Once again, the world wonders concerning Andrew McCutchen.
Generally speaking, when the higher ups tell you to "hit the ball on the ground and run", (as they apparently have told McCutchen, according to today's blurb in the GW) it usually means, "You're a punch and judy hitter but you sure are fast, so slap-hitting looks like the only way you're going to stick around." Is that anything to say to a supposedly elite prospect?
For comparison: does anyone think Eric Davis, who was even faster than the fleet McCutchen, was EVER told to "hit the ball on the ground and run"? And this was a guy who once stole 80---eighty!!!---bases in a single season! Of course, that's because Davis also had 30-plus home run power and usually hit for a respectable average, as well. Which is why nobody---NOBODY---ever told him he needed to stop hitting so many fly balls.
To be sure, no one was predicting that McCutchen was going to be Eric Davis v 2.0. But he was definitely thought to be the best high school player in the country the year he was drafted, and he was definitely thought to be, at minimum, a Gold Glove defender with a better than average all around offensive game. If the Pirates were confident he'd even be that good, let alone a player like Davis, would they be telling him what they're apparently telling him now?
McCutchen's numbers at Triple-A last season weren't terrible, and yes, he was young for his level, and yes, his defense is already more than adequate for the big time. But he definitely didn't set the world on fire at Indianapolis. Nor has he done so this spring in Florida, which is particularly disconcerting because the common perception was that he could force his way onto the 25 man roster with a strong spring.
The bottom line? If Pirates' brass is telling him, stop hitting so many fly balls, it probably means several things, none of them good.
One, that he has warning track power or at least doesn't hit the ball as far as he ought to be if he is going to be a fly ball hitter.
Two, that he also doesn't hit for enough of an average, and the brass figures he can add 10 or 20 points by outrunning the defense on ground balls. This is not a bad thing in and of itself, of course, but---cue the broken record---it's not the kind of thing you tell a truly elite hitting prospect.
Three, that management believes he's not likely to get significantly better than he is right now, and so they are trying to maximize McCutchen's raw athletic acumen as opposed to banking on improvement from his baseball skills. (In other words, running real fast in a straight line is not, in and of itself, a "baseball skill"; it is an athletic attribute that can be translated into on field performance, but it is not the same thing as hand-eye co-ordination or an innate knack for hitting the ball consistently hard.)
The inescapable conclusion, for me, is that Andrew McCutchen is in trouble. By extension, so are the Pirates. If he flames out, or merely ends up a significantly lesser player than he was thought to be when drafted, the team essentially loses the current crown jewel of the farm system.
While it's really not right in the end to load even more expectations on McCutchen than he already has to deal with, it's also plainly true that if he isn't what he was thought to be---which is to say, a near-phenom---then the Pirates immediate future is considerably darker than it was thought to be heading into this season.
Will the world come to an end if he is more Marvell Wynne than Mike Cameron? No. But the Pirates' rebuilding process will certainly be significantly lengthened, and there will be a ripple effect that will be felt throughout the entire organization, top to bottom. Unfair, yes. But that's reality.
(Will Pellas is back writing for GW with his periodic take on all things Bucco.)
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
The Green Weenie Wonders...
* The latest media take on Brian Bixler, who's reinvented himself this spring, is that he'll end up at Indy no matter what so he can get regular at bats, and a lesser light (ie, Luis Cruz) will get the back-up role in the show.
Now, unless the Bucs feel like Bix will be be back this year to be Jack Splat's placeholder, that makes no sense at all to GW. It really may be that they want him ready to replace Wilson at some point, but it sure doesn't look like there's much market for the guy, given his age, performance, contract, and oft stated desire to hang 'em up sooner rather than later.
So hey, let the best man break camp. A couple hundred more at-bats in Indy aren't gonna do much to make or break BB. It's time to see if the deer-in-the-headlights play last season was a phase or a permanent condition.
* Ditto with Andrew McCutchen. The suits want him to work on hitting fewer fly balls before they bring him up. Hey, his call-up is inevitable; we don't know exactly why McCutch hasn't taken Nyjer Morgan's place on the roster yet. As far as hitting more grounders, well, that reminds us eerily of the Chris Duffy makeover. And that's not a good memory.
* Jose Tabata made the national news because his wife is accused of baby-snatching. There are just too many weird strings attached to this tale, and GW is letting it be until the whole story unfolds.
* Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports writes the Pirates are sniffing around infielder Jeff Baker of Colorado. With Andy Phillips down, maybe they're looking for one more bench piece. It could well be that they don't feel comfortable with Bixler or Cruz as the fifth man (blowing GW's whole opening rant!).
* The Bucs whupped the Braves last night at Disney World 5-2. Atlanta handled the baseball like a live hand grenade, gift wrapping three unearned runs for Pittsburgh. Bixler (.356) had three knocks and Ryan Doumit (.295) added a pair.
Ross Ohlendorf had his good juju going, scattering five hits over six innings while striking out three. He's given up one earned run in 15-1/3 innings, and looks to have a death grip on the fourth spot in the rotation now. The Big O needed a strong outing to separate himself from the pack, and came through.
The Pirates will send Jeff Karstens to the mound tonight when they visit the Rays. Tampa Bay will start Jeff Niemann.
Now, unless the Bucs feel like Bix will be be back this year to be Jack Splat's placeholder, that makes no sense at all to GW. It really may be that they want him ready to replace Wilson at some point, but it sure doesn't look like there's much market for the guy, given his age, performance, contract, and oft stated desire to hang 'em up sooner rather than later.
So hey, let the best man break camp. A couple hundred more at-bats in Indy aren't gonna do much to make or break BB. It's time to see if the deer-in-the-headlights play last season was a phase or a permanent condition.
* Ditto with Andrew McCutchen. The suits want him to work on hitting fewer fly balls before they bring him up. Hey, his call-up is inevitable; we don't know exactly why McCutch hasn't taken Nyjer Morgan's place on the roster yet. As far as hitting more grounders, well, that reminds us eerily of the Chris Duffy makeover. And that's not a good memory.
* Jose Tabata made the national news because his wife is accused of baby-snatching. There are just too many weird strings attached to this tale, and GW is letting it be until the whole story unfolds.
* Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports writes the Pirates are sniffing around infielder Jeff Baker of Colorado. With Andy Phillips down, maybe they're looking for one more bench piece. It could well be that they don't feel comfortable with Bixler or Cruz as the fifth man (blowing GW's whole opening rant!).
* The Bucs whupped the Braves last night at Disney World 5-2. Atlanta handled the baseball like a live hand grenade, gift wrapping three unearned runs for Pittsburgh. Bixler (.356) had three knocks and Ryan Doumit (.295) added a pair.
Ross Ohlendorf had his good juju going, scattering five hits over six innings while striking out three. He's given up one earned run in 15-1/3 innings, and looks to have a death grip on the fourth spot in the rotation now. The Big O needed a strong outing to separate himself from the pack, and came through.
The Pirates will send Jeff Karstens to the mound tonight when they visit the Rays. Tampa Bay will start Jeff Niemann.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Smokin' Steve Strasburg
Hey, we mentioned in passing a coupla posts ago that Scott Boras was hinting to the Washington Nats, holder of the top spot in this year's player draft, that he was looking for $50M for his hoss, stud righty Stephen Strasburg.
Boras posturing? Yes and no.
Strasburg is the real deal. He can hit 100 pretty regularly with his heater, and has been clocked at 103, making him the second fastest pitcher (with Matt Anderson and Mark Wohlers, who hit 103 in the nineties) of the radar gun era, behind only the Tigers' Joel Zumaya, who registered almost 105 in 2006.
Ah, you say, he probably can't hit the broad side of a barn, right? Um, no. Strasburg has 74 strikeouts in 34-1/3 innings as of Friday. He's walked seven, and has a 1.57 ERA. Strasburg has given up 21 hits, so if you do the math, only 50 at-bats out of 131 have resulted in a ball being put into play this season.
He fanned 23 batters in one game last year, and in seven outings with Team USA last summer, he struck out 62 hitters in 41 innings. In fact, in 210 frames of college and international ball played during the past three seasons, he’s walked 45 batters while striking out 316. That's a sweet track record.
Well, hey, he'll never get by on one pitch, no matter how good it is, you think. That may be so in most cases, although Bob Feller, Tom Seaver, and Nolan Ryan may disagree. But the truth is the junior from San Diego State has an 86 MPH breaking ball, a sharp, hard curve that's almost a slider. It's his out pitch.
So the big question is how rich will this kid be when he finally signs? We know the Boras schtick pretty well - drag negotiations to the deadline with the veiled threat of returning to college or going indy.
Now $50M is a little outlandish, and even Boras knows that. Power pitchers are notorious for being a pitch away from the DL or TJ surgery; it's the nature of the beast.
But most reports that GW has read indicate the talks will start at $15M, with Boras probably looking for $25M for his hard-throwing client. Hey, Cory Humes of the Pirate Revolution writes that the Bucco suits should tamper a bit and float an offer of $100M over 10 years. Holy CC Sabathia!
We don't think that'll fly, although Boras would jump through hoops for that deal. The largest guaranteed contract for a draft pick was the $10.5M, five-year deal the Chicago Cubs gave to Mark Prior in 2001. Tampa Bay's David Price, the first pick in 2007 out of Vanderbilt, signed a six-year, $11.5M contract that included an $8.5M guarantee.
And remember, Washington has to deal with its fan base, as it is, after mishandling the Aaron Crow inking last year. So rest assured that Boras will beat the record; he has the talent and the ego. Seattle picks second; bet the ranch that if the Nats won't pony up, the Mariners will.
Geez, to be 20 years old and ready to bring the heat, both with a baseball and a contract. Welcome to the show.
Boras posturing? Yes and no.
Strasburg is the real deal. He can hit 100 pretty regularly with his heater, and has been clocked at 103, making him the second fastest pitcher (with Matt Anderson and Mark Wohlers, who hit 103 in the nineties) of the radar gun era, behind only the Tigers' Joel Zumaya, who registered almost 105 in 2006.
Ah, you say, he probably can't hit the broad side of a barn, right? Um, no. Strasburg has 74 strikeouts in 34-1/3 innings as of Friday. He's walked seven, and has a 1.57 ERA. Strasburg has given up 21 hits, so if you do the math, only 50 at-bats out of 131 have resulted in a ball being put into play this season.
He fanned 23 batters in one game last year, and in seven outings with Team USA last summer, he struck out 62 hitters in 41 innings. In fact, in 210 frames of college and international ball played during the past three seasons, he’s walked 45 batters while striking out 316. That's a sweet track record.
Well, hey, he'll never get by on one pitch, no matter how good it is, you think. That may be so in most cases, although Bob Feller, Tom Seaver, and Nolan Ryan may disagree. But the truth is the junior from San Diego State has an 86 MPH breaking ball, a sharp, hard curve that's almost a slider. It's his out pitch.
So the big question is how rich will this kid be when he finally signs? We know the Boras schtick pretty well - drag negotiations to the deadline with the veiled threat of returning to college or going indy.
Now $50M is a little outlandish, and even Boras knows that. Power pitchers are notorious for being a pitch away from the DL or TJ surgery; it's the nature of the beast.
But most reports that GW has read indicate the talks will start at $15M, with Boras probably looking for $25M for his hard-throwing client. Hey, Cory Humes of the Pirate Revolution writes that the Bucco suits should tamper a bit and float an offer of $100M over 10 years. Holy CC Sabathia!
We don't think that'll fly, although Boras would jump through hoops for that deal. The largest guaranteed contract for a draft pick was the $10.5M, five-year deal the Chicago Cubs gave to Mark Prior in 2001. Tampa Bay's David Price, the first pick in 2007 out of Vanderbilt, signed a six-year, $11.5M contract that included an $8.5M guarantee.
And remember, Washington has to deal with its fan base, as it is, after mishandling the Aaron Crow inking last year. So rest assured that Boras will beat the record; he has the talent and the ego. Seattle picks second; bet the ranch that if the Nats won't pony up, the Mariners will.
Geez, to be 20 years old and ready to bring the heat, both with a baseball and a contract. Welcome to the show.
Monday, March 23, 2009
What A Difference A Day Makes...
* Zach Duke went out and spun five more solid innings today, giving up no runs on two hits, two walks, and four strikeouts to the Rays in a 4-1 win. The Zachster yielded just three fly ball outs in that span, and his ERA is 1.86 so far this spring.
Eric Hinske and Jack Splat had a pair of knocks apiece, and Andrew McCutchen drew three walks. Jason Jaramillo threw out two of three guys trying to steal off him.
Duke has done what he had to this spring, but we're not so sure about yesterday's losing pitcher, Ian Snell.
Snell got in a handful of exhibition innings before he joined up with his adopted homeland of Puerto Rico for the WBC. He's back three weeks later, with just two starts under his belt, and it showed against the Reds on Sunday.
Snell lasted 4-1/3 innings against Cincy, and was on the hook for six runs on nine hits, four for extra bases, including a long ball surrendered to Jonny Gomes. He walked a couple more, and left with a blister on his foot. His ERA is 8.53.
Given last season, it would have been nice to see him loaf around camp this spring and try to soak up some of what Joe Kerrigan is splashing around. Six or seven weeks of training with the squad would have done more for him than being a spot starter during the WBC.
It's not time to hit the panic button yet, but there are only a couple of weeks left, and given the state of the Pirate rotation, Pittsburgh needs Snell to step up.
Tricia Lafferty of the Tribune Review catches up with the righty on his return to Bradenton. John Perrotto of the Pirates Report gets Snell to open up on the difference between the Pirate City crowd and the flag-waving followers of the World Classic.
The Pirates travel to Disney's Wide World of Sports complex in Lake Buena Vista for a 6:05 p.m. game against the Braves tomorrow night. Ross Ohlendorf will start for Pittsburgh, and he could use a good outing to get back in the pitching race.
* Jen Langosch of MLB.com has a piece on Jason Davis and the late charge he's making to stick with the Bucs when they break camp.
* Chuck Finder of the Post Gazette covers the travails of Jack Wilson as he works on a new batting style in his old age.
* John Grabow is expected back in camp tonight or tomorrow. With his return, the Bucs will have everyone but the banged-up Andy Phillips and Phil Dumatrait available for duty. Evan Meek is slated to miss a week, too, with a sore shoulder.
* Perrotto, Langosch, and Finder all talk about the never ending search to upgrade the Pirate pitching.
* What does a spring record mean? Jim Ingraham of the Cleveland News-Herald writes:
Eric Hinske and Jack Splat had a pair of knocks apiece, and Andrew McCutchen drew three walks. Jason Jaramillo threw out two of three guys trying to steal off him.
Duke has done what he had to this spring, but we're not so sure about yesterday's losing pitcher, Ian Snell.
Snell got in a handful of exhibition innings before he joined up with his adopted homeland of Puerto Rico for the WBC. He's back three weeks later, with just two starts under his belt, and it showed against the Reds on Sunday.
Snell lasted 4-1/3 innings against Cincy, and was on the hook for six runs on nine hits, four for extra bases, including a long ball surrendered to Jonny Gomes. He walked a couple more, and left with a blister on his foot. His ERA is 8.53.
Given last season, it would have been nice to see him loaf around camp this spring and try to soak up some of what Joe Kerrigan is splashing around. Six or seven weeks of training with the squad would have done more for him than being a spot starter during the WBC.
It's not time to hit the panic button yet, but there are only a couple of weeks left, and given the state of the Pirate rotation, Pittsburgh needs Snell to step up.
Tricia Lafferty of the Tribune Review catches up with the righty on his return to Bradenton. John Perrotto of the Pirates Report gets Snell to open up on the difference between the Pirate City crowd and the flag-waving followers of the World Classic.
The Pirates travel to Disney's Wide World of Sports complex in Lake Buena Vista for a 6:05 p.m. game against the Braves tomorrow night. Ross Ohlendorf will start for Pittsburgh, and he could use a good outing to get back in the pitching race.
* Jen Langosch of MLB.com has a piece on Jason Davis and the late charge he's making to stick with the Bucs when they break camp.
* Chuck Finder of the Post Gazette covers the travails of Jack Wilson as he works on a new batting style in his old age.
* John Grabow is expected back in camp tonight or tomorrow. With his return, the Bucs will have everyone but the banged-up Andy Phillips and Phil Dumatrait available for duty. Evan Meek is slated to miss a week, too, with a sore shoulder.
* Perrotto, Langosch, and Finder all talk about the never ending search to upgrade the Pirate pitching.
* What does a spring record mean? Jim Ingraham of the Cleveland News-Herald writes:
At the start of play Saturday, the Astros' spring record was 2-16. That's a winning percentage of .111 and puts them on a pace to make some history.Wonder which team Houston will imitate?
The worst spring training winning percentage in the last 25 years is by the 1985 Pirates, who were 6-18 (.250), en route to a regular-season record of 57-104.
The second-worst spring record in the last 25 years was the 7-20 (.259) mark by the 1984 Cubs, who then went on to win a division title with a regular-season record of 93-69.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
The Roster Battles - Present and Future - Continue
* Jen Langosch of MLB.com has a piece on Andy Phillips and his achy, breaky back. It seems like the utility man had a setback in his rehab, and the clock is working to loosen his once fairly firm grasp on a roster spot. It's an adage as old as the game: you can't make the club in a tub.
Luis Cruz and Brian Bixler are auditioning for his bench role. Cruz is more versatile in the field, but his bat has been AWOL all spring. Bix has had his strongest camp, and more telling, the suits are working him out at first base a little bit, too. That bodes poorly for both Cruz and Garrett Jones.
John Perrotto of Pirates Report has the dope on Bix.
* Chuck Finder of the Post Gazette has an article on Neil Walker and his place in the Pirate sun. The suits have plans for him; what they are is still up in the air. Neal Huntington said of the third base logjam:
GW isn't necessarily advocating that match - we don't know much about Campillo other than he's a screwball artist, ala countryman Fernando Valenzuela - but there are deals to be made, and we expect a couple before camp breaks.
*Finder also provided a look at Garrett Jones, who fills an aching void at first base in the upper levels of the Pirate system and is the ace-up-the-sleeve when Adam LaRoche moves on.
* Langosch added a story on the forgotten man in the Jay Bay trade, Bryan Morris. He's 100% healthy and rarin' to go. The suits will start him at Lynchburg, and the righty power arm will be Altoona-bound in a heartbeat if he continues to show progress against the High-A sticks.
Luis Cruz and Brian Bixler are auditioning for his bench role. Cruz is more versatile in the field, but his bat has been AWOL all spring. Bix has had his strongest camp, and more telling, the suits are working him out at first base a little bit, too. That bodes poorly for both Cruz and Garrett Jones.
John Perrotto of Pirates Report has the dope on Bix.
* Chuck Finder of the Post Gazette has an article on Neil Walker and his place in the Pirate sun. The suits have plans for him; what they are is still up in the air. Neal Huntington said of the third base logjam:
"We're still developing Neil Walker to be an everyday player at the major-league level. When we have two guys who are well established, quality, everyday third basemen, then we have a decision to make: Do we trade one, or do we move positions with one? It might be Andy, it might be Neil or it might be Pedro who will go somewhere else or go to another position. Right now, we're excited about all three."For example, it's rumored that the Brave's 30-year old RHP Jorge Campillo is on the market. He was 8-7 with a 3.91 ERA in 25 starts and 39 appearances for Atlanta. And guess what? They're looking for a third baseman. Hmmm...
GW isn't necessarily advocating that match - we don't know much about Campillo other than he's a screwball artist, ala countryman Fernando Valenzuela - but there are deals to be made, and we expect a couple before camp breaks.
*Finder also provided a look at Garrett Jones, who fills an aching void at first base in the upper levels of the Pirate system and is the ace-up-the-sleeve when Adam LaRoche moves on.
* Langosch added a story on the forgotten man in the Jay Bay trade, Bryan Morris. He's 100% healthy and rarin' to go. The suits will start him at Lynchburg, and the righty power arm will be Altoona-bound in a heartbeat if he continues to show progress against the High-A sticks.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Maholm Mah-velous; Bullpen Brutal
* Paul Maholm was all that again, going 6 frames and shutting down the Reds on three hits. He's given up one run in 19-2/3 spring innings; hopefully Maholm's bottling his performance for the regular season.
The pen was handed a 6-0 lead to hold for three innings. The final ended up 6-5, and the bases were juiced with Cincy runners when the last out was finally recorded. Aye carimba!
Matt Capps gave up a two-run homer, but he was working on his slider during his inning. His change-up was looking good, but he left a pitch over the plate, maybe a slider or meatball heater, and Jay Bruce drove it over the wall, across the parking lot, and into the next practice field.
Jesse Chavez gave up three more in the eighth. His stuff is nasty, but where it's going is anybody's guess, and an Anderson Machado boot at the hot corner didn't help his cause.
Then it was Craig Hansen's turn. He struck out the first batter, got the second on a weak bouncer, and then walked the next three Reds, two after being ahead 1 and 2 in the count. Hansen then ran up a three-one count on Joey Votto, but he swung through a heater that was up and took a borderline curve for strike three.
It looked on the tube as if he was just overthrowing; maybe he's trying too hard to impress. But it kills his delivery, as pointed out by Jeff Brantley, who shared the mic with Greg Brown on a FSN split-feed. It was kinda interesting to get the views of other team's talking heads on the Pirate players.
Hey, let's hope they're just going through their dead arm period.
The hitters looked sharp against Homer Bailey and Jeff Kennard, scoring six times. They banged out five extra base hits, including homers by Nate McLouth and Ramon Vazquez. Ryan Doumit went 3-for-3 with a double, and Freddy Sanchez added a single and walk.
Nyjer Morgan continued to look lost at the dish, going 0-for-3 with a short sac fly. On the other side of the coin, Brian Bixler had another hit, and his average is up to .342. He's put himself back on the Pirate map, and if the suits decide to keep two middle infielders on the 25-man roster, he may well come north with the team.
Tomorrow afternoon is the rematch at Bradenton, with Ian Snell making the start for Pittsburgh. The Reds will counter with Aaron Harang.
* The draft is months away, but the Scott Boras saber-rattling is already hard at work. According to Ben Nicholson-Smith of Major League Trade Rumors:
Sure, the Bucs are willing to deal with another Scott Boras client - probably when there's ice-skating in Hades. And who can blame them?
If a cap ever comes about, it will because of guys like Boras. The draft is supposed to be the great equalizer in baseball, but if it's left to the machinations of agents like him, only the big market teams will be able to play and the gap between the haves and have-nots will become an abyss, if it isn't already.
And forget a Boras client signing a long-term deal early in his career to cover a year or two or free agency as the Pirates like to do; Boras thinks the players are being robbed, according to Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald. He may have a point; an agent always is looking for the next payday, not necessarily security or "cost-certainy."
Hey, the guy does a great job for his A-list clients. But as for the business and game of baseball, well, we think he's not so useful. But he'll be the first to say that he didn't build the system; he just works it.
And therein lies the problem.
The pen was handed a 6-0 lead to hold for three innings. The final ended up 6-5, and the bases were juiced with Cincy runners when the last out was finally recorded. Aye carimba!
Matt Capps gave up a two-run homer, but he was working on his slider during his inning. His change-up was looking good, but he left a pitch over the plate, maybe a slider or meatball heater, and Jay Bruce drove it over the wall, across the parking lot, and into the next practice field.
Jesse Chavez gave up three more in the eighth. His stuff is nasty, but where it's going is anybody's guess, and an Anderson Machado boot at the hot corner didn't help his cause.
Then it was Craig Hansen's turn. He struck out the first batter, got the second on a weak bouncer, and then walked the next three Reds, two after being ahead 1 and 2 in the count. Hansen then ran up a three-one count on Joey Votto, but he swung through a heater that was up and took a borderline curve for strike three.
It looked on the tube as if he was just overthrowing; maybe he's trying too hard to impress. But it kills his delivery, as pointed out by Jeff Brantley, who shared the mic with Greg Brown on a FSN split-feed. It was kinda interesting to get the views of other team's talking heads on the Pirate players.
Hey, let's hope they're just going through their dead arm period.
The hitters looked sharp against Homer Bailey and Jeff Kennard, scoring six times. They banged out five extra base hits, including homers by Nate McLouth and Ramon Vazquez. Ryan Doumit went 3-for-3 with a double, and Freddy Sanchez added a single and walk.
Nyjer Morgan continued to look lost at the dish, going 0-for-3 with a short sac fly. On the other side of the coin, Brian Bixler had another hit, and his average is up to .342. He's put himself back on the Pirate map, and if the suits decide to keep two middle infielders on the 25-man roster, he may well come north with the team.
Tomorrow afternoon is the rematch at Bradenton, with Ian Snell making the start for Pittsburgh. The Reds will counter with Aaron Harang.
* The draft is months away, but the Scott Boras saber-rattling is already hard at work. According to Ben Nicholson-Smith of Major League Trade Rumors:
ESPN's Peter Gammons heard that top amateur pitcher Stephen Strasburg and his agent, Scott Boras, could demand $50M over six years if he's selected first overall by the Nationals in the June draft. If the Nationals pick Strasburg and seem unwilling to pay him as much as he wants, Boras could threaten to send the prospect to pitch in Japan for a year. If the Nats are scared off, the Mariners and Padres are next in line for Strasburg.
So how could an amateur player get away with these lofty demands? Strasburg has struck out 74 and walked only seven in the 34.1 innings he's pitched for San Diego State and scouts rave about his stuff.
Sure, the Bucs are willing to deal with another Scott Boras client - probably when there's ice-skating in Hades. And who can blame them?
If a cap ever comes about, it will because of guys like Boras. The draft is supposed to be the great equalizer in baseball, but if it's left to the machinations of agents like him, only the big market teams will be able to play and the gap between the haves and have-nots will become an abyss, if it isn't already.
And forget a Boras client signing a long-term deal early in his career to cover a year or two or free agency as the Pirates like to do; Boras thinks the players are being robbed, according to Michael Silverman of the Boston Herald. He may have a point; an agent always is looking for the next payday, not necessarily security or "cost-certainy."
Hey, the guy does a great job for his A-list clients. But as for the business and game of baseball, well, we think he's not so useful. But he'll be the first to say that he didn't build the system; he just works it.
And therein lies the problem.
The Day The Music Died
Old time sports fans in Pittsburgh couldn't imagine going to a ball game - or for that matter, a hockey night in Pittsburgh - without hearing the organ of Vince Lascheid extorting the team or blasting out a player intro.
Vince died late Thursday at the age of 85, ending an era in Pittsburgh sports. Oh, he was more than a house organist; he played for big bands like Tex Benecke and Glenn Miller before deciding life on the road wasn't for him and returning to the Pittsburgh club scene. But stadium and arena rock would make his reputation.
Vince was the first to tie a player and song snippet together, and some were classics. He played "Brian's Song" for Brian Giles, snake-charmer music for Dave "The Cobra" Parker, "My Favorite Martian" for Al Martin, "Elmer's Song" for Elmer Dessens, "Rubber Band Man" for the tireless Kent Tekulve, and "Jesus Christ, Superstar" for the Great One, Roberto Clemente.
Opposing players were fair game, too. Mark "Big Mac" McGwire was greeted by the McDonald's ad theme "You Deserve A Break Today," Mark Grace was introduced with "Amazing Grace," and GW's favorite was for Oriole Benny Ayala who played against the Bucs in the '79 World Series to the strains of "Tie Ayala (A Yellow) Ribbon 'Round The Old Oak Tree."
When the opposing manager would go to the bullpen, the yanked pitcher would head to the dugout accompanied by Vince gleefully pounding out Queen's "Another One Bites the Dust" or the Beatle's "Fool on the Hill."
He was just as rascally at the Arena. Lascheid would welcome the refs with "Three Blind Mice" until the NHL made him stop. He tickled the keys into "Let There Be Peace On Earth" whenever a brawl broke out on the ice.
And hey, the Igloo still plays "Let's Go Pens," the long-time three note ("da-da-da") rallying cry of the Penguin faithful. Heck, he's even in the Pen's Hall of Fame. Even Billy Crystal can't top that! His taped "Let's Go Bucs" rings out in the North Shore during every Pirate rally to this day. Sometimes it even helps.
We'll miss Vince, as we have over the years when his witty (or corny; take your pick) organ interludes were replaced by three-chord rock anthems. But the Pirates stuck with tradition long enough to record him playing "Take Me Out To The Ball Game," and at least that lives on, played during every PNC seventh-inning stretch
Vince died late Thursday at the age of 85, ending an era in Pittsburgh sports. Oh, he was more than a house organist; he played for big bands like Tex Benecke and Glenn Miller before deciding life on the road wasn't for him and returning to the Pittsburgh club scene. But stadium and arena rock would make his reputation.
Vince was the first to tie a player and song snippet together, and some were classics. He played "Brian's Song" for Brian Giles, snake-charmer music for Dave "The Cobra" Parker, "My Favorite Martian" for Al Martin, "Elmer's Song" for Elmer Dessens, "Rubber Band Man" for the tireless Kent Tekulve, and "Jesus Christ, Superstar" for the Great One, Roberto Clemente.
Opposing players were fair game, too. Mark "Big Mac" McGwire was greeted by the McDonald's ad theme "You Deserve A Break Today," Mark Grace was introduced with "Amazing Grace," and GW's favorite was for Oriole Benny Ayala who played against the Bucs in the '79 World Series to the strains of "Tie Ayala (A Yellow) Ribbon 'Round The Old Oak Tree."
When the opposing manager would go to the bullpen, the yanked pitcher would head to the dugout accompanied by Vince gleefully pounding out Queen's "Another One Bites the Dust" or the Beatle's "Fool on the Hill."
He was just as rascally at the Arena. Lascheid would welcome the refs with "Three Blind Mice" until the NHL made him stop. He tickled the keys into "Let There Be Peace On Earth" whenever a brawl broke out on the ice.
And hey, the Igloo still plays "Let's Go Pens," the long-time three note ("da-da-da") rallying cry of the Penguin faithful. Heck, he's even in the Pen's Hall of Fame. Even Billy Crystal can't top that! His taped "Let's Go Bucs" rings out in the North Shore during every Pirate rally to this day. Sometimes it even helps.
We'll miss Vince, as we have over the years when his witty (or corny; take your pick) organ interludes were replaced by three-chord rock anthems. But the Pirates stuck with tradition long enough to record him playing "Take Me Out To The Ball Game," and at least that lives on, played during every PNC seventh-inning stretch
Friday, March 20, 2009
Deja Vu All Over Again
Well, it was to be expected that the Buccos would get taken to the woodshed by the BoSox today - it was an away game at Fort Meyers, so all the Red Sox would be there while the Pirates sent a busload of B-squadders to more or less compete.
The final was 11-4, and the highlights were a three-hit day by Robinzon Diaz (.500), who added a double, 2 RBI, and a run scored, and two more knocks from Craig Monroe (.311). And Brandon Moss returned to action, going 1-for-4 and looking like he'll be in shape for opening day.
But that pitching...Jeff Karstens went three innings, giving up 4 runs and 3 walks; Donnie Veal walked 4 in 1-2/3 frames, and Denny Bautista, Evan Meek, and Sean Burnett, who gave up three tallies in his inning of work, were all roughed up. Ross Ohlendorf was banged around in yesterday's minor league game.
So the bullpen, which had been so stellar in the early part of camp, is now springing leaks galore. And the starters? Remember last year's complaint that the rotation was set without any competition? Well, the first game isn't until April 6th, and as it stands now, your five starters are annointed. The more things change...
But we think that if there isn't a seachange for the better from the Pirate arms - and the team's record will depend mightily on their work - that there will be some change.
It won't come from free agency; Pedro Martinez is the only guy out there that would help, and his price and self-value seem to preclude any Pittsburgh interest. And there's no one on the near horizon skyrocketing in the Pirate system.
In the next coupla weeks, though, teams will be faced with cut downs. There are some interesting arms that could pop loose, maybe as trade bait, maybe as guys without an option left.
Cory of the Pirate Revolution mentions the Rays' Jeff Niemann, and there are other possibilities to join the list, like the A's Chad Gaudin, the Indian's Anthony Reyes, the Twins' Philip Humber, the Angels' Shane Loux, the O's David Pauley, and they're not alone.
So we think this year will be different. After last season's bitter lesson about pitching depth, we don't believe the Pittsburgh suits will sit still for a repeat performance. Hopefully, the staff will answer the bell for 2009. If not...
The final was 11-4, and the highlights were a three-hit day by Robinzon Diaz (.500), who added a double, 2 RBI, and a run scored, and two more knocks from Craig Monroe (.311). And Brandon Moss returned to action, going 1-for-4 and looking like he'll be in shape for opening day.
But that pitching...Jeff Karstens went three innings, giving up 4 runs and 3 walks; Donnie Veal walked 4 in 1-2/3 frames, and Denny Bautista, Evan Meek, and Sean Burnett, who gave up three tallies in his inning of work, were all roughed up. Ross Ohlendorf was banged around in yesterday's minor league game.
So the bullpen, which had been so stellar in the early part of camp, is now springing leaks galore. And the starters? Remember last year's complaint that the rotation was set without any competition? Well, the first game isn't until April 6th, and as it stands now, your five starters are annointed. The more things change...
But we think that if there isn't a seachange for the better from the Pirate arms - and the team's record will depend mightily on their work - that there will be some change.
It won't come from free agency; Pedro Martinez is the only guy out there that would help, and his price and self-value seem to preclude any Pittsburgh interest. And there's no one on the near horizon skyrocketing in the Pirate system.
In the next coupla weeks, though, teams will be faced with cut downs. There are some interesting arms that could pop loose, maybe as trade bait, maybe as guys without an option left.
Cory of the Pirate Revolution mentions the Rays' Jeff Niemann, and there are other possibilities to join the list, like the A's Chad Gaudin, the Indian's Anthony Reyes, the Twins' Philip Humber, the Angels' Shane Loux, the O's David Pauley, and they're not alone.
So we think this year will be different. After last season's bitter lesson about pitching depth, we don't believe the Pittsburgh suits will sit still for a repeat performance. Hopefully, the staff will answer the bell for 2009. If not...
Thursday, March 19, 2009
18 Days And 15 Players To Go...
The Bucs had the day off, and we figured it's time to take a look at who's left standing with 2-1/2 weeks until opening day. There are 40 guys remaining, and the final roster, as GW sees it, is in bold:
Starters: Jason Davis, Zach Duke, Phil Dumatrait, Jeff Karstens, Paul Maholm, Ross Ohlendorf, Ian Snell, and Virgil Vasquez.
Except for injury, trade, or self-destruction, this rotation is set - but the fifth guy better not get too comfortable; Dumatrait will take a spot as soon as his arm is ready. And the Pirates were actively seeking a back-ender when free agency started; although that well is dry, the possibility of a deal for a late cut could still be struck.
Bullpen: Denny Bautista, Chris Bootcheck, Sean Burnett, Matt Capps, Jesse Chavez, John Grabow, Craig Hansen, Evan Meek, Donnie Veal, and Tyler Yates.
There's some wobble room here, especially regarding Burnett if Grabow and Veal both break camp; Bootcheck or even Chavez will have an opening if he doesn't straighten up. They'll take 12 arms north with them; there are a slew of games in April because of the WBC.
Catchers: Robinzon Diaz, Ryan Doumit, and Jason Jaramillo.
We think they'll start with a bat over a glove, but the local beat guys say both Jaramillo and Diaz could caddy for Doumit, alternating between the big club and Indy.
Infield: Brian Bixler, Luis Cruz, Garrett Jones, Adam LaRoche, Andy LaRoche, Pedro Lopez, Anderson Machado, Andy Phillips, Freddy Sanchez, Ramon Vazquez, and Jack Wilson.
Jones has made a strong case, but there are just too many corner guys in the mix. But if Adam LaRoche gets shipped this year, he'll be the guy they'll plug into his spot. Phillips should make the club, but he better climb out of the tub soon or Bix could claim his spot.
Outfield: Eric Hinske, Andrew McCutchen, Nate McLouth, Craig Monroe, Brandon Moss, Nyjer Morgan, Steve Pearce, and Jeff Salazar.
If Morgan keeps hitting like a hockey player, Salazar could sneak in, although the Pirates would like to have two center-field types until McCutchen gets his call. Pearce will go back to first at Indy as a Plan B for any Adam LaRoche deal.
Starters: Jason Davis, Zach Duke, Phil Dumatrait, Jeff Karstens, Paul Maholm, Ross Ohlendorf, Ian Snell, and Virgil Vasquez.
Except for injury, trade, or self-destruction, this rotation is set - but the fifth guy better not get too comfortable; Dumatrait will take a spot as soon as his arm is ready. And the Pirates were actively seeking a back-ender when free agency started; although that well is dry, the possibility of a deal for a late cut could still be struck.
Bullpen: Denny Bautista, Chris Bootcheck, Sean Burnett, Matt Capps, Jesse Chavez, John Grabow, Craig Hansen, Evan Meek, Donnie Veal, and Tyler Yates.
There's some wobble room here, especially regarding Burnett if Grabow and Veal both break camp; Bootcheck or even Chavez will have an opening if he doesn't straighten up. They'll take 12 arms north with them; there are a slew of games in April because of the WBC.
Catchers: Robinzon Diaz, Ryan Doumit, and Jason Jaramillo.
We think they'll start with a bat over a glove, but the local beat guys say both Jaramillo and Diaz could caddy for Doumit, alternating between the big club and Indy.
Infield: Brian Bixler, Luis Cruz, Garrett Jones, Adam LaRoche, Andy LaRoche, Pedro Lopez, Anderson Machado, Andy Phillips, Freddy Sanchez, Ramon Vazquez, and Jack Wilson.
Jones has made a strong case, but there are just too many corner guys in the mix. But if Adam LaRoche gets shipped this year, he'll be the guy they'll plug into his spot. Phillips should make the club, but he better climb out of the tub soon or Bix could claim his spot.
Outfield: Eric Hinske, Andrew McCutchen, Nate McLouth, Craig Monroe, Brandon Moss, Nyjer Morgan, Steve Pearce, and Jeff Salazar.
If Morgan keeps hitting like a hockey player, Salazar could sneak in, although the Pirates would like to have two center-field types until McCutchen gets his call. Pearce will go back to first at Indy as a Plan B for any Adam LaRoche deal.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Gorzo Gonzo; Rotation Setting Up
* We're not sure just exactly what it is that Tom Gorzelanny does to get under the suits' skin, but whatever it is, it sure works.
Shortly after setting him up to work the same day as Jeff Karstens and in effect staging a head-to-head battle for the fifth spot in the rotation, the Bucs shipped Gorzo to Indy. End of debate.
The Pirates' cited inconsistent mechanics, the same line they used to ship Romulo Sanchez out of camp as the first cut. We're not sure what all is involved in this fall from grace, but Tom Gorzelanny sure better figure it out, and soon.
That leaves the Pittsburgh starting five looking like Paul Maholm, Ian Snell, Zach Duke, Ross Ohlendorf and Jeff Karstens coming out of Bradenton. If somebody implodes or gets hurt, Virgil Vasquez is hovering, Jason Davis is stretching his arm out, and either would be delighted with a shot as a Bucco back-ender.
And it does make us think they'll have Phil Dumatrait back sooner rather than later.
The move will also cause some decisions to be made at Indy. Right now, they have starters Gorzo, Dan McCutchen, Jimmy Barthmaier, Ty Taubenheim, Yoslin Herrera and Corey Hamman on the roster, with a couple of more arms to join the fray shortly.
* Neil Walker and Dave Davidson were sent to Indy today, Jose Tabata was assigned to Altoona, and Brian Slocum was posted to minor league camp. By our count, there are 40 guys left in the hunt for 25 spots. Now it's getting interesting.
* The Bucs took a 4-3, 10 inning decision from the Twins this afternoon. Anderson Machado banged out a walk-off single into right, bringing home Jeff Salazar with the game winner. Andrew McCutchen added a pair of hits, including a double, raising his spring average to .280.
Eric Hinske made his first showing since February, playing right field and going 0-for-2 with a whiff and a walk.
Zach Duke went the first five innings, giving up two runs on a pair of solo shots. He surrendered five hits and a walk, and struck out four while getting nine outs on the ground. So far this spring, he's put together a nifty little 2.45 ERA.
Matt Capps gave up a run, while Denny Bautista, Jason Davis, and Craig Hansen, who got the win, put up goose eggs.
The Pirates are off tomorrow, and return to action Friday to play the Red Sox on in Fort Myers at 1:05 p.m. Jeff Karstens will start for Pittsburgh.
* Duquesne grad and ex-Bucco Joe Beimel, from St. Marys, PA, signed a one year, $2M deal with the Washington Nats today.
* The USA scored three times in the ninth, keyed by a walk-off, two run Texas League single by David Wright, to earn a spot in the one-and-out round of the WBC. Ramon Vazquez came in late in the game to play the hot corner, and was 1-for-1 with an RBI. Ian Snell got to camp today; Vazquez is expected tomorrow.
Shortly after setting him up to work the same day as Jeff Karstens and in effect staging a head-to-head battle for the fifth spot in the rotation, the Bucs shipped Gorzo to Indy. End of debate.
The Pirates' cited inconsistent mechanics, the same line they used to ship Romulo Sanchez out of camp as the first cut. We're not sure what all is involved in this fall from grace, but Tom Gorzelanny sure better figure it out, and soon.
That leaves the Pittsburgh starting five looking like Paul Maholm, Ian Snell, Zach Duke, Ross Ohlendorf and Jeff Karstens coming out of Bradenton. If somebody implodes or gets hurt, Virgil Vasquez is hovering, Jason Davis is stretching his arm out, and either would be delighted with a shot as a Bucco back-ender.
And it does make us think they'll have Phil Dumatrait back sooner rather than later.
The move will also cause some decisions to be made at Indy. Right now, they have starters Gorzo, Dan McCutchen, Jimmy Barthmaier, Ty Taubenheim, Yoslin Herrera and Corey Hamman on the roster, with a couple of more arms to join the fray shortly.
* Neil Walker and Dave Davidson were sent to Indy today, Jose Tabata was assigned to Altoona, and Brian Slocum was posted to minor league camp. By our count, there are 40 guys left in the hunt for 25 spots. Now it's getting interesting.
* The Bucs took a 4-3, 10 inning decision from the Twins this afternoon. Anderson Machado banged out a walk-off single into right, bringing home Jeff Salazar with the game winner. Andrew McCutchen added a pair of hits, including a double, raising his spring average to .280.
Eric Hinske made his first showing since February, playing right field and going 0-for-2 with a whiff and a walk.
Zach Duke went the first five innings, giving up two runs on a pair of solo shots. He surrendered five hits and a walk, and struck out four while getting nine outs on the ground. So far this spring, he's put together a nifty little 2.45 ERA.
Matt Capps gave up a run, while Denny Bautista, Jason Davis, and Craig Hansen, who got the win, put up goose eggs.
The Pirates are off tomorrow, and return to action Friday to play the Red Sox on in Fort Myers at 1:05 p.m. Jeff Karstens will start for Pittsburgh.
* Duquesne grad and ex-Bucco Joe Beimel, from St. Marys, PA, signed a one year, $2M deal with the Washington Nats today.
* The USA scored three times in the ninth, keyed by a walk-off, two run Texas League single by David Wright, to earn a spot in the one-and-out round of the WBC. Ramon Vazquez came in late in the game to play the hot corner, and was 1-for-1 with an RBI. Ian Snell got to camp today; Vazquez is expected tomorrow.
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