal, but the Angels are believed to be offering a one-year contract.

BTW Take:

Abreu is the type of signing that could help the Pirates immensely going forward.  He would be a name player to inspire fans and send the message the team is playing to win in 2009.  (It was hard to type that without some sarcasm seeping through.) He would also fill a pretty decent void on the team, a true number 3 hitter.  Abreu would also be a good fit in right field.

The Pirates would need to offer more cash and a multi-year deal to land him.

A word of advice:  Don’t hold your breath.

 

Links:

A former Pirates name has finally popped into the steroid conversation in relation to the 2003 drug test that has come back to haunt A-Rod and soon 103 other MLB players.

Cory is less than impressed with MLB Front Office Manager.

 

Question:

What MLB player would you love to see named as popping the 2003 steroid test?

For my answer and to make your own call, visit The Buccos Forum and let your voice be heard.

 

Apologies:

Sorry for no post yesterday, one of my 3 year old sons has to get some very painful shots and was not a happy camper.  Dad role still rules over BTW role.

 

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.

Quick Links

Scout.com's Dodgers page has a breakdown of Pirates notes focusing on the Doug Mientkiewicz situation with his agents.

Yahoo sports has it's Hot Stove Report on the Pirates.

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.

Pirates That Win, Chris Peters

Pirates That Win

Tony Bender of  The Dickinson Press takes a backhanded slap at the Pirates.  His article called “Paying ransom encourages piracy” talks about Somali pirates and their attacks.  The following quote can be found in the article:

Pirate attacks are up by more than 100 from the previous years. It seems the pirates are winning everywhere except Pittsburgh.

BTW Take:

How embarrassing are these comments for a once proud franchise.  This is worse than being called hapless.  Comments like these take all the haps they may have earned, by Dejans count, over the last season.

Embarrassing.

 

Chris Peters

Congratulations to former Pirates pitcher Chris Peters, he was named pitching coach for the Point Park University baseball team.

BTW Take:

This is along the lines of a where are they now.  Peters pitched parts of 5 seasons for the Pirates from 1996 to 2000.  We have a tendency to follow what former Pirates do and how they make good after they leave the team.  Here is just one more name to follow.

Monroe Invited, Doug In Limbo

Keyston State Monroe-ville

The Pittsburgh Pirates and Neal Huntington lived up to one promise today.  The Pirates have Craig Keyston Monroe coming to camp on a minor league contract.  They also have agreed to a minor league deal with Miguel Perez.

BTW Take:

This lands another catcher into the fold and give the Pirates an outfielder with some pop in his bat.  Monroe is a right handed bat to offset the left handed starting outfield currently in place.  Monroe has enough speed to cover left field in PNC, but his defense is a question to me.  He also has struggled with the bat since 2007.  This is a reclamation project on a 31 year old outfielder.  Hopefully Long can get his bat back in the game.

Perez is likely more minor league roster filler.

 

Doug in Limbo

The Pirates site has an article up on Neal Huntington's lack of communication with Doug Mientkiewicz.

BTW Take:

Doug should be a welcome addition back to the Pirates bench.  Huntington would be a fool not to give him a call just to let him know the Pirates plans.  Better yet, make an offer.  I think Doug would really like to stay in Pittsburgh.

Hall, A Tribute and Some Links

After a couple of difficult days at work Thursday and Friday, I needed a couple days to get my brain back to a semi-gelatinous form.  Thank God for Mondays....aack!  Nevertheless I am back at the keyboard to rant at BTW.

Hall:

To me there are certain criteria that make a Hall Of Famer.  Statistics do not always tell the tale.  There are those players that irregardless of their stats, you know they are destined to be inducted.

They are the players that simply stand out in a crowd.  They throw no hitters like no one else.  They are Nolan Ryan.

They are the player you don't want to face with runners on base.  They are Dave Winfield and Jim Rice, congratulations.

They are players you love to hate and would walk with the bases loaded in a 2 run game because you don't want them to beat you.  They are Barry Bonds and Alex Rodriguez.

They are guys with nicknames that symbolize their prominence.  They are Mr. October Reggie Jackson and Big Unit Randy Johnson.

They are players you never want on base.  They are Ricky Henderson, congratulations.

They are players who symbolize the city they represent.  They are Maz, Pops, Cal Ripken Jr. and Tony Gwynn.

They are players who can carry a team with one arm.  They are Albert Pujols.

They are players you want on your team, but hate when they play for anyone else.  They are Pete Rose and Dave Parker.

They are players who throw complete games when your team needs it the most.  They are Bert Blyleven.

They are players who have the stats and a surgery named after them.  They are Tommy John.

They are players everyone should emulate and the world would be a better place.  They are Roberto Clemente.

Why can't the writers association simply sit back and see who deserves to be there without having to look at stats to justify why not to chose them?

 

A Tribute:

Normally I write about the Pittsburgh Pirates, but after the third quarter Sunday, I have to write something about the Steelers.  Here is my tribute to the 17 seconds San Diego had the ball in the third quarter Sunday.  I will type this entire paragraph in the time the Steelers allowed the Chargers to have the ball:

Wow, what a quarter of football.  You will never see something like that again.

(Sorry, I type slow, that took 18 seconds and I misspelled something and had to correct it.)

 

Links:

For anyone who missed this, I have to thank Dejan for the link and Tom Haudricourt for the laugh.

While I was out of action, a few bad days for the Pirates happened.  The potential ace of the staff had a setback and may be out of the mix, Pearce may be the power option for the Pirates, and the heart and soul of the team relocated.

Daniel McCutchen, the other McCutchen, will have a shot at making the rotation.  I have a feeling he will do all he can to get the nod and has the talent to live up to the spot he could earn.

And sympathies go out to another Family members family, teammates and friends.  Dave Roberts passed away Friday in West Virginia.     

Pittsburgh Pirates Top 20

John Sickels has his Pittsburgh Pirates Top 20 Prospect list out.  Here is the link:

http://www.minorleagueball.com/2009/1/1/706911/pittsburgh-pirates-top-20

 

BTW Take:

I agree with Sickels much more that I do with BP's assessments.

Links And Stuff

Bixler for Andino:

According to Joe Frisaro at MLB.com Hot Stove Blog, the Marlins are still shopping Robert Andino.  The rumor of a Bixler for Andino trade is said to still be in the works according to one MLB source.  Bixler is not identified as the Marlins target but he is speculated.

BTW Take:

Bixler for Andino does not make sense for the Pirates, Bixler still has a few options left while Andino is out of options.  Bixler has better minor league number and has been scouted as a better player.  Andino would have to be on the MLB roster otherwise the Pirates are giving away Bixler.  Bixler struggled in his first MLB action, but one bad stint should not condemn him as trade bait.  I have seen Bixler play in college as well as with the Pirates.  He seemed overwhelmed in 2008 in Pittsburgh, but he will rebound and at least be a viable option at short or second if the Pirates retain him.  Andino seems like a player who would be lost coming out of spring training and amount to nothing more than a poor mans Abe Nunez.

 

Top Prospects:

Baseball Prospectus has released their Pirates top 11 prospects list.  No big surprises, outside of Neal Walker falling to the 8th best prospect for the Pirates.

Charlie at Bucs Dugout has a link to Wilbur Millers Pirates Top 20 and a link to his top prospects.

BTW Take:

Wilbur Miller is by far a good judge of talent and should be a scout for the Pirates, if they were smart.  The interesting thing to note from WM's top 20, 13 of the top 20 are from the new regime.  This is just further proof how lowly DL left the minor league system.

 

Cuban Defectors:

Two Cuban ballplayers defected according to Enrique Rojas of ESPN.com. 

Right-hander Yadel Marti, Cuba's best pitcher in the first World Baseball Classic in 2006, and outfielder Yasser Gomez left the island and are in an unknown location before attempting to reach the Dominican Republic to seek an MLB career, sources told ESPNdeportes.com.

BTW Take:

Both players are believed to be MLB ready.  I point this story out as of interest and worth following since the Pirates have a renewed interest in Latin America.  Rene Gayo is one of the premier scouts in the region and likely has a bead on these two already.  Don't be surprised to hear both names mentioned as being in the Pirates cross hairs in coming weeks and months.  Both players fit the mold of talent the Pirates are looking for.  Gomez, 28, is a speedy outfielder with considerable upside.  Marti, 29, dominated in the most recent WBC posting a 0.00 ERA in 12+ innings. 

These two are not a remake of Yoslan Hererra.  They are legitimate talents with MLB potential.  Herrera was out of baseball for a couple years before the Pirates took a flyer on him.  He lost a lot in those two years with no proven track record.  he was a reach to begin with.

Essentially these are two more potential candidates to add some depth in the organization and improve the overall talent level of the organization.

Expect the Pirates rumored interest to start soon.

 

Turnbow:

Dejan Kovacevic is reporting the Pirates are one of the final three suitors for the services of Derrick Turnbow.

 

BTW Take:

Turnbow is a calculated gamble.  An experience closer who is on the rebound after arm troubles on 2008.  He will be a nice insurance policy in case Capps runs into the injury bug again.  He could also turn the Pirates games into 7 inning contests if he is used as a setup man for Capps, provided Turnbow is healthy and can rebound to 2006 All-Star form.

There Really Is Crying In Baseball

DJ Gallo did a nice article on a horrible subject.  Check out "Pirates made the blueprint for consistency, history" on ESPN.com Page2.

How many of the 1,992 ways could we add to the article?  Let your thoughts be known in the comment section, link below.

It is hard to imagine I found something that could actually make me feel worse than pneumonia...  Hopefully I can get some good posts going again tomorrow.

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

Vitals:

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

 

8 to Go:

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

 

Duke's New Slot:

The PG had this to say about Duke:

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

BTW Take:

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

 

Bautista Trade:

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

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

BTW Take:

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

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

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

 

We're number 10:

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

BTW Take:

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

 

Thursday Replay?:

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

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

BTW Take:

MLB, welcome to the 20th Century.

 

Thursday Replay?:

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

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

BTW Take:

Get the joke?

 

Pittsburgh Pirates Round Table:

New Pirates Roundtable is up.

 

Visit the BTW Forum to discuss this post.

Register for the forum here:
http://forum.bucstradewinds.net/index.cgi?action=register

ESPN Analysts: "WOW!", Bay Traded to Boston.

The Pirates have traded Jason Bay for Brandon Moss, Craig Hansen, Andy LaRoche and Avery Bryan Morris in a three team deal with the Dodgers and Red Sox. 

 

Scouting reports from Sox Prospects:

Craig Hansen: Age 24

Hansen's fastball has historically topped out in the high 90s, and he consistently hit the mid-90s. In 2008, he's been sitting more around 92 mph.  He also possesses an excellent high-80s slider, which has been somewhat of a mystery -- sometimes its absolutely dominant and other times it just isn't there.   A fierce competitor who has struggled with adversity early in his professional career.  Seems to have the tools to be a successful major league closer, just needs to work on his confidence and composure on the mound.  Struggles with getting behind early in counts.  When he gets first pitch strikes, he can be dominant. Had surgery in December 2007 to correct sleep apnea.  All in all,  if Hansen can get his slider going on a regular basis, he is an MLB-caliber reliever.

Baseball Cube Stats

Brandon Moss: Age 24

Athletic outfielder with a very strong arm.  Excellent approach at the plate - good swing with a refined power and on base ability.  Hits to all fields.  Slightly above average speed for a right fielder. Solid in the field.  Tough competitor.  Fantastic teammate and individual who takes joy in playing the game.  Moss possesses a good mental approach to the game, able to evaluate his mistakes while still not harping on them.  Moss began a transition to becoming a part-time 1B in late 2007, and he's handled it rather smoothly.

Baseball Cube Stats 

 

Andy LaRoche: Age 24

Batted a combined .315 (136-for-432) with 27 doubles, 19 home runs and 81 RBI in 127 games at Double-A Jacksonville (62) and Triple-A Las Vegas (55). Had 19 multiple-hit games at Las Vegas, hitting safely in 40 of 55 games.

Baseball Cube stats

Avery Bryan Morris: Age 21

Not sure if this is the right guy or not.  And another Link.  Drafted in 2006

The 6-3, 200-pound RHP has a plus fastball and a power curve. Moreover, the freshman recorded 122 Ks in 88 IP (12.48 K/9) and induced nine groundouts (and only two flyouts) in that Hiwasee shutout last month. He was drafted in the third round by the Devil Rays out of high school last June. The two sides supposedly agreed on a $1.3 million bonus that greatly exceeded the slot money, but the deal was never consummated due to an inability on the part of ownership to pull the trigger. Morris chose to attend Motlow State and join his Dad, who is the assistant coach, for one year.

Baseball Cube stats

 

BTW Take:

I am quite impressed with the players bio's I have seen.  Huntington seems to gone above and beyond on this deal. 

The shocking thing is Andy LaRoche in the deal when Alvarez was drafted by the Pirates in the first round.  Alvarez can play 1B also, so Andy and Adam may not have a large window of opportunity to play together on the same team.  Then again, this may entice Adam to resign with the Pirates.

Moss may report directly to the Pirates, rather than McCutchen as originally expected when Bay was rumored to be traded.

 

More Later...

Almost forgot...The Pirates now have a stocked minor league system.  Nice Job Neal Huntington.

Something Fishy, By the Bay, Getting Deep

Something Fishy:

The Sun-Sentinel is "reporting" Ryan Doumit is one of four catchers targeted by the Marlins before the deadline.

BTW Take:

The article mentions the Pirates have Paulino in the minors who was their starting catcher, inferring there is depth in the system.  They also say John Grabow would have to be part of the deal.  Two problems, Paulino (last I checked) was on the DL and working his way back.  Second, Paulino has fallen out of favor with management and coaches. 

Of all the players on the Pirates, the one that is least likely to be moved is Doumit.  He is still controlled for 3 more years, so the Marlins would have to absolutely sell the farm to get him.  I don't see that happening and I do not see Huntington trading away useful parts for the future just for a few more bodies in the minors considering the lack of depth at catcher in the minors.

Doumit does not get moved, at least until he has less that 2 years guaranteed with the team left.  There is no way he is moved before 2010 trade deadline.

Bay By The Bay?:

Dejan reports at the PG that Tampa and other parties are in deep trade talks over Jason Bay.

BTW Take:

Bay to the Rays makes sense for both teams, considering Bay is signed through next season, he is not a rental to Tampa.  Tampa has a DEEP farm.  Perfect match.  Let's see what happens.

It's Getting Deep:

Joe Starkey at the Trib has a good column up on what should happen before the deadline with an excellent quote from Doug Mientkiewicz:

"The franchise has to get deeper," said Mientkiewicz, who has experienced big-league baseball's high-revenue (Boston, New York) and low-revenue (Minnesota, Kansas City) districts. "They have to get a lot more talent in the minor-league system to be competitive. I think we're all seeing now that this franchise is very limited in talent at the higher levels.

"The only way you're going to get better as a big-league team is to get deep in the minor leagues. You have to be 28 to 35 (players) strong in order to be competitive."

"This isn't a one-year project," Mientkiewicz said. "You have to give them time, because the people who were here before were ... "

With that, Mientkiewicz just shook his head...

Quote from a reader:

Understand the concept that the team has to get more prospects. TBay probably is only team right now able to pry Bay. My point is Bay is ONE veteran they should keep, at least until next August because without him, Nate and Doumit become weighted down with expectations. Pirates will not get ANYONE in trade or FA with Bay value and character in next 4-5 years. Tabata may be high ceiling but also very high risk. Pirate fans are so used to seeing players dumped, their mindset has become "let's trade away all our vets and start over". ...that being said, I honestly believe Huntington has had no intention of keeping Bay from day one and he will be dealt today or Wed....this team got an o.K. return for Nady/Marte, but they really could have got more( I live in Trenton area and have seen all 4 play). THey will take less for Bay and 3 years from now, Nate and Doumit will be Bay today. Why? Because look at who Huntington signed and wanted to sign over the winter to long deals...Snell, Sanchez and LaRoche. He is better than Littlefield( who wouldn't be), but his prime evaluations are curious.

Update 5:32:  The above quote is from W.G.

BTW Take:

I won't publish their name, until I get an OK from them...

The Doug M. quote says it all, the system needs to get deeper to get better and stay better.  It is easy for we fans to look at Bay and want to keep him, but that does not make it the right thing for the organization in general.  Huntington needs to plan for the future and turn over every bargaining chip he can to bring water to the desert that is the Pirates minor league system.

Until there is actual talent in all levels of the franchise, there will be no long term sustained success at the major league level.  While I hate comparing to Oakland or Minnesota, they have built their franchises the right way with plenty of depth.  There are few teams the Pirates can be compared to thanks to the ineptitude of the previous front office.  Tampa has taken the right approach by drafting the best available player in the drafts, they are reaping the rewards this season.

If Huntington were to build only through the draft and keep any players of worth to stay mildly competitive, it would take 4-6 more years of losing to rebuild this franchise.  A large part of that would be luck and health as much as it would be talent and homework just to improve in 6 years.  By the time the franchise was rebuilt, Huntington would likely be out of a job.

Live Blog:

I am going to start up a live blog to run through the deadline starting today through after the deadline.  Leave some comments, questions or links in the live blog and I will have them posted as I see them.  As always, I will have the first 10 posters have unmodified posts so they can post any links or comments for trades that may come down the wire before I see them.

Marte To Yankees?

From the NY Post:

The Yanks are working hardest at finding a lefty specialist for their bullpen, with Pittsburgh's Damaso Marte remaining the top priority from the winter until now. Nevertheless, Pittsburgh continues to believe the Yanks are not valuing Marte highly enough in their trade offers. The Pirates want to make sure they get a greater value than the two draft picks they would receive in compensation if they declined Marte's $6 million option and offered him arbitration after this season because by their computation, Marte is going to be a Type-A free agent.

From Sporting News, and explanation of Type A Free Agents:

Type A -- which means they rank in the top 30 percent of players in their position groups. Teams that lose a Type A free agent are compensated with two draft picks. Teams that lose a Type B free agent -- one of the 45 players ranked from 31-50 percent at his position -- get one pick in return.

And an explanation from MLB.com:

Question: How are compensation picks determined?
Answer: The former Club of a Player who became a free agent and ranks as a Type A or B Player shall be entitled to receive compensation in the form of a draft choice in the First-Year Player Draft succeeding the Player's election of free agency.

A Type A or B shall be a Player who became a free agent and ranks as a Type A or B Player under the statistical system of ranking Players set forth by the Elias Sports Bureau, using statistics based on a two-year average for each respective position group. Type A and Type B players necessitate that the Player's former Club receive a sandwich pick in between rounds one and two. Additional picks in the second, third and fourth rounds are exchanged from one club to another for the losses of Type A free agents.

Type A Players now rank in the upper 20% of his respective position group by the Basic Agreement, instead of the upper 30% as was stipulated in the previous collective bargaining agreement.

Type B Players now rank in the upper 40%, but not in the upper 20%, of his respective position group. Under the previous collective bargaining agreement, Type B Players ranked in the upper 50% not in the upper 30%. Before the most recent collective bargaining agreement took effect for the 2007 season, a Club would receive compensation for losing a Type C free agent. Under the new Basic Agreement, Type C free agents no longer call for a draft pick as compensation.

 

BTW Take:

In past seasons, the Pirates have traded away free-agents-to-be without looking at the compensation draft picks.  This is a wonderful change for the Pirates.  Finally the front office seems to have a clue on how to handle potential free agents and compensatory draft picks when negotiating a deal.  it finally looks like the days of the Pirates being the Yankees and Cubs AAAA farm team are over.

 

SLIDENOTE:

Finally things are calming down a bit here in Iowa.  The rivers are subsiding, work is getting back to normal.  Expect BTW to get back to what use to be expected.

 

Buzzman, I hope "Bobbing Bob" made it to you high and dry.

Jason Michaels a Pirate, Morgan Demoted

Today, the Pirates acquired outfielder Jason Michaels and cash from the Cleveland Indians for a player to be named later.  Nyjer Morgan was demoted to AAA Indianapolis to make room on the 25 man roster.

 

BTW Take:

Wow.  Michaels was a fan favorite in Cleveland, his release seemed to be a knee jerk reaction by Cleveland in an attempt to jump start their offense.  Michaels is a corner outfielder, who will be a helpful bat from the bench.  I would not classify him as a defensive replacement, but he is a good utility or 4th outfielder.  He he, 4th outfielder.  Isn't that the tag Nate had through his entile MLB career?

 

On a side note:

This may be my last post for a few days, due to family issues.  While I am out, check out the forum and get some discussions going.  I might be able to check in there occasionally and drop some smart a$$ comments.  Check back regularly over the next few days, if I post it will be at odd times just to keep my sanity.

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Link-O-Rama

We Are Family

One of my favorite Pittsburgh Pirate memories was attending the 1979 World Series.  The entire 1979 year was magical in Pittsburgh, from the Steelers winning two Super Bowls tied to that year to the Pitt Panthers being a dominant football powerhouse (even though they were screwed from a national title shot, they did win a NY Times Championship according to the NY Times Computers) to that magical Year of the Family for the Pirates.  My friends at Mop Up Duty have a nice article up on the 79 Bucs that was posted on February 18th, Canada's Family Day.

 

Nate the Great

Scout.com has an article up on the Pirates Centerfield battle centered (pun intended) around Nate McLouth.  Some additional Bucs notes can be found at the end of the article including a nice quote from Doug Alphabet Soup:

"A lot of guys move from the outfield or third base to first base late in their careers. I'm just doing it in reverse." -- 1B Doug Mientkiewicz.

 

Twin Killing

The Bradenton Herald has a couple articles up on the Pirates.  The first piece is a hearty, "Welcome Aboard" piece announcing the arrival of spring.  The second piece features Zach Duke and his quest to regain his form.

 

H-O-P-E is a 4 Letter Word

Sara Legarsky shows her Pirates excitement in an article at Bleacher Report.

 

Specter Gadget?

Jesse Specter, from the NY Daily News, takes a look at the 2008 Pirates.  He has some interesting takes on Nady and Bay as well as a prediction of fewer than 90 losses. 

The first sentence kind of sums up his expectations:

Yesterday it was the 2007 dregs of the AL. Today it’s the 2007 dregs of the NL. Yes, it’s Part 2 of 30 in previewing all the teams in the majors, and today it’s the…

Quick Hits - Bako, Sanchez, Olmedo and Links

Bako Slap

Yet another slap in the face to the Pittsburgh Pirates organization.  Paul Bako has agreed to a minor league deal with the Cincinnati Reds.  He did receive a spring training invite, but has no shot of going north with the Reds unless injury takes toll on the Reds catchers.

BTW Take:

This is a blessing in no disguise.  Bako would be as valuable to the Pirates as resigning Cota. 

 

Three More Years

A Freddy Sanchez 3 year deal could be announced as early as Tuesday according to the Post-Gazette.

BTW Take:

Freddy has the type of bat that will remain productive past his prime.  Health will still be an issue though.  The three year deal makes Freddy more tradable, especially if he is batting north of .300 come trade deadline(s).  I don't expect Freddy to be a Pirate for all three years of the deal.

 

Rainer Delay

The Pirates signed Rainer Olmedo off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays.  Rainers stats don't look too inspiring.  The real news from the signing is the DFA of Sean Burnett to make room for the Rainer Man.  Assuming Burnett clears waivers, the Pirates will outright him to Indy with a Spring Invite.

BTW Take:

For not making any impact moves, Huntington is really putting his stamp on the 40 man roster.  I really expect a bigger name than Torres to be traded before camp opens for pitchers and catchers.

 

Random Links and Quotes

From Scouts.com:

"It's a low-risk gamble on our part because it's a minor league contract. If Jaret Wright it healthy, he has a lot of ability and can potentially help us a lot." -- GM Neal Huntington.

From Foxsports.com on Morris:

Morris will make $9.5 next season in the final year of a three-year, $27 million, and even with in a market thin on starting pitching, Pittsburgh likely would have to eat part of that salary in order to trade him.

Also from Foxsports.com, this time from Morris:

"I was disappointed in the way I pitched after the trade, and I'm looking forward to proving to everyone that I'm a better pitcher than what everyone saw last season." -- RHP Matt Morris.

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DL or NH?

Who made this quote?

"It comes back to most of our guys are younger and, statistically, it is rational to expect them to be better. They should be getting better. We have a number of players -- and they'd be the first to admit this -- who underperformed. Look, we're not preaching that this team is going to contend. We can't do that. But we can say it will be better. How much better? It's going to be very, very interesting to see."

Answer here.