Round table event to support Vermont Farmers Disaster Relief Fund was hosted by Buster Onley and had Huntington, Theo Epstein and Brian Cashman. Great discussion of baseball issues, Huntington took some heat on the Bay trade, while some praise on Tabata.

Very impressed by Huntington's honesty and frankness. He stayed long after the discussion to meet with Pirate fans and answer questions.

Alright, on to Pirate information: On Marte - Needs time in AAA. Projects him to spend all of this year and the start of 2013 in AAA. However, he said he is a better CF than McCutchen now. When asked if McCutchen would move to LF, he said he was not going to tell him that.

On Yoennis Cespedes - Pirates are out on him. Too expensive. He motioned over to Cashman that he (the Yankees) were going to get him.

On Grossman - Had surgery and will resume baseball activities in 4 to 6 weeks. Should be full force this spring however it may sap some power this year. Not concerned about long term effects from the injury.

Taillion - Working on establishing the fastball down in the zone. Can dominate with breaking pitches at his level, but working on how to pitch and polish his pitches.

Cole & AFL pitchers - Not concerned about his Futures blow up. He was trying to throw 147. Was great to see 4 Pirate pitchers throw 98 or better in a day.

Jeff Locke - Needs more time in AAA.  Sees him as a future starter with some more location work.

Expects McCutchen to lead by example and Walker to lead the team this year. Starts with those two.

Still expects big things out of Alvarez this year and is not looking at any sort of replacement at 3B, just contingency plays in case Pedro is not in shape or not productive early in the year. Great event for an area that is still recovering.

Many good deals in auction items can be found here