Usually when I would think that the Pirates were going to play a doubleheader in Chicago, against either team there, I would expect bad news for the day. Instead I was shocked to see that the Bucs had pulled off a sweep fo the Cubbies.
In the day game, Charlie Morton, returning to the scene of his season's low point, was stellar. Granted the lineup did not have Derrick Lee or Aramis Ramirez in it, but he did pitch a complete game shutout and allowed only four hits. Pretty impressive. From the highlights that I did see, the movement on his pitches looked like it does when he is on. The ball just sometimes seems to jump all over the place when he is really throwing it.
The second game was more an offensive story in that Ryan Doumit awoke and led the Bucs to a win in the game. Doumit had 4 hits and 4 RBI, including a home run that gave the Bucs a big lead.
While the season has wound down to its final weekend, it was nice to see some of the Bucs have big days today. Doumit has had a difficult season, due to injuries and has not looked to be the Doumit of last year. Today he did look like the Doumit of last year. By having a game like this at the end of the season, it may make the training for next season a little easier.
The story of the day was Charlie Morton. Perhaps no pitcher on the current staff is more important to the Pirates in becoming better next season than Charlie Morton. When Morton is on, it is really fun to watch. He seems to toy with the hitters. If he can be a little more like that Charlie Morton in his starts, it will go a long way with this club.
I almost wish that Morton could have one more start, as I would just like to be able to see him pitch like that again. Perhaps it is best that he ends on this great start, so that he too will go into the offseason with a good feeling about what he can do. Without a doubt, Morton is going to be one of the handful of players under the magnifying glass in the spring.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
So Long Sano
The reports are floating around the internets that Miguel Angel Sano has signed with the Minnesota Twins, instead of the Pirates. He has supposedly signed for roughly $3.15 million. The Pirates, by last reports offered, $2.6 million for him.
I have to agree with what Pat at Where is Andy Van Slyke, this does sound to me that Rob Plummer, the agent for Sano, never wanted the Pirates to sign his client. The story prior to the signing period was the Pirates were the front runners and some teams were just backing off due to the close relationship of Gayo and Sano's family. Plummer, who fancies himself the Scott Boras of the Dominican, needed to create a market for Sano in a hurry to up his value. Hence he went out of his way to create a market and from the looks of what the Pirates are saying, never gave them a chance to match or better the Twins bid.
I would like to think that the Bucs would have at the very least matched the bid of the Twins. It was only another $500,000 to match and the Bucs had some money left over from the draft (yes I know it is separate accounts but that is left over money). I would think that they would have easily looked to match it, as Rene Gayo liked the kid that much.
It would have been great to add a player of his caliber, as the team has not had a true big time Latin signing in years, like Sano. It would have been a great message to the area and region of Latin America that they are serious in their pursuits.
While it would have been nice, I almost feel as though it is good to be over with it. I am sure dealing with agents for college and high school players is hard enough, I can only imagine what it would be like to work with someone like Plummer, who is trying to further establish his name in Latin American baseball.
While it sucks that the team was not working on an even playing field, they might be best to have stayed away as the track record of some of these Latin bonus babies is not the very best. Some are much more hype than anything, but you never know Sano might have been different.
I have to agree with what Pat at Where is Andy Van Slyke, this does sound to me that Rob Plummer, the agent for Sano, never wanted the Pirates to sign his client. The story prior to the signing period was the Pirates were the front runners and some teams were just backing off due to the close relationship of Gayo and Sano's family. Plummer, who fancies himself the Scott Boras of the Dominican, needed to create a market for Sano in a hurry to up his value. Hence he went out of his way to create a market and from the looks of what the Pirates are saying, never gave them a chance to match or better the Twins bid.
I would like to think that the Bucs would have at the very least matched the bid of the Twins. It was only another $500,000 to match and the Bucs had some money left over from the draft (yes I know it is separate accounts but that is left over money). I would think that they would have easily looked to match it, as Rene Gayo liked the kid that much.
It would have been great to add a player of his caliber, as the team has not had a true big time Latin signing in years, like Sano. It would have been a great message to the area and region of Latin America that they are serious in their pursuits.
While it would have been nice, I almost feel as though it is good to be over with it. I am sure dealing with agents for college and high school players is hard enough, I can only imagine what it would be like to work with someone like Plummer, who is trying to further establish his name in Latin American baseball.
While it sucks that the team was not working on an even playing field, they might be best to have stayed away as the track record of some of these Latin bonus babies is not the very best. Some are much more hype than anything, but you never know Sano might have been different.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Same Old Pirates
Even when things are going good, they go bad. In the series ending, and ending of the season at PNC Park, the Pirates miraculously pulled to an even .500 at home. That is an amazing feat. Perhaps not as amazing as Andy LaRoche having an offensive explosion. That seemingly came out of nowhere.
Also coming out of nowhere was John Russell's decision to not let Zach Duke have a complete game. He had said that Duke was not on any pitch count, it was that Russell wanted to get Duke a standing ovation. Unfortunately, and Russell should have thought of this, Pirate fans aren't stupid. They saw that their ace was getting the shaft with only 1 out left and promptly booed.
As if pouring gasoline on the fire, Russell summoned Donnie Veal from the bullpen and later said that he wanted to get him some work. One batter is work? I only wish I had a task master like Russell as a boss if that is work.
I could go on, but John Perrotto does an excellent job of stating my shared opionion on this one.
In the end, people will look back at this Pirate team and simply marvel that they were able to play even baseball at home. That is one giant puzzle.
Also coming out of nowhere was John Russell's decision to not let Zach Duke have a complete game. He had said that Duke was not on any pitch count, it was that Russell wanted to get Duke a standing ovation. Unfortunately, and Russell should have thought of this, Pirate fans aren't stupid. They saw that their ace was getting the shaft with only 1 out left and promptly booed.
As if pouring gasoline on the fire, Russell summoned Donnie Veal from the bullpen and later said that he wanted to get him some work. One batter is work? I only wish I had a task master like Russell as a boss if that is work.
I could go on, but John Perrotto does an excellent job of stating my shared opionion on this one.
In the end, people will look back at this Pirate team and simply marvel that they were able to play even baseball at home. That is one giant puzzle.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Curb Your Enthusiasm
If you were to tell me that the Bucs would some how would win 2 of three in the weekend set with the LA Dodgers, I would have looked at you like you were crazy. But despite the efforts of the Pirates to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, they somehow pulled it off. I am not sure how, as I did not catch any of the games this weekend, so I am dumbfounded.
From what I have read, anyone who had watched these should have thought that they probably should have lost one or both. Sunday's for example featured Matt Capps, doing what has become a regular occurrence for him, blowing a game. The offense bailed him out this time, something that does not happen all that often.
Having trouble closing out a game for the Pirates was not limited to Pittsburgh. Over in Italy, Brad Lincoln had some difficulty in closing out Cuba in the eventual US win in the World Cup.
No matter where on the globe a Pirate is playing currently, all eyes are pointed to this season reaching an end. In a way it will be almost bittersweet though. I find it rather amusing to see what this team will do next. They seem to surprise. After running off a great home stand in August, the team tanks for the next month. Just when you think you have them figured out they do something totally different. Unfortunately, it is mainly on the losing end that the team has going for them.
From what I have read, anyone who had watched these should have thought that they probably should have lost one or both. Sunday's for example featured Matt Capps, doing what has become a regular occurrence for him, blowing a game. The offense bailed him out this time, something that does not happen all that often.
Having trouble closing out a game for the Pirates was not limited to Pittsburgh. Over in Italy, Brad Lincoln had some difficulty in closing out Cuba in the eventual US win in the World Cup.
No matter where on the globe a Pirate is playing currently, all eyes are pointed to this season reaching an end. In a way it will be almost bittersweet though. I find it rather amusing to see what this team will do next. They seem to surprise. After running off a great home stand in August, the team tanks for the next month. Just when you think you have them figured out they do something totally different. Unfortunately, it is mainly on the losing end that the team has going for them.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Exposition Park
Located about two blocks from PNC Park , Exposition Park is the birthplace of baseball in Pittsburgh Exposition Park Exposition Park
In 1884, the Alleghenys moved further up from the river when they moved into Recreation Park Exposition Park
A fire destroyed what was Exposition Park Exposition Park
After one season the Players Association, or Brotherhood League, folded and the Pittsburg Innocents, as the Alleghenys were known in 1890, seized the opportunity, and moved into the new ballpark. It was in that offseason that the Innocents ‘pirated’ Louis Bierbauer from the Philadelphia Athletics, thus giving the young National League team it nickname.
In the 1890’s what transpired on the field could barely be called baseball. These teams fielded by future Hall of Fame manager Connie Mack did very little on the field. Then in 1900, Barney Dreyfuss merged the team with his Louisville
Unfortunately, Exposition Park Exposition Park
By 1909, Dreyfuss had moved the team to the open fields of Oakland Exposition Park did host baseball again, with the Federal League’s Pittsburgh Exposition Park was also the home field of the University of Pittsburgh , which was the Western University of Pennsylvania at the time, up until 1909 when the school moved to Oakland
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Speechless
I really have nothing to say. All of this losing really taking its toll on trying to put anything about the rest of this season into words. It is dumbfounding to say the very least. I would have never thought that the team would fall to practically 'compete' with Washington for the worst record, but that is where we do indeed stand. Since the losing is just coming at a record pace, they might as well get something from it and secure one of the top three picks in the draft.
I got nothing.
I got nothing.
Bury My Heart at PNC
The year was 1890. It was an era of corporate robber barons, like Carnegie, Frick, Vanderbilt, Rockerfeller, Mellon and Morgan. President Benjamin Harrison had signed the Sherman Anti-Trust Act and Idaho and Wyoming entered the Union. Army defeated Navy in the very first Army-Navy game at West Point and by the end of the year, on my birthday actually, the US Cavalry massacred the Sioux at Wounded Knee.In 1890 the Pittsburg Alleghenys were wrapping up their final season known as the Alleghenys were playing in what turned out to be the worst season in the history of the Pittsburgh franchise. Team was decimated due to players leaving to play for the rival Pittsburg Burghers of the Players League. After the season the team would 'pirate' Louis Bierbauer and thus gain the Pirate moniker.
I bring up 1890, as these current Pirates playing a stone's throw away from old Recreation Park on the North Side, have matched a feat of winning only 3 games in their last 24. Allow me to repeat. Three games in their last twenty four. A feat that has taken 119 years for the club to replicate.The only things notable about that 1890 team was they were the Alleghenys, they lost a ton of games, and they had some very weird names. Names like Doggie Miller, Tun Berger, Billy Sunday, Ducky Hemp, Peek-A-Boo Veach, Crazy Schmidt, and Phenomenal Smith. Not even a guy named Michael Jordan could save that team, then again MJ was no good at baseball.
When this season started I think we all knew that the team was going to be bad. No one could have guess that it would be 19th century bad. The wheels have almost completely fallen off of this team. There are a few players still going, but for the most part it seems as though the offseason is already here.
How much can one expect this team to improve next season. A ten to fifteen game improvement is unbelievable, and what is funny is that it would still not put us any closer to .500 even. I can see that there is improvement on the horizon how much is uncertain. To expect the team to improve to mediocrity next season, well...that is a bunch of Crazy Schmidt.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
The Rumor Mill
We fans must not be the only ones feeling a little bored. The sports writers must be as well, as we are now starting to see a few rumors start to pop up all around baseball. Who is staying where? Who might sign where? it makes for a long September go by a lot faster.
In Pittsburgh it seems no different as Dejan wrote that the Pirates are interested in bringing back John Grabow and possibly in bringing Rick Ankiel on board. Both are interesting to say the very least.
One if they brought back Grabow it would hearken back to Dave Littlefield bringing back Mike Williams to the club, except Grabow is good. I wouldn't mind bringing Grabow back, I mean we do need the lefites, and if anything it will hurt the Cubs by taking him away from them. My only concern would be any possible compensation picks that may be involved. I am not certain if Grabow qualifies, but it would be pretty dumb to trade him for prospects, then sign him only to lose a draft pick.
As for Rick Ankiel this one seems to fall in wild speculation. This seemingly comes from out of nowhere to be a rumor. I wouldn't mind Ankiel. He is 'aged' younger than his thirty years, but not much. He brings some pop and athleticism that would be great to have. If the cost were right, I'd say we could do a heck of a lot worse. Add that to the fact that it would be a lefty to add to the lineup and we would be adding a great deal in that regard. And we would add a guy that could challenge Dave Wannstedt for best mustache in the city.
I hope we see more of this stuff as the season goes on. It will only make the end of year a little less painful and give us all something additional to look forward to for next season. Next year should be fun and this offseason might be as well.
In Pittsburgh it seems no different as Dejan wrote that the Pirates are interested in bringing back John Grabow and possibly in bringing Rick Ankiel on board. Both are interesting to say the very least.
One if they brought back Grabow it would hearken back to Dave Littlefield bringing back Mike Williams to the club, except Grabow is good. I wouldn't mind bringing Grabow back, I mean we do need the lefites, and if anything it will hurt the Cubs by taking him away from them. My only concern would be any possible compensation picks that may be involved. I am not certain if Grabow qualifies, but it would be pretty dumb to trade him for prospects, then sign him only to lose a draft pick.
As for Rick Ankiel this one seems to fall in wild speculation. This seemingly comes from out of nowhere to be a rumor. I wouldn't mind Ankiel. He is 'aged' younger than his thirty years, but not much. He brings some pop and athleticism that would be great to have. If the cost were right, I'd say we could do a heck of a lot worse. Add that to the fact that it would be a lefty to add to the lineup and we would be adding a great deal in that regard. And we would add a guy that could challenge Dave Wannstedt for best mustache in the city.
I hope we see more of this stuff as the season goes on. It will only make the end of year a little less painful and give us all something additional to look forward to for next season. Next year should be fun and this offseason might be as well.
Monday, September 21, 2009
I Can't Look
I have to admit I really have not seen all that much Pirate baseball over the last two weeks or so. Part of that is that well they have not been on TV and another is that what looked to be an interesting end to a season, just went down hill.
Injuries are starting to hurt the lineup, which was not much of a lineup to begin with anyway, so there has been almost no offense. I guess you could say that is not all that much different from the rest of the season as well.
I do want to point out that Ross Ohlendorf capped off a good season with a great start on Saturday. I can only hope the comes back just as strong and ready to go for next season. What he has done this year has been great. I don't think many thought we would actually see this from him, I mean we hoped, but did not expect it.
A little tidbit that I found interesting from the weekend was from Dejan's blog, talking about a brief meeting with the media Neal Huntington had. A question that was asked was whether the Bucs will non-tender Matt Capps. It is an interesting question and Huntington seemed to dodge it by pointing out what he has not done, but hoping he will comeback next year ready to go.
Capps has been a disappointment this season. I don't know if this is some residue from the over work in the Tracy era or what, but he has slowly turned to a guy you don't want to see at the end of the game. I am one from the school of thought that closers are overrated, but if you are going to have a guy be the man, he has to get it done and Capps really hasn't done that.
With the acquisition of Joel Hanrahan, Huntington has setup an option for himself. Hanrahan has the stuff and the ability to close, but struggled in the role with Washington this year. He is an option that could be used for next season, and may make Capps look expendable. This could be one of the few roster stories to keep an eye on.
Injuries are starting to hurt the lineup, which was not much of a lineup to begin with anyway, so there has been almost no offense. I guess you could say that is not all that much different from the rest of the season as well.
I do want to point out that Ross Ohlendorf capped off a good season with a great start on Saturday. I can only hope the comes back just as strong and ready to go for next season. What he has done this year has been great. I don't think many thought we would actually see this from him, I mean we hoped, but did not expect it.
A little tidbit that I found interesting from the weekend was from Dejan's blog, talking about a brief meeting with the media Neal Huntington had. A question that was asked was whether the Bucs will non-tender Matt Capps. It is an interesting question and Huntington seemed to dodge it by pointing out what he has not done, but hoping he will comeback next year ready to go.
Capps has been a disappointment this season. I don't know if this is some residue from the over work in the Tracy era or what, but he has slowly turned to a guy you don't want to see at the end of the game. I am one from the school of thought that closers are overrated, but if you are going to have a guy be the man, he has to get it done and Capps really hasn't done that.
With the acquisition of Joel Hanrahan, Huntington has setup an option for himself. Hanrahan has the stuff and the ability to close, but struggled in the role with Washington this year. He is an option that could be used for next season, and may make Capps look expendable. This could be one of the few roster stories to keep an eye on.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
40 Years Later
We wanted to take a moment today and look back 40 years ago today to remember Bob Moose and his no hitter of the Miracle Mets. We had written about it last year and today marks the 40th anniversary of that event. So here is the Moose no hitter. Enjoy.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Shining City on the Hill(Cat)
Tonight in Lynchburg, the Hillcats did something that no other Pirate team has done this season. They won a championship. Granted this is just the Carolina league, but still it is something nice to have happened. As I pointed out earlier in the week, this is a team not made up of older players hanging on with some fringe guys, these are mainly real prospects. Because they are real prospects, it gives some hope.
Lynchburg is just a step away from Altoona, and from Altoona at AA you can conceivably see guys from that level making the jump to the big leagues. Now I am not saying that there are guys there that can make a jump, it takes a special talent, like Jose Castillo, (just kidding), but you get the point.
A guy that could make the jump or at least have a short stay in Indy could be Tony Sanchez. He is going to be fun to watch next season, mainly to see where he starts the season. He spent time in what four levels this season (Bradenton, State College, West Virginia, and Lynchburg) and depending on what he does this winter, he could be in Altoona. While that might be a stretch, I'd say its possible.
The others on that team, Justin Wilson, Jordy Mercer, Chase D'Arnaud, Rudy Owens, and others make this a group to keep an eye on. Will they all make? Probably not, but unlike in the past, we are not counting on them ALL to make it.
As the big league club looks more and more inept and disinterested on the field, there is a shining light in the not too distant future, that is currently shining in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.
Lynchburg is just a step away from Altoona, and from Altoona at AA you can conceivably see guys from that level making the jump to the big leagues. Now I am not saying that there are guys there that can make a jump, it takes a special talent, like Jose Castillo, (just kidding), but you get the point.
A guy that could make the jump or at least have a short stay in Indy could be Tony Sanchez. He is going to be fun to watch next season, mainly to see where he starts the season. He spent time in what four levels this season (Bradenton, State College, West Virginia, and Lynchburg) and depending on what he does this winter, he could be in Altoona. While that might be a stretch, I'd say its possible.
The others on that team, Justin Wilson, Jordy Mercer, Chase D'Arnaud, Rudy Owens, and others make this a group to keep an eye on. Will they all make? Probably not, but unlike in the past, we are not counting on them ALL to make it.
As the big league club looks more and more inept and disinterested on the field, there is a shining light in the not too distant future, that is currently shining in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
What Else Can Be Said
Really what else can be said. I can just leave it at that. This team has some how squandered two straight good pitching performances and is on a slide the likes of which are making the Nationals blush. I just have not much at all to say.
One note that I did find interesting, while watching Tuesday's game on MLB Network came from Vin Scully. I will say that seeing the game on TV and hearing Vin Scully call the Pirate game was highly enjoyable. His voice is the sound of baseball.
Anyway during the game Scully said, and I cannot back it up, that the Pirates are the biggest drawing team on the road. Allow me to repeat. The Pirates, yes they of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, are the biggest drawing road team. Scully himself even said that rather incredulously, then added that it is because the Pirates usually are the team on team's schedules that they schedule for fancy promotions.
So there you have it. People both in Pittsburgh and all around the National League equate the Pirates to bobbleheads and fireworks. Unbelievable.
One note that I did find interesting, while watching Tuesday's game on MLB Network came from Vin Scully. I will say that seeing the game on TV and hearing Vin Scully call the Pirate game was highly enjoyable. His voice is the sound of baseball.
Anyway during the game Scully said, and I cannot back it up, that the Pirates are the biggest drawing team on the road. Allow me to repeat. The Pirates, yes they of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, are the biggest drawing road team. Scully himself even said that rather incredulously, then added that it is because the Pirates usually are the team on team's schedules that they schedule for fancy promotions.
So there you have it. People both in Pittsburgh and all around the National League equate the Pirates to bobbleheads and fireworks. Unbelievable.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Shortstop Outlook
For the past 8 seasons, shortstop was manned by Jack Wilson for the Bucs. Thus not having him around and having the position be in a flux, seems slightly odd. Though when we did trade Wilson to the Mariners, we got in return the top option to be the shortstop next season in Ronny Cedeno. Others that might get a look include Brian Bixler and Brian Friday.
There are a few options at shortstop as there are many options in the minors. One we all know about and is highly unlikely to take over the position next season, Brian Bixler. I don't think I have to hash out why he is probably not a realistic option for the position, I would think we all understand why.
Brian Friday plays an excellent defense, but his bat is questionable. He played at AA Altoona this past season and did not exactly light up the box score offensively, though he is major league ready defensively. There could be a chance he could get a shot if Cedeno falters, but I would be surprised to see him in a Pirate uniform so soon next season.
Again it appears as though the favorite to take over at shortstop for next season will be Ronny Cedeno and why should he not be? Since coming over from Seattle, Cedeno has be a big surprise offensively. He has hit for a little more pop than I would have ever though, as well as hitting for a high average. In addition he has played a great defense, and we have not missed much if anything from that perspective in trading Jack Wilson.
What we can expect from Cedeno next season will be the good defense, but the offense is a mystery. He is not exaclty new to the majors so the offensive surge is surprising. Add that to the fact that he has played in the division before and it makes it even more of a head scratcher. I'd say we will see a regression to the mean offensively for Cedeno next season, making him more average offensively, but if he can off set that with his above average defense we should be fine with im at short.
Cedeno like many others is younger, but not young enough to think that he will be part of any future pennant winner here in Pittsburgh, instead he fits the mold of a solid place holder that will give strong play until a more suitable replacement is found.
There are a few options at shortstop as there are many options in the minors. One we all know about and is highly unlikely to take over the position next season, Brian Bixler. I don't think I have to hash out why he is probably not a realistic option for the position, I would think we all understand why.
Brian Friday plays an excellent defense, but his bat is questionable. He played at AA Altoona this past season and did not exactly light up the box score offensively, though he is major league ready defensively. There could be a chance he could get a shot if Cedeno falters, but I would be surprised to see him in a Pirate uniform so soon next season.
Again it appears as though the favorite to take over at shortstop for next season will be Ronny Cedeno and why should he not be? Since coming over from Seattle, Cedeno has be a big surprise offensively. He has hit for a little more pop than I would have ever though, as well as hitting for a high average. In addition he has played a great defense, and we have not missed much if anything from that perspective in trading Jack Wilson.
What we can expect from Cedeno next season will be the good defense, but the offense is a mystery. He is not exaclty new to the majors so the offensive surge is surprising. Add that to the fact that he has played in the division before and it makes it even more of a head scratcher. I'd say we will see a regression to the mean offensively for Cedeno next season, making him more average offensively, but if he can off set that with his above average defense we should be fine with im at short.
Cedeno like many others is younger, but not young enough to think that he will be part of any future pennant winner here in Pittsburgh, instead he fits the mold of a solid place holder that will give strong play until a more suitable replacement is found.
A Difference in Philosophies
One could write a book about how Dave Littlefield and Neal Huntington are different. In fact you could perhaps write that about Littlefield and practically almost any other general manager to have been a part of major league baseball. One difference taht has been glaring recently is what is happening in Lynchburg, Virginia.
One would think that the difference would be in Pittsburgh, but the results at least in Pittsburgh are the same as tey were under Littlefield. In Lynchburg the Hillcats are competing for the Carolina League championship against their rivals to the west in Salem. From reports that I have read the Hillcats run has been pretty fun to watch. There has been good hitting and pitching from both sides, but the Hillcats have come out on top so far.
On Monday the Hillcats took it to the Salem Avalanche, winning 9-2 to take game one. There was strong pitching from Justin Wilson and on Tuesday ace Rudy Owens takes the hill.
But what is it about the Hillcats that makes them different from a Littlefield version of the club? The type of players there. Sure Littlefield prided himself on seeing the minor league affiliates win championships. They won a few in his tenure, unfortunately those teams were usually a little older than one would like and the player were stuck on the team for the sake of winning, not making a player better.
This version of the Hillcats has players that have advanced in mid season to Lynchburg and some that came for the playoffs. A guy like Rudy Owens or Tony Sanchez probably would have stayed in West Virginia, proving nothing at all under Littlefield. A younger player like Starling Marte would have never sniffed high A ball yet. But here they are. They are getting good experience in more playing time.
Sure championships are nice to have and winning breeds winning, but in the minor leagues ti does not matter all that much. In Lynchburg there was the opportunity to have more playing time for some guys and if they win great, if not so what the players improved themselves to go to the next level.
The idea is to win championships in Pittsburgh, not in the lower levels of the minor leagues.
One would think that the difference would be in Pittsburgh, but the results at least in Pittsburgh are the same as tey were under Littlefield. In Lynchburg the Hillcats are competing for the Carolina League championship against their rivals to the west in Salem. From reports that I have read the Hillcats run has been pretty fun to watch. There has been good hitting and pitching from both sides, but the Hillcats have come out on top so far.
On Monday the Hillcats took it to the Salem Avalanche, winning 9-2 to take game one. There was strong pitching from Justin Wilson and on Tuesday ace Rudy Owens takes the hill.
But what is it about the Hillcats that makes them different from a Littlefield version of the club? The type of players there. Sure Littlefield prided himself on seeing the minor league affiliates win championships. They won a few in his tenure, unfortunately those teams were usually a little older than one would like and the player were stuck on the team for the sake of winning, not making a player better.
This version of the Hillcats has players that have advanced in mid season to Lynchburg and some that came for the playoffs. A guy like Rudy Owens or Tony Sanchez probably would have stayed in West Virginia, proving nothing at all under Littlefield. A younger player like Starling Marte would have never sniffed high A ball yet. But here they are. They are getting good experience in more playing time.
Sure championships are nice to have and winning breeds winning, but in the minor leagues ti does not matter all that much. In Lynchburg there was the opportunity to have more playing time for some guys and if they win great, if not so what the players improved themselves to go to the next level.
The idea is to win championships in Pittsburgh, not in the lower levels of the minor leagues.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Second Base Outlook
In continuing our look at the positions and the players involved in shaping the 2010 Pirates, we take a look at second base. The position had been manned by Freddy Sanchez for the past few seasons, but with his mid season trade to the San Francisco Giants, Delwyn Young made the move from the outfield to second base.
The second base position is one where there is little depth within the Pirates farm system at the upper levels, due to this it looks as though Delwyn Young will be the favorite to play the position next season. The only other option in house is perhaps Shelby Ford, but he played so well at AAA that he was sent back to AA.
Taking a look at Shelby Ford, I was surprised to find that the Pirates front office thought so highly of him coming into this season, if only because he had not played all that much. He seemingly has spent more time hurt than healthy since the Bucs drafted him out of Oklahoma State. Nothing he has done when healthy has really stood out, but that could be just a function of him being a well rounded player. To me his strongest suit is the fact that he is a left handed hitting middle infielder.
Since it looks as though Ford will not provide any competition, the job may be default be Young's. Coming to the Bucs for a song, the trade for Young is clearly the best of the Huntington regime so far. He played well as a bat off the bench, and his success made him a lineup fixture. When Sanchez was traded it was Young, an infielder in the minors, was moved to second to fill the hole.
Young has acquitted himself rather nicely in the field an it is a testament to his hard work at it, as well as the work of Perry Hill. I would have never guessed that he would play second as well as he has. His bat for the most part has been a pleasant surprise. He has shown a little pop and the ability to hit for a good average as well, until recently.
It seems at about the time the wheels fell off the Pirates here in the last few weeks, Young has fallen off considerably as well. He is in a slump that would make Adam LaRoche blush. It is kind of troubling to see this happen at the end of the season. One you want to see a player be able to build off of something and two it raises the same questions that has dogged Young as a player before, not being able to hit quite enough for everyday duty.
Despite his recent struggles, Young will more than likely be the second baseman next season. I would be blown away, as many of you would be as well, if there were a free agent signing to change this. Young may not be a long term answer, but like so many on the current major league roster, we are just looking for a place holder for the time being, and he fits the bill. All we have to hope for is that he continues to grow as a defender and gets turned around at the plate.
The second base position is one where there is little depth within the Pirates farm system at the upper levels, due to this it looks as though Delwyn Young will be the favorite to play the position next season. The only other option in house is perhaps Shelby Ford, but he played so well at AAA that he was sent back to AA.
Taking a look at Shelby Ford, I was surprised to find that the Pirates front office thought so highly of him coming into this season, if only because he had not played all that much. He seemingly has spent more time hurt than healthy since the Bucs drafted him out of Oklahoma State. Nothing he has done when healthy has really stood out, but that could be just a function of him being a well rounded player. To me his strongest suit is the fact that he is a left handed hitting middle infielder.
Since it looks as though Ford will not provide any competition, the job may be default be Young's. Coming to the Bucs for a song, the trade for Young is clearly the best of the Huntington regime so far. He played well as a bat off the bench, and his success made him a lineup fixture. When Sanchez was traded it was Young, an infielder in the minors, was moved to second to fill the hole.
Young has acquitted himself rather nicely in the field an it is a testament to his hard work at it, as well as the work of Perry Hill. I would have never guessed that he would play second as well as he has. His bat for the most part has been a pleasant surprise. He has shown a little pop and the ability to hit for a good average as well, until recently.
It seems at about the time the wheels fell off the Pirates here in the last few weeks, Young has fallen off considerably as well. He is in a slump that would make Adam LaRoche blush. It is kind of troubling to see this happen at the end of the season. One you want to see a player be able to build off of something and two it raises the same questions that has dogged Young as a player before, not being able to hit quite enough for everyday duty.
Despite his recent struggles, Young will more than likely be the second baseman next season. I would be blown away, as many of you would be as well, if there were a free agent signing to change this. Young may not be a long term answer, but like so many on the current major league roster, we are just looking for a place holder for the time being, and he fits the bill. All we have to hope for is that he continues to grow as a defender and gets turned around at the plate.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Pirates from the Past: Al "Scoop" Oliver
Signed as an amateur free agent in 1964, Oliver made his big league debut for the Bucs in 1968, sadly the same day his father passed away. After his cup of coffee in '68, Oliver would become a fixture in the lineup the following season as he finished second in the NL Rookie of Year ballotting. He hit .285 that season while splitting time between firstbase and the outfield.
In 1970 he would hit .270 and drive in 83 runs while helping the Pirates win the NL East. In '71 Oliver, alrady settled into playing centerfield between Stargell and Clemente, would hit .282 while appearing on the league leader boards for extra base hits. Oliver would help put the Bucs in the World Series, by hitting a three run blast agains the Giants to help solidify the win. In the World Series against the Orioles, Scoop would get 4 hits as the Clemente led the Bucs to the World Series title.
In 1972 Oliver would have a break out year, hitting .312 with 12 HR and 89 RBI. He would get named to his first All-Star team that season and finish in the top 10 in MVP ballotting. The next year he would up his run production by driving in 99 while hitting .292. In 1974 he would once agin hit over .300, this time batting .321 and finishing again in the top 10 in MVP voting. Oliver had become fixture in the lineup.
1975 saw Oliver hit .280 and drive in 84 runs. The next year he was on pace to have his best season ever, hitting .360 at the All-Star break. However an ear infection sidelined him in the second half and he finished with a .323-12-61 line. Scoop rebounded nicely the next year posting a .308-19-82 line for the Bucs. Little did he he know that the 1977 season would be his last in the Burgh. In that offseason he was a part of a multi-team trade that sent him to Texas and brought Bert Blyleven and John Milner to the Bucs.
Oliver excelled in Texas, posting some of his best career numbers. he hit over .300 in every season in Arlington and won two Silver Slugger awards. In 1980 hit .319-19-117 to win the award in left field, setting a personal all time high in RBI. The next year at DH he hit .309 to win the award. He was traded to Montreal, where at first base he had his best season ever. He finished thrid in MVP voting while posting career highs in average, .331, home runs, 22, and he drove in 109.
Al would play one more year in Montreal, making the All-Star team and hitting over .300 again. He would spend the next two years playing for 4 teams. In 1984 with the Giants and Phillies he would hit over .300 for the last time finishing at .301. The next year at the age of 38 he would hit .252 for the Dodgers and the Blue Jays.
Oliver left baseball in 1985 amid a cloud of uncertainty. Al and others felt that the collusion of the mid 1980's forced him from the game. While that was never proven, some like Andre Dawson, feel that the collusion cost Al a shot at 3000 hits and the Hall of Fame.
A lifetime .303 hitter, Al Oliver is one the good, not great, players of all time. If he had 3000 hits or even an MVP award or two, he very well might be in the Hall of Fame. As it stands now he is certainly one of the Pirates' all time greats.
Career Stats:
| Years | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | BA |
| 1968-85 | 2368 | 9049 | 1189 | 2743 | 529 | 77 | 219 | 1326 | 84 | 535 | 756 | .303 |
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Firstbase Outlook
The season seems to be really dragging so I am running out of things to talk about, especially how bad things are but hopefully changing for the better. So instead I wanted to take a quick look at what first base may look like for the Buccos.
Now that the reign of Adam LaRoche has ended, we are stuck with a conundrum on who will play first, at least we know it won't be Who. The candidates include Steve Pearce, Garrett Jones, Jeff Clement and perhaps wild cards Ryan Doumit and Pedro Alvarez.
First the wild cards. Doumit may get moved from behind that plate, as is practically rumored every year. His bat is his one endearing quality and the play of the Jaramillo and Diaz combination, plus their contracts, may make Doumit move from behind the plate. I don't think it is likely but it is a possibility. As is the possibility that Pedro Alvarez may get moved there as well. Many think he won't stick at third, but with the way Andy LaRoche has been non existent offensively, I think we can sacrifice defense for offensive potential.
The real options are Pearce, Jones, and Clement. Clement was to get a cup of coffee with the big league club this year, but got hurt down the stretch for the Indians at AAA. It is too bad as the team really wanted him to work with Perry Hill to improve his defense at first base, as he learns the position. Clement has the power potential and left handed bat that few in the organization have, but he has had some opportunities in the majors before and has not taken them. He also is learning to play a new position, so there will be some growing pains.
Steve Pearce has gotten the bulk of the starts at first base and has fared much better in his second stint this season. Unfortunately he has not done enough to really wow anyone. I would say at this point, Pearce is what he is. There is some room to grow, but time is not on his side. He probably is a major league player, just perhaps not a major league starter. As long as he is cheap, I think he'll be around.
Finally that brings us to Garrett Jones. This guy has just been phenomenal since he got called up. Though he has played in the outfield more than first, first is his natural position. I would think that what Jones has done this season has given him a spot on next year's team. They would be stupid not to see if he could do it again, as long as we don't give him more money and put ourselves on the hook. If Jones is coming back, I would think first would be his position, as it would seem Jose Tabata would take over in right for him.
If I had to handicap it I would say the options go in this order; Jones, Clement, Pearce, Alvarez and Doumit. I would not be surprised though if Clement is given every opporutnity to lose the job in the spring though, as I am sure management will want to get a good look at him.
Now that the reign of Adam LaRoche has ended, we are stuck with a conundrum on who will play first, at least we know it won't be Who. The candidates include Steve Pearce, Garrett Jones, Jeff Clement and perhaps wild cards Ryan Doumit and Pedro Alvarez.
First the wild cards. Doumit may get moved from behind that plate, as is practically rumored every year. His bat is his one endearing quality and the play of the Jaramillo and Diaz combination, plus their contracts, may make Doumit move from behind the plate. I don't think it is likely but it is a possibility. As is the possibility that Pedro Alvarez may get moved there as well. Many think he won't stick at third, but with the way Andy LaRoche has been non existent offensively, I think we can sacrifice defense for offensive potential.
The real options are Pearce, Jones, and Clement. Clement was to get a cup of coffee with the big league club this year, but got hurt down the stretch for the Indians at AAA. It is too bad as the team really wanted him to work with Perry Hill to improve his defense at first base, as he learns the position. Clement has the power potential and left handed bat that few in the organization have, but he has had some opportunities in the majors before and has not taken them. He also is learning to play a new position, so there will be some growing pains.
Steve Pearce has gotten the bulk of the starts at first base and has fared much better in his second stint this season. Unfortunately he has not done enough to really wow anyone. I would say at this point, Pearce is what he is. There is some room to grow, but time is not on his side. He probably is a major league player, just perhaps not a major league starter. As long as he is cheap, I think he'll be around.
Finally that brings us to Garrett Jones. This guy has just been phenomenal since he got called up. Though he has played in the outfield more than first, first is his natural position. I would think that what Jones has done this season has given him a spot on next year's team. They would be stupid not to see if he could do it again, as long as we don't give him more money and put ourselves on the hook. If Jones is coming back, I would think first would be his position, as it would seem Jose Tabata would take over in right for him.
If I had to handicap it I would say the options go in this order; Jones, Clement, Pearce, Alvarez and Doumit. I would not be surprised though if Clement is given every opporutnity to lose the job in the spring though, as I am sure management will want to get a good look at him.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
The Duke of Hazzard
What has being going wrong with Zach Duke for his past few starts? This year seemed to be the year that Duke was making strides forward. He was excellent for most of the season and was named to the All-Star team. His effectiveness was a good sign if the team was ever going to contend in the near future, but now it seems like he is lost out there.
In his last three games he has only logged 13 innings. He has allowed 30 hits and 20 runs over that span. It is almost incredible to watch how he has fallen off. The vast majority of those run are earned, so it is not as though we can fault the defense. To add to it these games have come against divisional opponents, so he is familiar with the lineups.
One has to wonder though if this stretch he is on continues, what do we make of his season? It looked as though things were looking up and now not so much, instead it looks like the same Zach Duke. Is he getting tired? That seems doubtful as he has been around the block, so pitching like this is not unusual for him. Or was he just on a real streak to start the season and he is fooling us again?
I wouldn't be in panic mode just yet, but I will say that I am alarmed that he has fallen off. It is really making me wonder what Zach Duke we just do indeed have. It definitely won't make any contract decisions any easier if he continues to falter.
The final weeks of the season are important for many individuals to gauge their progress and oddly enough perhaps none as important as our own All-Star.
In his last three games he has only logged 13 innings. He has allowed 30 hits and 20 runs over that span. It is almost incredible to watch how he has fallen off. The vast majority of those run are earned, so it is not as though we can fault the defense. To add to it these games have come against divisional opponents, so he is familiar with the lineups.
One has to wonder though if this stretch he is on continues, what do we make of his season? It looked as though things were looking up and now not so much, instead it looks like the same Zach Duke. Is he getting tired? That seems doubtful as he has been around the block, so pitching like this is not unusual for him. Or was he just on a real streak to start the season and he is fooling us again?
I wouldn't be in panic mode just yet, but I will say that I am alarmed that he has fallen off. It is really making me wonder what Zach Duke we just do indeed have. It definitely won't make any contract decisions any easier if he continues to falter.
The final weeks of the season are important for many individuals to gauge their progress and oddly enough perhaps none as important as our own All-Star.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
A Day That Will Live in Infamy
Somehow I don't see Neal Huntington getting in front of a group and saying the "September 7, 2009 is a date that will live in infamy," akin to Franklin Delano Roosevelt. For us fans this is a date that will live on in infamy, but I wanted to take a look at a few actions that have brought us to this infamous date. None of them really have much to do with the new management, it is almost assumed that when they took over this date would come. Only if Jesus of Nazareth was named GM would things have turned out differently, and I am not sure he can scout a good curve ball.
The first domino was clearly the trading of John Smiley prior to 1992. Granted we got Denny Neagle, but trading away a guy that went toe to toe with Drabek to make a two headed monster was a big blow to the 1992 team.
The next great fall was having Kevin McClatchy not just buy the team but run it. He knew nothing of baseball, yet ran the team for a vast majority of this streak. His inability to practice just good business sense, I mean they ran a deficit after having a tax payer funded ballpark, is a credit to his inabilities. If we could not have a guy who could oversee a simple balance sheet, how could we expect to see him run a ballclub. As John Perrotto notes, some of the McClatchy savior story is revisionist history.
Hiring Cam Bonifay was a good move perhaps at the time, but he wore out his welcome. He was able to build a fairly respectable farm system, but the players never panned out or he made blunders with top picks. Examples of the badly handled top picks were Mark Farris, Clint Johnston, and JJ Davis. Add in the fact that Bonifay also had a bad time tagging the right big leaguers; see Brown, Brant.
Perhaps Bonifay's lasting legacy to Dave Littlefield were the big contracts he signed players to. Kevin Young, Pat Meares, Jason Kendall, and Derek Bell were prime examples of big ticket guys gone wrong. Surprisingly Bonifay was able to do well with Brian Giles, one getting him a heist and two signing him to a Pittsburgh friendly contract.
When the Bucs got rid of Bonifay, seeing that he was lacking a direction as his five year plan went off course somewhere, the turned to Dave Littlefield. If only we could time travel from that day to the day Littlefield got fired, we all might have more hair.
To Littlefield's credit he made a great first trade in getting Kip Wells, Josh Fogg, and Sean Lowe for practically nothing in Todd Ritchie and Lee Evans. He also did well in getting Jason Bay, but other than that everything else was an adventure. He took an organization that was at best mediocre, the big league club was horrible, but the minors had some talent, some of which is still here, and Littlefield neglected to do anything with that farm system. He clearly made things worse and it is unbelievable that he was on the job for so long, but that is due to a previous point of Kevin McClatchy running things.
This day was probably not possible had the current administration not decided to blow things up and start over. Grant you I agree that is what should have been done and needs to be done, but when they started trading guys away , it was pretty much writing this record in stone.
While some may laugh at the club and wonder what has gone wrong, we all know what has gone wrong and why and hope that soon things will be much more different.
The first domino was clearly the trading of John Smiley prior to 1992. Granted we got Denny Neagle, but trading away a guy that went toe to toe with Drabek to make a two headed monster was a big blow to the 1992 team.
The next great fall was having Kevin McClatchy not just buy the team but run it. He knew nothing of baseball, yet ran the team for a vast majority of this streak. His inability to practice just good business sense, I mean they ran a deficit after having a tax payer funded ballpark, is a credit to his inabilities. If we could not have a guy who could oversee a simple balance sheet, how could we expect to see him run a ballclub. As John Perrotto notes, some of the McClatchy savior story is revisionist history.
Hiring Cam Bonifay was a good move perhaps at the time, but he wore out his welcome. He was able to build a fairly respectable farm system, but the players never panned out or he made blunders with top picks. Examples of the badly handled top picks were Mark Farris, Clint Johnston, and JJ Davis. Add in the fact that Bonifay also had a bad time tagging the right big leaguers; see Brown, Brant.
Perhaps Bonifay's lasting legacy to Dave Littlefield were the big contracts he signed players to. Kevin Young, Pat Meares, Jason Kendall, and Derek Bell were prime examples of big ticket guys gone wrong. Surprisingly Bonifay was able to do well with Brian Giles, one getting him a heist and two signing him to a Pittsburgh friendly contract.
When the Bucs got rid of Bonifay, seeing that he was lacking a direction as his five year plan went off course somewhere, the turned to Dave Littlefield. If only we could time travel from that day to the day Littlefield got fired, we all might have more hair.
To Littlefield's credit he made a great first trade in getting Kip Wells, Josh Fogg, and Sean Lowe for practically nothing in Todd Ritchie and Lee Evans. He also did well in getting Jason Bay, but other than that everything else was an adventure. He took an organization that was at best mediocre, the big league club was horrible, but the minors had some talent, some of which is still here, and Littlefield neglected to do anything with that farm system. He clearly made things worse and it is unbelievable that he was on the job for so long, but that is due to a previous point of Kevin McClatchy running things.
This day was probably not possible had the current administration not decided to blow things up and start over. Grant you I agree that is what should have been done and needs to be done, but when they started trading guys away , it was pretty much writing this record in stone.
While some may laugh at the club and wonder what has gone wrong, we all know what has gone wrong and why and hope that soon things will be much more different.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Thank You
With the Pirates clinching their own place in history, I think there are a few people we need to thank for this day to happen. This could have never happened without the help of the following people:
Brian Hunter, Rich Aude, Angelo Encarnacion, Lloyd McClendon, Midre Cummings, Will Pennyfeather, Steve Cooke, Alejandro Pena, Rick White, Mark Parent, Mark Johnson, Jacob Brumfield, Dave Clark, Freddy Garcia, Paul Wagner, John Ericks, Steve Parris, Dan Miceli, Jason Christiansen, Charlie Hayes, Jermaine Allensworth, Mike Kingery, Trey Beamon, Marc Wilkins, Chris Peters, Matt Ruebel, Ramon Morel, Dave Wainhouse, Kevin Elster, Emil Brown, Adrian Brown, Lou Collier, Kevin Polcovich, Doug Strange, Mark Smith, Jeff McCurry, Elmer Dessens, Todd Van Poppel, Warren Morris, Mike Benjamin, Kevin Young, Brant Brown, Keith Osik, Joe Oliver, Ed Sprague, Pete Schourek, Mike Willliams, Brad Clontz, Jimmy Anderson, Jason Kendall, Pat Meares, Wil Cordero, Luis Sojo, Bruce Aven, Alex Ramirez, Enrique Wilson, Jeff Wallace, Josias Manzanillo, Derek Bell, Tike Redman, Chad Hermansen, Humberto Cota, Armando Rios, Tony McKnight, Joe Biemel, Omar Olivares, Terry Mulholland, Mike Fetters, Ramon Martinez, Ryan Vogelsong, Pokey Reese, Tony Alvarez, JJ Davis, Kris Benson, Josh Fogg, Brian Meadows, Brian Boehringer, Ron Villone, Sean Lowe, Duaner Sanchez, Randall Simon, Jeff Reboulet, Abraham Nunez, Carlos Rivera, Bobby Hill, JR House, Kip Wells, Jeff D'Amico, Julian Tavarez, Mark Corey, Ty Wigginton, Jose Castillo, Daryle Ward, Chris Stynes, Jose Mesa, Jason Boyd, Willis Roberts, Matt Lawton, Brad Eldred, Chris Duffy, Jose Bautista, JJ Furmaniak, Jody Gerut, Benito Santiago, Mike Restovich, Ray Sadler, Alfredo Amezaga, Mark Redman, Oliver Perez, Ian Snell, Bryan Bullington, Ronny Paulino, Sean Casey, Jeromy Burnitz, Joe Randa, Jose Hernandez, Victor Santos, Shawn Chacon, Roberto Hernandez, Shane Youman, Marty McLeary, Jonah Bayliss, Josh Sharpless, Brian Rodgers, Matt Herges, Cesar Izturis, Nyjer Morgan, Josh Phelps, Matt Kata, Don Kelly, Carlos Maldonado, Tom Gorzelanny, Matt Morris, Salomon Torres, Tony Armas, John Van Benschoten, Franquelis Osoria, Masumi Kuwata, John Wasdin, Romulo Sanchez, Danny Kolb, Dave Davidson, Jason Michaels, Luis Rivas, Chris Gomez, Andy LaRoche, Brandon Moss, Raul Chavez, Brian Bixler, TJ Beam, Jason Davis, Yoslan Herrera, Marino Salas, Craig Hansen, Jimmy Barthmaier, Ty Taubenheim, Eric Hinske and Jeff Salazar.
I would also like to thank all the coaches and managers, especially Dave Clark, Spin Williams, T-Bone Shelby, Jim Colburn, Lloyd McClendon, and Jim Tracy.
Of course great thanks goes to G. Ogden Nutting, Cam Bonifay, Paul Tinnell, Ed creech, and Roy Smith.
A special thank you to Kevin McClatchy. Yes you did keep the team here in Pittsburgh and were instrumental in building PNC Park. It was your hard work of running a baseball team, something you knew nothing at all about, that really helped to make this day possible. Thank you.
And to Dave Littlefield, who without his almost 7 years on the "job", perhaps none of this would have been possible. It was his due diligence that enabled the Pirates to go backwards as an organization in a way that no other could have. So it is with great and special thanks I'd like to thank him.
To all the others I have left out, I do apologize as you too put in some great work to make this all possible.
Brian Hunter, Rich Aude, Angelo Encarnacion, Lloyd McClendon, Midre Cummings, Will Pennyfeather, Steve Cooke, Alejandro Pena, Rick White, Mark Parent, Mark Johnson, Jacob Brumfield, Dave Clark, Freddy Garcia, Paul Wagner, John Ericks, Steve Parris, Dan Miceli, Jason Christiansen, Charlie Hayes, Jermaine Allensworth, Mike Kingery, Trey Beamon, Marc Wilkins, Chris Peters, Matt Ruebel, Ramon Morel, Dave Wainhouse, Kevin Elster, Emil Brown, Adrian Brown, Lou Collier, Kevin Polcovich, Doug Strange, Mark Smith, Jeff McCurry, Elmer Dessens, Todd Van Poppel, Warren Morris, Mike Benjamin, Kevin Young, Brant Brown, Keith Osik, Joe Oliver, Ed Sprague, Pete Schourek, Mike Willliams, Brad Clontz, Jimmy Anderson, Jason Kendall, Pat Meares, Wil Cordero, Luis Sojo, Bruce Aven, Alex Ramirez, Enrique Wilson, Jeff Wallace, Josias Manzanillo, Derek Bell, Tike Redman, Chad Hermansen, Humberto Cota, Armando Rios, Tony McKnight, Joe Biemel, Omar Olivares, Terry Mulholland, Mike Fetters, Ramon Martinez, Ryan Vogelsong, Pokey Reese, Tony Alvarez, JJ Davis, Kris Benson, Josh Fogg, Brian Meadows, Brian Boehringer, Ron Villone, Sean Lowe, Duaner Sanchez, Randall Simon, Jeff Reboulet, Abraham Nunez, Carlos Rivera, Bobby Hill, JR House, Kip Wells, Jeff D'Amico, Julian Tavarez, Mark Corey, Ty Wigginton, Jose Castillo, Daryle Ward, Chris Stynes, Jose Mesa, Jason Boyd, Willis Roberts, Matt Lawton, Brad Eldred, Chris Duffy, Jose Bautista, JJ Furmaniak, Jody Gerut, Benito Santiago, Mike Restovich, Ray Sadler, Alfredo Amezaga, Mark Redman, Oliver Perez, Ian Snell, Bryan Bullington, Ronny Paulino, Sean Casey, Jeromy Burnitz, Joe Randa, Jose Hernandez, Victor Santos, Shawn Chacon, Roberto Hernandez, Shane Youman, Marty McLeary, Jonah Bayliss, Josh Sharpless, Brian Rodgers, Matt Herges, Cesar Izturis, Nyjer Morgan, Josh Phelps, Matt Kata, Don Kelly, Carlos Maldonado, Tom Gorzelanny, Matt Morris, Salomon Torres, Tony Armas, John Van Benschoten, Franquelis Osoria, Masumi Kuwata, John Wasdin, Romulo Sanchez, Danny Kolb, Dave Davidson, Jason Michaels, Luis Rivas, Chris Gomez, Andy LaRoche, Brandon Moss, Raul Chavez, Brian Bixler, TJ Beam, Jason Davis, Yoslan Herrera, Marino Salas, Craig Hansen, Jimmy Barthmaier, Ty Taubenheim, Eric Hinske and Jeff Salazar.
I would also like to thank all the coaches and managers, especially Dave Clark, Spin Williams, T-Bone Shelby, Jim Colburn, Lloyd McClendon, and Jim Tracy.
Of course great thanks goes to G. Ogden Nutting, Cam Bonifay, Paul Tinnell, Ed creech, and Roy Smith.
A special thank you to Kevin McClatchy. Yes you did keep the team here in Pittsburgh and were instrumental in building PNC Park. It was your hard work of running a baseball team, something you knew nothing at all about, that really helped to make this day possible. Thank you.
And to Dave Littlefield, who without his almost 7 years on the "job", perhaps none of this would have been possible. It was his due diligence that enabled the Pirates to go backwards as an organization in a way that no other could have. So it is with great and special thanks I'd like to thank him.
To all the others I have left out, I do apologize as you too put in some great work to make this all possible.
Andy?
I had all sorts of stuff prepared about the streak, then they go and win today and blow all my work.
Earlier on Sunday, I was taken a back by a column John Perrotto wrote, showing the worst Pirates over the past 17 seasons, based on batting average, OPS, ERA and Base Runners per 9. Well I was not surprised at seeing Midre Cummings and Ryan "Sad Song" Vogelsong at the tops of the lists. What was surprising is that Andy LaRoche is so high. I knew he has been bad, but did not know he was in the running for some of the worst of recent memory. He has a .221 batting average worse than Keith Osik, Humberto Cota, and Kevin Polcovich. His .630 OPS is a shade lower than Polcovich's as well. That is just down right awful. I almost can't put into words the ineptitude that those stats show.
Stop and think about that for a moment. Here we have a third baseman, a position that normally is counted on for offense, and it has been a black hole for the past year plus. It almost does not matter what kind of defense he plays, the Pirates almost cannot have that type of offensive production from a offensive producing position.
One really has to wonder what may happen at third for the Bucs in the next year. Will they give Neil Walker a shot this season to see if he can be of any help offensively? Will they cross their fingers and hope that Pedro Alvarez is ready to go at third early next season?
Whatever the case LaRoche has been given an opportunity and has not done much with it. The guy's minor league history may have been inflated due to playing in offense friendly parks, but one would have still expected to see more production than what has come.
The Bucs will need to take a look around and see what costs and benefits of having LaRoche continue to play. We will get good defense but almost nothing offensively. Can we afford that if/when Ronny Cedeno falls back to earth? Or do we need that defense to make the pitchers better or offset Delywn Young's defensive liabilities? Or do we no matter what need the offensive production, defense be damned? These are tough questions to ask and with LaRoche still being another year away from arbitration, it may seem he may be back in some capacity next season, but after that is a mystery.
Earlier on Sunday, I was taken a back by a column John Perrotto wrote, showing the worst Pirates over the past 17 seasons, based on batting average, OPS, ERA and Base Runners per 9. Well I was not surprised at seeing Midre Cummings and Ryan "Sad Song" Vogelsong at the tops of the lists. What was surprising is that Andy LaRoche is so high. I knew he has been bad, but did not know he was in the running for some of the worst of recent memory. He has a .221 batting average worse than Keith Osik, Humberto Cota, and Kevin Polcovich. His .630 OPS is a shade lower than Polcovich's as well. That is just down right awful. I almost can't put into words the ineptitude that those stats show.
Stop and think about that for a moment. Here we have a third baseman, a position that normally is counted on for offense, and it has been a black hole for the past year plus. It almost does not matter what kind of defense he plays, the Pirates almost cannot have that type of offensive production from a offensive producing position.
One really has to wonder what may happen at third for the Bucs in the next year. Will they give Neil Walker a shot this season to see if he can be of any help offensively? Will they cross their fingers and hope that Pedro Alvarez is ready to go at third early next season?
Whatever the case LaRoche has been given an opportunity and has not done much with it. The guy's minor league history may have been inflated due to playing in offense friendly parks, but one would have still expected to see more production than what has come.
The Bucs will need to take a look around and see what costs and benefits of having LaRoche continue to play. We will get good defense but almost nothing offensively. Can we afford that if/when Ronny Cedeno falls back to earth? Or do we need that defense to make the pitchers better or offset Delywn Young's defensive liabilities? Or do we no matter what need the offensive production, defense be damned? These are tough questions to ask and with LaRoche still being another year away from arbitration, it may seem he may be back in some capacity next season, but after that is a mystery.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Minor League Awards
I wanted to take a look at the year in review for the Pirates farm system instead of giving a recap on the final week of the season, though we did witness the debut of Zach Von Rosenberg at Bradenton.
Best Story of the Year: Prospects! The big league club took a big hit but the minor leagues got a bunch of players in return and the returns from the draft have given us a ton of new prospects to look at. The top 30 list of this organization is almost entirely changed. There were a handful of guys at each level worth keeping an eye on, something we have not had the luxury of in years past.
Worst Story of the Year: Bryan Morris Suspension. It was bad enough that he was having a sub par season then he got suspended out of seemingly being frustrated. It may have gotten him out of his funk, but little was gained this year from Morris.
Most Disappointing Hitter: Shelby Ford. Thought by some to perhaps be a possible option at second base, Ford played terribly in AAA and was demoted to Altoona.
Most Disappointing Pitcher: Bryan Morris. The guy has a world of talent but injury issues and discipline problems have hampered that talent. He has not looked like the jewel that he was to be when he came over from the Dodgers, instead he looks like another busted prospect so far, but there is time for him.
Best Newcomer: Tony Sanchez. He came out swinging after signing quickly after being drafted. His whirlwind season took him from BC to Bradenton to State College to West Virginia. His hot hitting makes his pick look a lot better than on draft day.
Most Surprising Player: Starling Marte. I would say the fact that he went to West Virginia was a surprise, let alone the fact that he would play so well there. Most would expect a big adjustment from a cultural perspective, but Marte was solid his entire time at West Virginia.
Adam Hyzdu Award: Garrett Jones. Granted Jones only spent about half a season in the minors, but he hit the cover off the ball and continued to do it at the big league level. His season reminds me of many Hyzdu had in the minors.
Journeyman of the Year: Erik Kratz. Kratz played extremely well for the Indians and made the All-Star team at AAA. If only he were a little younger and we were pushed for catching talent, he would have a case for a call up to Pittsburgh.
Most Improved Player: Rudy Owens. This is again a no brainer,though there was strong competition from Ramon Aguero, who came fromthe depths of State College to throwing real heat at Altoona, albeitadding a few years in the process.
Comeback Player: Justin Byler. After having a successful season two years ago, Byler missed last season due to injury. He came back this year and showed the power he had before, hitting 5 home runs at State College.
Team of the Year: West Virginia Power. No team in the system showed more that hope was coming. Granted it was farther away but seeing teenagers in Starling Marte, Robbie Grossman, and Quinton Miller playing this high was really cool. Add to the fact Rudy Owens played so well for the first half and then Tony Sanchez in the second, they were a team to watch.
Hitter of the Year: Pedro Alvarez. It was not a slam dunk as I considered Marte and Sanchez as well. The numbers seemingly speak for themselves.
Pitcher of the Year: Rudy Owens. The only guy close was Brad Lincoln. Owens put up Playstation numbers that seemed to come out of no where, though last year we pegged him as a guy to watch.
Player of the Year: You know it was tough for me to decide between Pedro Alvarez and Rudy Owens. Both had excellent seasons, but in the end Owens was simply superb. So Rudy Owens is the Player of the Year.
Best Story of the Year: Prospects! The big league club took a big hit but the minor leagues got a bunch of players in return and the returns from the draft have given us a ton of new prospects to look at. The top 30 list of this organization is almost entirely changed. There were a handful of guys at each level worth keeping an eye on, something we have not had the luxury of in years past.
Worst Story of the Year: Bryan Morris Suspension. It was bad enough that he was having a sub par season then he got suspended out of seemingly being frustrated. It may have gotten him out of his funk, but little was gained this year from Morris.
Most Disappointing Hitter: Shelby Ford. Thought by some to perhaps be a possible option at second base, Ford played terribly in AAA and was demoted to Altoona.
Most Disappointing Pitcher: Bryan Morris. The guy has a world of talent but injury issues and discipline problems have hampered that talent. He has not looked like the jewel that he was to be when he came over from the Dodgers, instead he looks like another busted prospect so far, but there is time for him.
Best Newcomer: Tony Sanchez. He came out swinging after signing quickly after being drafted. His whirlwind season took him from BC to Bradenton to State College to West Virginia. His hot hitting makes his pick look a lot better than on draft day.
Most Surprising Player: Starling Marte. I would say the fact that he went to West Virginia was a surprise, let alone the fact that he would play so well there. Most would expect a big adjustment from a cultural perspective, but Marte was solid his entire time at West Virginia.
Adam Hyzdu Award: Garrett Jones. Granted Jones only spent about half a season in the minors, but he hit the cover off the ball and continued to do it at the big league level. His season reminds me of many Hyzdu had in the minors.
Journeyman of the Year: Erik Kratz. Kratz played extremely well for the Indians and made the All-Star team at AAA. If only he were a little younger and we were pushed for catching talent, he would have a case for a call up to Pittsburgh.
Most Improved Player: Rudy Owens. This is again a no brainer,though there was strong competition from Ramon Aguero, who came fromthe depths of State College to throwing real heat at Altoona, albeitadding a few years in the process.
Comeback Player: Justin Byler. After having a successful season two years ago, Byler missed last season due to injury. He came back this year and showed the power he had before, hitting 5 home runs at State College.
Team of the Year: West Virginia Power. No team in the system showed more that hope was coming. Granted it was farther away but seeing teenagers in Starling Marte, Robbie Grossman, and Quinton Miller playing this high was really cool. Add to the fact Rudy Owens played so well for the first half and then Tony Sanchez in the second, they were a team to watch.
Hitter of the Year: Pedro Alvarez. It was not a slam dunk as I considered Marte and Sanchez as well. The numbers seemingly speak for themselves.
Pitcher of the Year: Rudy Owens. The only guy close was Brad Lincoln. Owens put up Playstation numbers that seemed to come out of no where, though last year we pegged him as a guy to watch.
Player of the Year: You know it was tough for me to decide between Pedro Alvarez and Rudy Owens. Both had excellent seasons, but in the end Owens was simply superb. So Rudy Owens is the Player of the Year.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Keep It Coming
I must say, even though I have said that the wins and losses don't really matter, it still is almost unfathomable that the Bucs got swept by the Reds. The Reds? Things officially took a turn for the worse, as though they weren't already. There is talk now that the team may lose 100. Maybe. It sure did not look like that last week.
I don't think they will lose 100. I was holding out hope for 72 wins, though that looks like a tall, tall order. With about 30 games or so left that will be a task indeed. Heck even coming close to last year's total will be rather difficult.
What I would like to see is what did happen in the final game in Cincinnati. I would like to see Neil Walker play. Andy LaRoche has done nothing to make anyone feel good about seeing his name in the lineup. In fact his performance, as reluctant as I have been to say so, is making the Jason Bay trade look pretty bad. It is looking as though that whole deal hinges on Bryan Morris. We got what looks like to major league spare parts, a pitcher with a problem that seems to have no solution, and a top prospect with attitude problems. Great return.
Getting back to Walker. We seem to have a good idea of what LaRoche brings to the plate so lets see Walker try. What else do we have to lose? More games? Please. Frankly it will be well worth it to see if he can do anything so where know what type of ball player he is. Is he a fringe prospect or a guy that can be a big league contributor? We need to find out. The schedule the rest of the way has a lot of division games and I can only hope that we see more of Walker. It is best for him and the franchise.
I don't think they will lose 100. I was holding out hope for 72 wins, though that looks like a tall, tall order. With about 30 games or so left that will be a task indeed. Heck even coming close to last year's total will be rather difficult.
What I would like to see is what did happen in the final game in Cincinnati. I would like to see Neil Walker play. Andy LaRoche has done nothing to make anyone feel good about seeing his name in the lineup. In fact his performance, as reluctant as I have been to say so, is making the Jason Bay trade look pretty bad. It is looking as though that whole deal hinges on Bryan Morris. We got what looks like to major league spare parts, a pitcher with a problem that seems to have no solution, and a top prospect with attitude problems. Great return.
Getting back to Walker. We seem to have a good idea of what LaRoche brings to the plate so lets see Walker try. What else do we have to lose? More games? Please. Frankly it will be well worth it to see if he can do anything so where know what type of ball player he is. Is he a fringe prospect or a guy that can be a big league contributor? We need to find out. The schedule the rest of the way has a lot of division games and I can only hope that we see more of Walker. It is best for him and the franchise.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
JR and his Band
This past weekend in Milwaukee, while the Pirates were getting run out of town yet again, General Manager Neal Huntington presented offers of contracts to the entire coaching staff for next season. There is no reason why he would not have done that. This coaching staff is a main reason that we have seen a bunch of steps forward from many players.
Not to mention many of these coaches come with a pretty impressive resume already. Everyone is familiar with Joe Kerrigan. He needs no introduction as his abilities are plainly known by many. Gary Varsho was an up and coming minor league manager in the Phillies organization, named a managerial prospect by Baseball America, which he was for two games for the Phillies after they fired Larry Bowa. Tony Beasley as well is another highly regarded minor league manager, ticketed by some to be a managerial candidate some day.
Perhaps the most impressive is Perry Hill, the defensive wiz, who was brought to help improve the infield defense of the Buccos. His work is plainly evident in Andy LaRoche and in Delwyn Young. It was even evident in Jack Wilson and Freddy Sanchez as well. Word has come that Hill was the only one of the group to not take up the offer. Rumors are that he did not like how the team traded away veterans and is building for the future.
If that is the case, I wonder why he took the job here in the first place. Of all the guys to get traded this year, the only real surprise was Nate McLouth. Did he not do research on his perspective employer before taking a job? I can understand why he would want to work with veterans, as they might be closer to going to the playoffs, but he is known as a teacher, wouldn't you want to work with younger guys?
Hill's work with these players is making a big difference in how things are coming together and it would be great to have him around another year. These players coming up like Jeff Clement could use his guidance on becoming better, but it would seem as though Hill might be thinking of going elsewhere. He surely would find a job, so it might mean the Pirates may have to pony up some money for him. How much should they go? There are numerous ways of analyzing the value of a contract for a player but for a coach? Who knows?
It would be great to have him and if a little more money keeps him then great. I would just want to make sure he really does want to be here, and is not here for a paycheck. The Pirates have had too many people of the past decade plus here just for that.
Not to mention many of these coaches come with a pretty impressive resume already. Everyone is familiar with Joe Kerrigan. He needs no introduction as his abilities are plainly known by many. Gary Varsho was an up and coming minor league manager in the Phillies organization, named a managerial prospect by Baseball America, which he was for two games for the Phillies after they fired Larry Bowa. Tony Beasley as well is another highly regarded minor league manager, ticketed by some to be a managerial candidate some day.
Perhaps the most impressive is Perry Hill, the defensive wiz, who was brought to help improve the infield defense of the Buccos. His work is plainly evident in Andy LaRoche and in Delwyn Young. It was even evident in Jack Wilson and Freddy Sanchez as well. Word has come that Hill was the only one of the group to not take up the offer. Rumors are that he did not like how the team traded away veterans and is building for the future.
If that is the case, I wonder why he took the job here in the first place. Of all the guys to get traded this year, the only real surprise was Nate McLouth. Did he not do research on his perspective employer before taking a job? I can understand why he would want to work with veterans, as they might be closer to going to the playoffs, but he is known as a teacher, wouldn't you want to work with younger guys?
Hill's work with these players is making a big difference in how things are coming together and it would be great to have him around another year. These players coming up like Jeff Clement could use his guidance on becoming better, but it would seem as though Hill might be thinking of going elsewhere. He surely would find a job, so it might mean the Pirates may have to pony up some money for him. How much should they go? There are numerous ways of analyzing the value of a contract for a player but for a coach? Who knows?
It would be great to have him and if a little more money keeps him then great. I would just want to make sure he really does want to be here, and is not here for a paycheck. The Pirates have had too many people of the past decade plus here just for that.
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