FanShot Chats
Rendon not on the field yet for the Nats
A comment by a poster (gnarburger) from OBN's thread on the AFL: "The Nationals actually didn't let Rendon play in Instructs. He was there, but wasn't allowed to participate in games or even hit real pitching. He took infield and BP, but wasn't allowed into any real action." I don't know the source of his info, but it was interesting to read. (I couldn't post the OBN url as a link for some reason)
With the fear of cricification...
With the minors loaded with quality centerfielders (mostly Grossman and Hernandez), would it be wise to consider a trade of Cutch in a season or two. Possibilty of great returns and an in house replacement. What do you guys think?
No, no, it's not THAT guy
Double-take time at the PG today: Obituary: Derrick Bell / Law professor and racial advocate
Huntington on the Phone with Theo...
If I'm NH I'm on the phone with Theo Epstein right now getting all you can for Joel Hanrahan...one man's overreaction is another's treasure trove
Princess Book Bag?
Has anyone noticed the princess back pack that the players have hanging in the clubhouse and sometimes in the dugout?lol.. Just wondering if anyone knew the story behind it?
Adam Dunn?
I was thinking about our hole at first base and why not see what the White Sox want for Adam Dunn? If they do another Swisher type deal for him, why not deal for him? Sure, he's expensive, but if we give up a half decent prospect we might get money kicked in, the contract will be short, and he'll back in the NL where he should bounce back. Any thoughts?
Brad Lincoln
What's up you guys? Wanted to start a post on Brad Lincoln, who was impressive in his start this past weekend. My thoughts are that Brad Lincoln is actually ready to be a contributing major league starter and I'm thinking that he's primed for a breakout season next year. A quick glance at his numbers the last three years in AAA suggest improvement. His FiP has gone from 3.85 in 09 to 3.65 in 10 to a very good 3.02 this year before being brought up. It seems as though Lincoln should benefit from a major league defense. On top of that, i enjoy watching him pitch with that great curveball and the fact that he can swing the stick! Career OPS of 781! that'd be one of the better hitters on our team haha. What do you guys think?! Also we need a new nickname for him, how about "Dishonest Brad"? instead of Honest Abe? I dont know Brad Lincoln seems like a crappy dude and his facial hair is rather villainous looking
hip hip JOSE!
long time reader - first time poster so i don't know if i did this right but had to post about my extreme love of Jose Tabata. Love this site! I used to think that Taco Bell offered the best deals I had ever seen, 99 cents for nacho supreme? Unbelievable. This past Friday, Jose Tabata firmly supplanted Taco Bell as #1 dealmaker guy. The extension that the Bucs signed Tabata to is a phenomenally team friendly deal and should benefit our team greatly moving forward. This is the exact type of deal we need to be legitimate NL Central winners for several years running. Even Bob Smizik – who is a moron Pirates bashing troll who knows nothing about baseball – couldn’t find a way to spin this one badly - http://communityvoices.sites.post-gazette.com/index.php/sports/bob-smiziks-blog/29847-pirates-win-one-over-tabata Essentially – the Tabata deal is six years (this year is included in that though) for right around 15 million. CRAZY. The salary breakdown is as follows: 2011: $500,000 ($1 M signing bonus) 2012: $750,000 2013: $1,000,000 2014: $3,000,000 2015: $4,000,000 2016: $4,500,000 THEN on top of that, we have three (3!) club option years that we can exercise at a year by year basis, basically deciding if we want to keep him or not. There is zero risk involved for the Pirates for this, because they’re the ones who make the decision. The three options total 22.5 million (which might be a bargain at that time) The fact that we could have 9 years of Jose Tabata for about 33 million dollars is a better deal than any burrito or nachos at Taco Bell. Since being called up to the majors, Jose Tabata has played in 180 games, so that’s basically one full year (a tad over). During that time according to fangraphs (http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=2411&position=OF) he has accumulated 3.7 WAR (wins above replacement). In the free agent market, 1 WAR usually costs ~5 million dollars. If next year Tabata gets no better and just keeps doing what he does and stays healthy and produces 3.7 WAR he will have paid off his first six year of his contract in one year. It is entirely reasonable to expect him to do that. He’s not due for any regression and should continue to get better. He turned 23 this month, and baseball players usually hit their prime around 26-29 (through all of which we have the option to retain Tabata’s services) On top of all of this, I love Jose Tabata. He seems a legit human being and loves baseball. If you haven’t seen it yet, look up videos of his press conference where he says in broken English "I love Pittsburgh, and I want to stay here for a really long time". Also look up the video where he talks about playing his first major league game in tears. Recently Tabata has asked to wear Clemente’s jersey for just one day because he is his hero. I am all for this, especially now, because with this deal Tabata has proven his loyalty and reverence to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Here’s to hoping he wins championships out there in RF, just like his idol.
Josh Bells Signs with Pirates!
NH did it! The most unlikely of all signings, Bell was said to be going to school from the minute we drafted him but the Pirates got it done! This is exactly what we have to do, spend lots and lots of $$$ in the draft and hope the mega-prospects like Bell pan out. Couldn't be happier for the future of our franchise, if tonight isn't an indicator that our front office finally knows what they're doing, I don't know what more the yinzers want! Go buccos! Welcome Josh Bell!
Reading Way too Much into Tabata in Right Field
I really could not figure out why Tabata would play RF. Ludwick likes LF better? Doubt it. His glove and arm plays much better in RF. Because Presley would be a better fit in LF? I don't think so, I mean Presley is a good OF, but I do not believe he is better than Tabata. What else could it be? We all know Tabata loves Clements and would be thrilled to play RF, but that is hardly a reason to move him to right. OK here is my theory..... They are getting ready for Marte, possibly next year. We made it through the trade deadline without a major deal, Marte is showing all the growth and signs that he is ready to be an above average CF. His bat, which is good-not elite- will be above average in CF. So, the best OF could be Tabata in RF, Marte in CF & 'Cutch moving to LF. Probably the worst part of 'Cutch's game is his arm and LF is so big in PNC he would be a long term great (possibly gold) LF. Tabata is not a prototypical RF, however that would be a great OF. Best in Baseball great, possibly all time great. It would be great for JMac and those fly balls, Good for Correia and Karstens. When Morton or Maholm pitch, they can spot start Jones. Would totally be excited for a starting OF of 'Cutch, Tabs and Marte, with Jones/Diaz (yeah, he will probably be around next year unless they can ship him off) and Presley as a 5th OF.
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