Sunday, December 21, 2008

Pirates to sign Doumit Monday


The Pirates and catcher Ryan Doumit have reached an agreement on a three-year deal with an option for two more years.

Doumit is expected to sign the deal Monday in Pittsburgh after taking a physical.

The deal will take Doumit, 27, through his three years of arbitration and possibly two years into free agency.

ESPN.com is reporting that could could range between $20-30 million though that has been unconfirmed.

Doumit hit .318 with 15 home runs and 69 RBI last season.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Pirates name new play-by-play man


The Pirates hired Tim Neverett as their new play-by-play announcer Thursday.

The 42-year-old Neverett worked for FOX Sports Net Rocky Mountain, serving as a pre- and postgame analyst and part-time play-by-play announcer for Rockies games. Neverett also served as an announcer for a number of other sports including college football, basketball and arena football.

"We conducted an exhaustive search that included more than 200 qualified candidates, many of whom are major league quality broadcasters," Pirates president Frank Coonelly said. "Tim's ability and experience, combined with his work ethic, passion for baseball and desire to make a positive impact in the community, made him the ideal addition to our broadcast team."

He also works as a college football and college basketball play-by-play announcer for Versus and The Mountain West Conference Sports Network.

He has worked the past four Olympic Games, has a talk show on ESPN Radio 560 and has been a talk show host on the Sporting News Radio Network.

Neverett, 42, began his baseball broadcasting career in 1985 with Pittsburgh’s Double-A affiliate in the Eastern League. He was 19 when he had the opportunity to fill in calling radio play-by-play of Nashua Pirates games.

Neverett and his wife, Barbara, have three sons ages 14, 12 and 9. He is a graduate of Emerson College in Boston where he lettered in baseball for four seasons.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Notes: Michaels gone, Wigginton on radar

One of the Pirates free agents has found work elsewhere for next season.

Jason Michaels – he is baseball – signed a one-year contract for $750,000 according to MLB.com.

Michaels batted .228 with eight home runs and 44 RBI in 228 at bats with Pittsburgh after being acquired from Cleveland May 8 for a player to be named later.

Also, multiple reports indicate the Pirates are one of four teams interested in signing Ty Wigginton, who was not offered arbitration by the Astros.

Wigginton, who played in Pittsburgh in 2004 and 2005 and was acquired from the Mets in the Kris Benson deal, had 12 home runs and 49 RBI in 115 games over his time in Pittsburgh.

Last season, Wigginton hit .285 with 23 home runs and 58 RBI for the Astros last season.

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Bye, Bye Bautista

The Pirates non-tendered relief pitcher Denny Bautista Friday, not offering salary arbitration. That means that Bautista will become a free agent.

Though Bautista, a midseason pickup who general manager Neal Huntington viewed a slow-rish, potentially high reward, had a good fastball, his control was a problem with 28 walks to counteract 34 strikeouts.

Seven other eligible players – pitchers Paul Maholm, Zach Duke, John Grabow and Tyler Yates - first baseman Adam LaRoche, outfielder Nate McLouth and catcher Ryan Doumit – have received arbitration offers.

The Pirates have reportedly began long-term contract talks with Maholm, McLouth and Doumit this past week.

Also, I think the signing of Ramon Vazquez is another smart, safe, though not terribly exciting move by Huntington, as has been his M.O. since taking over as GM more than a year ago.

I do like that Vazquez is actually coming off a career season in which he batted .290 in 300 atr bats with six home runs and 40 RBI.

The signing also covers the Pirates in two ways. If the Pirates do eventually trade shortstop Jack Wilson, they have someone who can step in with experience and someone not named Brian Bixler. If they keep Wilson, which remains a possibility, they have a Chris Gomez type whose a little younger with a little more pop in his bat.

I like the second scenario better than the first. I'm not sure I can by Vazquez playing 140 games and getting 500-plus at bats. I do, however, like a platoon of he and Wilson for a year with the hopes the Pirates can develop another shortstop in the minors.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Pirates trade Paulino

The Pirates traded former starting catcher Ronny Paulino to the Philadelphia Phillies for minor-league catcher Jason Jamarillo.

Paulino hit .212 with two home runs and 18 RBIs in 40 games last season. He lost his starting job by the end of spring training to Ryan Doumit and never got it back. He was banished to the minors.

Jaramillo, a former top prospect, hit .266 with eight home runs and 39 RBI for Class AAA Lehigh Valley.

Day Three: CC to NY

Day Three of the Winter Meetings started with a bang as the Yankees will sign pitcher CC Sabathia to the richest deal for a pitcher in baseball history.

According to ESPN's Buster Olney, Sabathia will sign for seven years, $160 million. That eclipses the six years, $137 million Johan Santana signed for last year with the New York Me ts.

Isn't this supposed to be a bad economy?

Funny thing is, both the Mets and Yankees are asking for public help to finance their new stadiums.

Day Two: Yankees ready to buy

Here are some more notes from Day Two at the Winter Meetings. Again, all are reports from different web sites and news agencies:

The Yankees are willing to spend a ton of money to upgrade their pitching rotation, so much so that they are going after not one, not two, but three big-name pitchers.

The Yankees reportedly want to sign the top three free-agent pitchers on the market: CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Derek Lowe.

The Associated Press is reporting that Yankees GM Brian Cashman left the meetings in Las Vegas to head to San Francisco to talk with Sabathia.
* Speaking of pitchers, the on again, off again saga of Jake Peavy appears back on again. Multiple teams again appear to be involved in the trade, at least the Padres, Cubs and Phillies. If it is a complicated deal, it may not be completed until after the Winter Meetings.

* Pirates general manager Neal Huntington wouldn't say that any players on his team are untouchable. Apparently other teams feel the same way because the Braves were asking about both Nate McLouth and Paul Maholm.

Relax Pirates fans (the five of you that are left), there is talk the club will try to sign the duo plus Ryan Doumit to long-term contracts.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Day two: a trade, other signings

The second trade of the Winter Meeting was recently completed, as reprted by the Associated Press.

The Reds traded outfielder Ryan Freel and two minor leaguers to Baltimore for catcher Ramon Hernandez.

Also, the Dodgers have reached agreements with third baseman Casey Blake and infielder Mark Loretta, who the Pirates coveted.

Day two: News and notes

Here are some more notes from Day Two at the Winter Meetings. Again, all are reports from different web sites and news agencies:

* Two Pirates notes. 1. Ian Snell is getting interest from Atlanta and Washington. The Braves also appear interested in Paul Maholm. 2. The Pirates are one of three teams interested in relief pitcher Derek Turnbow.

* It looks like the Brewers and San Francisco Giants have become players for CC Sabathia, though the Yankees and all of their millions are still in play.

* Cleveland is very close to signing Kerry Wood to a contract, likely two years.

* The Cubs might not be a lock to get Jake Peavy after all, although there's so much smoke with this and has been, I can't see this not happening.

Day two: Things heating up early

Here are some early notes from Day Two at the Winter Meetings. Again, all are reports from different web sites and news agencies:

* Nothing new to report on a Jack Wilson trade.

* There could be a four-way trade involving the Cubs, Padres, Orioles and Phillies which eventually gets Jake Peavy to Chicago. The Cubs might have to eventually give up outfielder Felix Pie and pitcher Jason Marquis among others to make it happen.

* An ex-Pirates pitcher could be headed back to the N.L. Central. The Cardinals are reportedly very interested in Oliver Perez for a role in their starting rotation.

* A huge trade could be brewing that would send Jeff Francoeur from Atlanta to Kansas City for pitcher Zach Grienke. That deal would be great for both teams. The Braves would bolster their rotation and the Roylas would make yet another solid addition.

* Toronto, Cleveland and the L.A. Dodgers are kicking the tires on former Pirates pitcher Kris Benson.

* The Mets are very close to signing closer Francisco Rodriguez. The deal is reportedly for three years and around $37 million.

One more time on Day One

A couple of last notes for the end of Day One of the Winter Meetings. All are courtesy of different reports around the Internet:

* The Red Sox have become very interested in A.J. Burnett. However, it looks like the Yankees have the best offer so far.

* The Dodgers have made an offer to Casey Blake at three years and $17 million.

* Jake Peavy could be involved in a three-way trade involving the Phillies.

* CC Sabathia has met twice with the Yankees. He has also met with the Red Sox and Milwaukee is still slightly in the running. The West Coast teams – Dodgers and Angels – appear very high on Sabathia's list.

Monday, December 8, 2008

Burnett might be first to sign

It's looking as if pitcher A.J. Burnett will be the first big-name pitcher to sign, perhaps by the time the meetings are over.

The Yankees and Atlanta Braves reportedly are the two major players for Burnett. The Braves have reportedly put in a four-year, $60 million deal with a vesting option while the Yankees have offered four years, $64 million.

* Also, the Pirates and Arizona appear to be the two teams in the mix for free-agnet infielder Mark Loretta.

* One player who might not get the kind of money expected for a big-time power hitter is outfielder Adam Dunn. Players like Raul Ibanez are getting more talk at the meetings than Dunn, the modern-day Dave Kingman.

Pirates in world Series – Don't bet on it

A great note from Associated Press writer Ronald Blum at the Winter Meetings, which are being held at the Bellagio Hotel.

Inside of the Bellagio Race and Sports Book, the team names are listed for odds to bet on who will win the 2009 World Series. Boston and the Chicago Cubs are the early favorites at 5-1, followed by the Yankees and L.A. Angels at 6-1.

Twenty six teams are listed on the board, four are not – San Diego, Washingotn, Kansas City and, you guessed it, Pittsburgh.

Apparently, the Pirates are such a longshot, they don't even count.

Pitchers in demand at Meetings

There are several big name pitchers who have been the early talk of the meetings and two could be headed to the National League Central next season, though not with the Pirates of course.

Reportedly:
* San Diego general manager Kevin Towers said Monday that h will either deal Jake Peavy to the Chicago Cubs or to noone at all. Peavy is one of the top pitchers in baseball, but is owed $63 million over the next four seasons and he has a no-trade clause.

* St. Louis is interested in Toronto pitcher A.J. Burnett.

* The New York Mets have offered closer Francisco Rodriguez a three-year contract, but it appears Rodriguez wants at least four years. Rodriguez set the all-time single-season mark for saves last season.

* Dodgers' GM Ned Coletti said CC Sabathia told him he is very interested in joining the Dodgers.

Please keep checking back regularly for more updates.

Wilson still a Pirate – for now


The Winter Meetings have started in Las Vegas and shortstop Jack Wilson is still a Pirate.

Since I am not in Vegas, all of the information I put on here, which most will be rumors, will have the prefix "Reports from Vegas" or "Reportedly" since multiple outlets generally have the same information, be it ESPN, Fox Sports, or other newspapers covering the meetings including the Pittsburgh ones.

With that in mind, Wilson remains a Pirate largely because the Detroit Tigers, one of the suitors in hot pursuit of a shortstop, have signed Adam Everett.

Another report says that Minnesota might jump into the picture. The Los Angeles Dodgers remain one of the teams interested in wilson and the feeling is mutual considering Southern California is Wilson's home.

Keep checking in for more updates as the meetings continue. It could be a very busy week.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Wilson could get traded soon

Shortstop Jack Wilson might be traded very soon, perhaps before the Winter Meetings begin.

The Newark Star-Ledger is reporting that Wilson has been traded to the Detroit Tigers. However, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, no such deal has been made. Wilson has a restricted no-trade clause and the Tigers are on that list, meaning Wilson would have to approve a trade to Detroit.

Multiple published reports have the Pirates in heavy talks with the Dodgers about dealing Wilson to his hometown team in Los Angeles, but the Dodgers have balked at all of the Pirates requests.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Look out Loretta?

Multiple reports state the Pirates are heavily pursuing free-agent infielder Mark Loretta.

The 37-year-old played with Houston last season and batted .280 with four home runs and 38 RBI. If the Pirates sign him, it would take away someone who has hit the Pirates hard in the past. Loretta has a .328 career average against the Pirates.

I'm not sure what purpose this serves other than a veteran stop-gap. Any deal likely would only be for one year, one plus and option or two max, something I don't think would happen. Yes, the Pirates will likely deal shortstop Jack Wilson but does putting a 37-year-old there to fill the position help if the Pirates don't get a shortstop back in return?

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Back to the mainland

There's some scuttlebutt surrounding the Pirates, though shockingly it's not in the free agent market.

Actually, for anyone looking for the Pirates to sign a free agent – don't. At least not until all of the big names (i.e. Teixiera, Rodriguez, Ramirez) are long gone. From there, teams will figure how much they have left to spend and the second-and-third tier guys will down to the Pirates' neighborhood.

These rumors once again surround trading shortstop Jack Wilson. Two teams are at the forefront – Detroit and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Both have been in the running in the past and both are there once again.

It's been rumored that the Pirates want to trade for Marlins backup catcher Matt Treanor, then ship he and Wilson to Detroit.

Wilson's name has now resurfaced with the Dodgers. Wilson, who is to make $7 million in 2009 with a club option for 2010, has been rumored in a trade for shortstop Chin-Lung Hu. Hu batted .181 with no homers, 9 RBI in 65 games last season. In six minor league seasons, Hu had a .298 average with 37 homers and 225 RBI in 556 games.

Here's hoping Pirates' GM Neal Huntington doesn't overvalue Wilson, who is only 30 but whose play has slipped along with his health. This isn't late July and teams aren't going to be trigger-happy and overpay for a weak-hitting infielder with slowly diminishing range who has trouble staying on the field.

More from India

There's actually a scouting report on the two pitchers the Pirates signed out of India Monday. Here is the link:
http://eastwindupchronicle.com/scouting-reports-on-rinku-singh-and-dinesh-patel/

Monday, November 24, 2008

Pirates sign two pitchers from ... India?

Yes, you read correctly, India? That baseball hotbed ... India?

This smacks of only the Pirates could do something like this.

The Pirates signed two pitchers on Monday – Rinku Singh and Dinesh Patel – both 20-year-olds from India.

But it's not as if your Buccos found these two guys playing at some U.S. college or high school. No, they were noticed on, of all things, a reality television show. The show called "Million Dollar Arm" find someone who could throw strikes at 85 miles per hour and above.

The best part is, it's not even like the Pirates got one of the winning pitchers from this game show. Neither guy won. Now that is following in true Pirates tradition.

Still, these guys found their way to the U.S. and eventually worked out for 30 major league scouts. The Pirates eventually signed the players. Patel is 5-11, 185 pounds who can throw 90 miles per hour and Singh is 6-2, 195 who only threw 84 at the workout.

“The Pirates are committed to creatively adding talent to our organization,” Pirates general manager Neal Huntington said in the Associated Press story. “By adding these two young men, the Pirates are pleased to not only add two prospects to our system but also hope to open a pathway to an untapped market. We are intrigued by Patel’s arm strength and Singh’s frame and potential.”

Uh huh.

Well, good luck to the young men. And who knows, in a country of one billion people, perhaps the Pirates found the best two pitchers there who will turn into the next great major leaguers.

Oh, wait, it's the Pirates, never mind.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Torres calls it quits

In a surprise move Tuesday, former Pirates closer Salomon Torres retired from the Milwaukee Brewers.

The 37-year-old Torres emerged as the Brewers closer last season after Eric Gagne lost his job and recorded 28 saves, including a 27-for-32 stretch after replacing Gane May 24. He also had a 7-5 record with a 3.49 ERA.

Torres still lives near Pittsburgh with his wife Belkis and his three children.

"While I still have great passion and energy for the game of baseball, I feel that the time has come to redirect that passion and energy to my family and God."

Torres was always a good player and good guy to talk too while with the Pirates and was one of the most durable relief pitchers in baseball after resurrecting his career in Pittsburgh in 2002. He left the organization with a bad taste in his mouth after a squabble over a promise to help him with a Dominicann baseball academy which was never followed through on by the organization.

Here's hoping the best for Torres and his family. A good player and an even better person.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

McLouth wins Gold Glove

Pirates center fielder Nate McLouth was named to the 2008 National League Gold Glove team Wednesday.

McLouth became the first Pirates player to win a Gold Glove since shortstop Jay Bell did in 1993. He is the first Pirates center fielder to win the award since Andy Van Slyke in 1992.

McLouth, 27, made one error in 386 chances this season, good for a .997 fielding percentage. His only miscue was a throwing error Sept. 23 in Milwaukee.

McLouth also made a defensive splash in his first All-Star game this summer when he became the first player in history to throw out the potential game-winning run at the plate in extra innings when he nailed Tampa Bay’s Dioner Navarro in the 11th inning.

McLouth becomes the 15th different Pirates player to win a Gold Glove. Outfielder Roberto Clemente has the most with 12, followed by second baseman Bill Mazeroski with eight. Van Slyke won five straight from 1988-92. Outfielders Barry Bonds and Dave Parker along with catcher Tony Pena each won three and shortstop Gene Alley won a pair in the mid-1960's. Others who have won one include Bell, catcher Mike LaValliare, second baseman Jose Lind and pitchers Rick Reuschel, Harvey Haddix, Bill Virdon and Bobby Shantz.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

R.I.P. to J.V.B.

Wednesday's designation of pitcher John Van Benschoten, along with three other pitchers, off the 40-man roster shouldn't come as a surprise. It is, however, tough to see J.V.B. got, because I don't believe all of the problems he's had in the majors were of his own doing.

Van Benschoten still should have been able to get major league batters out. He just hasn't been able to. He's 28 now and was 1-3 with a 10.48 ERA last season. In 26 major-league appearances, 19 of those starts, he has a 2-13 record and a 9.20 ERA.

There will always be a question of should Van Benschoten have remained a first baseman (and a power-hitting one at that) rather than being converted to a pitcher. For some reason, the Pirates felt Van Benschoten would be better served as a pitcher but it obviously has not worked out for him. He can get Class AAA batters out, and has shown signs of brilliance at Indianapolis, but not in the big leagues.

Van Benschoten has the option to become a minor-league free agent and here's hoping that he chooses to, gets picked up by another organization and gets another shot in the majors.

The other three pitchers - Marino Salas, Yoslan Herrera and Ronald Bellisario - won't be any major loss either.

Herrera was another Dave Littlefield mistake. He's still under contract and will go back to Indianapolis. Salas, who came over in the Salomon Torres deal, and Belisario can also become minor-league free agents. Salas was 1-0 with an 8.47 ERA in 13 games with the Pirates and Belisario, who is 25, was 4-4 with a 4.74 in Class AA Altoona.

The moves cleared four spots on the 40-man, though two of those will be filled when Phil Dumatrait and Tom Gorzelanny come off the 60-day disabled list by the Nov. 20 deadline.

That leaves two spots open. One will be filled by Andrew McCutchen so that he is protected from the Rule 5 draft. There will likely be other openings as third baseman Neil Walker and outfielder Jose Tabata will also be among those protected in this year's Rule 5 draft. Though some players electing fraa agency (i.e. Chris Gomez, Doug Mientkiewicz, etc.) will open up those spots.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

World Series prediction

Everyone else has a World Series prediction, so, here's mine:

I like Philadelphia to win in six, maybe seven, games.

For starters, I think the week's rest will help the Phillies int he long run, especially when it comes to pitching. The Rays have an outstanding starting rotation, and overall I believe it's better than Philadelphia's. But, this postseason has to have taken a toll on their arms. A week's rest at this time of the year is gold for a pitcher's weary arm. I look for two wins out of Cole Hamels, one out of Brett Myers and one from either Jamie Moyer or Joe Blanton. The fact that Moyer and Blanton will play in the bandbox that is Citizen's Bank Park will help them more than it will the Rays.

Despite what the Rays showed in Game 7 against Boston, I think the Phillies' bullpen is also better and deeper. Closer Brad Lidge has been dominant and Ryan Madson right in front of him as been just as good during the postseason. Tampa Bay's patchwork bullpen has been good, but in a tight ninth inning I'll take Lidge over Dan Wheeler and even David Price.

Offensively, I believe that Philadelphia also has an edge. The Phillies have four legitimate power bats in first baseman Ryan Howard, second baseman Chase Utley, shortstop Jimmy Rollins and left fielder Pat Burrell. Add speedy Shane Victorino at the top of the lineup and it's a very strong order. Though I like Carl Crawford and Rocco Baldelli (two guys I covered when they were in rookie ball in Princeton, West Virginia), B.J. Upton has gotten hot at the right time and Evan Longoria has been amazing this postseason, the Phillies have been more consistent and I see that continuing.

It's been an amazing ride for the Rays. Unfortunately, I see that ending without a World Series championship.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Kerrigan new pitching coach


The Pirates announced today they have hired veteran pitching coach Joe Kerrigan to take over their pitching staff next season.

Kerrigan, 53, was last a pitching coach with Philadelphia in 2003 and 2004. The Phillies were 86-76 both of those years.

He then spent three years in the Yankees organization, one as a special adviser to GM Brian Cashman and two as the Bullpen coach in 2006-07.

Kerrigan also spent five seasons as pitching coach in Boston from 1997-2001, before succeeding Jimy Williams as manager at the end of the 2001 season. During his tenure in Boston, Kerrigan's staffs compiled an 823-687 record, mainsly on the shoulders of Pedro Martinez, who won Cy Young Awards in 1999 and 2000.

Kerrigan was also a pitching and bullpen coach in Montreal during the 1980's and 90's.

"Joe Kerrigan brings to the Pirates a long and successful track record of developing and maximizing the performance of the pitchers on his staff," Pirates general manager Neal Huntington said. "His teaching ability, work ethic and game planning will pay immedite dividends. Joe's passion, knowledge and experience will make a quality impact on our organization."

Thursday, October 16, 2008

New field at PNC Park



Photo credit: Bree Main, Pittsburgh Pirates


The Pirates announced today that they are replacing the entire playing surface at PNC Park, including the infield and outfield grass, the infield dirt and warning track.


The playing surface was last replaced before th 2006 season in time for the All-Star Game. But Pirates president Frank Coonelly said it was time for another upgrade to ensure that the team has the best playing surface possible.

"While the lifespan of a Major League Baseball playing surface is typically four to eight years, it is important that PNC Park remains the best ballpark in America in every respect," Coonelly said in a statement. "We are committed to giving our fans the best in terms of ballpark amenities, customer service and atmosphere for watching a ballgame and giving our players the finest working conditions in baseball. Our three-year old field was still among the better playing surfaces in baseball, but our commitment to our fans and to our players is excellence - and our new field will meet that high standard."

The new grass surface will be comprised of a Tuckahoe Bluegrass sod, which is a mix of four different kinds of Kentucky Bluegrass -- 40 percent P105 Kentucky Bluegrass, 20 percent Midnight Star Kentucky Bluegrass, 20 percent Brilliant Kentucky Bluegrass and 20 percent overseeded Moonlight Kentucky Bluegrass -- and was chosen because of its high quality pedigree that is ideal for Northern climates.
The new dirt is a mix called Dura-Edge All-Star Infield Mix and was desinged exclusively for PNC Park.
The old playing surface will be recycled and used at different fields throughout the city of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County.

2009 free agents

Here is a list of free agents this winter, compiled by mlbtraderumors.com. There are interesting names on it as usual.

I'd like to know who you think the Pirates should REALISTICALLY go after and try to sign. Face it, they are not going to sign closer Francisco Rodriguez, one of the top free agents in this market, because he will get well over $100 million. But, there are plenty of players they could get to try and supplement and/or upgrade the roster.

Let me know who you think the Pirates should get:

Note: The number is parentheses is the player's 2009 age. Also, some players are listed at more than one position.

Catchers
Brad Ausmus (40)
Paul Bako (37)
Rod Barajas (33) - $2.5MM club option for '09 with a $0.5MM buyout
Josh Bard (31)
Michael Barrett (32)
Henry Blanco (37) - $3MM mutual option for '09 with a $0.3MM buyout
Johnny Estrada (33)
Toby Hall (33) - $2.25MM club option for '09 with a $0.15MM buyout
Jason LaRue (35)
Paul Lo Duca (37)
Miguel Olivo (30) - $2.7MM mutual option for '09 with a $0.1MM buyout
Ivan Rodriguez (37)
David Ross (32)
Javier Valentin (33)
Jason Varitek (37)
Gregg Zaun (38)

First basemen
Rich Aurilia (37)
Hank Blalock (28) - $6.2MM club option for '09 with a $0.25MM buyout
Sean Casey (34)
Tony Clark (37)
Carlos Delgado (37) - $12MM club option for '09 with a $4MM buyout
Nomar Garciaparra (35)
Jason Giambi (38) - $22MM club option for '09 with a $5MM buyout
Eric Hinske (31)
Doug Mientkiewicz (35)
Kevin Millar (37)
Richie Sexson (34)
Mark Teixeira (29)
Daryle Ward (34)

Second basemen
Willie Bloomquist (31)
Craig Counsell (38)
Ray Durham (37)
Damion Easley (39)
David Eckstein (34)
Mark Ellis (32)
Mark Grudzielanek (39)
Jerry Hairston Jr. (33)
Orlando Hudson (31)
Tadahito Iguchi (34)
Jeff Kent (41)
Felipe Lopez (29)
Mark Loretta (37)
Nick Punto (31)

Shortstops
Willie Bloomquist (31)
Orlando Cabrera (34)
Alex Cintron (30)
Alex Cora (33)
Craig Counsell (38)
David Eckstein (34)
Adam Everett (32)
Rafael Furcal (31)
Nomar Garciaparra (35)
Jerry Hairston Jr. (33)
Cesar Izturis (29)
Felipe Lopez (29)
Edgar Renteria (33)
Juan Uribe (30)
Ramon Vazquez (32)
Omar Vizquel (42) - $5.2MM club option for '09 with a $0.3MM buyout

Third basemen
Rich Aurilia (37)
Casey Blake (35)
Hank Blalock (28) - $6.2MM club option for '09 with a $0.25MM buyout
Willie Bloomquist (31)
Aaron Boone (36)
Russell Branyan (33)
Craig Counsell (38)
Joe Crede (31)
Nomar Garciaparra (35)
Mark Loretta (37)
Fernando Tatis (34)
Ramon Vazquez (32)

Left fielders
Moises Alou (42)
Garret Anderson (37) - $14MM club option for '09 with a $3MM buyout
Milton Bradley (31)
Emil Brown (34)
Pat Burrell (32)
Carl Crawford (27) - $8.25MM club option for '09 with a $2.5MM buyout
Adam Dunn (29)
Cliff Floyd (36) - $2.75MM club option for '09 with a $0.25MM buyout
Luis Gonzalez (41)
Jerry Hairston Jr. (33)
Raul Ibanez (37)
Gabe Kapler (33)
Kevin Mench (31)
Jason Michaels (33) - $2.6MM club option for '09
Craig Monroe (32)
Greg Norton (36)
Jay Payton (36)
Wily Mo Pena (27) - $5MM club option or $2MM player option for '09
Manny Ramirez (37)
Juan Rivera (30)
Fernando Tatis (34)

Center fielders
Rocco Baldelli (27)
Willie Bloomquist (31)
Mike Cameron (36) - $10MM club option for '09 with a $750K buyout
Jim Edmonds (39)
Jerry Hairston Jr. (33)
Gabe Kapler (33)
Mark Kotsay (33)
Corey Patterson (29)
Scott Podsednik (33)

Right fielders
Bobby Abreu (35)
Casey Blake (35)
Cliff Floyd (36) - $2.75MM club option for '09 with a $0.25MM buyout
Brian Giles (38) - $9MM club option for '09 with a $3MM buyout
Ken Griffey Jr. (39) - $16.5MM club option for '09 with a $4MM buyout
Vladimir Guerrero (33) - $15MM club option for '09 with a $3MM buyout
Gabe Kapler (33)
Jason Michaels (33) - $2.6MM club option for '09
Fernando Tatis (34)
Wilkerson (32)

DHs
Milton Bradley (31)
Pat Burrell (32)
Adam Dunn (29)
Cliff Floyd (36) - $2.75MM club option for '09 with a $0.25MM buyout
Jason Giambi (38) - $22MM club option for '09 with $5MM buyout
Vladimir Guerrero (33) - $15MM club option for '09 with a $3MM buyout
Raul Ibanez (37)
Manny Ramirez (37)
Juan Rivera (30)
Mike Sweeney (35)
Frank Thomas (41)
Jose Vidro (34)

Starting Pitchers
Kris Benson (33)
A.J. Burnett (32) - can opt out after '08 season
Paul Byrd (38)
Roger Clemens (46)
Matt Clement (33)
Bartolo Colon (36)
Ryan Dempster (32)
Shawn Estes (36)
Josh Fogg (32)
Freddy Garcia (33)
Jon Garland (29)
Tom Glavine (43)
Mike Hampton (36)
Mark Hendrickson (35)
Livan Hernandez (34)
Orlando Hernandez (43)
Jason Jennings (30)
Randy Johnson (45)
John Lackey (30) - $9MM club option for '09 with a $0.5MM buyout
Jon Lieber (39)
Braden Looper (34)
Rodrigo Lopez (33) - club option for '09
Derek Lowe (36)
Greg Maddux (43)
Pedro Martinez (37)
Sergio Mitre (28)
Jamie Moyer (46)
Mark Mulder (31) - $11MM club option for '09 with a $1.5MM buyout
Mike Mussina (40)
Carl Pavano (33) - $13MM club option for '09 with a $1.95MM buyout
Brad Penny (31) - $8.75MM club option for '09 with a $2MM buyout
Odalis Perez (32)
Oliver Perez (27)
Andy Pettitte (37)
Sidney Ponson (32)
Mark Prior (27)
Kenny Rogers (44)
Glendon Rusch (34)
C.C. Sabathia (28)
Curt Schilling (42)
Ben Sheets (30)
John Smoltz (42)
Tim Wakefield (42) - perpetual $4MM club option
Kip Wells (32)
Randy Wolf (32)

Closers
Brian Fuentes (33)
Eric Gagne (33)
Eddie Guardado (38)
Trevor Hoffman (41)
Jason Isringhausen (36)
Brandon Lyon (29)
Francisco Rodriguez (27)
Salomon Torres (37) - $3.75MM club option for '09 with a $0.3MM buyout
Kerry Wood (32)

Middle relievers
Jeremy Affeldt (30)
Luis Ayala (31)
Joe Beimel (32)
Joe Borowski (38)
Doug Brocail (42)
Shawn Chacon (31)
Juan Cruz (30)
Alan Embree (39) - $3MM club option for '09
Scott Eyre (37)
Kyle Farnsworth (33)
Casey Fossum (31)
Keith Foulke (35)
Tom Gordon (41) - $4.5MM club option for '09 with a $1MM buyout
LaTroy Hawkins (36)
Mark Hendrickson (35)
Matt Herges (39)
Bob Howry (35)
Jon Lieber (39)
Jason Johnson (35)
Damaso Marte (34) - $6MM club option for '09 with a $0.25MM buyout
Trever Miller (36) - $2MM club option for '09 with a $0.4MM buyout
Guillermo Mota (35)
Will Ohman (31)
Darren Oliver (38)
Chan Ho Park (36)
Horacio Ramirez (29)
Al Reyes (38)
Dennys Reyes (32)
Arthur Rhodes (39)
Juan Rincon (30)
Glendon Rusch (34)
Rudy Seanez (40)
Brian Shouse (40)
Russ Springer (40)
Mike Timlin (43)
Ron Villone (39)
David Weathers (39)
Kip Wells (32)
Matt Wise (33)
Jamey Wright (34)

Saturday, October 4, 2008

I could be wrong ...

Ok, so much for that Cubs-Angels World Series I predicted earlier this week.

Though neither series is technically over just yet, it is clear that:
1. The Cubs have proven that they are not mentally tough enough to overcome the so-called curse.

2. The Dodgers are a lot better than I thought they were.

3. Nothing can be taken away from ex-Pirates now Boston hero Jason Bay. Talk all the crap you want about is tenure in Pittsburgh, Bay has carried the Boston offense so fare these first two games.

4. It's obvious the back-to-back-to-back elimination games took their toll on the White Sox. Their uninspired play along with Tampa Bay's solid offense, defense and pitching have also turned that series into a rout.

5. Now I REALLY, REALLY want to see a Dodgers-Red Sox World Series. Imagine Manny being Manny in Boston on the opposing team in a World Series.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Bye friends. Frattare retires

Lanny Frattare, the "Voice of the Pirates," announced his retirement Wednesday after 33 years as the club's play-by-play announcer.

Frattare began his tenure in 1976 after Bob Prince and Nellie King were fired. Since then he has called more than 5,000 Pirates games. Frattare, who was under contract through the 2009 season, said he made the decision to step down during the final road trip of the season though he has been mulling it over for some time.

"It was a difficult and emotional decision, but in the end, I decided it was time," Frattare said. "It has been a privledge and an honor to bring Pirates baseball to the fans for 33 years."

Because of his long tenure and his impact in the community, particularly with the Family Links Golf Classic which he has hosted for the past 22 and raised more than $1 million for children and families of mentally challenged individuals served by the Family Links staff, Pirates president Frank Coonelly believes that Frattare belongs in the Hall of Fame.

“It is important that we all recognize the significance of this moment in Pirates history and properly honor Lanny for his outstanding contributions,” Coonelly said. “I ask the Hall of Fame voters to give serious consideration to Lanny’s many contributions to the city, the Pirates and the game of baseball and consider him for recognition in the broadcaster’s wing of the Hall of Fame. The Ford Frick Award recognizes the greatest broadcasters in the game’s history and Lanny’s accomplishments certainly warrant inclusion in this exclusive club. His place in the Hall would be well deserved, if not overdue.”

The Pirates will host a special on-field ceremony at some point during the 2009 season to honor Frattare.

The rest of the Pirates’ broadcast team, play-by-play announcer Greg Brown and color analysts Bob Walk, Steve Blass and John Wehner, will be back next season. According to Coonelly, the Pirates have no timetable to hire a new play-by-play announcer but the search will begin immediately.


Not-so-bold playoff predictions

Now that the playoffs are FINALLY here, it's now time for some playoff predictions. Take these as you will, for remember I also predicted that Cleveland would win the World Series this year. Hmmm, not so much.

Anyway, here they are:

National League division series
Philadelphia over Milwaukee: I think the Phillies have too much depth on their pitching staff to hold off the Brewers. CC Sabathia can't pitch every day for Milwaukee, which means the Phillies will win this series 3 games to 1.

Chicago Cubs over Los Angeles Dodgers: Again, this one comes down to pitching and the Cubs surprisingly have a pretty loaded staff. If, and it is a big if, Carlos Zambrano can be dominant instead of dormant, the Cubs might sweep this one. However, Manny Ramirez and the Dodgers will get at least one game. This one also looks like a 3-1 series for the Cubs.

American League division series
Tampa Bay over Chicago White Sox: I was just as shocked as anyone to see what Tampa Bay has pulled off this season. It's not luck, however. The Rays are very fundamentally sound and have won with pitching and defense. The White Sox will be gassed after having to win three straight days against three different teams just to get in. Tampa Bay will sweep 3 games to 0.

Los Angeles Angels over Boston: Sorry Red Sox nation, you're just not as good as you have been. Josh Beckett gets hurt every other start and the offense isn't what it was with ManRam, whether you like to admit it or not. Besides, the Angels have consistently been the best team in baseball since day one this season and that won't change in October. The Angels will advance three games to one.

National League Championship Series
Chicago Cubs over Philadelphia: I can't believe I'm saying this but the Cubs will go to the World Series. Though the Phillies were able to get by Milwaukee, ther Cubs are just too strong overall. As much as their pitching will beat the Dodgers, it will be the offense's time to shine in the NLCS. Cubs will win 4 games to 2.

American League Championship Series
As much as I'd like to see Tampa Bay make the World Series, the Cinderella run will stop here. The Angels are just too good. They hit better, pitch better and have the best closer in the game. The Angels will win 4 games to 1.

World Series
Los Angeles Angels over Chicago Cubs: If the Cubs can forget they are the Cubs for a week, this could be a classic. The Angels advantages in offense and starting pitching over the Cubs at their best aren't that great. In fact, if the Cubs' staff is on top of its game, that is a dead-even matchup. The Angels' bullpen is better and if they remain patient, they should take their second World Series title since 2002. Oh yeah, that All-Star game victory will play a big role in this as well. The Angels will win 4 games to 3, but it won't be because of Steve Bartman or any curse. They are just a little bit better than the Cubs.

Monday, September 29, 2008

Pitching, first base coaches out

Pitching coach Jeff Andrews and first base coach Lou Frazier were fired Monday, a day after the Pirates finished the season with a 67-95 record.

The firing of Andrews isn't a surprise. The pitching staff was supposed to be a strength of the team and instead was the biggest reason – save the Xavier Nady and Jason Bay trades – that the Pirates recorded their 16th consecutive losing season.

The Pirates had the third-worst earned run average in the majors (5.08). They also allowed the second-most walks in the majors this season with 657, which was also a team record. The staff also reached a historic low as no pitcher recorded 10 wins for only the third time in the 122 history of the club. Also, the starting pitchers combined for a pitiful 33 victories.

I was one of the people who thought the Andrews hire was a good one. He had a strong rapport with most of the pitchers on staff because he coached most of them in the minor leagues and seemed to have a firm grasp as to how to make them winners. Unfortunately, just about every pitcher minus Paul Maholm regressed. Tom Gorzelanny was so bad he was demoted to the minors and Ian Snell went months between victories. Zach Duke may never get back the success he one had. It appears his 15 minutes of fame were up when the 2005 season ended.

As for Frazier, I don't really have a good reason he got fired. Seemed like a nice enough guy though. Sorry to see him go.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Pirates change affiliate

The Pittsburgh Pirates are moving their low-Class A minor-league affiliate from Hickory (N.C.) to Charleston (W.Va.) in 2009.
Pittsburgh’s new affiliate will be the West Virginia Power, located in Charleston. The two signed an agreement through the 2010 season. The Power play in Appalachian Power Park, which opened in 2005.
Pittsburgh’s other minor-league affiliates – Indianapolis (Class AAA), Altoona (Class AA), Lynchburg (high-Class A), State College (Rookie) and Bradenton (Rookie) – will remain the same.

2009 schedule released

Major League Baseball released the 2009 schedule Wednesday.

Here is the Pirates 2009 schedule:

2009 Pirates schedule
APRIL
6. at St. Louis; 7. at St. Louis; 8. at St. Louis, 9. at St. Louis; 10. at Cincinnati; 11. at Cincinnati; 12. at Cincinnati; 13. Houston, 1:35; 14. OFF; 15. Houston, 7:05; 16. Houston, 12:35; 17. Atlanta, 7:05 p.m.; 18. Atlanta, 12:35 p.m.; 19. Atlanta, 1:35 p.m.; 20. Florida, 7:05; 21. Florida, 7:05; 22. Florida, 12:35; 23. OFF; 24. at San Diego, 25. at San Diego, 26. at San Diego; 27. at Milwaukee; 28. at Milwaukee; 29. at Milwaukee; 30. OFF.

MAY
1. Cincinnati, 7:05; 2. Cincinnati, 7:05; 3. Cincinnati, 1:35 p.m.; 4. Milwaukee, 7:05 p.m.; 5. Milwaukee, 7:05; 6. at St. Louis; 7. at St. Louis; 8. at N.Y. Mets; 9. at N.Y. Mets; 10. at N.Y. Mets; 11. OFF; 12. St. Louis, 7:05; 13. St. Louis, 7:05; 14. St. Louis, 7:05; 15. Colorado, 7:05; 16. Colorado, 7:05; 17. Colorado, 1:35 p.m.; 18. at Washington; 19. at Washington; 20. at Washington; 21. at Washington; 22. at Chicago White Sox; 23. at Chicago White Sox; 24. at Chicago White Sox; 25. at Chicago Cubs; 26. at Chicago Cubs; 27. at Chicago Cubs; 28. OFF; 29. Houston, 7:05 p.m.; 30. Houston, 7:05; 31. Houston, 1:35 p.m.

JUNE
1. N.Y. Mets, 7:05; 2. N.Y. Mets, 7:05; 3. N.Y. Mets, 7:05; 4. N.Y. Mets, 12:35 p.m.; 5. at Houston; 6. at Houston; 7. at Houston; 8. at Atlanta, 9. at Atlanta; 10. at Atlanta; 11. at Atlanta; 12. Detroit, 7:05; 13. Detroit, 7:05; 14. Detroit, 1:35 p.m.; 15. OFF; 16. at Minnesota; 17. at Minnesota; 18. at Minnesota; 19. at Colorado; 20. at Colorado; 21. at Colorado; 22. OFF; 23. Cleveland, 7:05; 24. Cleveland, 7:05; 25. Cleveland, 7:05; 26. Kansas City, 7:05; 27. Kansas City, 7:05; 28. Kansas City, 1:35; 29. Chicago Cubs, 7:05; 30. Chicago Cubs, 7:05.

JULY
1. Chicago Cubs, 7:05; 2. OFF; 3. at Florida; 4. at Florida; 5. at Florida; 6. at Houston; 7. at Houston; 8. at Houston; 9. OFF; 10. at Philadelphia; 11. at Philadelphia; 12. at Philadelphia; 13. All-Star Break; 14. All-Star Game at St. Louis; 15. All-Star Break; 16. OFF; 17. San Francisco, 7:05; 18. San Francisco, 7:05; 19. San Francisco, 1:35 p.m.; 20. Milwaukee, 7:05 p.m.; 21. Milwaukee, 7:05; 22. Milwaukee, 7:05; 23. at Arizona, 24. at Arizona; 25. at Arizona; 26. at Arizona; 27. at San Francisco; 28. at San Francisco; 29. at San Francisco; 30. OFF; 31. Washington, 7:05.

AUGUST
1. Washington, 7:05; 2. Washington, 1:35 p.m.; 3. Washington, 7:05; 4. Arizona, 7:05; 5. Arizona, 7:05; 6. Arizona, 7:05; 7. St. Louis, 7:05; 8. St. Louis, 7:05; 9. St. Louis, 1:35 p.m.; 10. OFF; 11. at Colorado; 12. at Colorado; 13. at Colorado; 14. at Chicago Cubs; 15. at Chicago Cubs; 16. at Chicago Cubs; 17. Milwaukee, 7:05; 18. Milwaukee, 7:05; 19. Milwaukee, 7:05; 20. OFF; 21. Cincinnati, 7:05; 22. Cincinnati, 7:05; 23. Cincinnati, 1:35 p.m.; 24. OFF; 25. Philadelphia, 7:05; 26. Philadelphia, 7:05; 27. Philadelphia, 7:05; 28. at Milwaukee; 29. at Milwaukee; 30. at Milwaukee; 31. at Cincinnati.

SEPTEMBER
1. at Cincinnati; 2. at Cincinnati; 3. OFF; 4. St. Louis, 7:05; 5. St. Louis, 7:05; 6. St. Louis, 1:35 p.m.; 7. Chicago Cubs, 12:35 p.m.; 8. Chicago Cubs, 7:05; 9. Chicago Cubs, 12:35 p.m.; 10. OFF; 11. at Houston; 12. at Houston; 13. Houston; 14. at L.A. Dodgers; 15. at L.A. Dodgers; 16. at L.A. Dodgers; 17. OFF; 18. San Diego, 7:05; 19. San Diego, 12:35 p.m.; 20. San Diego, 1:35 p.m.; 21. San Diego, 7:05; 22. Cincinnati, 7:05; 23. Cincinnati, 7:05; 24. Cincinnati, 12:35 p.m.; 25. L.A. Dodgers, 7:05; 26. L.A. Dodgers, 7:05; 27. L.A. Dodgers, 1:35 p.m.; 28. L.A. Dodgers, 12:35; 29. at Chicago Cubs; 30. at Chicago Cubs.

OCTOBER
1. at Chicago Cubs; 2. at Cincinnati; 3. at Cincinnati; 4. at Cincinnati.

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Well, it's official

Sunday's 11-6 loss to San Francisco officially clinched the Pirates' 16th consecutive losing season.

The Pirates tied the 1933-48 Philadelphia Phillies for the longest streak of futility in major pro team sports history. Congratulations Buccos.

Stat of the year

With Paul Maholm's no decision Sunday, thanks in large part to Denny Bautista blowing the lead, the Pirates have a very good chance of not having a starting pitcher win 10 games this season.

How rare is this? It has happened only twice in the club's 122-year history. The last time was the strike-shortened 1981 season when Rick Rhoden won nine games and the Pirates were 46-56. The other time was 1890 when Billy Gumbert led the Pirates with four wins during a 23-113 season.

Saturday, September 6, 2008

In case you missed it

In case you missed it Friday night, Pirates starter Zach Duke had his best outing in a couple of years, pitching a six hit shutout as the Pirates won 7-0. Here is the Associated Press story from the game.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Zach Duke pitched a six-hitter to snap a career-worst nine-game skid and the Pittsburgh Pirates ran their winning streak in San Francisco to seven with a 7-0 victory over the Giants on Friday night, when a light earthquake rattled the area during the game.

Brandon Moss drove in three runs and Adam LaRoche two for Pittsburgh, helping Duke win for the first time in 15 starts since beating Arizona on June 9. The left-hander ended the longest losing streak by a Pirates pitcher since Jose DeLeon lost 11 in a row in 1985.

Duke (5-13) struck out four and walked two in his third career complete game and second shutout. In two of his previous three outings, the Pirates failed to score while he was on the mound.

This time, Pittsburgh matched a franchise record with four sacrifice flies.

Duke earned his first road win since May 27, 2007, at Cincinnati, and the second straight complete-game shutout by the Pirates in San Francisco. Pirates pitchers have 20 straight scoreless innings in San Francisco's waterfront ballpark.

Tom Gorzelanny pitched a five-hitter here last Aug. 12.

A minor earthquake hit the Bay Area during the bottom of the sixth inning. Many felt the temblor — with a preliminary report as a 4.0-magnitude from the U.S. Geological Survey — but there was no interruption of the game. During the 1989 World Series here between the Giants and Oakland Athletics, a 6.9 earthquake hit during warmups before Game 3 and delayed the conclusion of the Series.

This quake hit just after 9 p.m. and could be felt throughout the region. The temblor's epicenter was near Alamo, about 28 miles east of San Francisco.

LaRoche doubled in the Pirates' first run past center fielder Aaron Rowand in the second after Ryan Doumit led off the inning with a double — the first of Doumit's four hits — then LaRoche added a sacrifice fly in the fifth. Moss had a two-run triple in the seventh and a sacrifice fly in the ninth.

Nate McLouth and Nyjer Morgan also had sacrifice flies for the Pirates, who have won three of four on the heels of a season-worst 10-game skid.

Pittsburgh has won eight of nine at San Francisco's waterfront ballpark. The Giants' last win at home in the series came in 2006 and they haven't won a home series in this matchup since 2003.

San Francisco lost for the 14th time in its last 16 meetings with Pittsburgh and is 8-21 vs. the Pirates since 2004. The Giants were shut out for the 12th time this year and second time in four games.

Kevin Correia (3-8) has only one win in seven starts since a victory at Dodger Stadium on July 28.

Nate Schierholtz got the start in right field — his first home game since being called up after earning a bronze medal with the U.S. baseball team in Beijing — for the Giants after getting a career-best four hits Wednesday at Colorado.

The Giants had the bases loaded in the third with no outs but couldn't capitalize.

Notes:@ The aunt of home run king Barry Bonds, Rosie Bonds-Kreidler, took part in the Giants' Olympic Night festivities. The sister of Bonds' late father, Bobby, she was a hurdler in the 1964 Olympics. ... Randy Winn moved to LF with Schierholtz in his regular spot. Schierholtz's father, Vai, attended the game wearing one of his Olympic jerseys. ... Hall of Fame pitcher Juan Marichal attended the game and received a warm ovation. He is in town for Saturday's statue unveiling for Orlando Cepeda. ... The Pirates also had four sacrifice flies on May 17, 2007, against Florida and in 1988. The Giants allowed four sacrifice flies for the first time in San Francisco's 50-year history.

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

September callups

The Pirates recalled the following nine players from Triple-A Indianapolis today:
Right-handed pitchers T.J. Beam, Craig Hansen, Ross Ohlendorf, Marino Salas and Romulo Sanchez; catchers Robinzon Diaz and Ronny Paulino; shortstop Brian Bixler and outfielder Steve Pearce.
The Pirates also selected the contract of INF Luis Cruz from Triple-A Indianapolis and unconditionally released right-handed pitcher Ty Taubenheim.

Also, Ohlendorf will make his first start for the Pirates Wednesday in Cincinnati.

I'm not surprised, as others are, that John van Benschoten wasn't recalled. If anything, not being immediately recalled signals to me that the Pirates will cut ties with JVB at the end of the season.

I was a little surprised that neither outfielder Andrew McCutchen or third baseman Neil Walker were recalled. My only thinking is that the club believes there might be a little too much pressure on the 22-year-olds and that they would be better served to take some time off before winterball rather than sit the bench and be hounded for interview requests for four weeks.

There also might be some lingering health issues going on with either or both, though I'm not sure. After all, the grind of their first full Class AAA season probably took its tool on both.

Sunday, August 31, 2008

It was a hit

I understand Milwaukee manager Ned Yost being a little upset that Andy LaRoche's grounder was ruled a single instead of an error. After all, it was the only hit of the game and cost Milwaukee pitcher CC Sabathia a shot at a no-hitter.

But Yost and the Brewers are taking this way too far.

For starters, it was a hit. A close call, yes, but a hit nonetheless. LaRoche runs well enough that he probably beats the throw anyway.

But the Brewers are asking Major League Baseball to overturn the call and retroactively give Sabathia the no-hitter. I'm sorry, do I hear violins playing in the background.

The Pirates rotate four official scorers throughout the season and Bob Webb is at the top of the list among them. He's been doing it for 20 years.

As upset as Yost was, Sabathia was more upset at himself that he didn't make the play and not that it was ruled a base hit.

“The ball was still rolling and I probably should have picked it up with my glove. We probably wouldn’t be having this conversation,” Sabathia said. “I think if I pick it up with my glove, I get him.”

If Sabathia can take it like a man, so should Yost.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Coonelly on Alvarez

Here is the full statement from Pirates team president Frank Coonelly regarding the Pedro Alvarez situation. A pretty interesting read and one showing that the Pirates apparently aren't going to budge from their stance.


“At the Pirates’ request, the Office of the Commissioner today placed Pedro Alvarez on Major League Baseball’s Restricted List. The Pirates were forced to request that Pedro be placed on the Restricted List because we were informed by his agent, Scott Boras, that Pedro will not sign the contract to which he agreed on August 15. Boras further informed us that Pedro will not report to the Club unless we renegotiate his contract and agree to pay him more than the $6 million signing bonus to which he agreed.

“The Major League Rules provide that a player who refuses to sign a Uniform Player Contract to which he has agreed and report to the signing Club shall, upon a report of the signing Club, be placed on the Restricted List until he signs a contract reflecting the terms to which he has agreed. Such a player may not sign a contract with or play for any other Club. While demanding that we renegotiate his contract and pay Pedro more than the $6 million signing bonus to which Pedro agreed, Mr. Boras has contended that the contract we reached with Pedro was consummated after the August 15 deadline. This claim was not raised on the evening of the 15th when we informed Mr. Boras that Major League Baseball had confirmed that the contract was submitted in a timely fashion. Mr. Boras asserted this claim several days later, after all of the draft signings had become publicized.

“The Pirates are confident that the contract reached with Pedro Alvarez was agreed to and submitted to Major League Baseball in a timely fashion and properly accepted by Major League Baseball. In fact, the contract between the Kansas City Royals and Eric Hosmer, another Boras client, was submitted to the Office of the Commissioner after our contract with Pedro was submitted. Mr. Boras is apparently satisfied with the $6 million bonus that he secured for Mr. Hosmer and has not challenged the validity of that contract. Mr. Boras has been informed that if he pursues a claim that our contract with Pedro was not timely he puts Eric Hosmer’s contract with Kansas City in jeopardy.

“The Pirates made several attempts to commence negotiations immediately following the draft and were willing and ready to agree to pay Pedro a $6 million signing bonus from the very outset. Predictably, however, Mr. Boras refused to engage in any negotiations at all until shortly before the August 15 deadline and even then an agreement was reached only after Pedro took control of the negotiations.

“Regrettably, we are not surprised that Mr. Boras would attempt to raise a meritless legal claim in an effort to compel us to renegotiate Pedro’s contract to one more to his liking. We are, however, disappointed that Pedro would allow his agent to pursue this claim on his behalf. Pedro showed tremendous fortitude and independent thinking when he agreed to his contract on August 15.

“The Office of the Commissioner has assured us that we have a valid contract with Pedro and that it will vigorously defend any claim to the contrary. Despite our disappointment, we continue to believe in Pedro Alvarez the person and the baseball player and remain excited to add Pedro to our system. We will sit down with Pedro and his family as soon as Mr. Boras’ claim is rejected to chart a new and much more productive start to Pedro’s career with the Pittsburgh Pirates.”

Friday, August 22, 2008

Correction

Paul Maholm will start Sunday and Jeff Karstens will pitch Monday at home against Chicago.

Also, closer Matt Capps will return to the roster within the next couple of days.

Pearce out, Gorzelanny back

Tom Gorzelanny is back with the Pirates after a successful stint in Class AAA.

Gorzelanny is in Milwaukee with the Pirates and will start Saturday. He was 3-1 with a 2.06 ERA in seven starts with the Indians. More impressive, he struck out 33 and walked only four. I don't think he will be officially activated until tomorrow.

It looks like Zach Duke will still start tonight's game, Gorzelanny will start Satueday and Jeff Karstens will start Sunday. Paul maholm's next start will be Monday.

Also, Doug Mientkiewicz has been reinstated from the bereavement list and outfielder Steve Pearce was sent back to Class AAA Indianapolis to clear a roster spot.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Bye bye Joey Bats

Jose Bautista went from starting third baseman at the beginning of this season, to part-time starter halfway through the season, to reserve player, to demoted to the minors and now, gone from the organization all together.

Bautista, who was at Class AAA Indianapolis, was traded Thursday to Toronto for a player to be named later.

Bautista batted .242 with 12 homers and 44 RBI in 107 games with the Pirates this season.

He was a part of the Rule 5 Draft fiasco of 2003 and played for four organizations in 2004 – Baltimore, Kansas City, Tampa Bay and the Mets. He was traded to the Pirates from the Mets in the Kris Benson deal.

It was a quick fall for Bautista, who offensively looked like he has the tools to be a very productive major leaguer.

Bautista's problem this season was that he was exposed as a major liability at third base as soon as the season began. In the first series at home against Chicago, Cubs manager Lou Piniella bunted numerous times Bautista's way with much success. Other teams picked up on this and his problems defensively were a reason Bautista eventually slipped down the depth chart and off the roster.

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Success with draft class

So Neal Huntington did this year what Dave Littlefield couldn't last year – stare down Scott Boras and win.

Huntington and the Pirates management team stuck to their contract offer for Alvarez – a minor-league contract and a $6 million bonus – and won. It's a lot of money, but it shows once again that the Pirates seem to have a commitment to winning not seen in Pittsburgh in years.

If this were Littlefield at the helm, he wouldn't have signed Alvarez, or even drafted him for that matter, and he would have signed injured second-round pick Tanner Scheppers in Alvarez's slot. Scheppers would have got hurt, needed arm surgery, and after six or seven years of rehab and pitching in the minors, Scheppers would have left the organization never to be heard from again.

That was then, this is now.

Boras waited until 11:58 p.m., according to published reports, to accept the deal. Though it went right to the deadline, Huntington didn't panic.

Because they didn't overpay for an injured Scheppers, the Pirates were able to sign other top prospects like high school outfielder Robbie Grossman, a sixth-round pick who signed for $1 million, and Quinton Miller, a high school pitcher who turned down a full ride to North Carolina to sign with Pittsburgh for $900,000.

It will take time to see if these moves pan out, but at least Huntington is showing he has a backbone, unlike the Pirates old GM

Thursday, August 14, 2008

BAUTISTA OUT, WILSON IN

In one of those writing-on-the-wall moves, the Pirates sent third baseman Jose Bautista to Class AAA after Wednesday's win over Cincinnati.

Bautista A. Hasn't produced since the All-Star break and B. Hasn't seen much playing time since the trading deadline when the Pirates acquired third baseman Andy LaRoche.

Bautista is batting .242 with 12 home runs and 44 RBi for the season. But, he has only 11 at bats this month with no home runs or RBI and only one run scored. Since the All-Star break, Bautista has only two home runs and three RBI.

This will likely be a short-term move for Bautista since the roster can expand Sept. 1. It should, however, be a clear wake-up call that the Pirates aren't going to wait much longer on Bautista becoming a productive every-day player.

Also Wednesday, the Pirates signed fifth-round draft pick Justin Wilson.

Wilson, a lefthanded pitcher from Fresno State, went 9-5 with a 4.14 ERA and had 108 strikeouts this season for the Bulldogs. He was also the winning pitcher in the deciding game of the College World Series.

The Pirates have until midnight Friday night to sign their remaining draft picks, including top pick third baseman Pedro Alvarez and second-round pick pitcher Tanner Scheppers.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Three days and counting

There are less than three days remaining until Friday's deadline to sign 2008 draft picks and three names should have a lot of interest to local baseball fans.

Neither of the Pirates top two draft picks – third baseman Pedro Alvarez and pitcher Tanner Scheppers – have signed yet. Scheppers threw a bullpen session of about 30 pitches in the bullpen before Tuesday's game with the Reds. The session was to make sure Scheppers is recovered from a shoulder injury he had earlier this season. It appears that the Pirates will make a contract offer within the next day or so.

Alvarez is the one everyone is watching. Both the Pirates and Alvarez's agent – Scott Boras – have been pretty hush-hush about the negotiations. Though this one will likely go into Friday, perhaps late Friday evening, I still see a deal getting done. Though this is an important signing for the Pirates for several reasons, it makes sense for for Alvarez to sign. Another year in college will likely hurt his value, along with another year away from prospect status.

Also, we'll see by Saturday at midnight whether Peters Township's Jordan Jankowski will sign with the Astros or head to college. Jankowski, a 34th-round selection by Houston, has a full scholarship waiting at Miami of Ohio. My hunch is that he is going to school, though that is pure speculation. Usually, players who are drafted that low sign as soon as possible so that they can get out and play that first season. Since Jankowski hasn't signed yet, I'm guessing he'll be playing in the Mid-American Conference for the next three or four years.

Monday, August 4, 2008

So far, so good, for them

Here are stats for the three players the Pirates traded away over the last 10 days:

Jason Bay (Boston) 4 hits, 11 at-bats (.363 average) 6 runs, 1 home run, three RBI

Xavier Nady (N.Y. Yankees) 10 hits, 26 at-bats (.385 average) 3 doubles, 3 home runs, 10 RBI

Damaso Marte (N.Y. Yankees) 4 games, 3 1/3 innings, 4 hits, 2 runs, 6 strikeouts, 1 walk, 5.40 ERA.

Thursday, July 31, 2008

Bay to L.A.?

It's 4:24 p.m. and, according to mlb.com, Jason Bay might be headed to – the Los Angeles Dodgers?

Though Bay's name has circulated heavily in talks for the last 48 hours to Atlanta, Boston and Tampa Bay, it seems that the Dodgers have become a late player in the deal.

Though it is past the 4 p.m. deadline, it usually takes a while for trades done right at the deadline to be announced because the paperwork must be filed with the commissioner's office.

Other reports have that Bay heading to either Tampa Bay or Boston are all but dead, which could make the Dodgers' rumor more palpable.

Stay tuned

Three hours to go plus

Nothing offically announced yet. Reportedly, Ramirez has accepted a trade to Florida. the three main players would be Ramirez to Florida, Hermida from Florida to Pittsburgh and Bay from Pittsburgh to Boston. John Grabow could also be in the mix to Boston because the Marlins traded for Arthur Rhodes this morning.

stay tuned

Bay on the block

As of 11 a.m., it was reportedly "50-50) that Jason Bay would be headed out of town as a part of a three-way trade with Boston and Florida though Tampa Bay is alo in the mix as part of a seperate deal. Manny Ramirez would head from Boston to Florida, which is the major component of the trade.

Bay would head to Boston along with possibly John Grabow for a package of prospects from both teams and Florida outfielder Jeremy Hermida.

Keep checking here for updates throughout the day.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Does Teixeria deal mean Bay stays?

Atlanta just completed a deal sending first baseman Mark Teixeria to the Los Angeles Angels for Casey Kotchman and a minor leaguer.

Now that it appears that the Braves are in "sell" mode, it would seem unlikely that Jason Bay would be headed there any time soon.

Bay was rumored to be headed to Atlanta over the weekend, according to mlb.com, which said a deal was on the table but Pirates ownership shot the deal down. According to other published reports, the Pirates deny both sides of that report.

If the Braves are indeed sellers, the likelihood they would after Bay before the deadline would be almost nil.

That doesn't mean that Bay won't land elsewhere, but indications are that management will hold onto Bay at least until the Winter Meetings where Bay could be traded for more major-league ready talent rather than prospects.

Monday, July 28, 2008

LaRoche, Sanchez out

Both first baseman Adam LaRoche and second baseman Freddy Sanchez were out of Monday's starting lineups due to injuries they sustained during Sunday's 3-1 loss to San Diego.

LaRoche is out with a strained ribcage muscle and he could be out more than just a day or two. Depending on the severity, injuries like that tend to take more time to heal which could lead to a week or more without LaRoche and possibly a stint on the disabled list.

Sanchez is out with lower back spasms.

Shortstop Jack Wilson, who has been batting either eighth or ninth the majority of the season, moved up to second in the order Monday in the series opener against Colorado. Chris Gomez played second and batted ninth. Doug Mientkiewicz started at first base and batted fifth and Jose Bautista was back in the lineup at third base and batted seventh.

JVB gone, not forgotten

For seemingly the 10th time this season (actually, I really did lose track), John Van Benschoten had yet another horrific start which ultimately led to yet another demotion to the minor leagues.

There are those that say the Pirates should just give up on Van Benschoten. Well, they are, but only as a starter.

Pirates general manager Neal Huntington is giving good ol' JVB one more chance as a relief pitcher. The feeling is maybe he can get some guys out in shorter stints rather than trying to stretch him out over five, six-plus innings.

“There are numerous relievers in the major leagues who didn’t make it as starters,” Huntington said.

Here's hoping that is true for JVB, a good guy who was put into a pretty tough spot by the previous two idiot regimes, mainly by Cam Bonifay who decided to take the premier power hitter in Division-I baseball his senior year and make him a pitcher.

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Statement from Coonelly on trade

Here is a statement from Pirates president Frank Coonelly on Saturday's Pirates-Yankees trade:

The trade of Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte today for four quality prospects from a deep New York Yankee organization was made for one and only one reason – to help us reach our objective of building a sustainable championship caliber organization. While our aggressive draft and international signing strategies are critical components of this effort, the trade market can present the opportunity to acquire multiple players who are Major League ready or much closer to contributing to the Major League Club. The value of Xavier and Damaso increased significantly this year and that increased value, along with the Yankees’ unexpected second half needs, presented us with a unique opportunity to acquire four quality young players who we coveted and who we believe can make significant contributions to the Pirates for many years to come.
The 2008 Pirate team has played hard every night for John Russell and his staff and has battled through injuries and inconsistent starting pitching. But the reality is that, despite an offense that is second in the National League in runs scored, we are 12 games out of first place in what is now the toughest division in the National League and 11 games out of the Wild Card lead and not likely to compete for a post-season berth this year. We have said from the beginning that we do not aspire to finish .500; we aspire instead to win championships again in Pittsburgh. The trade completed this morning demonstrates that we will not forgo the opportunity to continue to add the pieces that are necessary to build a championship caliber club because of the hope that we might win 82 this year.
Because they are quality individuals and were outstanding teammates, our players are understandably disappointed to see Xavier and Damaso move on to another organization. But the players on this Pirate team have demonstrated that they are true professionals and they will continue to work extremely hard to give this club a chance to win every game that it plays. This trade will also give some of our young players an opportunity to prove that they can be produce at the level necessary to contribute to a championship caliber club.
Today’s trade is not a sign that additional trades are imminent before the non-waiver trade deadline. The organization will, however, continue to evaluate aggressively any opportunity to make additions that will help build the foundation upon which we can again win championships in Pittsburgh.

Trade update, Pearce recalled

In the wake of the Xavier Nady-Damaso Marte trade, the Pirates have recalled outfielder Steve Pearce and it looks as if the call-up is more than a temporary move.

The 25-year-old rookie spent a week earlier this season with the Pirates and was also with the team last September. He was in the starting lineup in right field Saturday.

In 93 games with Indianapolis, Pearce batted .258 with 11 home runs and 58 RBI. He was also third in the International League with 26 doubles.

Last season he hit .294 with five doubles, a triple and six RBI in 23 games with the Pirates. That culminated a whirlwind season for Pearce in which he was promoted from Lynchburg to Altoona to Indianapolis and eventually to Pittsburgh.

He was the Pirates Minor League Player of the Year after batting .328 with 31 home runs and 119 RBI over the three levels.

Pirates-Yankees deal done, with changes

The Pirates and Yankees finalized their six-player trade early Saturday afternoon although not without some changes from the originally published deal.

Originally, sources had the Pirates acquiring outfielder Jose Tabata and pitchers Ross Ohlendorf, Phil Coke and George Kontos for outfielder Xavier Nady and relief pitcher Damaso Marte.

The new and finalized deal still has Tabata and Ohlendorf but adds triple-A starting pitchers Jeff Karstens and Daniel McCutchen to replace Coke and Kontos.

According to MLB.com, the Pirates and Yankees agreed upon a list of prospects for the Pirates to choose from, which was different than those outlined in original deal.

"While the core components of the deal were in place early Friday evening, negotiations on the final package of players coming to Pittsburgh extended into the early morning hours of Saturday and were not finalized until late Saturday morning," Pirates general manager Neal Huntington said.

Friday, July 25, 2008

In the Army now

Two Pirates prospects are leaving the organization and it has nothing to do with the trade deadline.

Outfielder Cole White and catcher Chris Simmons, two players drafted last month out of the United State Military Academy at West Point who are currently playing with State College, have been ordered by the government to report to duty to fulfill their military commitments.

The U.S. Army revised the U.S. Department of Defense Alternative Service Option earlier this month and said that soldiers must give two years of military service before applying for release to pursue professional sports careers.

“The Department of Defense changed their approach on this and since they’re the government they can do that,” said Pirates Director of Player Development Kyle Stark. “Both guys are reporting within the next week.”

White, drafted in the 42nd round, was the Spikes’ best hitter this season. In 19 games he batted .366 with a home run and nine RBI. Simmons, selected in the 41st round, batted .258 with no home runs and four RBI in eight games.

The change in military policy made national headlines when Caleb Campbell, a seventh round pick of the Detroit Lions, had to report back to duty the day before training camp started.

Both players will leave by the end of the weekend. Stark isn’t sure when the players will return.

“We’re still trying to get our hands around how the change in philosophy is going to impact what we have with these guys,” Stark said.

Two minor-leaguers suspended
Major League Baseball suspended two Pirates minor-leaguers for 50 games Friday after each tested positive for steroids.
Pitchers Roman Carrasco and Luis Figuera were suspended from their Venezuelan Summer League team. Carrasco, a 20-year-old right-handed starting pitcher, was 7-1 with a 2.82 ERA in 12 games. Figuera, a 17-year-old right-handed pitcher who has started four of the 14 games he’s pitched, is 6-2 with a 3.09 ERA.
“There’s been a tendency for some confusion with the Latin American players and we need to do a better job to educate and ensure that guys know what they are putting in their bodies,” Stark said.

Pirates trade Nady, Marte

The Pirates made their first major trade before the deadline Friday night as outfielder Xavier Nady and relief pitcher Damaso Marte have been traded to the New York Yankees for four minor-league prospects.

The Pirates announced in the second inning that Nady and Marte had been dealt, although no other details were announced at that time pending medical clearances.

Although it has not yet been confirmed by either team, it is believed that Nady and Marte were traded for four minor-league prospects. Those players include three right-handed pitchers: Class AAA pitcher Ross Ohlendorf, double-A pitchers Phil Coke and George Kontos and double-A outfielder Jose Tabata.

Nady started Friday’s game but was removed after the first inning. Television cameras caught Marte hugging teammates in the dugout after hearing the news.

Tabata entered this season as the Yankees’ No. 3 prospect according to Baseball America and Ohlendorf their ninth-best prospect.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Catching up

Due to some vacation time, along with the All-Star break, it's been a little while since I've been on the blog. All apologies to the six of you who read this.

Now, let's catch up with what I've missed over the last two weeks.

* First was the All-Star game, and congrats to Nate McLouth who had an excellent game and made a game-saving play when he threw out a runner at home in the 10th inning to preserve the 3-3 tie. McLouth also showed hustle by legging out an infield hit.

* In regular action, the starting rotation has been horrific, for lack of a better word, save for Paul Maholm, who is turning into the leader of the rotation.

Ian Snell looks clueless on the mound. Zach Duke has stayed healthy but another bat outing pushed his ERA close to 5.00. John Van Benschoten is muddling through but his ERA remains over 8.00 and Yoslan Herrera looked like a Double-A pitcher in his start when he didn't make it out of the second inning.

Only Maholm has pitched with any consistency over the last two months. He is showing why he was a No. 1 pick five years ago and looks like a true professional on the mound.

* If former GM Dave Littlefield has any question as to why he got fired last year, he needs to only look at the Pirates starting rotation and the utter lack of pitching depth in the organization as to why he was dismissed.

Herrera and Van Benschoten are NOT major-league pitchers, yet they currently make up 40 percent of the rotation because there is nothing better in any part of the organization. Even Littlefield's prized first pick – Bryan Bullington, didn't pitch in his two-week stint in Pittsburgh and was subsequently released.

* Though a 16th consecutive losing season appears on the horizon, I give manager John Russell and the players credit for continuing to play hard day in and day out.

It seems like a simple thing to say that a team should play hard every day. But if this team was under former manager Jim Tracy's watch, that four-game losing streak after the break would still be going on as his teams folded like cheap tents.

Case in point was last year when the Pirtes, 40-48 at the break, lost 14 of their first 16 games after the break and skidded to a 68-94 finish. Even if one or a number of key players get traded in the next week, I don't see the same thing happening to this team.

Friday, July 11, 2008

Herrera gets his shot

Yoslan Herrera, a Cuban defector who the Pirates signed to a three-year, $1.92 million contract in 2007, will get his chance to pitch in the majors Saturday.

Herrera was called up from Class AA Altoona after Friday night's game. He will replace Phil Dumatrait, who went back on the disabled list after making one start Monday.

Herrera was 5-8 with a 3.11 ERA with Altoona this season. He has allowed two runs or less in seven of his last eight starts.

Also, the Pirates reinstated Franquelis Osoria off the 15-day disabled list and sent Luis Munon back to Class AA Altoona. Munoz did not pitch for the Pirates after being recalled Thursday.

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Bullington claimed by Indians

Bryan Bullington's career with the Pirates is officially over.

The former No. 1 pick was claimed off waivers by Cleveland Thursday, the last day that teams had a chance at Bullington. If nobody claimed him by the deadline, Bullington likely would have gone back to Pittsburgh's Class AAA Indianapolis team.

Bullington was designated or assignment on June 27. He was 0-3 with a 5.89 ERA in six major-league games. He spent two weeks with the Pirates earlier this season but never saw any action, proof that manager John Russell had absolutely no confidence to put the 27-year-old in a game.

For all of former general manager Dave Littlefield's blunders, this might be at the top of the list. Guys like B.J. Upton, Prince Fielder and Scott Kazmir also went in the first round but Littlefield took Bullington, a projected "No. 3 starter" instead.

Monday, July 7, 2008

Pearce sent back, Snell activated

Steve Pearce's stay in Pittsburgh was a short one.

The outfielder was optioned back to Class AAA Indianapolis after Monday's 10-7 win and pitcher Ian Snell will be activated to start Tuesday's game against the Astros.

Pearce was 1-for-3 in his limited stay, doubling in his last at bat Sunday in Milwaukee.

Nady deserves All-Star shot

First off, I firmly believe that Nate McLouth was the right choice to be the Pirates’ representative in the All-Star game. I wrote a column on the point June 29.

http://www.observer-reporter.com/or/streetstory/06-29-08-sunday-bb-column

However, I also believe that Xavier Nady should be one of the five players on the National League ballot for the last chance vote on MLB.com.

Nady entered Monday’s game with a .321 average, good for fifth in the National League. He also had 12 home runs, 53 RBI, 88 hits, 35 extra-base hits and 41 runs scored.

While four of the other five guys on the ballot have more home runs and RBI than Nady, his average is the best of the bunch by a mile.

I believe that Philadelphia’s Pat Burrell (.279-22-54), Milwaukee’s Corey Hart (.298-14-55), Houston’s Carlos Lee (.292-20-70)and New York’s David Wright (.289-17-70) are all having comparable, if not better years, San Francisco’s Aaron Rowand (.289-9-44) is not and he should have been taken off the ballot in favor of Nady.

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Gorzelanny sent to minors

In a bit of a surprising move, the Pirates sent starting pitcher Tom Gorzelanny to Class AAA Indianapolis.

Gorzelanny is having a bad season. He had a 6-7 record and a 6.57 ERA. On top of that, his control has been awful. He has walked 61 batters and struck out only 53.

The last straw came Friday when Gorzelanny gave up eight runs, seven earned, and 11 hits in 4 2/3 innings.

“We just haven’t seen the improvements that we want to,” Pirates manager John Russell said to reporters in Milwaukee before Saturday's game. “We’ve seen some improvement, but it’s not fair to him or the team or the organization to continue to have him try to figure things out up here.”

The Pirates have two pitchers – Phil Dumatrait on Monday and Ian Snell Tuesday – schedule to return to the starting rotation. Gorzelanny's next turn is Wednesday and it is unclear who will fill that spot.

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Pearce called up – temporarily

The Pirates called up outfielder Steve Pearce from Indianapolis to take Matt Capps' spot on the roster.

Pearce batted .259 with 11 home runs and 50 RBI with Class AAA Indianapolis this season. He also batted .294 with no home runs and six RBI in 23 games late last season with the Pirates.

Pearce might not be up long, however, as both Phil Dumatrait and Ian Snell are scheduled to come off the disabled list within the next week – Dumatrait July 5 and Snell on the 8th.

Capps given break, put on DL

Pirates closer has been put on the disabled list with bursitis and tightness in his left shoulder. The injury is so severe, he will be out up to two months, though no surgery is required.

Capps has been in a major slump of late, blowing five of his last seven saves including two opportunities during this series with Cincinnati.

According to the Associated Press, Pirates general manager Neal Huntington said in a conference call with reporters that Capps doesn’t have enough range of motion in the pitching shoulder. If he continued to pitch on the sore shoulder, Capps could have got a torn labrum which would require major surgery.

“Ninety to 95 percent of pitchers that have this sort of problem, when it’s caught early like this, can go on a rehabilitation program, eliminate the range of motion deficit and go back and pitch healthy and pitch effectively,” Huntington said. “And that’s what we’re anticipating with Matt.”

Despite Capps' struggles, this is a tough blow for the Pirates, who are scrapping and clawing their way to try and stay within range of .500. It's unclear who will step into the closer's role, though Damaso Marte has to be a favorite at least in the short term.

Capps needs a break

There are times when it is good to keep throwing a struggling player back on to the field in the hopes that he will hit/pitch his way out of a slump.

This is not one of those times.

Pirates closer Matt Capps needs a break. After Tuesday's latest debacle, he has blown five of his last seven save opportunities, all of which have been in the last month.

It's clear that something isn't right, whether it's command, control, whatever. And because of such, Capps looks like he has lost confidence in all of his pitches.

Pirates manager John Russell has been steadfast in continuing to throw Capps in the ninth in the hopes that he will work out his problems on his own.

Clearly, this strategy is not working.

If the Pirates get another save opportunity tonight or in the next series this weekend in Milwaukee, Russell needs to go to Damaso Marte and give Capps a bit of a mental break. Knowing Capps, I don't think not putting him will shatter his confidence any more than it already is. It could ulttimately, give the big closer the kick in the butt he needs to get his act together before it spins too wildly out of control.

Monday, June 30, 2008

Pirates-Reds: Here's what to look for

Here are some trends to keep an eye on this week during the Pirates series at Cincinnati against the Reds (Hint: Can the Pirates beat a weaker opponent on the road or will their poor road record worsen?):

Monday: Paul Maholm (Pittsburgh) vs. Aaron Harang (Cincinnati)
Maholm only pitched 2 2/3 innings in Thursday's rainout with the Yankees and is going on three days rest. ... Brandon Phillips owns Maholm. Phillips is batting .391 with three home runs and seven RBI off the Pirates left-hander. ... Harang is killing his team, along with many fantasy owners, with a 3-10 record. ... Jason Bay is batting .395 with five home runs and nine RBI against Harang. ... Ryan Doumit is batting .333 with two home runs in 15 at bats.

Tuesday: Zach Duke (Pittsburgh) vs. Edinson Volquez (Cincinnati)
Duke is 2-2 with a 4.56 ERA in his career against the Reds. ... Adam Dunn is .556 with a home run and three RBI off Duke. ... As bad as Harang has been, Volquez has been an All-Star. Acquired in the Josh Hamilton trade, Volquez is pitching at a Cy Young level.

Wednesday: TBA (Likely John Van Benschoten) vs. Daryl Thompson (Cincinnati)
Van Benschoten has never faced the Reds. ... This will be Thompson's third major league start.

Pirates pitcher batting 8th

For the first time since 1956, a Pirates pitcher will bat somewhere other than ninth in the batting order.

Paul Maholm, Monday's starting pitcher, will bat eighth tonight against Cincinnati. Shortstop Jack Wilson will bat in the ninth spot.

The last time a Pirates pitcher didn't bat ninth was Sept. 3, 1956 during a doubleheader. The Pirates went almost three straight weeks with the pitcher in the seventh spot of the order until that day.

It will be interesting to hear what manager John Russell's logic is for the move. My guess is that moving Wilson, who is on a tear of late, to the ninth spot will provide almost a second leadoff man and help turn the order over easier.

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Snell on DL, more moves coming

The Pirates placed starting pitcher Ian Snell on the 15-day disabled list Thursday in order to make room on the active roster for new acquisiton relief pitcher Denny Bautista.

Snell was diagnosed with medial epicondylitis in his right elbow – his pitching elbow – during Sunday's start against Toronto. The injury needs rest and should not require surgery.

The Pirates acquired Bautista Wednesday in a trade with Detroit in which Pittsburgh sent Kyle Pearson to the Tigers. Bautista will pitch out of middle relief to start but could move into a later role in the bullpen.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

All about Joba

Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain came into Wendesday's start with a lot of hype and lived up to the billing.

The hard-throwing 22-year-old consistently threw his fastball in the mid-to-upper 90's and didn't give the Pirates much of a chance to do anything. He finished with 6 2/3 shutout innings and seven strikeouts.

"He worked from 93-98 with a breaking ball and a slider and hitting his spots," Pirates manager John Russell said. "That's pretty tough to hit."

"He was good tonight, he's got really good stuff," Pirates starting pitcher Zach Duke said. "He shut us down."

"When he throws 97-98 with a good breaking pitch, he's got real good stuff," said shortstop Jack Wilson, who had two singles and was hit by a pitch by Chamberlain.

Even his veteran teammates are impressed.

"He's been throwing well for us," Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter said. "I don't know how many starts he's had. Now it seems like he has no pitchcount. He's going out there, he's throwing strikes and he's not hurting himself. And even if he gets in jams he's capable of striking guys out."

Pirates acquire Bautista

The Pirates made a trade Wednesday afternoon, acquiring relief pitcher Denny Bautista from Detroit in exchange for minor league relief pitcher Kyle Pearson.
Bautista, who is scheduled to arrive Thursday, has made 21 career starts but will start out pitching in middle relief according to Pirates general manager Neal Huntington.
“He’s a nice addition,” Huntington said. “He’s an upgrade over what we currently have.”
When Bautista arrives, the Pirates will need to make a corresponding move on the 25-man roster in order to fill Friday’s pitching vacancy, though Huntington said that likely won’t occur until after Thursday’s game. The same goes for Saturday’s starting pitcher, which will be likely be announced after Friday’s game.
Bautista, 27, began this season with Detroit and was 0-1 with a 3.32 ERA in 16 games (19 innings pitched). Bautista struck out 10 and walked 14 before being designated for assignment June 20.
“Our scouts have seen a plus breaking ball from him and a plus third pitch at times,” Huntington said. “His struggle has obviously been consistency of strikes.”
In his five-year major league career, Bautista has also pitched for Baltimore, Kansas City and Colorado. He has a 4-11 record with a 6.42 ERA in 51 games, 21 starts and 30 in relief.
To make room on the 40-man roster for Bautista, the Pirates unconditionally released outfielder Kevin Thompson, who was with Class AAA Indianapolis and underwent successful surgery on his left hand Tuesday.
Two candidates from Indianapolis to possibly start Friday are Jason Davis, who is 4-7 with a 4.57 ERA in 15 starts, and Jimmy Barthmaier, who is 2-1 with a 2.86 ERA in five starts. Barthmaier has also struck out 29 in 31 innings against six walks.
Two possibilities for Saturday are Ty Taubenheim, who is 4-9 with a 4.60 ERA at Indianapolis, and John Van Benschoten, who is 7-2 with a 3.75 ERA but has a tender shoulder and a blister.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Pirates-Yankees Game 1 leftovers

* Tuesday's game marked the seventh time this season the Pirates have scored 10 or more runs in a game. They are 7-0 in those games.

* Pittsburgh's 19 hits tied a season high, matched May 31 against St. Louis.

* Tom Gorzelanny has walked four or more batters in nine of his 15 starts, including five Tuesday.

* The Pirates were 6-for-12 with runners in scoring position.

* Adam LaRoche hit his third career triple. it was his first since August 30, 2006 when he was with Atlanta.

* Pirates manager John Russell on catcher Ryan Doumit, who had three hits including a home run and two RBI: "We've said it all year that he's such a big part of our lineup. He really solidifies out four-hole and he really balances out our lineup. He a threat at the plate. It's nice for our team when Ryan's in there."

* Gorzelanny on the atmosphere: "It was something. It's definitely different than what we're used to here. That's what the Yankees bring when they go on the road. It was great. The fans were great. They were very energetic."

* Doumit on the atmosphere: "It was playoff-ish. It was certainly something I could get used to."

Pirates-Yankees: Here's what to look for

In case you haven't heard, the Yankees are playing in Pittsburgh for the first time sonce some guy named Mazeroski hit a home run back in 1960.

Again, with little recent history between the two teams, here are some notes and things to keep an eye on during the series.

* Pitching matchups: Tuesday – Tom Gorzelanny (5-6, 6.59 ERA) Pittsburgh vs. Darrell Rasner (4-4, 3.64 ERA) New York; Wednesday – Zach Duke (4-4, 3.91 ERA) Pittsburgh vs. Joba Chamberlain (1-2, 2.36 ERA) New York; Thursday – Paul Maholm (5-5, 4.41 ERA) Pittsburgh vs. Mike Mussina (10-5, 3.93 ERA) New York.

* Duke has never faced the Yankees. Maholm lost his only start in New York in 2007 while Gorzelanny had a no-decision. Gorzelanny was in line for the win after allowing 4 runs in 6 1/3 innings but got a no-decision in a 5-4 Pittsburgh loss in 10 innings.

* Bobby Abreu is 3-for-7 in his career of both Duke and Maholm.

* Chris gomez and Doug Mientkiewicz are a combined 12-for-50 off Mussina. Gomez is 8-for-32 and Mientkiewicz is 4-for-18. … Jaosn bay is 2-for-4.

* From the My, how things have changed department, courtesy of the Pirates public relations staff, a look at how prices have changed since the Yankees last played in Pittsburgh.
(1960 price, 2008 price):
Stamp: (4 cents, 42 cents); Dozen eggs (57 cents, $1.85); Gallon of gas (31 cents, $4.07); Average cost of a new home ($16,500, $318,000); Gallon of milk (49 cents, $3.69); Salary of a rookie player ($7,000, $390,000).