Setting the Roster

The Pirates had to make some decisions about the 40 man roster on Friday, the deadline to add players in advance of the Rule Five draft. There were no real surprises as to who they added, as most fans when given a list of players that needed protected.

Added to the roster were Matt Hague, Jordy Mercer, Starling Marte, Rudy Owens, Justin Wilson, and Duke Welker. Perhaps Welker is the one surprise, as you could say that perhaps Tim Alderson, Diego Moreno, or Brett Lorin might have gotten the nod over him, but there is no quibble there.

What is interesting is who was added earlier in the day and who was released to make room.

Earlier in the day the Pirates added Jeremy Hefner from San Diego, a right handed pitcher, and Brian Jeroloman, a catcher. Jeroloman is real head scratcher as he has seemingly no offensive value at all. Hefner is more than likely going to be the Brian Burres of the roster.

Being removed from the roster today were Matt Pagnozzi, if you remember his handful of games behind the plate this season, Xavier Paul and Eric Fryer.

In removing Paul they take away one of their better bench players, though you could argue that Gorkys Hernandez is the same player, just not left handed. I would rather have Paul, but that is more personal preference.

Removing Fryer is the one that makes no sense. He has more offensive upside than Jeroloman, and he has been working on other positions as well. I hope that he sneaks through and we can keep him, as I think there is some good value with Fryer, much more than a guy like Brian Jeroloman or Matt Pagnozzi.