No speed, lack of range in the field, a smallish player already limited to a corner position and has no power…why are you so interested in him? I hope he becomes something-he has shown the ability to stroke the ball-but otherwise he doesn`t seem to have much of a future.

“Bacon said that the Pirates are likely to keep him in Single-A because Romak can rotate between the designated hitter spot and the outfield.”

Yeah. What? What the hell reason is that? I’d be interested to know if that was Bacon’s thought or if he also heard that from Kyle Stark.

But I’m pretty sure I’ll get a better answer in Sundays PG, which should be up in about a half an hour.

I certainly hope you are right, but I just don`t see it.

they mean than romak can rotate between 1B and DH to get as many at bats as possible. though he can do that at altoona, as well.

i understand negrych. he hits like a middle infielder (moderate gap power) but plays defense like a first baseman (no speed, minimal range). which makes him, i dunno, maybe the new freddy sanchez?

even so, i’m not sure how much better his defense is going to get. if they view him as a utility player, then they must be aware that he’s probably reaching his cieling as far as defensive ability. if thats the case, then you might as well promote him and see if he can keep hitting in altoona. besides, it isnt like there’s anyone at altoona who would definitely deserve more playing time than him.

Although you never know what might happen. Duffy has missed the last few games with an ear infection, Pacheco was held out the last couple nights with injury and Shelby Ford who, although not an outfielder, is hurt as well. I wouldn’t be shocked if there was a little movement just to help Altoona in the meantime. They activated Reyes as a 3rd catcher behind Lerud and Perez the other night. Both of those guys have seen time at the DH over the last week.

...but I still think this is misguided. Most guys in A+ can’t even throw a decent breaking ball. How’s he going to learn pitch selection if all he sees is slop?

Article with an interview from Kyle Stark in the Lynchburg paper. Gives a little more insight to promotions and what upper management is looking for.

http://www.newsadvance.com/lna/sports/minors/article/promotions_not_just_about_performance/6565/

The line you quote there is the author, although it was probably inspired by what Stark said. Needless to say, I was not impressed with Stark from this article.

Another great one from Stark:

"We’re not going to make the decisions based on performance," he (Stark) said in a phone interview this week.

OK, so what was all that accountability stuff about then. If you aren’t going to reward guys for hitting 360 or leading their league in home runs, then what the hell are you going to reward them for? Being well dressed?

but to answer the question of why we might like Negrych….

look who is starting at 3B. Doesn’t hit for average. Doesn’t get on base. No speed. Little range, fields like a first baseman (and not one of those good first basemen like Pujols). Hit’s a few home runs every couple weeks. It’s Jose Bautista. That is why I’m interested in what Negrych can do. Hell if he hits for .275 I’d take him.