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.
2 comments:
I like the road grays. Remember that Gray hat they used to wear with them in the mid/late 90's with the black 'P'? I kind of miss those hats.
I know sometimes quotes may look worse than they appear, but this is what I read from the PG:
"Frank Coonelly explained as part of the announcement today at the team's annual media luncheon that one reason for restoring the sleeves was that four of the franchise's five championships were won in that fashion and that the move was made "as part of our return to championship-caliber baseball."
Ugh.
Yeah, I heard the four of five championships comment as well. To say it was a reach for implementing the new uniforms is an understatement. I guess when you've been losing as long as the Pirates have you'll say anything to make something sound better than it is. They're just sleeves. Let it go at that, Frank.
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