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.

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.

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."

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)

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.

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.