Pirates Depth Chart And 25-Man Roster Projection
by Charlie Wilmoth on Dec 13, 2011 3:44 PM EST
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CATCHER
Rod Barajas
Michael McKenry
Eric Fryer
Jose Morales
Wyatt Toregas
This will almost certainly be Barajas and McKenry to start the season.
FIRST BASEMEN
Garrett Jones
Casey McGehee
Nick Evans
Jake Fox
Matt Hague
My guess is that the Pirates are set here. They still could pursue a first baseman via free agency, but I doubt they would have tendered Jones if they were confident they could get one. Evans' chances of making the team dropped dramatically with the McGehee signing, although there's still a remote chance he could make it if the Pirates don't acquire another first baseman or outfielder.
SECOND BASE
Neil Walker
Yamaico Navarro
Gustavo Nunez
Chase d'Arnaud
Josh Harrison
Jordy Mercer
Casey McGehee
SHORTSTOP
Clint Barmes
Yamaico Navarro
Gustavo Nunez
Jordy Mercer
Chase d'Arnaud
THIRD BASE
Pedro Alvarez
Casey McGehee
Yamaico Navarro
Josh Harrison
Chase d'Arnaud
Essentially, Walker, Barmes and Alvarez are the starters, with McGehee stepping in at third if things get scary for Alvarez. Navarro can play shortstop, second and third. I still can't believe Nunez will stick, but who knows. If he doesn't, my guess is that Josh Harrison will be the second infield backup, with d'Arnaud and Mercer still being groomed as potential starters in Class AAA.
LEFT FIELD
Alex Presley
Nate McLouth
Nick Evans
CENTER FIELD
Andrew McCutchen
Nate McLouth
Alex Presley
Gorkys Hernandez
RIGHT FIELD
Jose Tabata
Garrett Jones
The Pirates could use another outfielder, unless they acquire a first baseman, in which case Jones would be the fifth outfielder.
ROTATION
Erik Bedard
Jeff Karstens
James McDonald
Charlie Morton
Kevin Correia
Brad Lincoln
Shairon Martis
Jeff Locke
Rudy Owens
The Pirates shouldn't be done looking here. Correia really isn't adequate, and Morton may miss time to start the season. Lincoln is a reasonable contingency plan, but not a great one.
BULLPEN
Joel Hanrahan
Evan Meek
Chris Resop
Jason Grilli
Chris Leroux
Daniel McCutchen
Tony Watson
Dan Moskos
Jared Hughes
Justin Wilson
Tim Wood
Bryan Morris
I think ultimately the Pirates will probably go with one lefty in their bullpen. Hanrahan, Meek, Resop and Grilli are all locks or near-locks. Chris Leroux had a very promising season and is out of options. And the Pirates probably will want Dan McCutchen in the 'pen due to his ability to eat innings, given the uncertainty at the back of their rotation, the injury to Charlie Morton, and the fact that even some of their better starters (Bedard, McDonald) aren't exactly innings-eaters. That leaves only one spot for a lefty, and I think that will be Watson, unless the Bucs sign someone else. The major-league bullpen is in pretty good shape - when you have someone as good as Jared Hughes who probably isn't even going to get consideration for a spot, you're doing pretty well. The Bucs could use a little more minor-league depth, however, particularly with lefties.
25-MAN ROSTER PROJECTION (SUBJECT TO CHANGE, OBVIOUSLY)
C Rod Barajas
1B Garrett Jones
2B Neil Walker
SS Clint Barmes
3B Pedro Alvarez
LF Alex Presley
CF Andrew McCutchen
RF Jose Tabata
C Michael McKenry
3B/1B Casey McGehee
UT Yamaico Navarro
IF Josh Harrison
OF Nate McLouth
I can't believe Nunez is going to make the team. If this were the bench, we might occasionally see Navarro in the outfield. The Bucs might also forgo a second middle infielder (Harrison in this alignment) and go with another outfielder, if they can find one they like. I'm sure McGehee is a terrible second baseman, but the Brewers occasionally played him there, so that might give the Pirates the flexibility to go with him and Navarro as the only backup infielders. Navarro might not be a lock to make the roster at all, but right now, I think he's got a better chance to be the primary utility player than any of his competitors.
SP Erik Bedard
SP Jeff Karstens
SP James McDonald
SP Charlie Morton
SP Kevin Correia
If the Pirates don't acquire another starter, there's a good chance Brad Lincoln will break camp with the team, given the possibility that Morton starts the season on the disabled list.
RP Joel Hanrahan
RP Evan Meek
RP Chris Resop
RP Jason Grilli
RP Chris Leroux
RP Tony Watson
RP Daniel McCutchen
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Comments
Do you think Brandon Boggs is somewhere in the OF picture?
by thisistheseason on Dec 13, 2011 4:15 PM EST up reply actions
It didn’t have anything to do with yours.
by Charlie Wilmoth on Dec 13, 2011 8:54 PM EST up reply actions
Question
How many minor league options does Navarro and Lincoln have left?
Pirates misspelled depth chart
OF – McCutcheon/McClouth
C – McHenry
IF – McGeehee, Neal Walker, Alverez
P – MacDonald, I guess
Not actually affiliated with whygavs.
by WHYG Zane Smith on Dec 13, 2011 4:19 PM EST up reply actions
And, of course, Cutch2 on the pitchers side.
We’ve also seen Pressley, McPhearson, Barnes, and about 3 different spellings on Correia.
McGee would be the a dark horse misspelling
Not actually affiliated with whygavs.
by WHYG Zane Smith on Dec 13, 2011 5:19 PM EST up reply actions
Psmith
Not actually affiliated with whygavs.
by WHYG Zane Smith on Dec 13, 2011 9:40 PM EST up reply actions
I've heard ...
there are something like 16 ways to spell “Smith”:
Smit, Smid, Shmid, Schmid, Schmitt Smythe, Smithee etc.
This was submitted to a journalism class as an example of why you should always always always ask people how to spell their names.
Yeah. For some reason I really struggle with that one.
by Charlie Wilmoth on Dec 13, 2011 4:46 PM EST up reply actions
Nick Evans should be on team
and absolutely platooned with GFJ. GFJ has proven to be a platoon candidate. Evans, albeit a somewhat small sample size (200 ABs), has a 876 OPS ML career against LHP and also is obviously a super legit fielder.
Jones splits are even worse.
Dont need Harrison and Navarro IMO. Navarro should play everyday in AAA
Evans will break camp, I can almost garuntee that...
He provides a solid lefty-mashing bat at first, and can handle some corner outfield.
Harrison will stay in AAA as he doesn’t offer as much pop as Evans, and Evans is a little more versatile.
I think Navarro with break camp as well, only working as a backup ss and 2b, while McGehee and Evans handle corner duty, with maybe a few reps in the OF
"You can't sit on a lead and run a few plays into the line and just kill the clock. You've got to throw the ball over the goddamn plate and give the other man his chance. That's why baseball is the greatest game of them all."
-Earl Weaver
i'd be cool w that
Harrison really doesnt have as much use now that we have Casey McGeeteehee to put in at 3rd to spell the ’dro. Harrison should at least play urrrvyday at AAA so we could trade him eventually or something. Navarro DOES have more versatility . I love Evans!
I too love Nick Evans.
"You can't sit on a lead and run a few plays into the line and just kill the clock. You've got to throw the ball over the goddamn plate and give the other man his chance. That's why baseball is the greatest game of them all."
-Earl Weaver
Then why don't you marry him!
Jose Tabata is the truth
The following is a list of everything Darren McFadden is bad at: 1) Giving birth. End of list.
Because Baseball Wives isn't ready for a drama queen like me...
"You can't sit on a lead and run a few plays into the line and just kill the clock. You've got to throw the ball over the goddamn plate and give the other man his chance. That's why baseball is the greatest game of them all."
-Earl Weaver
Also, you probably don't have large enough implants
Jose Tabata is the truth
The following is a list of everything Darren McFadden is bad at: 1) Giving birth. End of list.
There goes my self-esteem!
"You can't sit on a lead and run a few plays into the line and just kill the clock. You've got to throw the ball over the goddamn plate and give the other man his chance. That's why baseball is the greatest game of them all."
-Earl Weaver
Should be implant
rather than implants, no?
by Horace Clarke on Dec 13, 2011 9:43 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Though to add some speed...
we might see d’Arnaud break camp.
"You can't sit on a lead and run a few plays into the line and just kill the clock. You've got to throw the ball over the goddamn plate and give the other man his chance. That's why baseball is the greatest game of them all."
-Earl Weaver
My thinking is that McGehee makes Evans superfluous, or at least that’s how the Pirates will think about it.
by Charlie Wilmoth on Dec 13, 2011 4:49 PM EST up reply actions
Evans plays a solid D according to the metrics...
Plus they had Pearce and Harrison up at the same time before, which kind of leads me to believe they’d keep him around.
"You can't sit on a lead and run a few plays into the line and just kill the clock. You've got to throw the ball over the goddamn plate and give the other man his chance. That's why baseball is the greatest game of them all."
-Earl Weaver
Evans can play all 4 corner positions. Harrison can play 3B and 2B.
i think the only way Harrison makes the team if he really can adapt to SS and has a great spring
By most accounts Evans is better than solid
In an ESPN article, Mark Simon raves about Evans’s defense. UZR certainly loves him. I don’t see Harrison making the team. If d’Arnaud is ready, which I doubt, he’ll get the call. Otherwise, it’s a competition between Nunez and Navarro.
Viva Clemente!
I have seen a lot of Nick Evans
He was very good at AA Binghamton and I even saw him in a couple games in NY with the Mets. I think people will be impressed. He has a good eye and serious pop in his bat. he can handle 1B well and plays passable D in the OF and even 3B.
Still a #4 hitter (OF/!B) and one more arm at the top of the rotation from being a reasonable competitive team in the Central. That’s if there continued movement forward by the young guys.
by thisistheseason on Dec 13, 2011 4:18 PM EST reply actions
I think they're going to bank on some platoon working out 1B.
I think it’s ludicrous that people wanted Jones non-tendered then turn around in the same sentence and say we need a power bat. (just to clarify I’m not including you in that)
He’s the only real power we have outside of McCutchen and a Pedro bounce-back. (I don’t count Barajas’ 10-15 HR’s a year in that)
If no platoon pans out I’d expect them to explore in-season trades/call ups.
I’m one of the few okay with a GFJ and Evans/McGehee/Hague platoon
"You can't sit on a lead and run a few plays into the line and just kill the clock. You've got to throw the ball over the goddamn plate and give the other man his chance. That's why baseball is the greatest game of them all."
-Earl Weaver
. . . and if he gets traded to the Rockies.
Occupy MLB! Down with Seligula!
by WTM on Dec 13, 2011 4:56 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
And gets on the "Ryan Braun Diet and Exercise Plan"
Jose Tabata is the truth
The following is a list of everything Darren McFadden is bad at: 1) Giving birth. End of list.
And
they institute little league rules where half the game is with a pitching machine.
by McCutchenIsTheTruth on Dec 13, 2011 5:35 PM EST up reply actions
So you’re saying this is probably not the season? =P
Hard work always beats talent if talent doesn't work hard.
ARE YOU F#$%ING KIDDING ME!!!! ADAMS!!! JESUS TAPDANCING CHRIST YOU HAD 24 SQUARE FEET AND YOU MISSED IT ALL!! - OlenWhitaker
Certified Grabbo Lover, though only by accident.
Total Internet Points: 9001
Looks pretty likely to me
My only question is one lefty in the bullpen. Moskos is a likely LOOGY candidate; they may option DCutch back to Indy or waive Leroux if both don’t excel in spring training.
I can’t help but shake the sinking feeling that Correia will be in the rotation all year.
Jose Tabata is the truth
The following is a list of everything Darren McFadden is bad at: 1) Giving birth. End of list.
Correia will stick until he stinks up more than his paycheck allows...
I like Lincoln’s perifs better, especially because he can hit the mid 90’s where Correia sits at 89 a lot, and doesn’t have the stuff to fake it.
I wouldn’t be shocked to see Wilson as the LOOGY since he has a cannon on him.
"You can't sit on a lead and run a few plays into the line and just kill the clock. You've got to throw the ball over the goddamn plate and give the other man his chance. That's why baseball is the greatest game of them all."
-Earl Weaver
So, the people who said they saw it on the radar gun were . . . lying?
Occupy MLB! Down with Seligula!
by WTM on Dec 13, 2011 4:54 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
And you know this because . . .
. . . you were watching the gun at all his outings?
And even if he hasn’t, how does that prove he didn’t that time?
Occupy MLB! Down with Seligula!
Not really, no
They’ve got other relievers who throw in the upper 90s and, unless somebody on a blog or message board actually goes to a game, I never hear anything about it until I start seeing prospect profiles after the season. And Wilson had only nine relief outings.
Occupy MLB! Down with Seligula!
actually, yes
how many of those pitchers are lefties? i’m almost positive that someone would be mentioning the flame throwing lefty the pirates may have in their pen.
im still calling BS… until someone proves me wrong.
which they will shortly. :-D
Seeing as how the Indy announcer reported on his blog that Owens said Wilson hit 99 four times in one game, I’d say you’ve already been proven wrong. Unless you’re claiming that one of them is lying.
Occupy MLB! Down with Seligula!
so youre calling me a liar, even though ive called YOU absolutely nothing
way to go wilbur. thanks for that.
wheres the link for the announcer? wheres the records of the gun that showed the miraculous 99?
when he makes it to Pitt and struggles to hit mid 90s, try calling me a liar again
Well, not really
he’s not saying that you’re a liar at all. Lying would be knowing something to be a fact but intentionally claiming the opposite. If you went to an Indy game, tested Wilson’s fastball with your own personally calibrated radar gun, clocked him at 99, believed your gun to be accurate then came on here and claimed bullshit that would be a lie.
His comments never suggested anything even remotely like this. All he really said was that you were reaching your conclusion (that Wilson can’t throw 99) despite some evidence to the contrary (reports from people at the game saying Wilson touched 99).
FWIW, here is the link to McCauley’s tweet about Wilson’s outing.
by KentuckyPirate on Dec 13, 2011 10:16 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I also feel skeptical
until there’s further evidence or corroboration.
The tweet says the had 4 pitches at 99. What was used to measure? Pitch f/x cameras? (there are some in minors) stadium scorebard? handheld gun? What was his best in any other games besides that one? (possible calibration errors). How ere the other pitchers in the game charting as compared to their other games?
I have a MLB pitch f/x database, and have looked at average and max fastball speeds for pitchers. It occasionally spits out clunkers
by Brian Cartwright on Dec 13, 2011 11:44 PM EST up reply actions
What was used to measure? Pitch f/x cameras?
At least three radar guns. See the above link. The Indy announcer dismissed the stadium gun reading.
Occupy MLB! Down with Seligula!
see, i told you that you/someone would prove me wrong
well done
i still dont believe it. we’ll find out when Wilson gets his first call up
You know
just because he did it in one game doesn’t mean that the absence of him hitting that number in the MLB doesn’t discount the fact that he did it. I have never seen Ciriaco play, but there is a rumor that he has played in a game. Just because I didn’t see it doesn’t discount it.
by Wizard of Woz on Dec 14, 2011 9:13 AM EST up reply actions
He doesn't have to hit 99 regularly
Or 97 for that matter. There were only six relievers in MLB whose FB averaged 97+ this year. Aroldis Chapman was the only LHP whose average reached 96, and there were only a few who averaged 95. If Wilson sits around 94 and occasionally hits the upper 90s, he’s got elite velocity.
Occupy MLB! Down with Seligula!
Who called you a liar? Your reading comprehension is seriously lacking.
And here’s the link for the Indy announcer’s blog, including a detailed account of Wilson’s FB showing 99 on two scouts’ guns and quotes from Owens about clocking Wilson at 99 four times. It also mentions he’d hit 97 in the previous game.
So we have a detailed account pointing to at least three radar guns, and we have you spouting off the work “bullshit” as if it was evidence of some sort, and playing the fake outrage game claiming I called you a liar, which I never remotely did.
Occupy MLB! Down with Seligula!
by WTM on Dec 13, 2011 11:57 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
thanks for the details
that does make it sound more likely to be an accurate report
As far as pitch f/x, I had to dig a little, but did find an example. Looking only 2009-2011 (when calibrations issues were mostly eliminated) – On 5 June 2010 Phil Coke had two pitches at 101.5 and 101.3.
Other than that game, his top is 97.8.
7 pitches at 97, 46 at 96, 194 at 95, 338 at 94, 493 at 93
so he can touch 97, sits at 94-95, but in that one game he had two pitches more than 3.5 mph above any others he’s ever had recorded.
by Brian Cartwright on Dec 14, 2011 12:14 AM EST up reply actions
when Justin Wilson makes it to the show, his MPH will be lower 90's max
mark it down, so sayeth the angus
He’s doing a great job of getting the team’s talent back to the 72-win level.
Occupy MLB! Down with Seligula!
I don't...
But they do have at least three guys with options to bounce back and forth with the LOOGY role if any guy gets too overworked. I’m not too worried about it.
"You can't sit on a lead and run a few plays into the line and just kill the clock. You've got to throw the ball over the goddamn plate and give the other man his chance. That's why baseball is the greatest game of them all."
-Earl Weaver
i can definitely handle the LOOGY role, you guys
especially after running around in the summertime and chugging a bunch of gatorade. WHAT IS THAT
"LOOGY" = lefty one-out guy
Not sure if that was a question.
Not actually affiliated with whygavs.
by WHYG Zane Smith on Dec 13, 2011 5:20 PM EST up reply actions
i know
my horrible attempt at humor. i used to be funny (or at least my mom would always tell me that)
ha
No, it was cool, I just realize that no one had actually defined it in this thread so it might not be totally obvious to everyone.
Not actually affiliated with whygavs.
by WHYG Zane Smith on Dec 13, 2011 7:22 PM EST up reply actions
WHYG Zane Smith is the guy who explains all the jokes.
by Charlie Wilmoth on Dec 13, 2011 9:57 PM EST up reply actions
oh god, I am
Not actually affiliated with whygavs.
by WHYG Zane Smith on Dec 13, 2011 10:03 PM EST up reply actions
Few comments
I’m guessing that Morton’s chances of opening the season in the rotation are maybe a hair better than mine. Between him and the fact that Correia would be AAA depth on any other team, they desperately need another starter.
I’ll be extremely annoyed if McGehee ends up as the platoon partner for Jones, with neither Fox nor Evans on the team. Those were really good signings and one of them should be on the team. They’re already going to have very little power in the OF corners and they need some on the bench. It shouldn’t be assumed that these two can just be stashed in AAA. They both should have had enough leverage to get “out” clauses. McGehee has played secondbase, including a few dozen games in the majors. Between him and the other infielder, they can afford to send Harrison down as they’ll have enough coverage at second. (I shudder to think of Harrison at short.)
I’m betting Nunez makes the team, given Hurdle’s obsession with glove-and-speed guys on the bench. Maybe some day he’ll realize that bench guys are used more to hit than field, but I don’t think that day is here yet. Navarro has an option left, so the only way they keep both is to send Navarro down. Plus, NH has a pattern of holding onto his Rule 5 picks at least a short ways into the season. I figure around late May they’ll be struggling to score runs, as always, and somebody will finally notice that Ciriaco . . . er, Nunez . . . is just 0-for-2 with three sac bunts, and they’ll call up Navarro.
Occupy MLB! Down with Seligula!
I agree they need another starter in the worst way...
…but I just can’t help but think they’re going to play Correia because they don’t want to completely eat $4MM. I hope this is just my ingrained Pirates fan pessimism coming through here.
Like I said above, I think Correia is somewhere in their plans all year, even as 5th starter.
Jose Tabata is the truth
The following is a list of everything Darren McFadden is bad at: 1) Giving birth. End of list.
Oops
Well, point still stands.
On the other hand, if Huntington can find someone to take Matt Diaz (and give up a living, breathing human being no less!) he may be able to find a trade partner for Correia
Jose Tabata is the truth
The following is a list of everything Darren McFadden is bad at: 1) Giving birth. End of list.
Ya
but you don’t carry an extra starting pitcher on your bench like an OF such as Diaz. I’d struggle to see them being able to move Correia, but I don’t think they actually want to anyway. Remember he’s an all-star……..
by McCutchenIsTheTruth on Dec 13, 2011 5:34 PM EST up reply actions
Truth...
good luck on your blog. been wanting to mention that for a while but this other shit been distracting me.
Thanks
man. I appreciate it. I’d have no chance to do well if I hadn’t learned so much here from everybody.
by McCutchenIsTheTruth on Dec 13, 2011 6:39 PM EST up reply actions
I agree
that they don’t want to eat Correia’s salary, so I wouldn’t mind seeing him as the long-man with D-Cutch (who I believe still has an option) starting off in Indy. It’s not that I have a problem with McCutchen or anything but I (1) don’t see them just eating his contract, (2) don’t want him in the rotation and (3) don’t think there would be a substantial difference in the performance of the two in the long-man role. To me, this, combined with a Bedard, Chen, J-Mac, Karstens, Lincoln (Morton DL’d) rotation would be the way to go.
by KentuckyPirate on Dec 13, 2011 7:57 PM EST up reply actions
Just a thought here...
I’ve preached before about how the Pirates may have set the market for Maholm with the Bedard signing.
Also, number 28 was not taken by any player, which is strange because I believe Barajas has worn it often.
Just thinking out loud but maybe, just maybe, a new Maholm deal is in the works?
"You can't sit on a lead and run a few plays into the line and just kill the clock. You've got to throw the ball over the goddamn plate and give the other man his chance. That's why baseball is the greatest game of them all."
-Earl Weaver
That would be fine by me
Said elsewhere, I think a deal in the 2 year/$12-14MM range would be fair for all sides.
Plus it would be a good sign that, in fact, Correia isn’t in their plans!
Jose Tabata is the truth
The following is a list of everything Darren McFadden is bad at: 1) Giving birth. End of list.
Agreed.
He’s still active with PGH media and fans via Twitter, and made it known he’d like to stay here. I’d welcome him back. I’m sure he’d be a fan as well, seeing as it would potentially be the best rotation he’s been a part of here.
"You can't sit on a lead and run a few plays into the line and just kill the clock. You've got to throw the ball over the goddamn plate and give the other man his chance. That's why baseball is the greatest game of them all."
-Earl Weaver
I'll be stunned
If Paulie gets more than 5-5.5 per season base. he may get some incentives that could get him up to 12 or more over two years, but I think 10-11 over 2 is his ceiling.
Even better then
If that’s the case, I hope they sign him up ASAP
Jose Tabata is the truth
The following is a list of everything Darren McFadden is bad at: 1) Giving birth. End of list.
Good
catch on the number think. If we bring back Maholm, and then add a legitimate 1B or find a way to have an effective platoon, next year could at least be interesting.
by McCutchenIsTheTruth on Dec 13, 2011 5:35 PM EST up reply actions
Hey thanks,
being a conspiracy theorist finds use in baseball sometimes.
"You can't sit on a lead and run a few plays into the line and just kill the clock. You've got to throw the ball over the goddamn plate and give the other man his chance. That's why baseball is the greatest game of them all."
-Earl Weaver
Haha
plus tin-foil companies love it.
by McCutchenIsTheTruth on Dec 13, 2011 6:41 PM EST up reply actions
It literally took me a full minute to get that joke. hahahahahahha
"You can't sit on a lead and run a few plays into the line and just kill the clock. You've got to throw the ball over the goddamn plate and give the other man his chance. That's why baseball is the greatest game of them all."
-Earl Weaver
Should’ve asked WHYG Zane Smith to explain it.
by JRoth95 on Dec 14, 2011 11:16 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Baralas
will wear #26.
________________________________
Free your ass and your mind will follow.
by cocktailsfor2 on Dec 13, 2011 11:58 PM EST up reply actions
BARALOLZ - Bwah-haha!
Late night…Taping podcast and booking flight to go to Fest (which I REALLY effed up the first time!), combined with not hitting “preview” makes for typo fun!
________________________________
Free your ass and your mind will follow.
by cocktailsfor2 on Dec 14, 2011 11:31 AM EST up reply actions
were you
gonna come visit me?
or was it not THAT effed up?
by BlindSquirrel on Dec 14, 2011 7:02 PM EST up reply actions
Not THAT effed up.
I did, however, make a horrible mistake on the Southwest Airlines calendar, and booked the wrong dates, thinking they had reduced the fares.
Fortunately, Mrs. cocktailsfor2 caught it, but when I went to correct it, the fares were WAY higher. MLW told me to go ahead and do it anyway, despite the larger hit to our budget.
She’s a peach, I tell ya.
________________________________
Free your ass and your mind will follow.
by cocktailsfor2 on Dec 14, 2011 9:41 PM EST up reply actions
ya
McGehee will most likely start on the bench
My take...
First off, at catcher, I think it is about 50/50 on whether we keep Morales or McKenry.
I’d be very surprised if Harrison makes the team over Evans. Evans brings so much more to the team than Harrison. For one, Evans or Jones will be acting as the fifth outfielder on days they aren’t starting.
We will carry a backup SS. If Navarro shows he is capable, it should be him. I feel Nunez is the backup plan if we aren’t keen on Navarro’s defense. Other teams seem to have moved him off SS for a reason.
My guess on the bench is McKenry, Evans, McGehee, McLouth, and Navarro.
I will also predict that Correia is the opening day starter. He will be given several months before we give up on him. His overall numbers don’t reflect the value he had on this team. His starts gave us about as many chances to win as Maholm’s did for half the cost, and I am pretty sure he pitched hurt for a while at the end before realizing he was not going to get better. I’d like to see Maholm or Saunders brought in if they are in the $5 million range. We need to have 7 viable starters at the beginning of the season, plus a few wildcards.
Regarding Navarro
The Royals have no plausible back up infielder right now. Yet they traded Navarro for players with a modest upside. Hmmm. Hmmm. I think that tells us something.
Viva Clemente!
It tells us you don’t get a future star for two guys BA characterized as a potential middle reliever and a low-level org. player. Hard to believe, I know . . . . .
Occupy MLB! Down with Seligula!
Not
after Carlos Santana for Casey Blake.. it’s kinda reversed but still.
by McCutchenIsTheTruth on Dec 13, 2011 6:40 PM EST up reply actions
Or that they needed a roster spot and made the best deal they could.
They DO have UT IF options, btw. Chris Getz, who was their primary 2B this year, will probably fill the role with Johnny Giavotella becoming the starter. Plus, they recently signed Tony Abreu to a minor league deal. He’s spent large parts of a couple seasons in a UT IF role in the majors and has hit pretty well in AAA.
Occupy MLB! Down with Seligula!
maybe they got tired of Navarro's "cedeno-isms"?
they also let Bianchi go. maybe christian colon will be up by the allstar break? who knows
Why should he be at AA at the all-star break?
He played 127 games at AA in 2011.
Can
Colon even play SS anymore? I was under the impression he’s gonna end up at 2B.
by McCutchenIsTheTruth on Dec 14, 2011 1:27 AM EST up reply actions
In 2011...
he played 99 games at SS and 15 at 2B…so I’d say they probably still look at him as a SS.
Correia
I don’t want Correia to start on opening day, but I believe I have heard comments from our management that suggests he is at the top of our rotation. It was before Bedard signed so lets hope they re-evauate.
by ballparkfranks on Dec 14, 2011 10:22 AM EST up reply actions
Bedard or not
There is no way they are that deluded…..is there?
Jose Tabata is the truth
The following is a list of everything Darren McFadden is bad at: 1) Giving birth. End of list.
Scary thought
It’s not Ron Villone, but it’s not far removed. If Correia starts opening day, my estimate of NH’s IQ drops by about 15 points.
Occupy MLB! Down with Seligula!
is it NH's call though?
it’s more than likely CH’s?? Bedard should be the starter but if not then give me Karstens!
I would not be stunned at all...
…if Morales is the backup at C.
I agree with you about Evans over Harrison. I have seen both in MiLB and MLB games. Evans is much better and certainly has more pop in his bat which is one thing we need dearly.
I still gotta believe that the front office things Navarro could be our next starting SS and as such will play everyday at AAA and Nunez was the cheap option to fill that backup spot behind Barmes. Once they feel Navarro is MLB ready, then we say goodbye to Barmes via trade.
I think Bedard is the opening day starter, but i would not be shocked if Correia starts game 2 followed by Kartsens, JMac (in either order, really) and Lincoln (until Morton is ready).
I agree
but Bedard is the “big” signing so he may get the ball. Honestly, and it sucks to say this, I just don’t care at this point. No one really “deserves” it like hopefully both Cole and Taillon will in 3 years.
by McCutchenIsTheTruth on Dec 14, 2011 1:28 AM EST up reply actions
Being the Opening Day Starting Pitcher...
for the Pirates is a BAD thing. Over the last 19 years, about 75 percent of the Opening Day starters have either ended up injured for a significant amount of time, or had a bad season (defined as an season ERA above 4.50, or both). The 2011 example, Kevin Correia.
Is anyone else pretty thrilled about the potential of Chris Leroux? I have a few wet dreams for his future:
a) He becomes a dominant eighth-inning guy and sets up Hanrahan. The eighth and ninth are, in this case, completely locked down. They’re not Kimbrel/Venters, but they’re damn good.
b) Hanrahan is traded for a nice haul, and Leroux excels as closer. If John Axford can do it…
c) Leroux is converted to a starter and posts a sub-4 ERA. Great value.
Obviously he could fail, but I left last season more excited about him than any other player on our roster. I think he’s going to be great.
Am I irrational?
No jinx no jinx no jinx.
I think there is a chance Leroux breaks out to a high level shutdown reliever.
I don’t know what it is, maybe 15%-20%.
Should the Pirates keep Neal Huntington?
http://www.bucsdugout.com/2011/5/16/2174135/poll-should-huntington-be-retained
by Kosstic518 on Dec 13, 2011 6:32 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Honestly
I don’t know much about the guy. I should do some research.
That would be freakin sweet though. Shut-down relievers do come out of nowhere from time to time. That said, we need Meek to be healthy and effective again.
by McCutchenIsTheTruth on Dec 13, 2011 6:41 PM EST up reply actions
I think Leroux can be groomed
as long relief guy. Let’s remember if combine Pittsburgh, Indy, and even Altoona last year he pitched 93 innings. Using the 30 innings increase workload for next season he can pitch up to 123 innings before eventually being forced to shut down. So, in other words, he can be groomed into a Jeff Karstens like role before being in line for possibly a #4 starter spot in 2013.
If his stuff has been that good lately then he deserves an opportunity to start.
Meek’s an exact example of what I’m talking about. He came out of nowhere to be a dominant seventh-inning reliever. Leroux could be like him, only with way better stuff.
No jinx no jinx no jinx.
by Suffering Buc on Dec 13, 2011 6:50 PM EST up reply actions
Meek
has some pretty damn good stuff doesn’t he? Like high 90’s heat. I’d be surprised if Leroux’s stuff was better. It’d be nice though.
by McCutchenIsTheTruth on Dec 13, 2011 7:16 PM EST up reply actions
Right
but Suffering Buc seemed to imply when Meek “came out of nowhere” and he was throwing gas at the point IIRC.
by McCutchenIsTheTruth on Dec 13, 2011 8:24 PM EST up reply actions
So
you would agree with me that it’s nearly impossible for Leroux to have better stuff than Meek (did)?
by McCutchenIsTheTruth on Dec 14, 2011 1:26 AM EST up reply actions
I really like Leroux
Fastball-slider guy, throws 92-95, consistently shows an ability to “miss bats” which is always a plus. He pitched in the Dominican Winter League as a starter to try and get stretched out and was pretty effective. I agree that Meek is important to the bullpen this year but i think Leroux is big too…
by KentuckyPirate on Dec 13, 2011 8:20 PM EST up reply actions
HUGE LeRoux fan
he looked amazing to me last year. If it’s me calling the shots I’m giving him a chance to start. Start him in AAA rotation and as soon as someone stinks bring him up. Weren’t they working him as a starter this winter?
Remember when Neal claimed him and stuck him on the 40 man and some ppl were all like hisssssss
wouldn't right hague off yet
he has better AAA stats in his first try than Mcgehee or evans even in thier second and third tries. pirates probably will give him a chance to win a roster spot
Brandon Moss, Craig Hansen, and Andy LaRoche had great AAA stats too...
If the organization was high on Hague he’d have been given a shot now. I have faith that they know their own players better than anyone, and they don’t seem too keen on him.
"You can't sit on a lead and run a few plays into the line and just kill the clock. You've got to throw the ball over the goddamn plate and give the other man his chance. That's why baseball is the greatest game of them all."
-Earl Weaver
Playing the odds, in my view
I wouldn’t have benched Derrek Lee to play Hague, even knowing there was a modest chance Lee would resign.
Viva Clemente!
Only if i can Wright off Hague
"So you think 25 percent of the country is retarded?! Yea. Atleast 25 percent. Well lets do a sample. There are 4 of us an you're retarded. Thats 25 percent." Southpark; Mystery of the Urinal Deuce
RIP Corey Keller, James Taylor, M. Jay Darby, Derek Davis.
by gorillakilla34 on Dec 13, 2011 7:46 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Evans AAA development
Kept getting interrupted by stints in NYC with the big club because he was the best option they had when guys like Bay and beltran and everyone else seemed to get hurt. Everyone is all ecited about Lucas Duda these days. Duda may have more pure power than Evans, but Evans is a more complete hitter IMO.
I’m sure he probably could. He’s hardly played there since 2007, however.
by Charlie Wilmoth on Dec 13, 2011 8:21 PM EST up reply actions
I think
the one guy we never talk about is Presley… Is anyone as excited about this guy as I am.
He’s done nothing but his in the last 2 years, including in Pittsburgh last year. Bill James projects him to have a .345 wOBA, which presumably would come with above-average defense in LF.
Using this WAR calculator and Bill James’s numbers, that projects out to 2.2 WAR over 125 games, which would be awesome in my opinion. Plus I think he has 3 WAR upside.
by McCutchenIsTheTruth on Dec 13, 2011 8:35 PM EST reply actions
AGREED
I’m super flipping pumped about Tabata Cutch Presley outfield. Is that the best OF defense IN THE MLB? probably. definitely top 3 right, you guys? In addition all 3 guys still have additional upside. I’m more excited about our OF than anything else this year. jesus i can’t wait for April
The
Yanks? Gardner is amazing, but Granderson is below-average I believe.. and Swisher?
by McCutchenIsTheTruth on Dec 14, 2011 10:15 PM EST up reply actions
i do believe in metrics
and i do believe that we would HAVE TO be in the top 5. in Tabata’s rookie season he was metrically rated as the 3rd best LF in MLB behind Gardner and Carl Crawford. Presley seems to be above average for a RF
Charlie -
You’ve got a boatload of changes to make in the “players” section of the homepage.
Have fun.
________________________________
Free your ass and your mind will follow.
My wife's name
is not Joy.
________________________________
Free your ass and your mind will follow.
by cocktailsfor2 on Dec 14, 2011 12:42 PM EST up reply actions
i always thought it was mrs. cocktails
though saint prolly should be in front.
by karreemofwheat on Dec 14, 2011 12:58 PM EST up reply actions
It is, actually.
She’s a helluva gal.
________________________________
Free your ass and your mind will follow.
by cocktailsfor2 on Dec 14, 2011 5:36 PM EST up reply actions
Milliseconds after I sent that I knew someone would make such a comment.
by Brakeman8 on Dec 14, 2011 2:28 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Keep pitchin' them softballs,
I’ll keep knockin’ ’em out!
;-)
________________________________
Free your ass and your mind will follow.
by cocktailsfor2 on Dec 14, 2011 5:36 PM EST up reply actions
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