- The beat gang reports that all the Pirate coaches will be back next season. Half of the eight were Clint Hurdle guys while the other four were holdovers. The only question mark was hitting coach Gregg Ritchie, but it looks like Hurdle and the FO are pointing the finger for the Bucs' batting woes at the players rather than the way they're coached up. Just straightening out Pedro would go a long way toward straightening out the offense. And speaking of Pedro...
- Troy Renck of the Denver Post writes "The Rockies will cast a wide net (for a third baseman), from the tough-to-get (Kevin Youkilis of the Red Sox) to the intriguing (San Diego's Chase Headley and Pittsburgh's Pedro Alvarez). When looking to trade Stewart this past summer, the Rockies inquired about Headley and Alvarez. Neither team was interested in making a deal, but it would be no surprise if Colorado restarts talks this winter."
- Free agent rumor-mongering: Tim Dierkes of MLB Trade Rumors said that "If the Astros fail to sign (Clint) Barmes, he could be a more affordable alternative for the Twins, Braves, Phillies, Brewers, Pirates, Cardinals, or Giants."
- IF Jordy Mercer went 3-for-3 with two doubles, a homer & three RBI yesterday in Team USA's 15-1 win vs. Chinese Taipei in World Cup.
- Two Bucco farmhands made the Top Twenty Eastern League prospects per Baseball America: OF Starling Marte and RHP Kyle McPherson.
"Somehow we have developed this large contingent of know-it-all baseball fans who bay like wounded coyotes at any mention of wins, losses, RBI or batting average. I never know whether I should blame myself for this or not.." (Bill James)
Hmmm ... that's interesting about the Rockies possibly being interested in acquiring Alvarez. Trouble is, he wouldn't bring much in return, and NH/FC would never admit this particular mistake, at least not this soon.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of trades ... Before the July 31 deadline, I told a friend I hoped the Bucs would trade for Hunter Pence. It was no secret he was available. Oh, well. I don't know who Houston got in return for him, and he didn't do much in the playoffs. But he galvanized the Phillies' lineup once he got out of Houston. He's been a good player for several years, he was available, and he is still in his prime. He would have looked good in a Pirates' uniform, but we'll never know whether the front office even considered trade talks with Houston. Clearly they want to give Tabata a chance to develop, which is reasonable, I suppose, although I am not as high on Tabata as NH seems to be. Not enough power, and not enough speed. I do like Pressley, despite his lack of power, but he can hit, has excellent speed and is a catalyst at the top of the lineup. I look forward to seeing what he can do next year.