I'm onboard Neal

by 16andCounting on Jun 30, 2009 10:21 PM EDT

I'm sold. I had the feeling since last year's draft that this FO finally had the right idea but I've been cautiously optimistic, as any long-term Bucco fan should be with new management. Dealing Nyjer for Lastings Milledge today really cemeted my optimism but not for the obvious reasons.

This trade was one that the Pirates have been on the other end of for the last 15 years. It should be clear as day to anyone paying attention to what has been happening. The Nationals (I live in DC so I feel like I have a good perspective on the mood here) are DESPERATE. Desperate teams do dumb things. They're desperate to win, desperate to draw fans. Teams that are in this position (read Pirates 1992-current) and can't fight the urge to get better immediately do stupid things. So the Nats trade for Nyjer Morgan, immediate help at leadoff and give up on the guy that just recently graced their opening day program. That's a buy high-sell low strategy if I've ever seen one. It's a Dave Littlefield special. Improve the leadoff spot and bullpen now... at the price of young talent. Anyone who thinks the Nats won this deal isn't a Pirates fan or hasn't been paying attention. It doesn't matter if Milledge flames out or Hanrahan's ERA continue to skyrocket. The Buccos did the right thing today and that's all we should ask.

Lastly, it's nice to now know that there's a team above the Buccos on the get-ripped-in-every-deal list. This smelled like a lemon for the Nats when I had read rumors that they had inquired about Nyjer and the Bucs had asked for Milledge and one of the Nat's young (talented) starters. No reasonable team would make this request... but how many times have we read these types of rumors with the Bucs on the other end? That means Neal & Co knew they could take Riz to the cleaners and started out with insane demands. Look objectively at this deal and it's clear. Nyjer, at 28, has none of the upside of Lastings and I'd make the argument Milledge's performance from last year was better than Nyjer's so far this year. Burnett is at best as talented as Hanrahan. Good work, Neal.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of the managing editor (Charlie) or SB Nation. FanPosts are written by Bucs Dugout readers.

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Comments

Yep

I couldn’t agree with you more. I’m actually excited about the next trade that NH is going to make, and i’m sure that there are more coming. Maybe i’m a little too optimistic, but i think the bucs are putting something together that i can actually believe in. Not too sure about the guys we got back for hinske. Don’t know much about them.

by grambo119 on Jun 30, 2009 10:48 PM EDT reply actions

My sympathies on you're

…living in DC so long that you have a perspective on their baseball moods. What’s the beltway up to now – 20 lanes but 3 hours to go 15 miles? May God have mercy on your soul….

by Trogluddite on Jun 30, 2009 10:55 PM EDT reply actions

I sense some sarcasm here but it’s worth noting that the mood here can easily be described in two words: Indiffernce and disgust. FO’s tend to make stupid trades in the face of apathetic fans; especially relatively new teams in new stadiums. Papers mock the team daily. It’s ugly.

by 16andCounting on Jul 1, 2009 8:18 AM EDT up reply actions

I Agree

I’m still not crazy about Milledge, but this is the exact type of deal that a good GM will make. If you make enough of these buy-low/sell-high deals, some of them will work out.

I still don’t really believe in Lastings Milledge though.

by Androgen Jar Jimmy on Jun 30, 2009 11:08 PM EDT reply actions

Couldn't Agree More

people around here need to realize there is no more dave littlefield and Neil Huntington is for real… he makes smart baseball moves and acquires good young talent…. pittsburgh fans are all the same they get upset that we traded Morgan and Burnet because they know there names…and havent ever heard of the players we got back… to trade Morgan for a beyond 5 tool Outfielder in milledge is a huge steal plus Hanrahan… im only 19 yrs old and i can see and i completely agree with everything neil huntington has done so far…all his trades make sense… I believe in Neil Huntington!

by BigB23 on Jun 30, 2009 11:13 PM EDT reply actions

Response

I’m suprised Huntington has a dick left the way everyone is sucking him so much

by MarioSheets on Jul 1, 2009 12:10 AM EDT reply actions

Three excellent trades (Nady/Marte, McLouth, Morgan/Burnett), one good trade (Bay), what looks to be two excellent drafts, and even a highly-anticipated Latin American signing season where should pick up the best player. Plus setting up a good coaching staff (especially Kerrigan) and even the little things like picking up Meek and Delwyn off the scrap heap. What’s not to like.

by Gorkys n' Beans on Jul 1, 2009 12:13 AM EDT up reply actions

The previous 15 years.

Obviously he was behind all of it.

/sarcasm

True Blue Jazz
Bucco Ball
I'm on Twitter
RIP Nick Adenhart. 4/9/09

by UtesFan89 on Jul 1, 2009 12:18 AM EDT up reply actions

Or maybe it was that damned George Bush.....

If he could cause Katrina and 9/11 he could be behind anything….
/ sarcasm
…..also, this sarcastic humor was not directed toward you or anything you previously said, Utes. I’m gorillakilla34 and I approve this message.

"So you think 25 percent of the country is retarded?! Yea. Atleast 25 percent. Well lets so a sample. There are 4 of us an you're retarded. Thats 25 percent." Southpark; Mystery of the Urinal Deuce

by gorillakilla34 on Jul 1, 2009 12:29 AM EDT up reply actions

No worries

online sports blog full of sarcasm.
I get it… I’m involved quite a bit too. :)

Makes it more fun, in my honest opinion.

True Blue Jazz
Bucco Ball
I'm on Twitter
RIP Nick Adenhart. 4/9/09

by UtesFan89 on Jul 1, 2009 12:47 AM EDT up reply actions

Got that right buddy

Where would we be without it? I know MY life would be a little less meaningful.

"So you think 25 percent of the country is retarded?! Yea. Atleast 25 percent. Well lets so a sample. There are 4 of us an you're retarded. Thats 25 percent." Southpark; Mystery of the Urinal Deuce

by gorillakilla34 on Jul 1, 2009 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Where I come from Mario, that’s not a bad situation to be in………

"So you think 25 percent of the country is retarded?! Yea. Atleast 25 percent. Well lets so a sample. There are 4 of us an you're retarded. Thats 25 percent." Southpark; Mystery of the Urinal Deuce

by gorillakilla34 on Jul 1, 2009 12:18 AM EDT up reply actions

BWAHAHAHAHAHA

by bucdaddy on Jul 1, 2009 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions

Wonderful first post on this blog site, MarioSheets

Now there’s the door. Don’t let it hit you on the way out.

by ryebr3ad on Jul 1, 2009 1:43 AM EDT up reply actions

im sure you pass up a lot of head, or praise for that matter

by 22cutchhappens on Jul 1, 2009 12:30 AM EDT reply actions

The MLB Network Jabrons think the Nats made out

Mitch Williams= Jackass
This other guy says that he thought the Pirates were building a youth movement, and he mentioned Nyjer’s youth. Almost 29. Do some research.

The just called it mind boggling. I do not get how people, even these analysts think the right nucleus for the Pirates is Sanchez, Morgan, Wilson, McLouth, Doumit. They are complimentary pieces at best. Our nucleus is coming: Alvarez, Cutch, Tabata, T. Sanchez, Locke, Lincoln, Morris. What sounds more appealing to you all?

Neil Huntington, sir, I am completely on board. Let’s do this.

"Everybody panic! If you have a small child, use it as a shield! They love tender meat."

by BattlinBucs on Jul 1, 2009 12:30 AM EDT reply actions

2nd paragraph- *They

"Everybody panic! If you have a small child, use it as a shield! They love tender meat."

by BattlinBucs on Jul 1, 2009 12:41 AM EDT up reply actions

I do agree almost with all of that. I believe the one player from the current team that can still be around for the next winning team is Doumit. I would love for him to be the one that sticks around through all of this. He’s not a baby anymore at 27, but he’s not old, either, and he could be the one real piece that sticks around for the long haul. All of the other ones can be traded for younger players and prospects, but I think we should keep Doumit. That’s just me. But I do agree with you on the idea.

by mspirate on Jul 1, 2009 3:04 AM EDT up reply actions

Whether or not Doumit is around

is up to Doumit’s body. I’ve pretty much given up the idea that he can stay healthy for a great part of the season. If you can’t stay on the field, I have a problem with you being a part of the core. I like Doumit too, but I think the best thing for the Pirates is to get him back on the field and then look for a good return on him.

"Everybody panic! If you have a small child, use it as a shield! They love tender meat."

by BattlinBucs on Jul 1, 2009 8:56 AM EDT up reply actions

For the first time, I actually feel very sorry for the guys that we are trading. I would be really pissed if I was Nyjer Morgan or Sean Burnett. We aren’t good, but the Nats are God-Awful!

We totally robbed them blind in this deal. We now have 4 young high-talent outfielders either in the majors or within 1.5 years of the show. Looks like we’ll have to make do with the best 3 of Cutch, Tabata, Hernandez and Milledge.

by houksyndrome on Jul 1, 2009 3:06 AM EDT reply actions

Also don't forget Robbie Grossman (I know he's a little farther away)

I definetly feel bad for Nyjer. Burnett I really don’t have any feelings for or against. That’s definetly a clubhouse that would suck to walk in to. Elijah Dukes, Adam Dunn, Ronnie Belliard……..ofcourse maybe Nyjer could be the guy who brings this team together. They could base a Disney movie on it!

"So you think 25 percent of the country is retarded?! Yea. Atleast 25 percent. Well lets so a sample. There are 4 of us an you're retarded. Thats 25 percent." Southpark; Mystery of the Urinal Deuce

by gorillakilla34 on Jul 1, 2009 6:44 AM EDT up reply actions

Your mention of Adam Dunn

is a good example of how helpful it is for a bad team to throw big money at a free agent. As if we needed any more.

by bucdaddy on Jul 1, 2009 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions

As if we need any more what?

Big money free agents? No comprende amigo.

"So you think 25 percent of the country is retarded?! Yea. Atleast 25 percent. Well lets so a sample. There are 4 of us an you're retarded. Thats 25 percent." Southpark; Mystery of the Urinal Deuce

by gorillakilla34 on Jul 1, 2009 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions

I think he means examples

by Phantaskippy on Jul 1, 2009 7:36 PM EDT up reply actions

Well Written 16andCounting

Nice job, very well written.

Huntington’s first name is spelled Neal, not Neil. no big deal.

by God Loves on Jul 1, 2009 8:05 AM EDT reply actions

Count me in

I think Neal, Frank and Co. have a great plan and are sticking to it. I like the direction of this team and am excited about what the major league roster will look like in 2011, 2012 etc.

by Brakeman8 on Jul 1, 2009 12:43 PM EDT reply actions

The 800-Pound Gorilla In The Room

Is everybody drinking NH Cool-Aide or can we please acknowledge the fact that Lastings has been a trouble-maker everywhere he has been? Sure he has the talent and sure he has sometimes shown glimpses of it but can we at least discuss the possible down-side of his appearance on our team. Forget the fact that the clubhouse has no positive morale and that everybody is looking over their shoulders to see who will be traded next. Lastings still has a broken finger which he must first rehabilitate and a possible broken personality that might not be rehabilitated. If he had just one isolated occasion I could look the other way but he’s created mild trouble at almost everywhere he has played. Isn’t anybody else concerned about this?

by Illinois Pirate Fan on Jul 1, 2009 1:12 PM EDT reply actions

We could afford

to lose Nyjer Morgan for the possibility that Milledge has pulled his head out.

Free your ass and your mind will follow.

by cocktailsfor2 on Jul 1, 2009 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions

We couldn't get a cup of coffee for Nyjer last year

I dont care if Lastings comes up here and sh*ts bed. We had no shot at this type of player last year or the beginning of this year without having to give up better talent. Nyjer is what he is – a 29 year old first time major leaguer and we were able to pull Lastings for him! Unreal.

BTW – if you are so worried about chemistry, just know that winning is the best way to build chemistry. Oh, and you can win without chemistry – look at the ‘89 A’s.

by vanslyke on Jul 1, 2009 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions

Or

the 1909 Tigers with Ty cobb

by Green_Wave on Jul 1, 2009 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions

He no longer

has a broken finger because he is on his way to rehab which means not broken any longer time to get back in top shape.
Plus, the biggest incidents I can find involve giving high fives to fans after his first home run when he went back to the field which pissed off his teammates and that he didn’t like being jerked around by the Nats organization. I’m pretty sure those aren’t signs of head cases but simply a young guy who wants to play and was excited about his first home run.

by Green_Wave on Jul 1, 2009 1:29 PM EDT up reply actions

not everybody

the veterans are looking over their shoulders at who will be traded.

and rightly so.

by johnnycuff on Jul 1, 2009 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Or praying it’s not the Nats, I don’t think Bay or Nady were upset for very long, and I doubt Hinske is gonna lose any sleep over going to the Yanks.

by Phantaskippy on Jul 1, 2009 7:38 PM EDT up reply actions

His problems

in NY, he high-fived fans after hitting a HR. How dare he.

in Washington, he struggled when they moved him to lead-off & CF. Which of course is totally his fault, because how dare he not be perfect at playing every position from the get-go.

True Blue Jazz
Bucco Ball
I'm on Twitter
RIP Nick Adenhart. 4/9/09

by UtesFan89 on Jul 1, 2009 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah...they (Nats) gave him a whole 6 games to fail.

If the Pirates sent down every player that struggled for 6 games this season…nobody would be playing regularly…except maybe Freddy.

Of course…being late twice in ST and the first week of the season didn’t help his (Milledge) struggles either. Sounds like the Nats may have actually held him accountable for his actions. And maybe it woke him up. OTOH…I wouldn’t touch Elijah Dukes with a 20 foot pole. That one I would have trouble accepting…and it isn’t like he put up All-Star numbers before the Nats sent him down today.

by Thunder on Jul 1, 2009 6:14 PM EDT up reply actions

Damn dogg......how you gonna dis your momma(800lb gorilla in the room)

"So you think 25 percent of the country is retarded?! Yea. Atleast 25 percent. Well lets so a sample. There are 4 of us an you're retarded. Thats 25 percent." Southpark; Mystery of the Urinal Deuce

by gorillakilla34 on Jul 1, 2009 10:24 PM EDT up reply actions