Altoona Curve skipper Tim Leiper has joined Indy's manager Trent Jewett and hitting coach Hensley Meulens at the unemployment line as the Bucs continue their clean sweep through the minor league system.
It's no great surprise that the new suits want to leave their own imprint on the organization. Kyle Stark's paint-by-the-numbers philosophy of bringing up young players created some tension among guys that in prior years had a fairly free hand at the helm, and caused some considerable head-banging between management and the holdover coaches.
And whether because of talent, teaching, or philosophy, the Pirate's top two levels weren't exactly churning out MLB-ready players. A lot of Pittsburgh's prospects have stagnated in the upper minor league system.
We suspect most have just hit the wall ability-wise, but the new regime made it clear that they have a strictly defined program they want in place, from the GCL to the International League, covering everything from conduct and pitch counts to movement up and down the ladder.
Whether that proves to be a more effective way of prepping talent has years to go before it will be validated, but it's a 180-turn from the old school. We wish Leiper, Jewett, and Meulens the best of success in the future. They were good people and coaches caught in the turmoil and turnover of transition.
> The Buc's list of banged up players keeps on growing.
Jack Wilson has played his final game at short for the club, if off-season trade rumors prove true. X-rays revealed a hairline fracture near the tip of his finger, and doctors told Jack Splat that he can't throw for another six weeks. He hopes to come back to at least pinch-hit or run in September.
Brian Bixler and Luis Cruz will keep SS warm, although Cruz is expected to be moved around the field to see if he has the stuff to be a MLB utility man.
Nate McLouth took six stitches to close the cut over his eye after a bad hop yesterday, but will be in tonight's lineup, bruises and all. Luis Cruz had his left wrist wrapped and was getting electrical stimulation treatment after misplaying a liner Saturday. He's back for the Astro's, too.
Freddy Sanchez will live with his bum shoulder for the remainder of the year. It doesn't seem to affect his hitting, though. He was 8-14 against the Giants, with 5 runs scored and 2 RBI.
> Sunday was a big day for Robinzon Diaz. He caught his first MLB game, had his first hit, first stolen base, first RBI, and first gunned basestealer.
> Pedro has his day in court Wednesday in NYC in front of the arbitrator. The decision will take awhile, even after the hearing, probably requiring two or three weeks before it's finalized. Dejan suggests that the proceeding may take more than one session - and the arbitrator is booked for the rest of the month. The drama never ends.
Monday, September 8, 2008
An Inning of Infamy
The headlines said it all - "Pirates Tie Record With 16th Consecutive Losing Season" and right below it, "Steelers Romp." Baseball season is now officially over in Pittsburgh, at least as far as the local sporting public is concerned.
And with losses like today's, it's no wonder. Cruising along with a 5-0 lead and tossing three no-hit innings, the wheels fell off for Jeff Karstens in a hurry. How about giving up a ten-spot?
It started with a soft single, an error by Karstens, and a lost pop-up by Brian Bixler. Then a sinking liner was spanked into left center that Nate McLouth dove for, missed, and got conked in the noggin with for his trouble, opening a nasty gash over his eye.
To add insult to injury, the single turned into a bases-clearing triple. Three more hits followed, then Steve Pearce misplayed a bloop.
Eight Giants in a row reached base, although if the baseball gods hadn't been so mischievous, it could have been a manageable inning with the Bucs in their dugout. It's hard to point a finger at Karstens in the middle of a team melt-down.
TJ Beam entered, gave up a single, got an out - number one, after 10 batters - and watched a grounder glance off Freddy Sanchez's glove. By the time the smoked cleared, it was 10-5 G-Men, and the fat lady had sung for Pittsburgh.
So far on their road trip, the Pirates are 3-3. They blew a five run, three run, and another five run lead in the losses. At least McLouth joined the 20-20 club today before retiring for the afternoon.
McLouth needed some stitches over his eye, but it's uncertain if the 2008 Pirates can be put back together so easily. With the Steelers and Pitt already on the field, and the Penguins poised to take to the ice, there won't be many people in town that care.
And with losses like today's, it's no wonder. Cruising along with a 5-0 lead and tossing three no-hit innings, the wheels fell off for Jeff Karstens in a hurry. How about giving up a ten-spot?
It started with a soft single, an error by Karstens, and a lost pop-up by Brian Bixler. Then a sinking liner was spanked into left center that Nate McLouth dove for, missed, and got conked in the noggin with for his trouble, opening a nasty gash over his eye.
To add insult to injury, the single turned into a bases-clearing triple. Three more hits followed, then Steve Pearce misplayed a bloop.
Eight Giants in a row reached base, although if the baseball gods hadn't been so mischievous, it could have been a manageable inning with the Bucs in their dugout. It's hard to point a finger at Karstens in the middle of a team melt-down.
TJ Beam entered, gave up a single, got an out - number one, after 10 batters - and watched a grounder glance off Freddy Sanchez's glove. By the time the smoked cleared, it was 10-5 G-Men, and the fat lady had sung for Pittsburgh.
So far on their road trip, the Pirates are 3-3. They blew a five run, three run, and another five run lead in the losses. At least McLouth joined the 20-20 club today before retiring for the afternoon.
McLouth needed some stitches over his eye, but it's uncertain if the 2008 Pirates can be put back together so easily. With the Steelers and Pitt already on the field, and the Penguins poised to take to the ice, there won't be many people in town that care.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Pellas on the Pirates: The Prospects
PLAYERS I LIKE
I'm going in with the notion that we have three prospects in our minor league system who are clearly head and shoulders above all the rest. I could really pick any of them as number one, but have decided to rate them 1A, 1B, and 1C. All the rest are in the next tier down from these three.
I have this Terrific Trio in the following order based largely on what I view as 1) how objectively talented I think they are, and 2) how well they are likely to play as big leaguers if they maximize their objective talent. Using these two criteria, my number one might surprise you:
1A) Brad Lincoln (23, Lynchburg/Hickory, RHP) - Until further notice and until proven otherwise, it is Brad Lincoln and not Andrew McCutchen who is the single most important player currently in the Pirates' minor league system. Lincoln has the potential to become what has not been seen in Pittsburgh since Doug Drabek's heyday, and that is a true top of the rotation, All-Star starting pitcher. If you doubt how much a guy like that can mean to your team's fortunes, consider how much better the otherwise sad sack Brewers were when they had Ben Sheets and very little else. (Now of course they've added lots of young talent, but for a couple of seasons they were only competitive when Sheets was on the hill.) The only---repeat---only question with Lincoln is his health, because he was an absolutely dominant major college pitcher, and his minor league performance has been very good considering it's been marred by Tommy John surgery. I might quibble just a tad with Lincoln's relatively low strikeout numbers, but those figure to get better as he continues his recovery, and in the meantime his control has been impeccable. He could be pitching at PNC as soon as the second half of next season, though he's more likely to arrive in 2010.
1B) Jose Tabata (20, Altoona, CF) I saw this kid play in person in Altoona over the Labor Day weekend, and he looked like a man among boys. He does everything well, and makes it all look easy. I believe he is more talented than Andrew McCutchen, he definitely has more power, and in my opinion he also has more long term upside. Yes, that's quite a statement. No, it will be you and not me eating your words when you see him in Pittsburgh in 2010!
1C) Andrew McCutchen (21, Indy, CF) Alright, here's the deal with Andrew. He's still a very gifted athlete. He's very fast. He's excellent defensively. And yes, he's been young for his level at every stop along the way in his professional career to date, so we can perhaps give him half a mulligan when evaluating his statistics. I still believe he is as close to a can't miss player as we have in our system. So what's the problem, and why do I have him rated as only our number 3 prospect? Because 283-9-50 is still 283-9-50, and because he doesn't make the best use of his speed, having been caught stealing 20 times in 54 attempts. His power, batting average, and on base percentage all look...okay...but definitely nothing special. Now, maybe he goes and plays winter ball, then makes it to the last cut in spring training, then goes back to Indianapolis and tears the cover off the ball until July, then he comes to Pittsburgh and never looks back. Hey, great, nothing would make me happier. But.....there's this nagging suspicion in the back of my mind that won't go away. It keeps whispering, "The kid's good....but he's not great. And people are expecting waayyy too much from him. He'll be a solid, better than average major leaguer who plays outstanding defense. But he won't be a superstar and he may not even be an All-Star."
We'll see.
4) Ross Ohlendorf (26, Indy, NYY, RHP) - Flamethrowing former Ivy Leaguer was 5-4, 3.65 - AAA, at Indianapolis and 1-1, 6.53 with the Yankees. He looked like he belonged in his only Pirates start thus far. I believe in Ohlendorf and am of the view that he was miscast as a reliever in New York. Given the chance to return to starting---where he was pretty successful in his minor league career---I believe he will blossom. Could be as good as a number two starter for us, but more likely an excellent number three.
5) Evan Meek (25, Pittsburgh/Indy/Altoona, RHP) -Couldn't throw strikes to save his life early this season after coming over from Tampa in the Rule V draft, but was an absolute Terminator at both double and triple-A. If he has truly harnessed his control, he could be an outstanding setup man and might even be closer material down the road.
6) Daniel McCutchen (25, Indy, RHP) - He threw a lot of innings at triple-A this year, finishing with 174. His record was just 7-9 with a 4.03 ERA, but I really like him because he is absolutely fearless and he doesn't walk anyone. While he will never be dominant, I think he is perfectly fine as a right-handed version of Paul Maholm. Particularly when the Pirates have superb gloveman Andrew McCutchen in center to go with almost-as-good Nate McLouth and better than average Brandon Moss, a pitch to contact type like McCutchen could be highly effective in Pittsburgh. I believe he will be.
7) Bryan Morris (21, Hickory, RHP) A bit of a long shot in that he is very young and coming off Tommy John surgery, but he was considered the best arm in the entire Dodgers system at one point. Potentially an ace starter if he can stay healthy and progress normally from here on.
8) Robinzon Diaz (24, Indy, C) A Joe Girardi type who hits for a high average---especially for a catcher---though with little power. He also brings a good glove to the game. Definitely ought to be our number two catcher next season, and in my opinion you could do a lot worse than him as your starter. He only ranks this low because he's yet to play in the bigs and because he had a so-so 2008, mostly in the Blue Jays system. But I definitely like him a lot going forward.
9) Jimmy Barthmaier (24, Indy, RHP) - Scrapheap reclamation project from the Astros organization has all the tools, but can't seem to stay healthy or consistent. If he somehow puts it all together for a full season, watch out. The Pirates are sending him to pitch in the Arizona League. Watch him closely out in the desert.
10) Brian Bixler (25, Indy, SS) I've come full circle on Bixler. Originally, I had him pegged as high-end organizational fodder, the quintessential overachiever - quad A type. Then I saw him play in person last season, and he showed me a very good glove with an accurate if not super strong arm. I also saw enough of a stick and enough of a running game to think, hey, maybe he's just one of those Craig Counsell types who doesn't know he's not supposed to be good enough to play in the bigs---but does so anyway, and does it well.
Unfortunately, Bixler looked utterly overmatched in his extended early season audition in Pittsburgh. If he's ever going to make his move, it had better be right now, which is to say, in Spring Training 2009.
11) Brian Friday (22, Lynchburg, SS) - This is the guy who could pass Bixler as soon as next season if he continues to improve and Bixler continues to stagnate.
12) Jim Negrych (23, Altoona/Lynchburg, 3B) - I know, I know, he can't field a lick, he doesn't really have a position, and he has little power. All I know is, hitters as good as Negrych don't grow on trees, and the man hit .370-5-62 at high A Lynchburg, then followed that up with a 310-0-10 line at season's end in Altoona. I say, coach the heck out of him with his glove, and then make him prove that he can't hit big league pitching. I think he can. From there, if he can play even adequate defense somewhere on the field, we've got ourselves a real asset.
13) Jamie Romak (22, Altoona/Lynchburg, 1B/OF) - Lots of strikeouts, lots of walks, lots of home runs. In other words, the quintessential Billy Beane - sabremetrician's ballplayer. Romak was blistering the ball for three quarters of the year at Lynchburg, and one of the real mysteries of 2008 is why he wasn't promoted sooner. Whatever. Romak mashed 25 homers between single and double-A, and I'm anxious to see if he can keep it up next year. .208-7-32 - Altoona. .279-18-52 - Lynchburg.
14) Luis Cruz (24, Indy/Altoona, 2B/SS) Signed from the Padres system as minor league fodder, Cruz parlayed a strong showing at double and triple-A into an unexpected, but extended, September audition in Pittsburgh. Cruz has probably leapfrogged Brian Bixler, but I have him lower than Brian because Cruz hasn't hit as well as Bixler in his professional career to date, meaning I don't believe in him----yet. If he can show even a so-so stick, however, he will almost certainly be the utilityman for the Pirates next season, which leaves Bixler's future cloudy His minor league line shows .325-3-15 - Indy, .264-6-46 - Altoona.
15) Dan Moskos (22, Lynchburg, LHP) Is he hurt, or just not that good to begin with? Former number one draft pick Moskos looked fairly good early on in his first season as a starter, but was tattooed later in the year to the tune of 7-7, 5.95. He can't be that bad....can he??? Being lefthanded, he will probably have a longer leash, but he must show considerable improvement in 2009 to have any kind of future in Pittsburgh.
PLAYER I'M NOT SURE I LIKE
16) Neil Walker (22, Indy, 3B) - He's still relatively young, and he's supposedly fully recovered from his serious wrist injury of a couple years ago. Indy's 2008 MVP, he had a strong second half but still finished with middling numbers at .241-16-80. The Pedro Alvarez fiasco, coupled with Andy LaRoche's struggles, could mean that the door is still open for Neil. I'd like to believe that, but he certainly must do better in '09 to force the Pirates to make a decision about him.
PLAYERS I DON'T LIKE
Craig Hansen - I don't care how hard he throws, he has no clue where the ball is going. Worth a flyer, yes. Count on him, no.
Shelby Ford (23, Altoona, 2B) Okay but not overwhelming numbers at double-A, also appears injury prone and has limited range defensively.
Jesse Chavez (25, Indy, RHP) Still kicking around in our system several years after the Kip Wells trade, so-so numbers at Indianapolis. A non-factor.
Dave Davidson (24, Altoona, LHP) You'd think that a guy who was good enough to play on Canada’s Olympic team would have better numbers than 4-2, 3.34 in middle relief---he wasn't even the closer---at double-A Altoona, especially at age 24.
PLAYER I LIKE AS A SLEEPER PICK
Juan Mateo (25, Altoona, RHP) Once a big-time Cub prospect, he landed on the junkpile with shoulder woes. Don't look now, but he might be getting healthy. He looked great at Altoona, to the tune of 7-1-5, 2.12. If he can stay physically sound, he will be part of the Pirates' bullpen in 2009. Write it down.
Will Pellas, the GW's alter ego, telling it as he sees it on the Pirate pups and whether their bite is worse than their bark.
I'm going in with the notion that we have three prospects in our minor league system who are clearly head and shoulders above all the rest. I could really pick any of them as number one, but have decided to rate them 1A, 1B, and 1C. All the rest are in the next tier down from these three.
I have this Terrific Trio in the following order based largely on what I view as 1) how objectively talented I think they are, and 2) how well they are likely to play as big leaguers if they maximize their objective talent. Using these two criteria, my number one might surprise you:
1A) Brad Lincoln (23, Lynchburg/Hickory, RHP) - Until further notice and until proven otherwise, it is Brad Lincoln and not Andrew McCutchen who is the single most important player currently in the Pirates' minor league system. Lincoln has the potential to become what has not been seen in Pittsburgh since Doug Drabek's heyday, and that is a true top of the rotation, All-Star starting pitcher. If you doubt how much a guy like that can mean to your team's fortunes, consider how much better the otherwise sad sack Brewers were when they had Ben Sheets and very little else. (Now of course they've added lots of young talent, but for a couple of seasons they were only competitive when Sheets was on the hill.) The only---repeat---only question with Lincoln is his health, because he was an absolutely dominant major college pitcher, and his minor league performance has been very good considering it's been marred by Tommy John surgery. I might quibble just a tad with Lincoln's relatively low strikeout numbers, but those figure to get better as he continues his recovery, and in the meantime his control has been impeccable. He could be pitching at PNC as soon as the second half of next season, though he's more likely to arrive in 2010.
1B) Jose Tabata (20, Altoona, CF) I saw this kid play in person in Altoona over the Labor Day weekend, and he looked like a man among boys. He does everything well, and makes it all look easy. I believe he is more talented than Andrew McCutchen, he definitely has more power, and in my opinion he also has more long term upside. Yes, that's quite a statement. No, it will be you and not me eating your words when you see him in Pittsburgh in 2010!
1C) Andrew McCutchen (21, Indy, CF) Alright, here's the deal with Andrew. He's still a very gifted athlete. He's very fast. He's excellent defensively. And yes, he's been young for his level at every stop along the way in his professional career to date, so we can perhaps give him half a mulligan when evaluating his statistics. I still believe he is as close to a can't miss player as we have in our system. So what's the problem, and why do I have him rated as only our number 3 prospect? Because 283-9-50 is still 283-9-50, and because he doesn't make the best use of his speed, having been caught stealing 20 times in 54 attempts. His power, batting average, and on base percentage all look...okay...but definitely nothing special. Now, maybe he goes and plays winter ball, then makes it to the last cut in spring training, then goes back to Indianapolis and tears the cover off the ball until July, then he comes to Pittsburgh and never looks back. Hey, great, nothing would make me happier. But.....there's this nagging suspicion in the back of my mind that won't go away. It keeps whispering, "The kid's good....but he's not great. And people are expecting waayyy too much from him. He'll be a solid, better than average major leaguer who plays outstanding defense. But he won't be a superstar and he may not even be an All-Star."
We'll see.
4) Ross Ohlendorf (26, Indy, NYY, RHP) - Flamethrowing former Ivy Leaguer was 5-4, 3.65 - AAA, at Indianapolis and 1-1, 6.53 with the Yankees. He looked like he belonged in his only Pirates start thus far. I believe in Ohlendorf and am of the view that he was miscast as a reliever in New York. Given the chance to return to starting---where he was pretty successful in his minor league career---I believe he will blossom. Could be as good as a number two starter for us, but more likely an excellent number three.
5) Evan Meek (25, Pittsburgh/Indy/Altoona, RHP) -Couldn't throw strikes to save his life early this season after coming over from Tampa in the Rule V draft, but was an absolute Terminator at both double and triple-A. If he has truly harnessed his control, he could be an outstanding setup man and might even be closer material down the road.
6) Daniel McCutchen (25, Indy, RHP) - He threw a lot of innings at triple-A this year, finishing with 174. His record was just 7-9 with a 4.03 ERA, but I really like him because he is absolutely fearless and he doesn't walk anyone. While he will never be dominant, I think he is perfectly fine as a right-handed version of Paul Maholm. Particularly when the Pirates have superb gloveman Andrew McCutchen in center to go with almost-as-good Nate McLouth and better than average Brandon Moss, a pitch to contact type like McCutchen could be highly effective in Pittsburgh. I believe he will be.
7) Bryan Morris (21, Hickory, RHP) A bit of a long shot in that he is very young and coming off Tommy John surgery, but he was considered the best arm in the entire Dodgers system at one point. Potentially an ace starter if he can stay healthy and progress normally from here on.
8) Robinzon Diaz (24, Indy, C) A Joe Girardi type who hits for a high average---especially for a catcher---though with little power. He also brings a good glove to the game. Definitely ought to be our number two catcher next season, and in my opinion you could do a lot worse than him as your starter. He only ranks this low because he's yet to play in the bigs and because he had a so-so 2008, mostly in the Blue Jays system. But I definitely like him a lot going forward.
9) Jimmy Barthmaier (24, Indy, RHP) - Scrapheap reclamation project from the Astros organization has all the tools, but can't seem to stay healthy or consistent. If he somehow puts it all together for a full season, watch out. The Pirates are sending him to pitch in the Arizona League. Watch him closely out in the desert.
10) Brian Bixler (25, Indy, SS) I've come full circle on Bixler. Originally, I had him pegged as high-end organizational fodder, the quintessential overachiever - quad A type. Then I saw him play in person last season, and he showed me a very good glove with an accurate if not super strong arm. I also saw enough of a stick and enough of a running game to think, hey, maybe he's just one of those Craig Counsell types who doesn't know he's not supposed to be good enough to play in the bigs---but does so anyway, and does it well.
Unfortunately, Bixler looked utterly overmatched in his extended early season audition in Pittsburgh. If he's ever going to make his move, it had better be right now, which is to say, in Spring Training 2009.
11) Brian Friday (22, Lynchburg, SS) - This is the guy who could pass Bixler as soon as next season if he continues to improve and Bixler continues to stagnate.
12) Jim Negrych (23, Altoona/Lynchburg, 3B) - I know, I know, he can't field a lick, he doesn't really have a position, and he has little power. All I know is, hitters as good as Negrych don't grow on trees, and the man hit .370-5-62 at high A Lynchburg, then followed that up with a 310-0-10 line at season's end in Altoona. I say, coach the heck out of him with his glove, and then make him prove that he can't hit big league pitching. I think he can. From there, if he can play even adequate defense somewhere on the field, we've got ourselves a real asset.
13) Jamie Romak (22, Altoona/Lynchburg, 1B/OF) - Lots of strikeouts, lots of walks, lots of home runs. In other words, the quintessential Billy Beane - sabremetrician's ballplayer. Romak was blistering the ball for three quarters of the year at Lynchburg, and one of the real mysteries of 2008 is why he wasn't promoted sooner. Whatever. Romak mashed 25 homers between single and double-A, and I'm anxious to see if he can keep it up next year. .208-7-32 - Altoona. .279-18-52 - Lynchburg.
14) Luis Cruz (24, Indy/Altoona, 2B/SS) Signed from the Padres system as minor league fodder, Cruz parlayed a strong showing at double and triple-A into an unexpected, but extended, September audition in Pittsburgh. Cruz has probably leapfrogged Brian Bixler, but I have him lower than Brian because Cruz hasn't hit as well as Bixler in his professional career to date, meaning I don't believe in him----yet. If he can show even a so-so stick, however, he will almost certainly be the utilityman for the Pirates next season, which leaves Bixler's future cloudy His minor league line shows .325-3-15 - Indy, .264-6-46 - Altoona.
15) Dan Moskos (22, Lynchburg, LHP) Is he hurt, or just not that good to begin with? Former number one draft pick Moskos looked fairly good early on in his first season as a starter, but was tattooed later in the year to the tune of 7-7, 5.95. He can't be that bad....can he??? Being lefthanded, he will probably have a longer leash, but he must show considerable improvement in 2009 to have any kind of future in Pittsburgh.
PLAYER I'M NOT SURE I LIKE
16) Neil Walker (22, Indy, 3B) - He's still relatively young, and he's supposedly fully recovered from his serious wrist injury of a couple years ago. Indy's 2008 MVP, he had a strong second half but still finished with middling numbers at .241-16-80. The Pedro Alvarez fiasco, coupled with Andy LaRoche's struggles, could mean that the door is still open for Neil. I'd like to believe that, but he certainly must do better in '09 to force the Pirates to make a decision about him.
PLAYERS I DON'T LIKE
Craig Hansen - I don't care how hard he throws, he has no clue where the ball is going. Worth a flyer, yes. Count on him, no.
Shelby Ford (23, Altoona, 2B) Okay but not overwhelming numbers at double-A, also appears injury prone and has limited range defensively.
Jesse Chavez (25, Indy, RHP) Still kicking around in our system several years after the Kip Wells trade, so-so numbers at Indianapolis. A non-factor.
Dave Davidson (24, Altoona, LHP) You'd think that a guy who was good enough to play on Canada’s Olympic team would have better numbers than 4-2, 3.34 in middle relief---he wasn't even the closer---at double-A Altoona, especially at age 24.
PLAYER I LIKE AS A SLEEPER PICK
Juan Mateo (25, Altoona, RHP) Once a big-time Cub prospect, he landed on the junkpile with shoulder woes. Don't look now, but he might be getting healthy. He looked great at Altoona, to the tune of 7-1-5, 2.12. If he can stay physically sound, he will be part of the Pirates' bullpen in 2009. Write it down.
Will Pellas, the GW's alter ego, telling it as he sees it on the Pirate pups and whether their bite is worse than their bark.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
All Shook Up...And the Aftermath
Saturday's Game - Paul Maholm left with the Bucs up 4-1 after six innings; the bullpen gave it all back and a bit more. Quite the reversal from May. It looks like another long month.
Friday's Game - About nine o'clock, PST, AT&T Park was rocked by an earthquake registering 4 on the Richter Scale. But that was nothing compared to the earth-shaking performance of Zach Duke, who threw a complete game, six hit shutout against the Giants tonight.
Duke had been taking baby steps towards regaining his 2005 form in the past few starts, but this was a giant stride in his come-back. It was his first win since June 9th, and his first road win since last season.
His bacon was saved in the first when Brian Bixler made a highlight tumbling stop far to his left and got a force out, saving a run.
In the third, it looked like the same ol', same ol', for the Zachster. A walk and a couple of singles juiced the sacks with no one out, and Pirates fans were nervously fingering their calculators, preparing to add up the upcoming damage.
But a grounder to Andy LaRoche triggered a 5-2-3 DP, and Duke never looked back.
He scattered three singles over the last 6 frames, and backed by a strong performance by the middle of the order (Freddy Sanchez, Nate McLouth, Ryan Doumit and Adam LaRoche combined for 10 hits, and Brandon Moss drove in three runs), Duke cruised to a mail-in 7-0 win.
Doumit ended a streak of seven consecutive hits in the ninth, when he flew out to center, jumping his batting average to .330. And they didn't want to start him in April!
Duke threw 112 pitches, 71 for strikes, and got 17 ground outs to go with 4 K's. It's the formula he needs to succeed, and he had it down to a science this evening, even if against a September lineup.
The Bucs cashed in when opportunity knocked, scoring 4 runs on sac flies. Not that opportunity wasn't pounding out a steady crescendo - the Bucs had 15 hits, and every player had at least one knock, including Duke. And Pittsburgh still managed to leave 10 guys stranded.
But San Francisco is a treat for the Pirates - they've won 14 of the past 16 games against the G-Men, abusing them much like Chicago and Milwaukee abuse the Pirates.
In other news, Jack Splat's finger still looks like a fat knockwurst, and there's no timetable for his return.
Freddy Sanchez has been told that he'll require two to three months without any throwing before his achy-breaky rotator cuff will fully heal. He wants to finish out the season, but will see lots of rest days with the expanded roster.
The Bucs finished up their Latin signings today, hauling in a class of seven players. The most touted of the group are Mexican OF Exicardo Cayones and Dominican SS Jodanelli Carvajal.
Do you think the Pirates have problems drawing warm bodies to PNC? Florida attracted a crowd of 600 for its Thursday afternoon game against Atlanta. No bobbleheads, we'd wager. (The official attendance was 11,211, based on tickets sold - that means there were 10,611 no shows).
Friday's Game - About nine o'clock, PST, AT&T Park was rocked by an earthquake registering 4 on the Richter Scale. But that was nothing compared to the earth-shaking performance of Zach Duke, who threw a complete game, six hit shutout against the Giants tonight.
Duke had been taking baby steps towards regaining his 2005 form in the past few starts, but this was a giant stride in his come-back. It was his first win since June 9th, and his first road win since last season.
His bacon was saved in the first when Brian Bixler made a highlight tumbling stop far to his left and got a force out, saving a run.
In the third, it looked like the same ol', same ol', for the Zachster. A walk and a couple of singles juiced the sacks with no one out, and Pirates fans were nervously fingering their calculators, preparing to add up the upcoming damage.
But a grounder to Andy LaRoche triggered a 5-2-3 DP, and Duke never looked back.
He scattered three singles over the last 6 frames, and backed by a strong performance by the middle of the order (Freddy Sanchez, Nate McLouth, Ryan Doumit and Adam LaRoche combined for 10 hits, and Brandon Moss drove in three runs), Duke cruised to a mail-in 7-0 win.
Doumit ended a streak of seven consecutive hits in the ninth, when he flew out to center, jumping his batting average to .330. And they didn't want to start him in April!
Duke threw 112 pitches, 71 for strikes, and got 17 ground outs to go with 4 K's. It's the formula he needs to succeed, and he had it down to a science this evening, even if against a September lineup.
The Bucs cashed in when opportunity knocked, scoring 4 runs on sac flies. Not that opportunity wasn't pounding out a steady crescendo - the Bucs had 15 hits, and every player had at least one knock, including Duke. And Pittsburgh still managed to leave 10 guys stranded.
But San Francisco is a treat for the Pirates - they've won 14 of the past 16 games against the G-Men, abusing them much like Chicago and Milwaukee abuse the Pirates.
In other news, Jack Splat's finger still looks like a fat knockwurst, and there's no timetable for his return.
Freddy Sanchez has been told that he'll require two to three months without any throwing before his achy-breaky rotator cuff will fully heal. He wants to finish out the season, but will see lots of rest days with the expanded roster.
The Bucs finished up their Latin signings today, hauling in a class of seven players. The most touted of the group are Mexican OF Exicardo Cayones and Dominican SS Jodanelli Carvajal.
Do you think the Pirates have problems drawing warm bodies to PNC? Florida attracted a crowd of 600 for its Thursday afternoon game against Atlanta. No bobbleheads, we'd wager. (The official attendance was 11,211, based on tickets sold - that means there were 10,611 no shows).
Friday, September 5, 2008
The Farm Report
OK, the regular minor league season has been neatly swept into the dustbin of history, and it’s time for GW to assess the farm hands. Don’t get hung up on the order of the rankings; there are a handful of showtime guys and a lot of young wanna-be's, with not much in the middle from the A and AA levels. The Bucs are still a couple of drafts away from filling the organizational chart.
There aren't very many MLB ready players that we haven’t seen already, and Huntington has shook the system up, so it’s still very much an organization in transition, especially at the lower levels. There's gonna be a lot of churning on this list in the next couple of seasons as the young lions make their run at the mid level prospects.
1) Andrew McCutchen (21, Indy, CF) - He's still the one, and should be patrolling center field in PNC for a long time. .283-9-50, 34 SB.
2) Jose Tabata (20, Altoona, CF) - Kept his cool and showed all the tools in his brief audition with the Curve. .272-6-49, 18 SB - AA.
3) Steve Pearce (25, Indy, RF/1B) - Has to find some power in the bigs, but delivers in the clutch. He's still an adventure in the OF but getting there. .251-12-60.
4) Neil Walker (22, Indy, 3B) - Needs to step up his game if wants to play MLB. After a dismal start, lit it up at Indy in the dog days, and still young enough to make an impact. Indy's 2008 MVP. .241-16-80.
5) Ross Ohlendorf (26, Indy, NYY, RHP) - Has the heat, needs something off-speed to compliment it. 5-4, 3.65 - AAA, 1-1, 6.53 - Yankees.
6) Brad Lincoln (23, Lynchburg/Hickory, RHP) - We like his stuff, even if he did hit the wall in mid-season,with a decent start and good finish. We think his post-surgery season went as well as could be expected. 1-5, 4.75 - Lynchburg, 5-5, 4.65 - Hickory.
7) Bryan Morris (21, Hickory, RHP) - Still miles away, but upside is huge if he learns to command his stuff. 2-6, 5.02 - A.
8) Daniel McCutchen (25, Indy, RHP) - Aggressive, strike throwing machine. If he cuts down on the HR's allowed could find a rotation spot. Pirates seem to like him as a starter, although there was talk of converting him to a closer’s role in NY. Shut down after 174-inning AAA season. 7-9, 4.03 - AAA.
9) Evan Meek (25, Pittsburgh/Indy/Altoona, RHP) - Found the strike zone at Indy. 0-1, 6.92 - Pittsburgh, 0-0-1 2.70 - Indy, 1-1-2, 2.81 - Altoona.
10) Craig Hansen (24, Indy/Pittsburgh/Boston, RHP) Got the heat, has to find the plate. 14 walks in 10-1/3 innings for the Bucs. Overeffort or utter lack of command? 0-3-1, 10.45 - Pittsburgh, 1-3-2, 5.58 - Bosox, 1-0, 2.41 - AAA.
11) Brian Bixler (25, Indy, SS) - Has to feel Brian Friday and maybe Luis Cruz breathing down his neck, has the look of a leather-first utility INF in the bigs. .280-7-36, 23 SB.
12) Robinzon Diaz (24, Indy, C) Good glove, free swinger with a good average and no pop, could give Paulino a run for back-up status. Played some 3B, too. .255-1-16 - AAA.
13) Jimmy Barthmaier (24, Indy, RHP) - Top pick with a great breaking ball but no MLB success. Claimed from the Astro organization. He’ll pitch in the Arizona League this fall, had nagging injuries at Indy. 3-1, 3.53.
14) Brian Friday (22, Lynchburg, SS) - Fast, OK lumber, decent glove. .287-2-29, 16 SB.
15) Shelby Ford (23, Altoona, 2B) - Sweet stick, no power, limited range, injury-prone. Will play in the Arizona League in the fall to make up for time missed to injury this season. .285-4-32, 19 SB.
16) Jesse Chavez (25, Indy, RHP) Came in the Kip Wells deal, may finally be reaching his potential. He was the Tribe closer. 5-1-4, 3.46.
17) Jamie Romak (22, Altoona/Lynchburg, 1B/OF) - Finished strong, but has to cut down on the K's. .208-7-32 - Altoona. .279-18-52 - Lynchburg.
18) Dan Moskos (22, Lynchburg, LHP) Conversion of 2007 #1 pick to a starting role from closer was rocky, shut down at end of year. 7-7, 5.95.
19) Luis Cruz (24, Indy/Altoona, 2B/SS) – Good showing at Indy vaulted him into possible utility role. Good hit, no field rep. Signed from SD as minor league free agent. .325-3-15 - Indy, .264-6-46 - Altoona.
20) Jim Negrych (23, Altoona/Lynchburg, 3B) - Pitt grad hits in his sleep. No glove or power at all, but could be a Chris Gomez-type bench player, started career at 2B. .310-0-10 - Altoona, .370-5-62 - Lynchburg.
21) Nelson Pereira (19, GCL, LHP) – Followed a strong Venezuelan Summer League performance in 2007 with a dominating GCL season. 6-2, 1.62, 42 K’s in 45 innings;
22) Chase d'Arnaud (21, State College, SS) - Handled short-season A ball in All-Star fashion. .293-1-21, 14 SB.
23) Jarek Cunningham (18, GCL, 3B) - Showed some power in Bradenton. .318-5-22.
24) Ron Uviedo (21, State College/Hickory, RHP) Has some gas and a good curve, considered a potential closer. Originally signed by Seattle. 3-1-5, 3.01 - Hickory, 0-0, 0.63 - SC.
25) Jeff Sues (25, Altoona, RHP) - Fastball/slider pitcher, not much experience for his age, so still has some upside. Sent to Arizona League for some fall work. 3-1-1, 3.77 ERA.
Under the radar:
Pat Bresnehan (23, Altoona, RHP) – First 2006 draftee (5th round) to reach AA in 2007. Fastball/slider pitcher, being groomed as set-up man. Needs to rebound in 2009. 0-1, 4.29.
Adenson Chourio (22, GCL, 2B) Good glove, good speed, good contact guy. He's a senior citizen for GCL play. .335-0-13, 30 SB.
Mike Crotta (23, Lynchburg, RHP) Only A player sent to Arizona League. 9-10, 4.67.
Dave Davidson (24, Altoona, LHP) Steady mid relief type, on Canada’s Olympic team. 4-2, 3.34.
Jeremy Farrell (21, State College, 1B/3B) - Good eye for the Spikes, but has to show some power at the corner. .291-1-23.
Matt Hague (23, Hickory, 1B/OF) - Good player on a bad Crawdad team. .321-6-29.
Jared Hughes (23, Altoona/Lynchburg, RHP) Will work in the Arizona League this fall. Finesse guy, possible back-end starter. 2-2, 4.94 - Altoona, 3-9, 4.64 - Lynchburg.
Brent Klinger (20, GCL, RHP) - 94 MPH heater from the pen. 0-0, 0.66, 12 K’s, 13-2/3 innings.
Juan Mateo (25, Altoona, RHP) One-time Cub prospect, may be getting over shoulder woes. 7-1-5, 2.12.
Jordy Mercer (22, Hickory, SS) Drafted as a good stick SS. .250-7-29.
Josh Shortslef (26, LHP, Altoona) – Clock ticking on set-up guy. 5-2-3, 3.47.
Andrew Walker (22, Hickory, C) - Had a strong second half, has to build on it. .256, 7-29.
Tony Watson (23, Lynchburg, LHP) – Steady mover in system and an inning-eater. 8-12, 3.56.
Kris Watts (24, Lynchburg, C) - Switch hitter had a good year at the dish, bit long in the tooth for A ball. .285-4-34.
Having five relievers among the top 25 doesn’t bode very well for the system, but there are some kids bubbling under now. Eleven of GW's top 25 are 22 or younger. Another couple or three drafts like this year's, and the pipeline will be primed again.
(The GW didn't rate the usual suspects, like Ronny Paulino, Nyjer Morgan, Chris Duffy, JVB, etc.; guys on the Pirate roster for more than a cup of coffee (the trade deadline mob, mainly), signed too late to strut their stuff (Pedro Alvarez, if he is signed, Quinton Miller, Justin Wilson, Robbie Grossman, Wesley Freeman etc.), or played at Bradenton (too few innings, although there were some stud performances there. We did include Jarek Cunningham and Nelson Pereira in the Top 25, both whom had promising and age-appropriate GCL campaigns.)
"Pellas on the Pirates: The Prospects" will be up Sunday.
There aren't very many MLB ready players that we haven’t seen already, and Huntington has shook the system up, so it’s still very much an organization in transition, especially at the lower levels. There's gonna be a lot of churning on this list in the next couple of seasons as the young lions make their run at the mid level prospects.
1) Andrew McCutchen (21, Indy, CF) - He's still the one, and should be patrolling center field in PNC for a long time. .283-9-50, 34 SB.
2) Jose Tabata (20, Altoona, CF) - Kept his cool and showed all the tools in his brief audition with the Curve. .272-6-49, 18 SB - AA.
3) Steve Pearce (25, Indy, RF/1B) - Has to find some power in the bigs, but delivers in the clutch. He's still an adventure in the OF but getting there. .251-12-60.
4) Neil Walker (22, Indy, 3B) - Needs to step up his game if wants to play MLB. After a dismal start, lit it up at Indy in the dog days, and still young enough to make an impact. Indy's 2008 MVP. .241-16-80.
5) Ross Ohlendorf (26, Indy, NYY, RHP) - Has the heat, needs something off-speed to compliment it. 5-4, 3.65 - AAA, 1-1, 6.53 - Yankees.
6) Brad Lincoln (23, Lynchburg/Hickory, RHP) - We like his stuff, even if he did hit the wall in mid-season,with a decent start and good finish. We think his post-surgery season went as well as could be expected. 1-5, 4.75 - Lynchburg, 5-5, 4.65 - Hickory.
7) Bryan Morris (21, Hickory, RHP) - Still miles away, but upside is huge if he learns to command his stuff. 2-6, 5.02 - A.
8) Daniel McCutchen (25, Indy, RHP) - Aggressive, strike throwing machine. If he cuts down on the HR's allowed could find a rotation spot. Pirates seem to like him as a starter, although there was talk of converting him to a closer’s role in NY. Shut down after 174-inning AAA season. 7-9, 4.03 - AAA.
9) Evan Meek (25, Pittsburgh/Indy/Altoona, RHP) - Found the strike zone at Indy. 0-1, 6.92 - Pittsburgh, 0-0-1 2.70 - Indy, 1-1-2, 2.81 - Altoona.
10) Craig Hansen (24, Indy/Pittsburgh/Boston, RHP) Got the heat, has to find the plate. 14 walks in 10-1/3 innings for the Bucs. Overeffort or utter lack of command? 0-3-1, 10.45 - Pittsburgh, 1-3-2, 5.58 - Bosox, 1-0, 2.41 - AAA.
11) Brian Bixler (25, Indy, SS) - Has to feel Brian Friday and maybe Luis Cruz breathing down his neck, has the look of a leather-first utility INF in the bigs. .280-7-36, 23 SB.
12) Robinzon Diaz (24, Indy, C) Good glove, free swinger with a good average and no pop, could give Paulino a run for back-up status. Played some 3B, too. .255-1-16 - AAA.
13) Jimmy Barthmaier (24, Indy, RHP) - Top pick with a great breaking ball but no MLB success. Claimed from the Astro organization. He’ll pitch in the Arizona League this fall, had nagging injuries at Indy. 3-1, 3.53.
14) Brian Friday (22, Lynchburg, SS) - Fast, OK lumber, decent glove. .287-2-29, 16 SB.
15) Shelby Ford (23, Altoona, 2B) - Sweet stick, no power, limited range, injury-prone. Will play in the Arizona League in the fall to make up for time missed to injury this season. .285-4-32, 19 SB.
16) Jesse Chavez (25, Indy, RHP) Came in the Kip Wells deal, may finally be reaching his potential. He was the Tribe closer. 5-1-4, 3.46.
17) Jamie Romak (22, Altoona/Lynchburg, 1B/OF) - Finished strong, but has to cut down on the K's. .208-7-32 - Altoona. .279-18-52 - Lynchburg.
18) Dan Moskos (22, Lynchburg, LHP) Conversion of 2007 #1 pick to a starting role from closer was rocky, shut down at end of year. 7-7, 5.95.
19) Luis Cruz (24, Indy/Altoona, 2B/SS) – Good showing at Indy vaulted him into possible utility role. Good hit, no field rep. Signed from SD as minor league free agent. .325-3-15 - Indy, .264-6-46 - Altoona.
20) Jim Negrych (23, Altoona/Lynchburg, 3B) - Pitt grad hits in his sleep. No glove or power at all, but could be a Chris Gomez-type bench player, started career at 2B. .310-0-10 - Altoona, .370-5-62 - Lynchburg.
21) Nelson Pereira (19, GCL, LHP) – Followed a strong Venezuelan Summer League performance in 2007 with a dominating GCL season. 6-2, 1.62, 42 K’s in 45 innings;
22) Chase d'Arnaud (21, State College, SS) - Handled short-season A ball in All-Star fashion. .293-1-21, 14 SB.
23) Jarek Cunningham (18, GCL, 3B) - Showed some power in Bradenton. .318-5-22.
24) Ron Uviedo (21, State College/Hickory, RHP) Has some gas and a good curve, considered a potential closer. Originally signed by Seattle. 3-1-5, 3.01 - Hickory, 0-0, 0.63 - SC.
25) Jeff Sues (25, Altoona, RHP) - Fastball/slider pitcher, not much experience for his age, so still has some upside. Sent to Arizona League for some fall work. 3-1-1, 3.77 ERA.
Under the radar:
Pat Bresnehan (23, Altoona, RHP) – First 2006 draftee (5th round) to reach AA in 2007. Fastball/slider pitcher, being groomed as set-up man. Needs to rebound in 2009. 0-1, 4.29.
Adenson Chourio (22, GCL, 2B) Good glove, good speed, good contact guy. He's a senior citizen for GCL play. .335-0-13, 30 SB.
Mike Crotta (23, Lynchburg, RHP) Only A player sent to Arizona League. 9-10, 4.67.
Dave Davidson (24, Altoona, LHP) Steady mid relief type, on Canada’s Olympic team. 4-2, 3.34.
Jeremy Farrell (21, State College, 1B/3B) - Good eye for the Spikes, but has to show some power at the corner. .291-1-23.
Matt Hague (23, Hickory, 1B/OF) - Good player on a bad Crawdad team. .321-6-29.
Jared Hughes (23, Altoona/Lynchburg, RHP) Will work in the Arizona League this fall. Finesse guy, possible back-end starter. 2-2, 4.94 - Altoona, 3-9, 4.64 - Lynchburg.
Brent Klinger (20, GCL, RHP) - 94 MPH heater from the pen. 0-0, 0.66, 12 K’s, 13-2/3 innings.
Juan Mateo (25, Altoona, RHP) One-time Cub prospect, may be getting over shoulder woes. 7-1-5, 2.12.
Jordy Mercer (22, Hickory, SS) Drafted as a good stick SS. .250-7-29.
Josh Shortslef (26, LHP, Altoona) – Clock ticking on set-up guy. 5-2-3, 3.47.
Andrew Walker (22, Hickory, C) - Had a strong second half, has to build on it. .256, 7-29.
Tony Watson (23, Lynchburg, LHP) – Steady mover in system and an inning-eater. 8-12, 3.56.
Kris Watts (24, Lynchburg, C) - Switch hitter had a good year at the dish, bit long in the tooth for A ball. .285-4-34.
Having five relievers among the top 25 doesn’t bode very well for the system, but there are some kids bubbling under now. Eleven of GW's top 25 are 22 or younger. Another couple or three drafts like this year's, and the pipeline will be primed again.
(The GW didn't rate the usual suspects, like Ronny Paulino, Nyjer Morgan, Chris Duffy, JVB, etc.; guys on the Pirate roster for more than a cup of coffee (the trade deadline mob, mainly), signed too late to strut their stuff (Pedro Alvarez, if he is signed, Quinton Miller, Justin Wilson, Robbie Grossman, Wesley Freeman etc.), or played at Bradenton (too few innings, although there were some stud performances there. We did include Jarek Cunningham and Nelson Pereira in the Top 25, both whom had promising and age-appropriate GCL campaigns.)
"Pellas on the Pirates: The Prospects" will be up Sunday.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
A Battle of the Bullpens
Hey, the Bucs gave Gorzo a five run lead against Josh Fogg. Didn't help. Gorzelanny had no command, and left in the fourth. He threw 82 pitches, and just 48 were strikes. So much for running the table in September, hehe.
Chris Gomez went yard - don't expect that often - scored twice, and had 2 RBI. Steve Pearce plated a pair, and Nate McLouth scored twice. But the Red's pen effectively shut down the Bucs on the way to an 8-6 victory this afternoon.
Up 6-5 in the eighth, thanks to McLouth's 24th homer, Craig Hansen gave up an infield single on a sac bunt try, two walks, and tossed a wild pitch. He's given up 14 free passes in 10 Pirate innings. TJ Beam came on and hit a batter, gave up a single, and then a sac fly. Reds win.
The Pirates used six pitchers, and five of them had ERAs ranging from 5.06 to 10.45. Hard to hold a team down with arms like that serving up watermelons.
Ah well, maybe another juicy draft is in store for next year. Note to suits: avoid Scott Boras clients.
> The Pirates set a club record with Ross Ohlendorf's start yesterday. He became the 26th pitcher to make an appearance for the Bucs this season. The previous team high (25) was set in 1996 and matched last season.
Of those 26 pitchers, 13 have made at least one start. That's the most starters taking the hill in one season for the Pirates since 1996, when they used 18.
> Jason Starks of ESPN.com writes in his column:
Chris Gomez went yard - don't expect that often - scored twice, and had 2 RBI. Steve Pearce plated a pair, and Nate McLouth scored twice. But the Red's pen effectively shut down the Bucs on the way to an 8-6 victory this afternoon.
Up 6-5 in the eighth, thanks to McLouth's 24th homer, Craig Hansen gave up an infield single on a sac bunt try, two walks, and tossed a wild pitch. He's given up 14 free passes in 10 Pirate innings. TJ Beam came on and hit a batter, gave up a single, and then a sac fly. Reds win.
The Pirates used six pitchers, and five of them had ERAs ranging from 5.06 to 10.45. Hard to hold a team down with arms like that serving up watermelons.
Ah well, maybe another juicy draft is in store for next year. Note to suits: avoid Scott Boras clients.
> The Pirates set a club record with Ross Ohlendorf's start yesterday. He became the 26th pitcher to make an appearance for the Bucs this season. The previous team high (25) was set in 1996 and matched last season.
Of those 26 pitchers, 13 have made at least one start. That's the most starters taking the hill in one season for the Pirates since 1996, when they used 18.
> Jason Starks of ESPN.com writes in his column:
Now that the Pedro Alvarez controversy has raised the issue of MLB improperly extending deadlines, how come nobody has investigated what happened at the trading deadline?He also thinks there may be a little future fallout because of the whole Pedro mess:
There has been nonstop buzz in the industry for weeks that MLB extended the 4 p.m. ET July 31 trading deadline by as much as a half-hour to accommodate the Red Sox, Pirates and Dodgers in completing the Manny Ramirez/Jason Bay trade. Of course, Scott Boras wouldn't make an issue of that, because he needed to get his esteemed client, Manny, to a new destination.
One subtle ripple effect of the Pedro Alvarez grievance is that it just might lead to a worldwide draft. How do we connect those dots? Try to follow us:
The longtime alibi at MLB for not fixing the draft is that the union would never agree to negotiate, because it claimed the draft wasn't covered by collective bargaining. And why wasn't it covered? Because these weren't major leaguers being drafted.
But now that Scott Boras has pressured the union to file a grievance over MLB's alleged mishandling of this draft in general and Alvarez in particular, MLB might well respond by jumping on this grievance as proof that the union now agrees that the draft falls under its jurisdiction after all.
Whether the union buys it or not, you can bet the next labor discussions (still three years away) will include extensive talk about a formal slotting system, plus a worldwide draft. MLB currently has a committee, led by former Braves GM John Schuerholz, studying all those issues.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
A Winning Streak...
The Pirates struck out 15 times, but when they did put wood to the ball, it counted, as they held off the Reds 6-5. Freddie Sanchez and Nate McLouth set the table, each scoring twice, and Ryan Doumit and Adam LaRoche took advantage with a pair of RBI apiece.
The much hyped matchup of Ross Ohlendorf and Edinson Volquez was a fizzle. Both were just OK, and neither was around for the decision. Tyler Yates got the win, facing one batter and getting a DP, deflecting a ball to Sanchez for the 1-4-6-3.
Matt Capps came on in the ninth for his 19th save, flashing an effective off speed pitch to make up for his lost velocity. He was only hitting 90 on the gun. Capps may need the off season to regain his gas, or may be evolving into a different animal altogether, transitioning from a power guy to a control closer,
ala Trevor Hoffman.
The Reds loaded up with lefties against Ohlendorf, and for good reason. His MLB splits this year are .247 against righties and .349 against port siders. His fastball tails into righties, but drifts over the plate against lefties. That's why the Pirates are trying to add an effective change to his pitching palette.
The game was marked with back and forth action, and some curious managing. John Russell, after switching pitchers every other batter - what the heck, he's got 11 guys in the pen - decided to stick with John Grabow in the eighth, up by a pair.
Grabow had no command, walking a batter and giving up a soft single to load the bases. Then he walked in a run. Russell looked at his feet in the dugout as Grabow got out of the jam by striking out RH Andy Phillips, helped by a generous strike call and Phillips fishing for a ball in the dirt.
Dusty Baker kept Volquez on the mound for seven frames and 117 pitches, including 27-pitch and 30-pitch innings. Apparently, he was trying to get him his 17th win, but that's hardly the way to coddle an arm that's expected to carry your team for the next few years, especially in a meaningless September game.
He also played the infield back with runners on first and third in the eighth with no one out in a tie game, and then again down by a run in the same situation. That's a lotta confidence in your bats.
> Tuesday, Freddie Sanchez had an MRI, but it had nothing to do with him reinjuring his shoulder. It was done for Sanchez's "peace of mind," as Pittsburgh manager John Russell put it.
The main culprit of Sanchez's lingering pain has been long relays. He uses an exaggerated overhead motion on his throws, which places unnecessary stress on his shoulder and causes his tendinitis to flare. He and Tony Beasley are working on an easier motion for his throws.
>The MLB suits ruled today that scorekeeper Bob Webb's ruling of Andy LaRoche's hit off Brewers starter CC Sabathia on Sunday would stand.
> A transcript of Frank Coonelly's radio Q&A is available at Coonelly Chats with Pirate Fans.
The much hyped matchup of Ross Ohlendorf and Edinson Volquez was a fizzle. Both were just OK, and neither was around for the decision. Tyler Yates got the win, facing one batter and getting a DP, deflecting a ball to Sanchez for the 1-4-6-3.
Matt Capps came on in the ninth for his 19th save, flashing an effective off speed pitch to make up for his lost velocity. He was only hitting 90 on the gun. Capps may need the off season to regain his gas, or may be evolving into a different animal altogether, transitioning from a power guy to a control closer,
ala Trevor Hoffman.
The Reds loaded up with lefties against Ohlendorf, and for good reason. His MLB splits this year are .247 against righties and .349 against port siders. His fastball tails into righties, but drifts over the plate against lefties. That's why the Pirates are trying to add an effective change to his pitching palette.
The game was marked with back and forth action, and some curious managing. John Russell, after switching pitchers every other batter - what the heck, he's got 11 guys in the pen - decided to stick with John Grabow in the eighth, up by a pair.
Grabow had no command, walking a batter and giving up a soft single to load the bases. Then he walked in a run. Russell looked at his feet in the dugout as Grabow got out of the jam by striking out RH Andy Phillips, helped by a generous strike call and Phillips fishing for a ball in the dirt.
Dusty Baker kept Volquez on the mound for seven frames and 117 pitches, including 27-pitch and 30-pitch innings. Apparently, he was trying to get him his 17th win, but that's hardly the way to coddle an arm that's expected to carry your team for the next few years, especially in a meaningless September game.
He also played the infield back with runners on first and third in the eighth with no one out in a tie game, and then again down by a run in the same situation. That's a lotta confidence in your bats.
> Tuesday, Freddie Sanchez had an MRI, but it had nothing to do with him reinjuring his shoulder. It was done for Sanchez's "peace of mind," as Pittsburgh manager John Russell put it.
The main culprit of Sanchez's lingering pain has been long relays. He uses an exaggerated overhead motion on his throws, which places unnecessary stress on his shoulder and causes his tendinitis to flare. He and Tony Beasley are working on an easier motion for his throws.
>The MLB suits ruled today that scorekeeper Bob Webb's ruling of Andy LaRoche's hit off Brewers starter CC Sabathia on Sunday would stand.
> A transcript of Frank Coonelly's radio Q&A is available at Coonelly Chats with Pirate Fans.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
See You In September
The Cubs and Brew Crew are in the rear view mirror, and the dog days of August are done. Good riddance, we say.
The Bucs welcomed ten new players and September with a 3-2 victory over the equally inept Reds, ending a ten game drought for Pittsburgh. Ian Snell went six innings, giving up one earned run and striking out five while winning for the second time in three starts.
The Bucs rode solo shots by Brandon Moss and Andy LaRoche and a leadoff walk to Snell that turned into a run to the victory. Moss had the first three hit game of his young career.
The pitching wasn't all that outstanding - both teams hacked away and the wind was blowing in, ala Wrigley - but it suited the fly ball hurlers Snell and Cincy's Aaron Harang just fine.
There were several balls held up at the wall, one leading to a great snag by the Red's Corey Patterson, reaching over the fence at the 400' mark to rob Adam LaRoche of a four bagger. The two teams combined for just a dozen ground ball outs.
Luis Cruz started at short, and fittingly enough, didn't have a ball hit to him. He was lost more than once, and his rep of good hit, bad glove, looks accurate enough. But we're willing to let the butterflies settle (and actually watch him field a ball or two) before calling the jury in on his play.
Shine on, shine on, harvest moon...
The Bucs welcomed ten new players and September with a 3-2 victory over the equally inept Reds, ending a ten game drought for Pittsburgh. Ian Snell went six innings, giving up one earned run and striking out five while winning for the second time in three starts.
The Bucs rode solo shots by Brandon Moss and Andy LaRoche and a leadoff walk to Snell that turned into a run to the victory. Moss had the first three hit game of his young career.
The pitching wasn't all that outstanding - both teams hacked away and the wind was blowing in, ala Wrigley - but it suited the fly ball hurlers Snell and Cincy's Aaron Harang just fine.
There were several balls held up at the wall, one leading to a great snag by the Red's Corey Patterson, reaching over the fence at the 400' mark to rob Adam LaRoche of a four bagger. The two teams combined for just a dozen ground ball outs.
Luis Cruz started at short, and fittingly enough, didn't have a ball hit to him. He was lost more than once, and his rep of good hit, bad glove, looks accurate enough. But we're willing to let the butterflies settle (and actually watch him field a ball or two) before calling the jury in on his play.
Shine on, shine on, harvest moon...
And Here They All Come...
Four relievers joined the Bucs today as the Indy auditions begin. RHPs Craig Hansen, T.J. Beam, Marino Salas and Romulo Sanchez will join the Pirates' bullpen, while Ross Ohlendorf will join the Pittsburgh rotation.
Jimmy Barthmaier will get the month off before reporting to Arizona in October, and Ty Taubenheim was lopped from the 40-man to clear space for INF Luis Cruz.
As Dejan speculates, and it makes perfect sense, the Pirates are plugging him in at SS to see if they have an in-house option if Jack Splat gets moved during the off-season. The only other touted SS in the system old enough to shave is Brian Friday, and he's at Class A Lynchburg. They've already seen enough of Brian Bixler.
Wilson is expected to miss the Red's series with a bruised and cut finger, giving Cruz a perfect opening.
The Pirates recalled two catchers, Robinzon Diaz and Ronny Paulino, INF Bixler, and RF Steve Pearce. 35 members of their 40 man roster will suit up tonight.
Conspicuously absent were RHP JVB and 3B Neil Walker. And Marino Salas? Even the zombies in "The Night of the Living Dead" didn't rise from the grave as often as he has. Where's that stake...?
(Indianapolis has an article filled with the Tenderfoot Ten's exploits at 10 Tribe Players Promoted...)
Jimmy Barthmaier will get the month off before reporting to Arizona in October, and Ty Taubenheim was lopped from the 40-man to clear space for INF Luis Cruz.
As Dejan speculates, and it makes perfect sense, the Pirates are plugging him in at SS to see if they have an in-house option if Jack Splat gets moved during the off-season. The only other touted SS in the system old enough to shave is Brian Friday, and he's at Class A Lynchburg. They've already seen enough of Brian Bixler.
Wilson is expected to miss the Red's series with a bruised and cut finger, giving Cruz a perfect opening.
The Pirates recalled two catchers, Robinzon Diaz and Ronny Paulino, INF Bixler, and RF Steve Pearce. 35 members of their 40 man roster will suit up tonight.
Conspicuously absent were RHP JVB and 3B Neil Walker. And Marino Salas? Even the zombies in "The Night of the Living Dead" didn't rise from the grave as often as he has. Where's that stake...?
(Indianapolis has an article filled with the Tenderfoot Ten's exploits at 10 Tribe Players Promoted...)
Monday, September 1, 2008
Labor Day Scribbles
> The Pirate roster will expand in Cincy tomorrow. We've heard of a posse of possible call-ups being considered, although the Bucs have to balance PT with bench clutter.
It would make sense to further evaluate some pitching (Ross Ohlendorf, Jimmy Barthmaier - tho he's slated to go to Arizona, he needs some innings, - Craig Hansen, TJ Beam), middle infield (Brian Bixler, and possibly Luis Cruz too, according to Dejan, even though he's not on the 40-man), catchers Ronny Paulino and Robinzon Diaz, and Steve Pearce.
We'd pay to see Neil Walker go head-to-head with Andy LaRoche, although that scenario looks like it's a long shot. He's not on the 40-man, although a quick look at the protected pitchers shows that all the deadwood hasn't been cleared out yet.
If we read the rules right, Walker has to go on the 40-man before next year's Rule 5 draft anyway as a fourth year pro, while Andrew McCutchen still has a season to go, which is why they're in no hurry to call him up yet and burn a spot (plus, of course, prematurely starting that pesky service time clock).
The new suits say that no one has a position given to him. We'd like to see that put into action, especially as it's a Littlefield player vs Huntington player competition. Walker certainly deserves a look, comparing his play of the past few weeks against LaRoche's.
Remember the gnashing of teeth when Steve Pearce's shot was cut short? Well, Walker was the team MVP, not Pearce or Cutch. Walker had more HRs and 20 more RBI than Pearce, while his average was just nine points lower. It's time to see him play.
> George Von Benko of MLB.com says September is going to be an important month for the Bucs, according to GM Neal Huntington:
> Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus has a history of Scott Boras challenges against the MLB draft at Boras vs Baseball - A Primer. Don't underestimate Slick Scott.
> Dirt Dog Doug Mientkiewicz is listed as day-to-day after he injured his left hip flexor and groin on Saturday night. Ditto for Jack Splat, who opened a nasty gash on his finger yesterday.
> 1B Jonel Pacheco has been named Altoona's 2008 MVP. The 25-year old finished Sunday's contest with a .286 average, 17 doubles, 12 home runs and 52 RBI in 115 games.
The Curve also presented their annual “Pitcher of the Year” award to RHP Juan Mateo. In 32 appearances out of the bullpen, Mateo, who was signed as a minor league free agent in early May, is 7-1 with five saves and a 2.12 ERA.
C Milver Reyes was named the winner of the club's annual "Unsung Hero Award," and the "Big Money Player of the Year Award" went to OF Brad Corley.
> George Von Benko of MLB.com reports on the Bradenton prospects:
> Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com has a nice piece on long-time Buc broadcaster Lanny Frattare at Frattare Joins Frick Hopefuls.
> So far, so good with instant replay. It started this weekend, and no calls were overturned. Only home run calls can be reviewed to determine whether or not a ball was over the fence, fair or foul, or subject to fan interference.
It would make sense to further evaluate some pitching (Ross Ohlendorf, Jimmy Barthmaier - tho he's slated to go to Arizona, he needs some innings, - Craig Hansen, TJ Beam), middle infield (Brian Bixler, and possibly Luis Cruz too, according to Dejan, even though he's not on the 40-man), catchers Ronny Paulino and Robinzon Diaz, and Steve Pearce.
We'd pay to see Neil Walker go head-to-head with Andy LaRoche, although that scenario looks like it's a long shot. He's not on the 40-man, although a quick look at the protected pitchers shows that all the deadwood hasn't been cleared out yet.
If we read the rules right, Walker has to go on the 40-man before next year's Rule 5 draft anyway as a fourth year pro, while Andrew McCutchen still has a season to go, which is why they're in no hurry to call him up yet and burn a spot (plus, of course, prematurely starting that pesky service time clock).
The new suits say that no one has a position given to him. We'd like to see that put into action, especially as it's a Littlefield player vs Huntington player competition. Walker certainly deserves a look, comparing his play of the past few weeks against LaRoche's.
Remember the gnashing of teeth when Steve Pearce's shot was cut short? Well, Walker was the team MVP, not Pearce or Cutch. Walker had more HRs and 20 more RBI than Pearce, while his average was just nine points lower. It's time to see him play.
> George Von Benko of MLB.com says September is going to be an important month for the Bucs, according to GM Neal Huntington:
"Every game we play from here on out is an audition, for all of us," Huntington said.We'll see. Actions speak volumes.
Huntington indicated there are a core of players in place, but nothing is a given in the Pirates organization.
"I don't want to throw anybody under the bus, but the reality is the days of scholarships are over," Huntington explained. "We need to continue to work hard and we need to continue to play hard, and they need to show that they are the best option. We have to take the best 25 and we have to work hard to win ballgames. We're not here to be satisfied to win 81 games. We want to be the best we can. We want to win."
> Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus has a history of Scott Boras challenges against the MLB draft at Boras vs Baseball - A Primer. Don't underestimate Slick Scott.
> Dirt Dog Doug Mientkiewicz is listed as day-to-day after he injured his left hip flexor and groin on Saturday night. Ditto for Jack Splat, who opened a nasty gash on his finger yesterday.
> 1B Jonel Pacheco has been named Altoona's 2008 MVP. The 25-year old finished Sunday's contest with a .286 average, 17 doubles, 12 home runs and 52 RBI in 115 games.
The Curve also presented their annual “Pitcher of the Year” award to RHP Juan Mateo. In 32 appearances out of the bullpen, Mateo, who was signed as a minor league free agent in early May, is 7-1 with five saves and a 2.12 ERA.
C Milver Reyes was named the winner of the club's annual "Unsung Hero Award," and the "Big Money Player of the Year Award" went to OF Brad Corley.
> George Von Benko of MLB.com reports on the Bradenton prospects:
A couple of the young Pirates posted outstanding numbers -- third baseman Jarek Cunningham batted .318 with five home runs and 22 RBIs, and second baseman Adenson Chourio hit .335 with 30 stolen bases.OF Edward Garcia and 2B Chourio (who at the age of 22 is a GCL senior citizen) were sent to State College to get a brief taste of A ball. The Spikes season ends September 4th.
"[Cunningham] played some shortstop and some third base," (manager Tom) Prince reported. "He's just a solid person who went about his business very professionally and has a bright future ahead of him.
"Chourio is ... a very exciting young player and plays good defense at second base and stole a lot of bases. He just fit into the system real well." Prince also singled out a couple of members of his pitching staff.
"We had a couple of left-handers that did a real nice job for us," Prince offered. "Nelson Pereira out of Nicaragua, and Tyler Cox and Brent Klinger, a kid out of the Draft who did a great job. Klinger is a big kid who throws the ball hard. Basically we're trying to get these guys to throw strikes and they did an outstanding job."
> Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com has a nice piece on long-time Buc broadcaster Lanny Frattare at Frattare Joins Frick Hopefuls.
> So far, so good with instant replay. It started this weekend, and no calls were overturned. Only home run calls can be reviewed to determine whether or not a ball was over the fence, fair or foul, or subject to fan interference.
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