At the end of the year, actually the majority of the it, Mientkiewicz seemed to be the only Bucco who cared about the team’s record. He always played hard, lit a fire under his teammates, and wasn’t afraid to call them out for mistakes (something our manager needs to take a lessen on). Sure he is aging and is a utility player at best, but wouldn’t cost much.

Doug seemed to will us to a few victories, even while on the bench, which few current Pirates have the fire or mentality to do. More importantly, he has a World Series ring, knows how to win, and at times that winning mentality can transfer over to the rest of them. Even fewer (if any) of the current players can say that.

I was about to post that I’d sure rather have Doug in left field than Nyjer Morgan. Then I looked at their numbers.

1. Dougie’s not very good.
2. Dougie’s old, so he’s not getting better.
3. Pissing off Randy Johnson is completely irrelevant to points 1 and 2.

There is still a possibility Doug Mientkiewicz could be in a Pirate uniform this season.

It might have just been a communication breakdown between Huntington and Mientkiewicz’s side.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09015/941847-63.stm