Reinforcements are on the Way
by BobPurkey34 on Jun 8, 2010 10:01 PM EDT
Email
Print
According to Dejan, the Pirates have optioned both Jeff Clement and Jack Taschner to Indy, although no subsequent moves have been made (yet). One of the players coming up is obviously Brad Lincoln, but who will replace Clement?
Indians play-by-play man Scott McCauley thinks it's Jose Tabata, and the move would make sense, seeing how abysmal DY has been in right field over the past few days. Alvarez is also a possibility with how well he's been hitting the ball of late, and maybe the Pirates think Andy could play some first base like his brother.
Either way, we saw the Nationals future in play tonight. Tomorrow night, it's our turn to showcase the future.
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.
68 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Haha I am so excited for this promotion, if it ends up being Pearce I will be disappointed. I think he has a future as a decent bench player/ platoon guy, but I want to see a future star on the field tomorrow night.
Langosch
“Source: Jose Tabata has been told to head to DC; he and Brad Lincoln will join #Pirates on Wed. as 2 of the big 3 AAA prospects make debuts”
There are two theories on hitting a knuckleball - unfortunately, neither of them work.
YES BABY YES!!!
Awesome! Getting some real players on the field! Awesome news.
Additional confirmation
http://bucsbits.mlblogs.com/archives/2010/06/lincoln_tabata_headed_to_dc.html
There are two theories on hitting a knuckleball - unfortunately, neither of them work.
Andy LaRoche to 1B, huh?
The only place Andy LaRoche is going WHEN Pedro gets called up is the bench.
Stranger things have happened I suppose.
There are two theories on hitting a knuckleball - unfortunately, neither of them work.
Give me one good reason why Andy LaRoche would all of a sudden play 1B. The notion isn’t even logical. I continue to be baffled by the number of people on here that want Andy LaRoche to stay on the field when Pedro gets the call-up. Other than one hot week a couple months ago, the guy has done nothing.
I don’t care that he stays on the field. He’s looking more and more like another Brandon Moss.
There are two theories on hitting a knuckleball - unfortunately, neither of them work.
Ok, good
You had me worried for a second there.
LOL!
Is that guy serious? None of those moves made sense for a team that trying to get younger and build from within. That was an pretty entertaining read, though. Heck, why didn’t we just sign 8 free agents and run them out there to start every night?
Thanks for sharing.
Yeah, anytime I read something he writes, I just remember that column to put things into context.
by MarkInDallas on Jun 9, 2010 12:42 AM EDT up reply actions
Pedro Alvarez will be up when the organization thinks he is ready BOTH offensively and defensively.
Andy LaRoche playing first base? No thanks.
Some third the second half of the year in whatever mix of him, Walker and Alvarez makes the most sense. If LaRoche’s back holds up, maybe a little second base as well, but I doubt it.
I hope Pedro Alvarez is really good for us for many years, but let’s not expect too much in 2010.
Don’t expect much in 2010? Why are you hating on El Toro?
His offense has been major league ready basically from Day 1. He’s hitting well over .300 in the last 6 weeks while putting up power numbers than nobody with the Pirates can currently boast. What has he done wrong defensively either? Look, everyone is going to make errors at 3rd – that’s why it’s called the hot corner. His defense is better than LaRoche’s by a fairly significant margin.
What more do you want this guy to do?
There are two theories on hitting a knuckleball - unfortunately, neither of them work.
His defense is better than LaRoche’s by a fairly significant margin.
Nothing like a little draft Tuesday night weed, huh?
LaRoche has committed the most errors per game by 3B in the majors. Pedro can not and will not be any worse than that.
There are two theories on hitting a knuckleball - unfortunately, neither of them work.
Why not? Since by everyone’s estimation who has actually seen him play defense, he is actually worse than LaRoche at defense…
by MarkInDallas on Jun 8, 2010 11:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Sure. I’m excited for his arrival. And he also can do some good things on defense. His arm is stronger than Andy’s for example. Tonight he caught a grounder, stepped on third and gunned a strike to first for a DP. Really a laser.
by MarkInDallas on Jun 9, 2010 12:11 AM EDT up reply actions
That was last night, I think, actually.
by MarkInDallas on Jun 9, 2010 12:11 AM EDT up reply actions
I know he’s not perfect. But I just dislike people who continue to say the Pedro shouldn’t be called up any time soon because he’s not ready and we need to keep playing LaRoche instead.
There are two theories on hitting a knuckleball - unfortunately, neither of them work.
AMEN!
Yes, there are things that Pedro needs to improve, but who doesn’t have things they need to work on? He has made significant strides in the past month, doing exactly what management wants him to do. He has raised his average 35 points. And as I’ve said many times, I’ll sacrifice a little defense for some major power and offense. Pedro’s defense isn’t terrible, and it will only improve over time.
Look at it like this – which would you rather have
Player A will commit 9 errors, hit for very little power or consistency and continually fail to come up with big hits
Player B will commit 10 errors, hit for a lot of power against both R and L and the ability to drive any pitch at any time.
I think I’ll take the offensive upside of Player B knowing that both guys will make their fair share of mistakes defensively.
There are two theories on hitting a knuckleball - unfortunately, neither of them work.
I don’t know why you keep using errors as your yardstick for defense, but anyway I do agree that Alvarez will likely create more runs with his bat than lose with his glove.
Considering his slow start to the season, I’d like to see Pedro do very well for a couple more weeks before promotion so he can be super confident and prepared to rock and roll.
by MarkInDallas on Jun 9, 2010 12:24 AM EDT up reply actions
I agree.
But he shouldn’t be called up any later than late July.
I'm crossing my fingers
For a late June or early July call up.
If he goes 10 for 25 in his next 6 or 7 games, for example, he’ll be batting .290 on the season. I could see him coming up as soon as a week or 10 days from now if he goes on a tear.
by MarkInDallas on Jun 9, 2010 12:57 AM EDT up reply actions
"His offense has been major league ready basically from Day 1."
Bullshit
He needs the work and is getting it at AAA. He’ll be up when the team deems him ready. I suspect somewhere around the All-Star break.
If you think he’s a capable MLB-quality third baseman and significantly better than LaRoche, then you don’t know much about the game.
You can just use error totals to judge a player’s defensive capabilities.
“What more do you want this guy to do?”
To get himself as prepared as possible mentally and physically so, when he comes up, it will be to stay, and start on long, successful career with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The Pirates say he is not ready and they should know better than you.
Management has asked a few things of Pedro. First, that he improves against left handed pitching – yep he’s done that. In fact he’s hit lefty pitching better than right handed this season. Second, that his plate discipline improves. Done that too, his OBP has gone up significantly since the beginning of May. He has more offensive power than anybody on the Pirates current roster and you can not dispute that.
I’m pretty sure the guy is prepared in every way for the major leagues. He’s been preparing for it since he was a 6 year old.
The Pirates say a lot of things. They also said they were sticking with Aki at 2nd base right up til the moment they changed their minds and promoted Walker. Even more recently, they said they wouldn’t call up Lincoln yet, but here he is too.
There are two theories on hitting a knuckleball - unfortunately, neither of them work.
I agree with that premise
Ready to dominate MLB pitching? Definitely not. But I think he would have been an above-average third baseman at the plate if he spent all of 2009 there.
I should mention Pedro is not as good defensively as Andy, and spending 2009 and early 2010 in the Minors was obviously best for him. But I do think he has hit the ball so well that he could have hit Major League pitching in 2009.
That’s why he was in the minors, to refine his defense. But I do think it’s much improved and you could also credit a few of his mistakes to the sloppy field conditions you’ll get in AAA. Anyway it’s not like we’re trying to replace Roberto Clemente in RF here, this is Andy we’re talking about so even if Pedro can be average in the field, his bat would make the difference.
There are two theories on hitting a knuckleball - unfortunately, neither of them work.
Who ever said anything about dominating MLB pitching? How many hitters come up from the minors and immediately start teeing off on the best in the game? Almost nobody. But I do think El Toro would make a very solid impact on the Pirates now
There are two theories on hitting a knuckleball - unfortunately, neither of them work.
BS?
Wow—-People resort to this type of language when they can not come up with words to express themselves.
“He needs the work and is getting it.” ………..and you would know this by……
This is also the same management team that thought Aki was not only an answer for this year, but possibly long-term. This is the same group that would have still had Walker in the minors if not for the injury to Pearce. This is the same group that said Walker would play a utility role at a corner infield position. Yep—they have a long track record of success.
You are the one who obviously does not know much about the game. Would the Pirates become more deficient by placing Alvarez at third over LaRoche? Boy—he might cost them the pennant. Maybe, just maybe, the other writer is willing to trade some offensive potential for a little less D.
Geeeeeesh—if someone does not have your point of view, do you always get out the hammer and nails for the crucifixion?
by Wee Willie Wallace on Jun 9, 2010 1:12 AM EDT up reply actions
Walker spent the most time playing 2B in AAA this year once Aki began to struggle and Walker was showing great plate appearances. So, it was obvious the FO saw him as a potential everyday second baseman from the beginning of May.
They were just wanting to see if he could translate his success to the majors. He did, and once that was seen they made the change. If you predicted Walker was going to be the best everyday 2B for the team in spring training, well…more power to you. You were close to the only one besides Jersey Joe.
Pearce’s injury provided the timing, but Walker would have come up within days of that anyway with Pearce quickly taking over the first base position and Clement’s days numbered.
I think he is too. Not to mention that we uh, don’t have a right fielder now that GI Jones is at first. But he’s certainly ready, I’m not sure what else he’d do in the minors. He’s a speed guy that gets on base very well, we shouldn’t lose sleep that he’s not hitting tons of balls out of the park.
There are two theories on hitting a knuckleball - unfortunately, neither of them work.
Don't be shocked...
if it’s Kratz or Carlin. Doumit will miss the next 2 games. Taschner was DFA’d not optioned. That means someone is getting added to the 40 man roster. Kratz and Carlin are not on the 40 man roster and would have to be added. Tabata and Pedro are already there and would not have required a 40 man move. I’d suspect that as soon as Doumit is ready to go, they ship the extra catcher out and add Pearce or one of the young guns.
When Pedro comes up, they will cut bait with one of the infielders.
Taschner wasn't optioned...
because he CAN’T be optioned. The only way he could be sent down would be to DFA him. The reason why he was DFA’d instead of someone else being optioned was that nobody will claim him anyways, so it won’t matter, and he’s pretty clearly the most useless player on the roster right now. The only players with options on the 25-man roster are not the guys that we want sent down, so they had to DFA someone.
Basically, it was a probably toss-up between Taschner, Carrasco, Donnelly, Eveland, and Young. Taschner is redundant and pretty bad, so off he goes. They don’t need to add anyone to the 40-man if they don’t want to.
That said, a back-up catcher would make sense if Doumit can’t go. They must feel comfortable enough going a couple days with Walker as the emergency catcher if they add Tabata. Or maybe they don’t think it would be worth it to add Kratz to the 40-man and then DFA him two days later.
Yes. MLBTraderumors also had him off our players without options.
Still, it seems likely it’s Tabata since Langosch has a new blog post saying he’s headed to DC.
by MarkInDallas on Jun 9, 2010 12:19 AM EDT up reply actions
It's got to be Jose
At which point i say we move Lastings to RF and DFA DY and start seeing if we can get anything for Curch, like a good snadwhich or something like that
Players who should be in the Hall of Fame: Pat TIllman, Dwight White, Donnie Shell, L.C. Greenwood, Ray Guy, Steve Tasker, Greg Llyod, Andy Russel, Cris Carter, Kevin Greene and Jerry Kramer
"It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one." George Washington
Canal Street Chronicles resident Steelers Fan
Sending Clement out...
we have no backup catcher the next 2 days, unless you want to take a chance on having to use Doumit with a concussion.
We do have a backup catcher – Neil Walker. He’s been taking some reps behind the plate and could fill in if absolutely necessary.
There are two theories on hitting a knuckleball - unfortunately, neither of them work.
Wasn't he drafted as a catcher
so I somehow doubt he has completely forgotten how to play the position
Players who should be in the Hall of Fame: Pat TIllman, Dwight White, Donnie Shell, L.C. Greenwood, Ray Guy, Steve Tasker, Greg Llyod, Andy Russel, Cris Carter, Kevin Greene and Jerry Kramer
"It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one." George Washington
Canal Street Chronicles resident Steelers Fan
by WVPiratesfan on Jun 8, 2010 10:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Fascinating. I hope he’s right.
There are two theories on hitting a knuckleball - unfortunately, neither of them work.
Pretty sure it's legit.
Look at the post above. Jennifer Langosch has also had a source confirm this. WOO HOO! I’m thrilled!
The Future is now
now if only we could figure out if he actually is 21 or not, I’m leaning towards 22 maybe 23
Players who should be in the Hall of Fame: Pat TIllman, Dwight White, Donnie Shell, L.C. Greenwood, Ray Guy, Steve Tasker, Greg Llyod, Andy Russel, Cris Carter, Kevin Greene and Jerry Kramer
"It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one." George Washington
Canal Street Chronicles resident Steelers Fan
by WVPiratesfan on Jun 8, 2010 11:06 PM EDT up reply actions
I honestly don’t care how old he is. All I know is that he’ll be a hell of an outfielder for the Pirates in the future
There are two theories on hitting a knuckleball - unfortunately, neither of them work.
He'll be more of a hell of an outfielder in the future . . .
(and for a longer time) if he’s 21 as opposed to 23. It matters. A lot.
Do you guys all still have alot of hope for Clement?
I know i do…i still believe in his raw power from the left side and i think he did a real good job defensively at first base this year…i think this is the best move for him going back to indy… its hard to get in any rhythm as a hitter when you only get a start every couple of games…he needs to hit everyday and get his confidence back up
he needs to work on hitting for average
but he plays decent defense, has good power. But he needs to start working some counts to get into a position where the pitcher has to throw him something that he can hit along ways
Players who should be in the Hall of Fame: Pat TIllman, Dwight White, Donnie Shell, L.C. Greenwood, Ray Guy, Steve Tasker, Greg Llyod, Andy Russel, Cris Carter, Kevin Greene and Jerry Kramer
"It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one." George Washington
Canal Street Chronicles resident Steelers Fan
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Bucs Dugout
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
