Pirates Preview at Hardball Times

My question would be, “what reasonable developments might lead to a more optimistic forecast?” Since a career year from everyone is not reasonable, and since the Pirates really did trade away some very capable hitters, it seems to me that a better than expected outcome has to hinge on better than expected pitching. Even with bounce-back seasons from Andy LaRoche and Freddy Sanchez, it’s simply not sensible to think that this team can hit as well as last year’s. One might hope for better outfield defense (which would make better pitching more reasonable) once McCutchen is recalled and installed in center. But I find it hard to believe that better outfield defense could have a huge impact.

I think we know what the rotation is going to be at the start of the season: Maholm, Snell, Duke, Ohlendorf, and Karstens. Aside from Gorzelanny suddenly finding himself, his fastball, and his slider, is there any minor league pitcher who could even possibly push his way into this group by the all-star break?

This season is just going to be about some younger players proving they belong ( andy, moss, duke, snell, ohlendorf, karstens, ect…), maybe moving more veterans (freddy, jack, adam laroche), and having another great draft. Any more than that should just be considered a bonus. If you think the pirates near future looks bleak try reading the Padres write up on hardball times. It basically says hey we have jake peavy……for now.

I’m not commenting on any more of your posts until there’s a firm commitment to play a gig in Chicago.

But good assessment.

Okay, this is my last comment on your posts.

Until the next one. ;-)

One quibble: ISO is usually called “isolated power”, not “isolated slugging percentage”. Threw me for a second.