Pirates Trade Brian Bixler... for a Prospect?
by Charlie Wilmoth on Jan 18, 2010 4:29 PM EST
Email
Print
The Pirates have traded Brian Bixler to the Indians, getting minor league 3B/OF Jesus Brito in return. The move clears space on the roster to make official the signing of Brendan Donnelly. Bixler, who is from Sandusky, will compete to be the Indians' utility infielder.
I'm just flabbergasted that the Pirates got someone to trade for Bixler, let alone to give them something pretty interesting in return. Brito hails from the Dominican Republic and didn't play particularly well in the DSL in 2008, drawing a bunch of walks but not doing much else, but last year he finally made it to the states as a 21-year-old and went berserk, hitting .366 for their Arizona League rookie affiliate and .333 for the Class A- Mahoning Valley Scrappers. Brito was very old and very experienced for those leagues, but his numbers speak for themselves: OBPs of .439 and .419, OPSes of 1.081 and .875. He also hit for impressive power in rookie ball. And this isn't necessarily just a case of an unimpressive guy putting up unsustainable numbers at a low level, either, since Baseball America ranked Brito the 14th-best prospect in the Arizona League. (He's obviously unlikely to continue to hit .350 like he did this year, but BA's approval suggests that at least some of the skills he used to get those huge numbers are real.) Neal Huntington suggests that Brito is pretty shaky defensively, so he'll probably need to hit to progress.
Even adjusting for my bias against Bixler because of his hideous big-league performances, I just can't see how Neal Huntington got away with this. Bixler is 27, still has terrible control of the strike zone and has shown no real indication he's anything more than a AAA player. For the Indians to give up a guy who might one day be something, even if that's unlikely, is just weird.
John Sickels ranks Brito a Grade C prospect.
131 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Hey Charlie....
You just beat my fan post! No, this clears the way for Donnelly who was officially signed today. Another move will need to be man when Dotel signs.
This is an incredibly great move on Neal's part
To not only have someone take Bixler but to give away a Top 20 prospect in Brito for him. This confirms the fact NH knows what he’s doing. Brito will start for WV Power next spring and is projected to a power corner bat.
by BadAndy on Jan 18, 2010 4:37 PM EST via mobile reply actions
"Think NH had some pictures?"
What I was going to say.
He was in the also-worth-noting section on the Sickels list.
But there are some things to like about him, which is more than I can say about Bixler at this point.
Comment of the Day...
I saw this @ PBC Blog and nearly sent a mouthful of pop onto the screen:
“JHadar wrote re: Pirates trade Bixler, sign Donnelly
on Mon, Jan 18 2010 4:24 PM
So shall we pretend Bix was the second coming of Honus Wagner or just trash Brito? "
Pure genius…
LMAO!
That’s true though. My thinking is that the PBC Blog Asylum will call this a salary dump even though Bixler made major league minimum.
by BadAndy on Jan 18, 2010 4:52 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
surely you jest
what is the point of trading away a major league backup for someone in rookie ball? if this FO stays, we will…. erm, do nothing good…
/
Brito might not be anything great
He sure as hell is more interesting than a 27 year old AAAA player.
Ding Dong...
…oh screw it, you guys get the point.
“There was an inordinate amount of angst toward Bixler in his scant time in Pgh. But 26 Ks in 44 2009 ABs will do that.” – Rocco DeMaro’s twitter page
"Straight ball I hit very much, but curveball, bats are afraid." - Pedro Cerrano
Not sure how that happened
But I’m glad it did. Getting Brito is a steal b/c Bixler is bum.
I thought Bixler was a terrible draft pick by the team in that he had little upside for such an early pick. It was one of those things that just irked me when it happened and was the type of move that I convinced me that the prior regime was misguided. Right or wrong, I have subsequently looked at Bixler as a symbol of bad things. Like Charlie, I can’t believe that we got anything of potential value for Bixler.
Good day.
Good night and good luck BB
I just hope the Pirates are doing so well when Neal has to pay back Shapiro we can all laugh at it.
Perhaps this was a gift from NH's old buddy Shapiro?
God Created the World Out Of Nothing, Paterno Built A National Superpower On Cow Fields...
by For The Glory 1855 on Jan 18, 2010 4:58 PM EST reply actions
BA has a scouting report for Brito
But it’s for subscribers only:
http://www.baseballamerica.com/online/prospects/rankings/league-top-20-prospects/2009/268913.html
Anyone with access that can summarize?
Sure.
Thin for his size, should add more power as he adds weight. Hitting got better over the course of the season, as he made adjustments. 2009 was his first year at 3B – has tools for the position, but needs more reps. Had been an OF before that.
Brito kinda reminds me of 1990s-era Pirate prospect Freddy Garcia, who came from the Dominican and entered the Pirates’ organization after a strong age-21 year in the NY Penn League: http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=garcia002fre. They were both tried at multiple positions, and Brito’s physique may resemble Garcia’s (listed at 6’2’’, 190) once he ages a little. Garcia never put it all together in the majors, but he did post a 111 OPS+ in 193 PA in 1998, which I think would be more valuable than what Brian Bixler has done at the major league level. Then again, Garcia’s career was probably ill-served by spending his entire age-22 season on the Pirates major league roster as a Rule 5 pick, even though he did hit well in the minors after that. Brito will be spending his age-22 season at a more age-appropriate level.
Nice comp...
Brito will be spending his age-22 season at a more age-appropriate level.
Big reason that Brito may follow a different career path.
They still expect him to fill out as he’s only 6’1" and 160 lbs. He has good gap power but they could see him hitting 20+ homers. He’s a converted outfielder that struggled early at 3B but has made adjustments and has a strong and accurate arm.
From the vid Charlie supplied I’d say he can’t hit the off speed pitch. Note how much he gets on his front side,
Not a prospect
…used Oakland Athletic Supporters?
This is a win in my book.
Free your ass and your mind will follow.
by cocktailsfor2 on Jan 18, 2010 7:07 PM EST up reply actions
That's correctable...
given the right instruction. We’ll see whether we have that type of instruction in the organization. Even with that, don’t know how you say definitively that a guy who had as many extra base hits as he had, coupled with the ability to get on base, is not a prospect. He may be fringe but it would appear he is a prospect nonetheless.
Happy to see Bixler go
and love what we got in return. Now that he’s gone, how does this effect the next likely move on the 40 man if Dotel is signed? Does Vazquez have greater job security now?
Vazquez was pretty secure
to begin with because of his contract, but you’re right, I think this move definitely solidifies his role as the primary utility infielder. Paired with Crosby, they create a very convenient duo of backup infielders in terms of their versatility. Although their bats are serviceable at best in a lineup, it allows JR to be very flexible in pinch hitting, double switches, and days off for regulars.
by TheLizardKing on Jan 18, 2010 5:36 PM EST up reply actions
Huhwha?
“… a very convenient duo of backup infielders in terms of their versatility.”
“Versatility?” How many positions do you think Vazquez can play?
Free your ass and your mind will follow.
by cocktailsfor2 on Jan 18, 2010 6:46 PM EST up reply actions
Crosby can play
all INF positions, and last year Vazquez played 3B, SS, and 2B, even though his SS defense is sub par. So how does that merit a “huhwha” response? I would certainly call that versatile.
by TheLizardKing on Jan 18, 2010 7:31 PM EST up reply actions
If we were going to play Vazquez @ SS,
we could’ve kept Bixler.
And his 3B defense is also sub-par.
Free your ass and your mind will follow.
by cocktailsfor2 on Jan 18, 2010 7:35 PM EST up reply actions
Usually, guys described as “versatile” just suck at a bunch of different positions. Certainly the case with RV.
My boss called me versatile in a meeting today.
I suddenly feel bad.
by IAPiratesFan on Jan 18, 2010 8:17 PM EST up reply actions
well, this upsetting.....
Now i’m left wondering what we would have gotten in return for someone who could potentially make contact at some point.
by McGreal on Jan 18, 2010 5:43 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Brito's DSL stats...
…are here. The raw lines look pretty rough, but there may be some impact from park effects – that .642 OPS in 2008, for instance, came for a squad where the team OPS was .647, and the team ERA was 3.19.
He’s old for his leagues, so we need to see him against more advanced competition.
Is it a safe guess
He’ll be at least in WV next year? Maybe Bradenton?
Probably WV or State College.
If they think he’s a prospect, they probably ought to try and push him to WV, and see how he handles it.
I might have to watch hinm if he is at WV next year
give you a scouting report on him
Players who should be in the Hall of Fame: DIck Lebeau, Pat TIllman, Dwight White, Donnie Shell, L.C. Greenwood, Ray Guy, Steve Tasker, Greg Llyod, Andy Russel, Cris Carter, Kevin Greene and Jerry Kramer
"If you give Arians a fullback, he won’t use one. Instead, he insists on using Matt Spaeth, who probably doesn’t cast a shadow because it would require blocking sunlight." steelin with some very true words
by WVPiratesfan on Jan 19, 2010 11:36 AM EST up reply actions
Judging from this trade
I bet we could get Grady Sizemore from the Indians in exchange for Donnie Veal.
Or Carlos Santana for Shelby Ford.
Hey, an out is an out - unless you're Mario, in which case it's probably two outs. -UtesFan89
Why can't Mendy bust a long TD run? We could use it.
Mauer for Walker.
Free your ass and your mind will follow.
by cocktailsfor2 on Jan 18, 2010 6:49 PM EST up reply actions
Why would we make a trade like that???
Walker is obviously the better player and he is FROM Pittsburgh. You can;t ask for mch more in a player.
And that's why the Twins wouldn't do the trade
Even though Walker is the superior player, Mauer is from Minnesota.
NH's comments on Brito:
Per Dejan, Brito may or may not be used at 3B going forward. Sounds like they like his bat, though.
Tony at Indians Prospect Insider...
…usually has a pretty good viewpoint on Cleveland’s farm. I started checking his site out back in 2008, when I was looking at potential Rule 5 picks. His take on things (pretty good, IMO) is here.
All of the Cleveland prospect bloggers/forums I’m seeing say that Brito makes consistent hard contact, that he has that sound when he hits the ball. That’s a very good thing – it’s probably the single most essential skill for a ballplayer.
Tony might be looking at Bixler...
…with some pretty thick rose-colored glasses. No mention of his high K rate, but I can’t say I blame him.
Is that the same sound that
BB had when hitting the baseball? Oh, no, wait, that would be a big “swishing” sound… But I do join in wishing BB better luck in Cleveland than he had here.
From the Comments...
“GoTribe028 said…
If Bixler was a pitcher his strike out totals would seem pretty cool."
Enjoy him guys.
RIP NATE. RIP TONY PLUSH.
"I'D BE A CHEF"
-TONY PLUSH
I don’t think this is the steal we’re all making it out to be. It’s a decent move, especially given that the Bucs needed to clear a roster spot, but it seems pretty fair, all things considered. I know a lot of people hated Bixler because of his ML performance last season, but he’s been performing all right in AAA since his age 24 season, and he’s a serviceable utility infielder. He probably strikes out too much to be a regular, but he can play adequate defense at a ton of positions and his bat’s not terrible (projected by CHONE to be about the same as Crosby, Cedeno, or Vazquez, for instance). Plus, he’s entering his prime. While Brito is exciting in some ways, there are good reasons to be skeptical, not the least of which is the fact that his only good season came in rookie ball at the age of 21 (and there are some reasons for skepticism even in that performance, such as the .438 BAbip and the triples-inflated SLG%). He seemed to have some trouble with the breaking ball in the video Charlie posted, and if he can’t read rookie ball breaking pitches yet he’s really going to struggle as he moves up the ladder. Although he could put on some muscle and add power, he’s already 22 (as of Christmas) so that’s far from a sure thing. And if he doesn’t add power, he’s going to have trouble maintaining his walk rate as he moves up. He’s got potential, but he’s not a good bet to ever be any better than Bixler.
I’d say it’s a very fair trade, but I’m not particularly excited about it.
I agree with epoc. It’s good we got something for Bixler, but I’d I be willing to wager that Bixler ends his career with more major league at-bats than Brito.
With Bixler's career 28 OPS+
It might still work out if Brito never makes it to the bigs.
snerk!
Free your ass and your mind will follow.
by cocktailsfor2 on Jan 18, 2010 6:47 PM EST up reply actions
"snerk" is
an onomatopoeic word.
Free your ass and your mind will follow.
by cocktailsfor2 on Jan 18, 2010 6:49 PM EST up reply actions
...or at least
it’s meant to be onomatopoeic in this instance…
Free your ass and your mind will follow.
by cocktailsfor2 on Jan 18, 2010 6:57 PM EST up reply actions
Without Discussing Religious believes....
…because I’m not an Onomatopaen, the always reliable Google directed me to the Urban Dictionary, which tells me that ….
snark (n)
Combination of “snide” and “remark”. Sarcastic comment(s).
Also snarky (adj.) and snarkily (adv.)
His commentary was rife with snark.
Since I don’t mean this post to be taken snarkily, I’ll have to admit that I did not know that snerk was also a word. Now what about snork, snurk, and snirk?
So, you
are a “snyrk” exclusionist?
I’d had higher expectations for you, Troggs.
sigh
Snerk = the sound made in the back of the sinus / top of the throat when one stifles an out-loud laugh or guffaw.
Free your ass and your mind will follow.
by cocktailsfor2 on Jan 18, 2010 7:06 PM EST up reply actions
I Can See it Now
For reasons yet unknown, Bixler will hit .290 if 20+ home runs in Cleveland, walk a lot, still bases, and flash his glove like a mad man defensively. Then everyone will be asking why we didn’t build a contender around him….
If this guy Brito
doesn’t stop waggling the bat, he ain’t gonna hit much of anything once he gets to AA.
Free your ass and your mind will follow.
I saw that!
That affects his timing something fierce since he has the inability to hit offspeed pitches. He’s a patient hitter who doesn’t K as much. Once he fills out he is a potential steal. That’s all we can hope for in 4-5 years.
by BadAndy on Jan 18, 2010 7:50 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
While not the trade of the century
This was still a good trade. In this case, better a bird in the bush than a Bixler in the hand – what do we lose by trading Bixler? The 2010 version of Mario Mendoza – all glove and no bat. What do we get with Brito? Not a clue, but its got to be better than what we had.
Now, now, Big Tuna -
Bixie could field a ball.
Where it went from there, well……
Free your ass and your mind will follow.
by cocktailsfor2 on Jan 18, 2010 7:08 PM EST up reply actions
HAHAHAHAHA
My roommate is from Erie and a dual Pirates/ Indians fan…who hates Brian Bixler. I got so excited to call him when I read this. I could barely stop laughing enough to tell him.
Amazing.
RIP NATE. RIP TONY PLUSH.
"I'D BE A CHEF"
-TONY PLUSH
I would have just taken the "no more Brian Bixler".
I was wondering why Neal didn’t just DFA him when the season ended. Good move! This Jesus guy might not be anything, but at least we won’t have to watch Bixler anymore!
by IAPiratesFan on Jan 18, 2010 8:09 PM EST up reply actions
A Warrent Out for NH Arrest!
Based on this trade, I think there should be a warrent out for NH arrest. It is a steal! In fact if he had gotten a bag of balls and bats for Bixler, I still would have been impressed.
Nice deal.
Probably
But most of us have seen a majority of Bixlers ML at bats and realized he cannot hit ML pitching. Who knows, that may change and Bixler becomes a serviceable UT guy, but he didn’t belong on our 40-man right now, so getting something interesting for him is some what exciting, as it’s better than nothing (something most of us expected).
by Maxwell.C on Jan 18, 2010 9:17 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Bixler’s only had 166 ML PAs. Even if you’ve seen a majority of them, there’s no reason to take that as evidence that he can’t hit ML pitching. He projects around 250/315/370, and there’s no reason to suspect he won’t hit that. Plus, he’s just entering his prime and can play anywhere. He’s a classic utility infielder, which is not without value.
He definitely strikes out a lot, which isn’t pretty, and he’s nothing special, certainly, but there’s no reason to expect that he shouldn’t fetch a fringe prospect in trade. I’d rather get rid of Delwyn Young (can’t play the infield) or Ramon Vazquez (older, worse defense) than Bixler.
I don’t mind seeing him go, but he’s a useful player – though redundant on this team – and Brito’s just not interesting enough to make this a steal. From the way this thread is going, it seems like people unfairly think that Bixler is worse than he is because of how horrible his limited time in MLB has been.
I don’t think it’s unfair. Bixler developed slowly in the minors and has always fanned far too much for a guy with minimal power. He’s often overpowered by mediocre fastballs and a sucker for breaking balls away. It took until he was nearly 27 before he started to hit in AAA. And his struggles in MLB were beyond anything I’ve ever seen before. I don’t see him ever being more than a guy who can run OK and play several positions without hitting a thing.
The season he had his first year in AAA wasn’t bad. He was getting on base more consistently than this year, but not slugging as well. The fact that he took a step back his second year wasn’t good, though.
When teams used only 10 or even at most 11-man pitching staffs,
a AAAA-type player like Bixler could be used as a last guy off the big league bench at times throughout the season, especially one with a little versatility in the field and a fast baserunner. These days, though, I can’t see why any decent team would want Bixler other than for injury insurance between AAA and the majors.
Actually, there's one reason to suspect he won't hit his projection.
He strikes out between 30% and 50% of the time. He K’d 30% of the time in Mexican winter ball this year. Who K’s 30% of the time in the minors and doesn’t K more in MLB? That is completely consistent with someone whose K’s are going to explode in MLB, which is why I am cautioning against expecting Alvarez will be more than a Bixler with more power next year if he doesn’t improve that in AAA first.
by MarkInDallas on Jan 18, 2010 10:15 PM EST up reply actions
Bixler
He K’d over 30% of the time in 2008 and 2009. In 2006 and 2007 he was in the 20s. The only time he’s K’d more than 1/3 of the time was in a 46 PA sample in the majors last year. In a larger ML sample (120 PAs) in 2008 he struck out 1/3 of the time. Saying he strikes out between 30 and 50% of the time is grossly misleading. It’s more like 30-35%. Furthermore, Sean Smith knows just as much as you do about translating K rate from the minors to the majors, and he projects Bixler to strike out 33% of the time in the majors next year. His projected slash line is 249/316/371 rather than the 275/343/439 he put up in AAA last year. That seems perfectly reasonable. Maybe he won’t be that productive, but the reasons you guys are giving for writing him off are not compelling. He’s always hit okay for a SS despite striking out a lot, and there’s no reason to think he can’t be a competent utility infielder.
By writing Bixler off now, you are dismissing his potential, which is significant, to become a useful ML player, and at the same time most of you seem willing to buy into Brito’s potential to become something useful, which is far less likely. There is no empirical reason to do this, which is why it seems unfair.
Potential?
He’s 27. Again, you are correct in saying that the projections say he could be a serviceable utility guy, something we have covered for this year. So instead of losing him for nothing, we get something in return whose “potential” is much more interesting to me than Brian Bixler.
That’s perfectly fair. My initial comment about everyone being too negative about Bixler was in response to the numerous posts about how Bixler didn’t have any trade value and this trade was a huge steal. I think this is a good trade for the Pirates, considering that they needed the roster spot for Donnelly and have an excess of utility infielders, but you have to seriously undersell Bixler or seriously overrate Brito to think that this is an unfair trade.
Bixler doesn't have any trade value.
The hot rumor last offseason was Bixler for Robert Andino, who’s waiver-bait if I ever saw it.
Non-pedigree guys in rookie ball don’t really have any trade value either, which is why this was a reasonable deal in terms of value. But in terms of strategic impact, it’s a big plus, in that we traded someone who was never going to be productive here for someone who might be.
well
we needed him, we needed him so we could point our fingers and say: “there, that’s the bad guy”
… or something.
by BlindSquirrel on Jan 19, 2010 7:01 PM EST up reply actions
Also
I think that one of the great developments over the past few years in player projection is the return of the “untrained eye.” As WTM pointed out above, he struggled against fastballs and flailed at same-side breaking balls. From what I saw from Bixler last year at the ML level, he is helpless. And I think a majority of fans would agree.
Dude, that’s just an opinion. All of those struggles appear in the numbers, and I doubt the Indians’ scouts’ trained eyes are worse than a majority of fans’ untrained ones. Yes, Bixler has problems and that’s why he strikes out a lot, but there’s nothing to suggest he’ll be worse than the projections because of that. The projection already factors that stuff in.
To be fair, ZIPS is more negative on Bixler than CHONE: 237/303/359. Both systems see him as basically equal to Ronny Cedeno.
I am actually not writing him off.
I do think he can still improve and learn to make more contact. But that is a skill he will still need to learn, not something that will just happen with more reps or something he got unlucky on. As such, I do not project him with his current skills to hit higher than .235/.280/.350.
For the record, I’m also not high on Ronny Cedeno, but I’m a lot higher on him than Bixler. I think Cedeno is more likely to hit around .270. Cedeno’s BB rate is way too low, though, and so his OBP will still be around .300.
And I’m not calling this deal a steal. I’m glad we got something for him and Brito looks like an interesting hitter, but while Bix has that ugly K problem, Brito has that ugly iron hands problem. So in that way it’s just trading one problem for another, but the new problem gives you 5 more years to figure it out.
by MarkInDallas on Jan 19, 2010 4:02 AM EST up reply actions
If for no other reason...
…Cedeno is deserving of more optimism because he’s got better defensive tools. Better lateral range, better hands, and a stronger arm. By the time Bixler made the majors, the scouting consensus is that he was fringy for SS – and I can’t really disagree, based on what I’ve seen.
I was very disappointed
in Bixler’s D – I wasn’t necessarily expecting Jack Jr., but when he was coming up in the minors he was supposed to be fairly slick. I thought he’d be a guy who made the basic plays and occasionally a bit more, but he turned out to be marginal at best. And he got enough reps that I don’t really see it as an acclimation issue (although, if he ever starts to hit ML pitching, maybe he settles down a bit in the field).
I've been riding that train re: Bixler...
…since before we drafted him. If you watch his old college scouting video, his weight transfer is way off, so his swing’s all arm. That’s the swing of a guy who’s going to get the bat knocked out of his hands by a good fastball – which is indeed what has happened with him.
I think you can argue that Bixler is just as good as any of our other MLB shortstop options next year. He projects about as well as Crosby, Vazquez, and Cedeno (link)
The one red flag is the strikeout rate at triple-A, which indicate that his strikeout rate will be extremely high in the major leagues.
by Adam Reynolds on Jan 18, 2010 9:28 PM EST up reply actions
anybody else
see brandon phillips pre at bat jitters in this Jesus guy…..hehe…..our savior
Need local knowledge about Pirates tix
I’m planning to visit Pittsburgh this year to catch a game when the Cardinals are in town. I’m looking at May 7-8 or Aug 23-24. Can anyone tell me, are any of those series likely to be sellouts or near-sellouts? My schedule is still very fluid so I can’t buy tickets probably until after the season starts. Any advice appreciated!
y’know, I think this was a great deal and all… I mean, a lottery ticket was more than I thought the pirates could get for brian bixler… but I’m also hoping that bixler can put it together and scrape up a few years as a utility guy in the bigs… or at least have one season where things kinda fall his way…
I mean, he projects better than he performed… and he’s also taken a ton of abuse from the fans (not entirely undeserved, based on his performace) and… y’know, I’m sure he’s plenty frustrated with himself as it is… because really… he just can’t be that bad…
by Captain Easychord on Jan 18, 2010 10:42 PM EST reply actions
We Also Lose Bixler's
base-running skills – that would be another area where Mario Mendoza out-performs him. Although, too be fair, I kind-of remember one of the coaches defending BB on the play, early last season, where he got thrown out at home by 20 feet.
Sorry to be so darn snarky.
Yeah, I loved the comment about how they get $40M in revenue sharing and can’t have a payroll over $81M.
by MarkInDallas on Jan 19, 2010 9:16 PM EST up reply actions
Most MLB career plate appearances...
Jesus Brito or Jim Negrych?
by RDV across the sea on Jan 19, 2010 12:30 AM EST reply actions
Could go either way.
I’m not confident about Negrych having a ML career of any real length, but the odds are well against any rookie ball prospect making the majors.
Honestly, a 0-0 tie might be the right play, there.
holy shit
i cant believe anyone would trade for bixler. i cant believe that they gave up a live human being for him. i would have traded that guy for a warm six pack of cheep beer.
good deal NH.
Just pretend
we traded Capps for Brito and released Bixler, if it makes you feel better.
It would make me feel better
if I could pretend we released Bixler at some point in the past – ideally, before the Home Opener in 2008.
NH go to Las Vegas now
because you sir are very lucky for getting this trade through
Players who should be in the Hall of Fame: DIck Lebeau, Pat TIllman, Dwight White, Donnie Shell, L.C. Greenwood, Ray Guy, Steve Tasker, Greg Llyod, Andy Russel, Cris Carter, Kevin Greene and Jerry Kramer
"If you give Arians a fullback, he won’t use one. Instead, he insists on using Matt Spaeth, who probably doesn’t cast a shadow because it would require blocking sunlight." steelin with some very true words
I just want to note
That the other day I suggested the idea that the delay with the signing of Dotel and the Mystery Reliever was due to NH finding some value for guys who are bound to be cut regardless. Now, granted, I think I fingered Moss or Pearce. But still, Vindication!
Also, this I-sorta-told-you-so is delayed because I was away all weekend. Exciting news for my return.
Don't worry...we've still got 2 moves coming...
assuming Dotel signs…one for him…and one for Brandon Jones…which will probably be announced first.
my guess is that brandon jones is the guy who gets moved for dotel… in fact, I wonder if the delay on dotel was just a to wait until the pirates could find some suitable waiver claim to try and add a body somewhere…
by Captain Easychord on Jan 19, 2010 5:52 PM EST up reply actions
I like this trade
Having watched Bixler attempt to hit for a while now, I would have made it even if Brito were a paraplegic, just for the headline and commercial potential: “Jesus saves at Fifth Third Bank — that’s 5/3 if you’re scoring at home.”
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
