Pirates add lefty to bullpen mix!!!

by succos12 on Oct 29, 2009 10:53 PM EDT

Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com is reporting that the pirates claimed lefty reliever Justin Thomas off of waivers from the Mariners. I don't know much about the guy other than what I read in the article, but I am sure he is just marginal at best. The thing that came to my mind when I read the article were the comments that Huntington made when the Bucs traded Grabow. I think it was something along the line of it doesn't matter how many lefties we have in the pen as long as we have effective relievers. I agree with the statement to a degree, but I don't think the Pirates are ever going to have a bunch of lights out relievers. If you don't have all studs in the pen, it is important to have some guys who can succeed in the right situation like LOOGYs. I think this move indicates Neil is backpedalling a little on his statements. I guess that is what you get when you have a GM who always tells you exactly what is on his mind. I guess you have to take the bad with the good. Anyone have any thoughts on the move? (Is Thomas any good?, Does Neil speak before he thinks sometimes?, Are bullpen specialists important?, etc., etc.) Also, who do you think is the likely candidate to be removed from the 40 man?

link to article

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oops!!

I missed the fanshot on the same subject.

by succos12 on Oct 29, 2009 11:41 PM EDT reply actions

Past Season Comment

I think that NH was merely referring to the bullpen situation for ’09 and did not reflect his thoughts on lefty relievers moving forward.

by tjc on Oct 30, 2009 2:19 PM EDT reply actions

There's room on the 40 man.

Tyler Yates is a fee agent, so there’s no need, right now to remove someone from the 40 man.

by IAPiratesFan on Oct 30, 2009 5:37 PM EDT reply actions

No, but there will be...

…prior to the Rule 5 draft, since all players come off the 60-day DL at that point, and we’ve still got Meek and Ascanio there. Right now, we’re effectively at 41 on the roster, and that’s without adding any Rule 5 picks or signing any ML free agents.

by Vlad on Oct 31, 2009 10:37 PM EDT up reply actions

Thomas wont be on the 40 man roster

By the time the Rule 5 draft comes up Thomas would have already been placed on waivers. The Pirates are going to need to sign some of the potential Rule 5 guys and also are GOING to sign someone to help us out next year. This is a Jonathan Meloan situation grab him and hope he can pass through waivers.

by chrisiu10 on Nov 4, 2009 9:32 AM EST up reply actions