Notes & News

As we head into New Years...

• Despite a big price tag and the cost of the first round draft pick, Mike Axisa of CBS' Eye on Baseball thinks Nelson Cruz would be a fit in Pittsburgh.
• Andrew Lambo didn't do much to improve his stock in the Dominican Winter League. According to John Dreker of Pirates Prospects, he finished the campaign with a .228/.311/.337 slash line in 27 games with six doubles, two triples, no homers and 17 RBI. Lambo drew 11 walks and struck out 28 times in 92 at-bats.
• No, AJ hasn't made a decision, but Jake Dal Porto of Beyond the Box Score examines how his sinker became his salvation in Pittsburgh. Outside Pitch looks at Burnett's market if he decides to play the field.
• Saber Bucs makes the argument that Brian Giles may be the best hitter by the numbers in Pirate history.
• Ex Bucs: The Beanball wants to know where the love for Paul Maholm is?
• The things you run across on Facebook: Old Forbes Field with the Cathedral of Learning as a backdrop beyond the bleachers...