In the Doug-out

Spring training cliches

2009-02-13T09:48:00.002-05:00

Here's a good post from the folks at rotoauthority.com. Every sport has their cliches and baseball is not immune, especially with spring training beginning today.

Enjoy the post and watch for these cliches over the coming weeks.

http://www.rotoauthority.com/2009/02/spring-training.html

No settlement in sight in McLouth case

2009-02-12T13:36:00.002-05:00

It appears as if the Pirates and All-Star, Gold Glove outfielder Nate McLouth are headed for an arbitration case.

The hearing is set for Tuesday, Feb. 17, the same day the first full-squad workout is scheduled in Bradenton, Fla. for spring training.

The gap between the two camps is quite large. McLouth asked for $3.8 million while the Pirates offered $2.75 million.

The names don't need to come out

2009-02-11T09:17:00.003-05:00

It's been yet another bad week for baseball. First, Alex Rodriguez tells the world he used a "banned substance," and today Miguel Tejada will plead guilty to lying to Congress about his knowledge of steroid use.

The next step in this saga is the list of 104 anonymous names on the list with Rodriguez when they took anonymous tests earlier in the decade.

Yes, not only as a journalist but for my own curiosity, I would like to know the rest of the names on that list. A number of those players are probably retired by now, and the ones that aren't are getting close to retirement, but that doesn't make their names any less relevant in today's baseball. For they likely influenced a great number of today's players, be it directly or indirectly, with their actions.

But just because I, along with a lot of you I'm sure, would like to know the names, doesn't mean they need to be released nor should they be.

These tests were taken so that the results, and the players who took them, would remain "anonymous." That is probably the only reason so many players, including Rodriguez, agreed to take the test.

It was one thing for the Mitchell Report to be released, and the government has some right to question this matter, especially because steroids are still illegal. But leaking the names and creating more of an uproar isn't just unethical it's morally wrong.

These tests were taken under the agreed umbrella of anonymity and the results should remain that way. If the government continues to pursue this matter and leak more names, than it, not some baseball players, should be the ones investigated.

T.J. beam gone, is Steely McBeam next?

2009-02-05T17:52:00.002-05:00

The Toronto Blue Jays claimed pitcher T.J. Beam off waivers from the Pirates Thursday.

Beam was designated for assignment and placed on waivers when the Pirates signed outfielder Eric Hinske late last week.

Beam, 28, was 2-2 with a 4.14 ERA in 32 games with the Pirates last season. In 45 2/3 innings he struck out 24 and walked 20. He was signed as a free agent in January of last year.

Coonelly chats with fans

2009-02-04T19:54:00.006-05:00

Pirates president Frank Coonelly chatted with fans online earlier today and had a few interesting things to say.

On trading shortstop Jack Wilson: "I do not see a scenario at this time in which we will trade him. I expect Jack to be our opening day shortstop this year."

On 2009 expectations: "I am confident that we will play better than we did in 2008 and surprise a lot of people with our performance."

On a long-term contract for outfielder Nate McLouth: "We have not had any discussions on a long-term contract with Nate's representative since we exchanged arbitration numbers. It looks like those discussions have ended for this year and we will likely have a one-year deal with Nate."

On Andrew McCutchen's chances of playing: "We will not rush Andrew to the majors before he is ready simply to 'gain experience.'

For a full transcript of the chat go to the link below.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090204&content_id=3799490&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb&partnerId=rss_mlb

Do Pirates have options with options?

2009-02-02T19:18:00.002-05:00

There are six Pirates on the 40-man roster who are out of options and have less than five years experience.

They are pitchers Phil Dumatrait, Sean Burnett, Craig Hansen and Tyler Yates; infielder Andy LaRoche and outfielder Brandon Moss.

Being out of options means that if any of these players do not make the 25-man roster out of spring training, the Pirates must risk losing the player on waivers before sending them to the minors.

As the Pirates stand now heading into spring training in less than two weeks, Burnett, Hansen and Tyler Yates should be locks for the bullpen, LaRoche is a lock at third base and Moss (if healthy) is a lock to earn an outfield spot.

Dumatrait is an interesting case. He is in a group of at least four pitchers battling for the last two rotation spots, assuming that Paul Maholm, Ian Snell and Zach Duke are locks for spots. If Tom Gorzelanny returns to 2007 form, and he appears in great shape, then he will also likely have one of the five spots.

That leaves Dumatrait, Ross Ohlendorf and Jeff Karstens fighting for the fifth spot with perhaps another name or two thrown into the mix. Add to that Dumatrait's health problems and he already appears to be an underdog for the last spot.

I know the organization was very happy with what Dumatrait gave them last season before he got hurt. For a time he and Maholm were the Pirates most consistent starters. If his injury persists, that would scare off any other team willing to take a chance and would likely keep Dumatrait in the system.

He could go for a spot in the bullpen as a long reliever, but he would have to be fully healthy to to accomplish that. His case will be one to watch as the spring wears on. He better be perfectly healthy if the Pirates are to give him a roster spot. If not, they would be better to take their chances putting him on waivers for the likelihood that he clears and he can build himself back up in Class AAA.

Pirates sign Maholm, Hinske

2009-01-30T17:12:00.002-05:00

The Pirates officially signed pitcher Paul Maholm and outfielder Eric Hinske on Friday.

Maholm got a three-year deal with a club option for the 2012 season while Hinske singled a one-year deal.

Maholm reportedly will get $3.5 million in 2009, $4.5 million in 2010, $5.75 million in 2011 and a $9.75 million club option in 2012 with a $750,000 buyout. The option could be as much as $11.05 million based on performance.

Hinske's deal is for $1.5 million though he can earn another $1 million in performance bonuses.

Though the Pirates are behind the times in terms of signing young players to long-term deals, the fact that this administration is doing so is a good sign. The club has been very careful in picking and choosing who gets the long-term deals but so far, it seems like the money is going to the proper places.

When your top two starters (Maholm and Ian Snell), closer (Matt Capps), All-Star second baseman (Freddy Sanchez) and catcher (Ryan Doumit) have all received deals buying out most, if not all of their arbitration and some of their free-agent years, it is a step in the right direction.

The Hinske signing puzzles me a little bit because Huntington had said he was looking for a right-handed bat in the outfield but Hinske is left-handed. Still, a 31-year-old who hit 20 home runs last season and who could use the short porch in right field at PNC Park could spark the Pirates' offense.

Maholm agrees to long-term deal

2009-01-29T13:03:00.003-05:00

The Pirates and pitcher Paul Maholm have reportedly agreed to a three-year contract with a club option for a fourth year.

The deal would buy out Maholm's three arbitration years and the club option would allow the Pirates to control his first year going into free agency.

Maholm, 26, was 9-9 with a 3.71 ERA last season. He struck out 139 batters and walked 63 in a team-high 206 1/3 innings.

Vasquez claimed off waivers

2009-01-26T16:46:00.002-05:00

The Pirates claimed right-handed pitcher Virgil Vasquez off waivers from the San Diego Padres and added him to the 40-man roster.

Vasquez, 26, spent all of last season with Toledo, Detroit's Class AAA affiliate. He went 12-12 with a 4.81 ERA and 115 strikeouts and 37 walks in 159 innings. He has a 54-48 career minor-league record with 610 strikeouts and 185 walks in 840 innings.

Vasquez's only major-league work came with the Tigers in 2007. He went 0-1 with an 8.64 ERA in five games, three of those starts.

Since the end of last season, Vasquez has been claimed off waivers by Boston (Oct. 28) and San Diego (Jan. 9) before being claimed by the Pirates.

"The Mayor" hangs it up

2009-01-25T00:07:00.003-05:00

Sean Casey, an Upper St. Clair graduate who spent 12 seasons in the major leagues, is retiring.

WEEI.com in Boston reported that Casey, 34, has signed on with the MLB Network, thereby making his retirement official.

Known as "The Mayor" for his outgoing personality and for being one of, if not the, nicest players ever to put on a uniform, he always seemed to have a smile on his face.

He was drafted by Cleveland in the second round of the 1994 draft and made his debut at the end of the 1997 season. he was traded that offseason to Cincinnati for pitcher Dave Burba and spent the next eight seasons as the starting first baseman for the Reds. His best season was 1999 when he batted .332 with 25 home runs and 99 RBI and made the first of his three All-Star games.

In 2001, he hit the first home run during the first game at PNC Park. Ironically, a collision at first base Sept. 16, 2005 at PNC Park ended that season as Casey had to be taken off the field on a stretcher.

Casey was traded to the Pirates during the winter meetings on Dec. 8, 2005 and was looked upon to revive the moribund franchise. But a back injury hobbled Casey and he only played in 59 games before being traded to Detroit for pitcher Brian Rogers at the trade deadline. He helped Detroit make it to the World Series that year and was 9-for-17 at the plate in the series but the Tigers lost to St. Louis, four games to one.

He played one more season in Detroit before playing last season in Boston.

Casey finished his career with a .302 average, 130 home runs and 735 RBI.

Good luck to one of the truly good guys the game has ever known.

Hot Stove odds and ends

2009-01-23T21:41:00.005-05:00

Here are some things I took away from this afternoon's Hot Stove Luncheon besides what will be in Saturday's Observer-Reporter.

* While GM Neal Huntington isn't going to drop any big money on one guy (i.e. a Ben Sheets or Oliver Perez), don't be shocked if the Pirates sign another player or two of at least name value before spring training or during the early parts. While I don't believe the Pedro Martinez thing is going to work out, I do believe they will sign at least another outfielder (Emil Brown?). The outfield is too unsettled not to give somebody else, particularly another veteran on top of Craig Monroe, a look.

Image courtesy of pirates.com

* Paul Maholm seemed more sure than Nate McLouth that he won't be going to an arbitration hearing. Neither player is against the hearing, though neither wants to go because of the animosity involved. Maholm seemed secure that at least a one-year deal, if not a multi-year one, will be in place by the start of the season though he didn't come out and say it.

* Tom Gorzelanny and Zach Duke both appeared to be much leaner and in much better shape than the last couple of years, as did Maholm. Maholm said he wanted his personal trainer to "kill him" as did Duke. Gorzelanny didn't say that, but he said he hasn't stopped working out since the end of last season and has put in a lot of time with trainer Frank Velasquez.

* All indications are from management that outfielder Brandon Moss (knee) will be ready for spring training and the start of the season.

*Huntington and new pitching coach Joe Kerrigan said up to 10 pitchers could be in the mix for the starting rotation, though Maholm is a lock and Ian Snell and Duke have the inside track for spots.

* As for the new uniforms, the all-whites at home are OK, the all-grays on the road are better and the new alternate black is much better than that putrid red one from the last couple of years. The "P" emblem is a bit too large for my taste though, could be a little smaller. Personally, I like the pinstripes that are worn on Sunday home games.

What do you think about the uniforms or anything else related to the Pirates or Major League Baseball? Let me know, would love to hear from you.

From six to two

2009-01-21T12:59:00.002-05:00

Now that four of the six arbitration-eligible players on the Pirates - pitchers Zach Duke, John Grabow, Tyler Yates and first baseman Adam LaRoche - have settled before going to arbitration, the usual red flags are being raised for the other two who haven't signed yet.

Take the flags down and put them away.

The two remaining players on the Pirates' list - outfielder Nate McLouth and pitcher Paul Maholm - will both almost assuredly sign even though both are over $1 million apart between the numbers they filed and the ones the club filed.

For starters, Maholm could very well be signed to a long-term deal by the time his hearing comes around. There are grumblings that talks are smoldering but there is still some heat in the discussion.

As for McLouth, while there is no talk of a long-term deal, I don't think he will go to a hearing either. The thought here is that the two sides will reach a settlement on a one-year deal this year for slightly over the midpoint of the two numbers. My guess is around $3.4-3.5 million range. The Pirates probably want to see if McLouth can repeat his0play from last year and, if he can, will then sign him to a long-term deal next offseason.

Six Pirates file for salary arbitration

2009-01-15T23:30:00.002-05:00

Six Pirates - starting pitchers Zach Duke and Paul Maholm, first baseman Adam LaRoche, outfielder Nate McLouth and relief pitchers Tyler Yates and John Grabow - have filed for salary arbitration.

The teams and players will formally exchange salary numbers Tuesday.

None of the five Pirates eligible for arbitration made it to a hearing last as all were signed to contracts prior to their scheduled hearings.

Hearings this year will be held between Feb. 1-21 if the team and players can't come to an agreement.

LaRoche made $5 million last season and Grabow made $1.135 million. Both are in their final years of arbitration.

Yates ($800,000 last season) is in his second year of arbitration while McLouth ($425,500), Maholm ($424,500) and Duke ($400,000) are each in their first year.

Hall voters still miss mark

2009-01-12T17:53:00.002-05:00

In what has become an annual rant of mine for anyone who will listen, how Bert Blyleven was once again not voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame is ridiculous.

The voters got the easy one Monday when Rickey Henderson was voted in with almost 95 percent of the vote (75 percent is needed for induction). But they once again missed the boat on Blyleven, who, upon further examination, had some of the best stats for a pitcher in the history of baseball.

Blyleven won over 280 games and won 15-plus games in a season 10 times. He also ranks in the top 15 all-time in a number of key categories, including innings pitched (4,970 – 14th), strikeouts (3,701 – 5th), games started (685, 11th) and shutouts (60, 9th). Of the pitchers with 50 or more shutouts in the Hall of Fame of which there are 20, Blyleven is the only one not to be inducted.

Of course, the voting process is somewhat flawed. Though voters can put up to 10 players on a ballot, who does the voting needs to be re-examined. The qualification is if someone is a member of the Baseball Writers Association of America for 10 consecutive years, that person can vote provided they keep their membership.

So why is this flawed? It's because there are people who haven't been baseball writers for years who continue to vote for the Hall of Fame. Two I know of in this area are Dave Fennessy, who used to cover the Pirates for The Daily News in McKeesport, Pa. but hasn't for close to 15 years, and Ed Bouchette, yes the same Bouchette who has covered the Steelers for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette for the last 25 years or so. He, too, covered baseball back in the 1970's and gained his membership then and, because he keeps it up to date, votes for the Hall of Fame each year.

I do not have a vote for the Hall of Fame. I have requested admission into the Pittsburgh chapter of the BBWAA but have not been allowed to join as of yet, therefore I don't have a vote.

If I did, I would have put four players on my ballot this year, down from an average of five in past years.

I would have put Henderson on but NOT Jim Rice, the other players elected to the Hall Monday. I always thought of Rice as a very good player, but not a Hall-of-Famer.

I also would have selected Blyleven and Lee Smith. Smith was the dominant closer mainly in the National League, throughout his career. His 478 saves were first all-time when he retired and he currently ranks third, which he should stay at for a number of years. The closer position became as much of a fabric of the game as it evolved throughout the 1980's and 90's and Smith was one of the top five in history. Therefore, he deserves to be elected though he was fifth in the balloting this year with 44 percent of the vote.

I also would have voted for Andre Dawson, one dominant players of his time. He hit 438 home runs in the pre-steroid era and is in the top-50 all time in hits (2,774 – 45th), home runs (438, 36th) and runs batted in (1,591 – 34th). He also had 503 doubles and was an eight-time All-Star and eight-time Gold Glove winner. He finished third in this year's balloting with 67 percent of the vote.

Baldelli signs with Boston

2009-01-09T09:47:00.002-05:00

The Boston Red Sox signed outfielder Rocco Baldelli Thursday to a one-year contract. It is worth a base of $500,000 but with incentives could reach as much as $6 million.

The Pirates were in on Baldelli until the end but, like so many other free-agent acquisition attempts, it failed.

Besides being a much better team, it also helped the Red Sox that Baldelli is a Rhode Island native.

Pirates high on Baldelli

2009-01-07T19:26:00.007-05:00

The Pirates are on a short list of teams interested in acquiring outfielder Rocco Baldelli, formerly of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

While the organization doesn't usually comment on specific free-agent targets, team president Frank Coonelly acknowledged the team's interest in the former No. 1 draft pick.

"We agree that Rocco Baldelli could be a very good fit in our roster, and we are excited about the possibility of adding Rocco to the Pirates," Coonelly said Wednesday on a chat with fans on www.pirates.com.

"As you know, Rocco has had to deal with medical issues that have limited his playing time in recent years. We are continuing to review his medical condition and have kept in close contact with his representative, Casey Close."

Baldelli is a Rhode Island native and the Boston Red Sox are also on the list of teams interested in Baldelli.

Baldelli was once a coveted five-tool player and had 27 home runs in his first two seasons in the majors (2003-04). He missed the 2005 season after tearing the ACL in his right knee.

After rebounding with 16 homers again in 2006, injuries have plagued Baldelli the last two seasons. A mysterious muscle disease which led to extreme fatigue was eventually diagnosed as channelpathy.

In five seasons, Baldelli has 52 home runs and 234 RBI with a .281 average.

End of the road for McClatchy

2009-01-07T17:54:00.004-05:00

The Pirates announced Wednesday that former CEO and managing general partner Kevin McClatchy sold his remaining shares in the team and stepped down from the team's board of directors.

"I care deeply about this organization, the City of Pittsburgh and the people of this region. While i will no longer play a role with the club, I will always passionately support the team in any way that I can. I have a great amount of faith in Bob (Nutting) and his new leadership team. They are committed to restoring the organization to its rightful place among the elite franchises in Major League Baseball."

McClatchy certainly had his critics and I was one of them. From not putting any money into the team to raising ticket prices after a 100-loss season, McClatchy made his share of gaffes during his tenure.

I thought his biggest one was his continuing reluctance to stand up to the larger franchises in the hopes of bringing a more even economic playing field. But McClatchy followed the herd and, therefore, the Pirates still languish today.

But make no mistake, there likely wouldn't be a Major League Baseball team in Pittsburgh without McClatchy. He was THE main reason the team was able to stay in Pittsburgh in 1996 and continues here today.

He also helped getting PNC Park built. Again, though the team that resides in it stinks, it remains one of the top stadiums in the country.

It will be interesting to see who gets his seat on the five-person board, as that will have a big impact as to what direction the Pirates take toward the future.

Say what you will about McClatchy and how he ran the Pirates during his tenure. But if it weren't for him, there wouldn't be a team here to run. And for that he deserves thanks for keeping baseball in Pittsburgh.

Pirates to sign Doumit Monday

2008-12-21T23:54:00.002-05:00

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.

Pirates name new play-by-play man

2008-12-18T14:00:00.003-05:00

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.

Notes: Michaels gone, Wigginton on radar

2008-12-15T16:44:00.002-05:00

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.

Bye, Bye Bautista

2008-12-13T00:10:00.003-05:00

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.

Pirates trade Paulino

2008-12-10T22:29:00.002-05:00

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

2008-12-10T09:08:00.002-05:00

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

2008-12-10T00:33:00.002-05:00

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.

Day two: a trade, other signings

2008-12-09T19:10:00.001-05:00

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

2008-12-09T17:28:00.002-05:00

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

2008-12-09T12:03:00.002-05:00

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

2008-12-09T00:18:00.003-05:00

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.

Burnett might be first to sign

2008-12-08T19:51:00.002-05:00

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

2008-12-08T19:16:00.003-05:00

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

2008-12-08T17:44:00.002-05:00

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

2008-12-08T16:45:00.004-05:00

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.

Wilson could get traded soon

2008-12-04T13:35:00.002-05:00

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.

Look out Loretta?

2008-12-02T10:40:00.003-05:00

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?

Back to the mainland

2008-11-25T19:38:00.002-05:00

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

2008-11-25T19:30:00.002-05:00

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/

Pirates sign two pitchers from ... India?

2008-11-24T20:05:00.002-05:00

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.

Torres calls it quits

2008-11-11T20:25:00.003-05:00

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.

McLouth wins Gold Glove

2008-11-05T17:36:00.001-05:00

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.

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

2008-10-30T15:22:00.002-04:00

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

2008-10-22T20:05:00.002-04:00

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

2008-10-20T12:23:00.004-04:00

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

2008-10-16T18:29:00.007-04:00

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

2008-10-16T15:49:00.002-04:00

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 ...

2008-10-04T16:44:00.002-04:00

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

2008-10-01T17:29:00.002-04:00

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

2008-10-01T12:40:00.003-04:00

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.

Pitching, first base coaches out

2008-09-29T17:40:00.003-04:00

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.

Pirates change affiliate

2008-09-17T22:14:00.003-04:00

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

2008-09-17T22:14:00.002-04:00

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.

Well, it's official

2008-09-07T23:32:00.002-04:00

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

2008-09-07T17:24:00.003-04:00

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.

In case you missed it

2008-09-06T13:37:00.002-04:00

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.

September callups

2008-09-02T14:40:00.002-04:00

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.

It was a hit

2008-08-31T23:33:00.002-04:00

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.

Coonelly on Alvarez

2008-08-27T17:09:00.001-04:00

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 15^th 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.”

Correction

2008-08-22T20:04:00.001-04:00

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

2008-08-22T16:35:00.003-04:00

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.

Bye bye Joey Bats

2008-08-21T16:30:00.002-04:00

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.

Success with draft class

2008-08-16T17:30:00.002-04:00

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

BAUTISTA OUT, WILSON IN

2008-08-14T01:21:00.002-04:00

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.

Three days and counting

2008-08-13T00:12:00.002-04:00

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.

So far, so good, for them

2008-08-04T10:37:00.002-04:00

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.

Bay to L.A.?

2008-07-31T16:23:00.002-04:00

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

2008-07-31T12:58:00.002-04:00

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

2008-07-31T11:05:00.002-04:00

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.

Does Teixeria deal mean Bay stays?

2008-07-29T19:04:00.002-04:00

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.

LaRoche, Sanchez out

2008-07-28T17:51:00.002-04:00

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

2008-07-28T00:22:00.002-04:00

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.

Statement from Coonelly on trade

2008-07-26T20:20:00.001-04:00

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

2008-07-26T18:22:00.003-04:00

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

2008-07-26T14:42:00.002-04:00

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.

In the Army now

2008-07-25T23:56:00.001-04:00

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

2008-07-25T20:53:00.000-04:00

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.

Catching up

2008-07-24T17:34:00.002-04:00

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.

Herrera gets his shot

2008-07-11T23:45:00.002-04:00

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.

Bullington claimed by Indians

2008-07-10T17:13:00.003-04:00

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.

Pearce sent back, Snell activated

2008-07-07T23:53:00.003-04:00

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

2008-07-07T14:34:00.001-04:00

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.

Gorzelanny sent to minors

2008-07-05T19:19:00.002-04:00

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.

Pearce called up – temporarily

2008-07-02T18:57:00.002-04:00

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

2008-07-02T17:57:00.002-04:00

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

2008-07-02T13:14:00.002-04:00

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.

Pirates-Reds: Here's what to look for

2008-06-30T18:45:00.002-04:00

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

2008-06-30T18:39:00.002-04:00

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.

Snell on DL, more moves coming

2008-06-26T16:25:00.003-04:00

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.

All about Joba

2008-06-25T23:12:00.003-04:00

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

2008-06-25T17:59:00.001-04:00

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.

Pirates-Yankees Game 1 leftovers

2008-06-24T23:12:00.003-04:00

* 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

2008-06-24T19:11:00.004-04:00

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).

Good news for Snell, Dumatrait

2008-06-23T21:57:00.002-04:00

Pirates pitchers Phil Dumatrait and Ian Snell each had medical procedures performed today and both came out with positive results.

Dumatrait had an MRI performed by team doctor Dr. Patrick DeMeo and the and the test revealed bursitis in his left shoulder.

With rest, the Pirates feel that Dumatrait should be able to come off the disabled list as scheduled on July 5.

Snell had an MRA performed today at Allegheny General Hospital and the tests revealed medial epicondylitis and no damage to the ulnar collateral ligament.

It very possible, almost likely, that Snell will miss his next scheduled start Friday at home against Tampa Bay. He is listed as day to day. The Pirates are hopeful that Snell will not need to go on the disabled list.

Pirates-Blue Jays: Here's what to look for

2008-06-20T19:19:00.003-04:00

We're going to take a bit of a different turn with this series' "Here's what to look for." With very little recent history between the two clubs, the usual batter vs. pitcher matchups are pretty useless. So here are some random notes for the series:

Pitching matchups: Friday – Zach Duke (Pittsburgh) vs. Roy Halladay (Toronto); Saturday: Paul Maholm (Pittsburgh) vs. Jesse Litsch (Toronto); Sunday: Ian Snell (Pittsburgh) vs. Dustin McGowan (Toronto).

One thing to look for is how Toronto plays under new manager Cito Gaston, who was hired Friday afternoon to replace the fired John Gibbons. Gaston is the most successful manager in Blue Jays' history, leading the team to consecutive World series titles in 1992 and '93.

He is also the fourth-oldest manager in baseball history and it will be interesting to see how the younger players react to Gaston and his style.

This is Toronto's first visit to PNC Park.

The Pirates enter the game with the major's worst interleague record in history – 58-99. Pittsburgh, which begins a nine-game homestand Friday, is 37-40 at home in interleague compared to 21-59 on the road.

Mr. Alvarez, you're up

2008-06-19T21:23:00.003-04:00

Now that Tim Beckham, the high school shortstop and No. 1 pick in this year's draft signed with Tampa Bay, the focus now turns to the Pirates and Pedro Alvarez, the No. 2 pick.

Beckham signed Thursday for a $6.15 million signing bonus. It was less than the deal Tampa's No. 1 pick of last year – pitcher David Price – got, but a little more than Beckham was projected to receive.

Part of the reason Beckham signed so fast was so that he could start playing immediately. His career will start at Hunnicutt Field in Princeton, W.Va., home of the Princeton Rays, Tampa's Appalachian League Rookie-level team.

Now the Pirates are up and it will be very interesting to see how Beckham's signing impacts Alvarez. It has been made clear that Alvarez and his agent, Scott Boras, want upwards of $7 million in a signing bonus, which would be a record.

The problem for the Pirates is this: Do they stick to their guns and hold their offer to less than what Beckham received, simply because he was drafted ahead of Alvarez? Or, do they pay above slot, and above the system team president Frank Coonelly put in place when he was with Major League Baseball? And if they do, how will that be looked at by the commissioner's office?

The deadline for Alvarez to sign is Aug. 15.

Pirates-White Sox: Here's what to look for

2008-06-16T23:07:00.002-04:00

Here are some trends to keep an eye on this week during the Pirates series in Chicago against the White Sox (Hint: With Xavier Nady hurt, it might be Jason Michaels time to shine):

Tuesday: Ian Snell (Pittsburgh) vs. Javier Vazquez (Chicago)
Snell won for the first time since April 12 in his last start. … It was his best start of the season. … Vazquez is 4-3 with a 4.76 ERA vs. the Pirates. … Vazquez has lost two straight starts. Michaels is 5-for-15 with a home run and three RBI vs. Vazquez.

Wednesday: Tom Gorzelanny (Pittsburgh) vs. Mark Buehrle (Chicago)
Gorzelanny won his last start to even his record to 5-5. … This will be Gorzelanny's first start vs. the White Sox. … The White Sox are 5-9 when Buehrle starts despite nine quality starts by Buehrle, who has a 2-0 record and 1.80 ERA vs. the Pirates. … Michaels is 10-for-29 with two home runs and four RBI vs. Buehrle while Mientkiewicz has eight RBI.

Thursday: Phil Dumatrait (Pittsburgh) vs. Gavin Floyd (Chicago)
Dumatrait blew a 6-1 lead in his last, one in which he allowed five runs, five hits and five walks in five innings. … Floyd won his only start against the Pirates in 2006 as a member of the Philadelphia Phillies.

Minor move

2008-06-13T20:37:00.002-04:00

The Pirate sent down pitcher Bryan Bullington after Thursday's game and recalled Marino Salas from Class AAA Indianapolis.

Bullington, the No. 1 pick of the 2002 draft, was with the Pirates since May 29 but did not pitch.

Salas, acquired from Milwaukee in the Salomon Torres trade, made his major-league debut May 13 and earned his first big-league win. He was sent down May 29 when Bullington was recalled. Salas was 2-0 with a 2.93 with the Indians.

Pirates-Orioles: Here's what to look for

2008-06-13T20:29:00.003-04:00

We're going to take a bit of a different turn with this series' "Here's what to look for." With very little recent history between the two clubs, the usual batter vs. pitcher matchups are pretty useless. So here are some random notes for the series:

Pitcher matchups: Friday – Phil Dumatrait (Pittsburgh) vs. Brian Burres (Baltimore); Saturday – Zach Duke (Pittsburgh) vs. Radhames Liz (Baltimore); Sunday – Paul Maholm (Pittsburgh) vs. Daniel Cabrera (Baltimore).

If the Pirates win Friday or take at least two of three games in the series, it will be the latest in a season they will have reached the .500 mark since Sept. 1, 1999 when they were 67-67. Pittsburgh went 11-16 the rest of the way and finished with a 78-83 record.

Friday's first pitch would have marked the first time the Pirates played in a meaningful game in Baltimore since Pat Kelly flew out to Pittsburgh's Omar Moreno on Oct. 17, 1979 to win the 1979 World Series.

Pittsburgh has a major-league worst 57-94 record entering interleague play. The Pirates are also 20-54 on the road in interleague play and were 5-10 last year.

What to do with LaRoche?

2008-06-12T00:04:00.002-04:00

Adam LaRoche certainly has had his share of low points during his 1 1/2 years with the Pirates.

Wednesday, he might have hit rock bottom.

LaRoche left seven runners on base – SEVEN – in Wednesday's game. He leads the majors in strikeouts with runners in scoring position (26) and has only 18 RBI in 68 at bats with runners in scoring position.

Earlier in the homestand, a dejected LaRoche said he wasn't going to change his approach because he felt like he was getting good at bats and good swing, but the balls he hit were right at people.

There's already been a call to trade LaRoche, which is understandable but impractical because it would be the ultimate example of selling low.

Now benching him, for a considerable amount of time, that seems conceivable.

The Pirates have a capable replacement in Doug Mientkiewicz who could easily fill LaRoche's spot. He's just as good defensively as LaRoche – Mientkiewicz is a former Gold Glove winner. And while he doesn't have LaRoche's power (though we rarely get to see any examples of that anyway), Mientkiewicz is having a better year at the plate and is a more consistent hitter.

Mientkiewicz should see a lot of playing time over the next two weeks because of his familiarity with the American League (the Pirates play 15 straight interleague games). He, not LaRoche, deserves the bulk of the playing time and, if he performs, should continue to play first when the Pirates get back to their National League schedule as well.

He never complained

2008-06-10T00:27:00.002-04:00

It's easy to complain and moan about things in our daily lives. We all do it. We all shouldn't do it, but we do, it's human nature I guess.

I thought that until I met and got to know Jimmy Montecalvo, who passed away Saturday after a long illness. See, the more I thought about Jimmy, and I have a lot recently especially over the past couple of weeks, the more I thought "Wow, he never complained – about anything!"

And the thing is, if anyone had a right to complain about something it would be Jimmy. Face it, God didn't deal Jimmy a great hand. But Jimmy, an avid golfer, played life where it lied and made the most of everything.

If you only met Jim briefly and didn't know any better, you never would have known he was sick, especially because he always had a smile on his face. Heck, I worked with the guy for almost four years and half the time I forgot how sick he really was because you would never know it by how he acted, what he said and the way he carried himself.

For all of his treatments, shots, surgeries, hospital and doctor visits, Jimmy never complained one time – ever – about how he was feeling.

The next time you go to work, or school or are in a social setting, look around you and take notice of the people who complain about every little thing in their lives, or maybe you are one of those people.

Once you do, think about Jimmy and maybe pass on his story to that person. Then, the next time, maybe they or you, won't complain about life's little things so much and instead you can come to appreciate them.

I know that is the one thing I took away from knowing Jimmy, and it's something that will stay with me for a lifetime.

We'll miss you, Jimmy. God bless you and your family.

Pirates-Nationals: Here's what to look for

2008-06-10T00:16:00.002-04:00

Here are some trends to keep an eye on this week during the Pirates series at home against Washington (Hint: Can the Pirates get over .500 against the last-place Nationals?):

Tuesday: Paul Maholm (Pittsburgh) vs. Tim Redding (Washington:
Maholm had a shaky beginning to his last start but pitched six scoreless innings to finish it and earn his fourth win. … Washington's Lastings Milledge is batting .333 with a home run and two RBI off Maholm. … Redding was roughed up in his last start, allowing six runs in 5 1/3 innings. … Jack Wilson is batting .333 with three RBI off Redding and Adam LaRoche has a solo home run off him in his career.

Wednesday: Ian Snell (Pittsburgh) vs. John Lannan (Washington)
Can Snell finally get that first elusive win since April 12? He thought he did pretty good in his last start when he struck out nine, though he threw 107 pitches in five innings. … It will also be interesting to see if Snell is recovered from getting hit on the back by a line drive in his last start. … Willie Harris is 4-for-8 with three doubles and Milledge is 4-for-7 lifetime off Snell. … Lannan dropped his ERA to 3.47 after allowing two runs in six innings in his last start. … Jose Bautista has a three-run homer off Lannan in his career.

Thursday: Tom Gorzelanny (Pittsburgh) vs. Jason Bergmann (Washington)
Like Maholm, Gorzelanny had a rough beginning in his last start, allowing three runs in the first. He, too, threw six shutout innings to end the start. … Milledge is 2-for-2 with a double off Gorzelanny. … Bergmann gave up eight runs and 10 hits in three innings in his last start. … LaRoche has four RBI in eight at bats off Bergmann while Freddy Sanchez and Jack Wilson have two RBI each against Bergmann.

Pirates draft recap

2008-06-06T19:22:00.002-04:00

Here is the list of all 50 draft picks selected by the Pirates

Pirates 2008 draft list
Round Player Pos. Ht. Wt. School
1 Pedro Alvarez 3B 6-2 212 Vanderbilt
NOTE: Show him the money.
2 Tanner Scheppers RHP 6-4 195 Fresno State
NOTE: That's right, you bet they'd take a Tanner.
3 Jordy Mercer SS 6-3 190 Oklahoma State
4 Chase d’Arnaud 3B 6-2 200 Pepperdine
5 Justin Wilson LHP 6-2 210 Fresno State
NOTE: Two-fifths of the way to drafting the school's entire rotation.
6 Robert Grossman OF 6-0 200 Cypress-Fairbanks H.S. (Tx.)
7 Benjamin Gonzalez SS 5-11 160 Puerto Rico BB Academy H.S.
8 Jeremy Farrell 3B 6-3 200 Virginia
9 Matthew Hague 3B 6-3 225 Oklahoma State
10 Andrew Gagnon RHP 6-3 180 Liberty Union H.S. (Calif.)
11 David Rubinstein CF 6-2 190 Appalachian State
12 Calvin Anderson 1B 6-7 240 Southern
13 Robert Gardner RF 6-3 185 Highland Park H.S. (Tx.)
14 Michael Colla RHP 6-2 220 Arizona
15 Christopher Aure LHP 6-0 180 North Pole H.S. (Alaska)
NOTE: I wonder if Aure knows Santa Claus?
16 Wesley Freeman CF 6-4 215 All Saint Academy (Fla.)
17 Jaron Shepherd CF 6-1 175 Navarro College (Tx.)
18 Jarek Cunningham SS 6-1 185 Mt. Spokane H.S. (Wash.)
19 Jason Haniger C 6-2 215 Georgia Tech
NOTE: No, Pittsburgh was supposed to take the catcher from Georgia Tech last year.
20 Robert Miller RHP 6-1 185 Shawnee H.S. (N.J.)
21 Brent Klinger RHP 6-4 185 Glendale C.C. (Ariz.)
22 Patrick Palmiero 3B 6-3 210 Heritage H.S. (Tx.)
NOTE: Son of former major leaguer Rafael Palmiero
23 Austtin Wright LHP 6-3 220 James B. Conant H.S. (Ill.)
24 Brian Litwin 3B 6-3 195 St. Stephens H.S. (N.C.)
25 Brian Leach RHP 6-3 195 Southern Mississippi
26 Zachary Wilson 3B 6-1 190 Woodrow Wilson H.S. (Calif.)
27 Edwin Roman CF 5-10 160 Puerto Rico BB Academy H.S.
28 Kyle Saukko RHP 5-11 175 Sierra Junior College (Calif.)
29 Kevin Komstadius 1B 6-4 205 East Valley H.S. (Wash.)
30 Daniel Martin RHP 6-9 265 Panola Junior College (Tx.)
NOTE: Wow, I guess they do grow 'em big in Texas
31 Ryan Hinson LHP 6-3 220 Clemson
32 Anthony Forrest RHP 6-0 175 Bossier Parrish C.C. (La.)
33 Mark Carver C 6-2 195 UNC-Wilmington
34 Matthew Payne 3B 6-1 200 North Carolina State
35 Tyler Cox LHP 6-3 200 Illinois State
36 Kyle Morgan OF 6-1 220 San Francisco
37 Matthew Curry 1B 6-2 235 Howard
38 Alan Knotts RHP 6-4 210 Louisiana Tech
39 Albert Fagan RHP 6-4 205 No school (From New York)
NOTE: Interesting to get a guy from parts unknown
40 Beau Didier 3B 6-2 Bellarmine Prep
41 Chris Simmons C 5-11 205 U.S. Military Academy
42 Cole White OF 6-2 200 U.S. Military Academy
NOTE: Nice to see the Pirates supporting the military with consecutive picks
43 Johnny Gunter RHP 6-3 230 Chattahoochee Valley C.C.
44 Mike Williams LHP 6-5 235 Mt. Olive College (S.C.)
NOTE: Better hope this Mike Williams is better than the former Pirates' closer
45 Allen Ponder RHP 6-4 230 Auburn-Montgomery
NOTE: I wonder how long it took to Ponder this selection?
46 Scott McGough SS 6-0 150 Plum
NOTE: Only local player drafted by the Pirates.
47 Jordan Craft OF 6-1 182 Kennesaw Mountain H.S.
48 Owen Brolsma RHP 6-1 210 Texas Tech
49 Zachary Foster RHP 6-4 220 Pitt-Bradford
NOTE: Finally, a player taken from that baseball factory Pitt-Bradford.
50 Craig Parry LF 6-1 195 South Dakota State
NOTE: Mr. Irrelevant.