Why not Mientkiewicz?

It's plain and simple....the Pirates don't know what they're doing.  And can someone please explain to me how the Yankees offered X-Man arrbitration.  I am 100% certain that Pittsburgh management said they were trading Nady because he was to be a FREE AGENT at the end of last season.  How does a free agent go through the arbitration process?

asking why not Mientkiewicz is like asking why Jason Bay is wearing a Red Sox uniform, or why Jack Wilson is constant trade bait.  clueless, clueless, clueless.  2009 is the first upcoming Pirates season that i can remember with me having absolutely no excitement towards

I cannot believe the amount of oxygen and ink being wasted in this town fretting over why the Pirates haven't signed Mientkiewicz. The Pirates are a 70 win team with major holes...but all I've heard this offseason is "Why haven't they resigned Dougie?" This is a team that has NYJER MORGAN penciled in for a starting role in a corner outfield slot! This is a team that gave 600 plate appearances to a 2B that had an OBP under .300! And we are worried about resigning Mientkiewicz? He's a nice player and I'm sure a great teammate, but why are we worried about fixing the hood ornament on our Oldsmobile when the engine is blown and the transmission is shot?

Pushing the Pirates to sign/resign mediocre free agents is exactly what has led to their continued mediocrity. Instead, I want to know why they haven't been more aggressive signing Latin American players. I want to know why they didn't keep closer tabs on Pedro Alvarez this offseason. I want to know what they are doing to scour the minor league systems of other teams to identify 2nd chance prospects that might yet reach their potential given a fresh start. Anyone who knows enough to look under the hood of this franchise can see that things are slowly getting better. Perhaps that says a lot more about where this team was than where it is going.

Welcome back, Bob.

Could the problem with Mientkiewicz be that he wants a starting position when the Pirates only want him for the bench? As for Nady, I was under the impression that he still had another year of arbitration remaining. That was supposed to make him more appealing to other teams because he wouldn't become a free agent following the season. A lot of good that did, I guess.

One more reason why I refuse to watch or pay attention to the Pirates.  There is no excuse for not going after Mientkiewicz, especially since they just wasted a ton of money on Adam LaRouche.  People need to stop attending games and stop buying Pirates crap.  I was VERY disappointed to see how many people went to the Fan Fast.  There will be no change as long as the owners are making money and people keep filling the ball park, why should they?  

Disagree that he played well at third.

Bob,

Do you know for a fact that Doug truly understands his role and would be happy in it?  And do you know for a fact that he offered 'strong' leadership presence in the clubhouse?

I think this is a no-brainer signing for the Pirates.

Every young team, like the Pirates are, needs that veteran leadership in the clubhouse.  With Bay now gone, that really just leaves Jack Wilson in there.  Doug M. did a great job for them and the players (and fans) can attest to this.

The fact is all the excitement from PNC Park opening seems like 2 decades ago even though it was only in 2000.  That is what 16 consecutive losing seasons can do to a fan base, and losing 100 games, raising ticket prices and signing Matt Morris, among others.

Nady was never going to be a free agent THIS year. He is not one until 2010.  

Don't understand the infatuation with Mientkiewicz.  Yes, he is fun and had a decent year last year as a bench player.  Did what he had to do to try to make the team better.  Is he someone we can build with?

No.

Would you rather have he than another free agent whose price has dropped?

No.

If there is room he will be back.  But do not anticipate there will be room.  Rather have Doug or Steve Pierce?

Based on the argument the front office has made for the last 2 months, Doug does not have a spot.

Get over it already...

i canot get excited about a Mientkiewicz.  i don't want to build from scrap anymore.  i want to build from sperm.  primo baseball sperm.

after 15 plus years of crap, even the sound of "Mientkiewicz" makes me yawn.

we have had a lot of his kind over the many more years of losing.  time for a change.

bring on the indians. ;)

the chancellor

Great Blog Bob!  

I totally disagree with 86Giants.  I agree the Pirates are broken and need fixed but we really need Mientkiewicz.  The team has some talent but very little leadership.  

If you want to question the front office, ask why they went to India to check out 10,000 wannabees and ended up with 2 guys who could throw 85 mph fastballs but have zero knowledge of the game.  At least Matt Morris knew the game (but he only threw 84 mph fastballs.  :>))

Bob, nice to have you back.  I thought that Mientkiewicz agreed to approach the Pirates and give them an opportunity to top any offer he receives.  Hadn't heard that he's gone back on his word.

86Giants -- Nyjer hit .294 after a rather horrendous start.  He's still a rookie with potential to get better over the next few years -- and though he probably will start the season, look at seeing McCutcheon challenge for a spot in the outfield before it's over.  As for our 2B, he was injured for most of the season.  

As far as wanting to know what they're doing to build the club, suggest you read Dejan's daily coverage.  He has given us some excellent articles on the various topics you mention.

Bob, for the most part, you are definitely preaching to the choir. It is obvious that Doug wants to play here, and it is even more obvious that the majority of Pirate fans want him back. That is the reason that he is more valuable to the PBC than any other club out there. We (the fans) want him.

Huntington is in a bit of a tough spot because it looks like he wants to wait and see if a FA falls into their acceptable price range, and/or that something may yet unfold trade wise that may otherwise change the makeup of the team. He is feeling pressure from the fan base that would seam unreasonable for someone that is only considered to be a bench player.

Anyway, what’s the downside risk? He isn’t going to break the budget, nor will he hold back the youth movement. Moreover, he will provide our young club with a strong example of gritty play, attitude, and work ethic. Again, what’s the downside risk?

Welcome back, Bob! First blog post certainly touched a nerve, as you can tell from the comments!

How many times has it been noted that Doug brought some uncharacteristic leadership to a team that doesn't seem to have many personalities that fill that role. Remember that he said how surprised he was to see how quiet the locker room was with very little interaction. When he challenged other teams by putting himself out there, he did something that most of his teammates failed to do. He is trying to create lions where there have been lambs. The Pirates need to develop a little attitude and play like warriors . Doug understands what it takes and that's why the fans have taken to him. They see spirit and a will to win that has been missing for years. Doug evokes emotion that Jason Bay and Giles never showed despite their talent. A team needs achievers and overachievers to win. The Bucs have had a few achievers and a bus load of underachievers over recent years. Doug may not be graced with the 5 tools of stardom but he earns his paycheck in a way that Ronnie Paulino could never grasp. The intangible leadership factor is essential in building a winner. I agree with Bob Smizik that Doug needs a place on this team.

Colt45...they didn't go to India to find these two guys.  These two won a pitching contest...both throwing over 90 MPH to win it.  They then spent months learning how to pitch and tried out for at least 15 teams.  There were a lot of teams interested in this and the Pirates happened to get both of them.  They are low risk signings, get us a lot of exposure in a country where there is none and bring us a couple of arms, one right and one left, that have not been abused or destroyed by less than knowledgeable High School and College coaches.  What is the harm is doing this?

Stop complaining about the moves they are making when the previous guys in charge probably wouldn't have even shown up for the tryouts.  The minor league system (which we need to build up to get better ultimately) is no longer one of the worst...in one year they've managed to make it somewhat acceptable.  

VanSlyke18 and 86Giants,

Thank you for speaking the truth.

Actions speak louder than words. You here Nutting and his boys talk about "accountability" They had a terrible team last year and have done nothing to improve it, just spin how they will build a foundation. Who makes them accountable? Ifytou want to spend your time watching their pathetic team knowing they have no hope of winning and will set a losing streak for the ages, it is you time and money. Some say this is a new owner and a new rebuilding plan. Follow the money. The Nutting family money has been a major controling influence since 1996 and winning is not their priority. Enjoy another lousy team with trinkets, fireworks and retread rock bands. Give the owners credit...most business owners need to have a decent product for people to buy. The Pirates dont have to....keep the payroll low, win an average of 43% of your games and make your safe 15-20 million with a pathetic team....is this a great country or what?

richie <<Nutting.....money......winning>

This city had another bumbling team back in the 60’s. Lots of has been and 2nd tier players throughout their history; truly a joke of a team. In 1967 they were 4-9-1 and in 1968 they were 2-11-1.

It was time to rethink the strategy of throwing away future hall of famers (Johnny Unitas) and building a team out of other team’s leftovers. The new plan was to rebuild from the bottom up (i.e. though the draft). They brought on a young and unproven head coach by the name of Check Noll that eventually became anointed as The Emperor Chas.

It wasn’t pretty at first, 1-13 in 1969 followed by consecutive records of 5-9 and 6-8. Were the fans on board yet, not exactly, while this city always loved football, the Steeler Nation was still just a small sapling.

Then it happened, it was pure magic; 11-3 in 1972, the Immaculate Reception, and the rest is the history of what may be the greatest sports franchise dynasty ever. The Steelers had the same ownership during those bumbling days as they did when they became a dynasty.

Like the Steelers, sometimes a bad team has to get worse before it can get better. It can be done; it’s definitely harder to do in baseball than football, but the Ray’s are testament to the fact that it can be done.

Winning can make lots of money too, and it can become self sustaining.

Glad you're back, Bob.

Positives.

1. Mientkiewicz has an established track record as a competent hitter.

2. He has good plate discipline.

3. He has some gap power.

4. He (supposedly) is a good clubhouse influence. Who knows? Fans certainly don't. Maybe sportswriters do.

5. He is a good (not superb) defensive first baseman.

6. He shouldn't cost a lot.

Negatives.

1. He's 35 and he's not going to get better- just the opposite.

2. He's a very poor third baseman, and it's unlikely that he'll be able to master it at his age.

3. He's lefthanded. Actually, this may be the biggest problem. He's not going to play at first base unless LaRoche gets hurt. Because he's a lefty, he can't platoon with laRoche. Because he's such a poor third baseman (and I think the Pirates now realize that) he won't get playing time unless somebody gets hurt and misses significant time. Therefore, he'll be mostly a pinch hitter.

4. He can't run. If he pinch hits in a close game and gets on, the Pirates probably will have to burn another player to pinch-run for him.

Neutral

1. He can play rightfield in a pinch, but I doubt that he can play more than a few games out there without weakening the team defensively.

I don't think signing Mientkiewicz is necessarily a bad idea, but he offers fewer solutions and options than many fans think.

WOW--quite a lot bashers on this thread--Pirates, Steelers, and where are the Pens?  

UK--Good post on the Steelers--it wasn't just the 60s, the Steelers had fair to poor season for many years before righting themselves in the 70s.  From 1933 through 1971 they had 7 seasons above 500.  As of this day their all time record is 555-522-21.

uglyken

Temas will go through down times. The Pirates are about to set the record for the longest. You compare the Steelers to the Pirates? Both teams during down times made bad player choices. The 16 going on 17 years of losing for the Pirates is because of a tightwad owner. Many of their player moves or lack of them have been because of money...pure and simple. And thats FINE...thier team their money. You dont have to waste your time and money supporting their ways. There is no hope or excitement going to a Pirate game and yet this time each year you hear the same old spin. Like I said actions speak louder than words. If you want to keep buying what Nutting and company is selling enjoy his 43% winning team

Richie <<  There is no hope or excitement going to a Pirate game…… enjoy his 43% winning team>>

I'm very impressed that you have such high connections that you actually know the motivations of pirate ownership.

Why all the vehemence?  If you don’t want to go then don’t go, please don’t yell at me because I want to watch my team as they grow.

The Vegas odd for the 2009 Pirates to win the World Series has been set at 150-1; that is the longest shot among all MLB teams. Their was a team last season who were 150-1 odds against winning the World Series last year; that was the Rays. I bet that the Ray’s fans are happy that they play the games first before a pennant is decided.

Anyway.......what is the downside risk of signing Doug when the fans want him, and his salary needs are relatively small?

I DON'T WANT TO SET THE RECORD FOR LOSING 17 YEARS RUNNING.

Okay now that I go that out.  Doug is good for the bench, chemistry in the clubhouse and a fill in only, that is enough of a reason for this team to bring him back (see curent bench players). There is no one else out there at the price we could get him back for if he does not find a starting job somewhere else.

Okay now why is it the bashers here seem to think nothing is different now then 2 years ago?  If you profess to follow this team and everything the FO does then you would not be saying these types of things.  If you don't agree with their process fine.  State what you would do differently.  If you want FA's and no minor leagues then tell us who is out there, their cost and if they will take us to the promised land. Remember to look at the Yankees and see the overspending and players they have and not make the playoffs since 2000.

Then think about the building of the foundation that is going on here.  In the dominion, drafting, minor league signings and other foundation building that is going on.  I see this as an improvement over the last 15 + years here.  Does it mean we will win in 2009?  Maybe not but spring does spring enternal.  Right now we are tied for the division lead.

Before this year I was of the opinion that there was 1 of 2 ways to build this team for the long haul.  Sign a bunch of FA's or build the minors and the system from the gound up.  They took the latter.  I wanted to win now and still do.  So I will not give up on the team until they are out of contention.  Then I will look to see what the FO does from that point forward to continue to improve the product.  If I don't see positive strides (if I agree or not with what they do) then I will be on your bandwagon as well.

And to top if off being a non beleiver I will not be posting in this or the PG blogs about the team in any way shape or form.  For they will have lost me as a person who believes in their dedication to the team, Pittsburgh and the fans.

Richie -- I don't see how the Kendall, Meares, Bell, Randa, Burnitz, Morris, and other strange contracts mark the ownership as tightwads.  I think it marks the former GM's as incompetent.  Spending $10 million on Matt Morris was stupid -- not cheap.  Check facts, not stereotypes.

Record Scmecord. Would the losing seasons matter with the Bucs in the playoffs?

I would rather have a good farm system and compete in the playoffs for multiple years than trying to reach a winning record that doesn't necessitate even reaching the playoffs.

Does it seem like there are a lot of hit-and-run posters here?

JHadar,

"Does it seem like there are a lot of hit-and-run posters here?"

Now that you mention it, yes, it sures does.

As for those hit-and-run posters who get off on belittling Doug's contributions, keep on runnin'.

Rome wasn't built in a day. Give the new front office the chance to implement what they're trying to do. That said, DD's leadership and acceptance of his role as a bench-player (yes, Thundercrack: you've been around DK's blog long enough to know that DD has recently gone on record -at least twice, now- embracing a bench role), makes his value to a young club like ours, immeasurable.

Who cares if some seem to be "hit & run posters". The more the better.  People have the right to say what they want on the blog -and I appreciate all opinions, but a lot of times it seems that the 'negative posters' dominate way too much.

<They had a terrible team last year and have done nothing to improve it>

I would say that trading Bay, Nady & Marte for eight players was something that they did to improve the team ...and build depth.  I may not have paid immediate dividends, but don't those players deserve more than 2 months.  We won't have to see JVB, Bullington, Herrera anymore.

They drafted and signed Pedro.  They also signed a lot of their other draft picks.  They seemed to have improved and added to their scouting department.

The process of improving the entire organization is going to take time.  We are all sick of waiting, but this FO deserves a chance.  More than 1 year.

Probably should've said this first:

Great to get you back, Bob! And thanks for weighing in on the DD issue, something so dear to my heart. Your public position on this means A LOT.

JL

Thundercrack -- I wasn't talking about their right to post, just their not coming back when their ideas are challenged.  And, personally I don't really care all that much.  There are a few people with negative opinions who are able to defend them, as we know from the asylum threads.  I enjoy those conversations -- and was hoping that this blog would provide an additional outlet for a dialog and not be just a place for the disgruntled to vent.

Well said, JHadar. When it comes to negative posts, in the context of a dialogue, they're a contribution. In the context of a drive-by graffiti tagging, while it's not up to us to say "stop", I will say this: "who needs em?"

JHadar

I agree with JL  'Well said"

After some thought I have to wonder if Dougie is such a great guy in the club house and such a great leader why is he still without a contract? It would seem that every team in baseball could use a "great clubhouse guy" but none of them seem to have offered him a contract. I realize he is supposedly waiting for a starting job, good luck to a 35 yr old no power first baseman, but one would think at least one offer would have leaked to the media

Papacoach,

"I realize he is supposedly waiting for a starting job."

He's no longer seeing himself that way. In as many words, he's described himself to Jennifer Langosch(sp?), and also our own DK, as guy coming "off the bench", and as a guy who can "give the younger guys a break."

As for why he hasn't been able to hook up with another team yet, my first guess is that he has been off the radar -afterall, he did spend last year as a reserve for one of the worst teams in all of MLB. But I don't think it pays to be worried what other clubs are thinking or doing; we here KNOW what DD is all about. And as UglyKen put it, what's the downside for us at this point? Get him into camp. If need be, with no more than the same minor league offer he had last year. DD'll do the rest. Just watch.

papacoach <<It would seem that every team in baseball could use a "great clubhouse guy" but none of them seem to have offered him a contrac>>

Doug’s value to other teams is not as great as it is to the PBC. He has not made a personal connection to the fans of other teams, and there is no guarantee other city’s fans would embrace him to the degree that Pirate fans have demonstrated. He’s a PBC fan favorite, and he wants to play here.

You are quite right UK, he has made a great connection here. I would argue that a GM who signs players because of their personal connection to the fans instead of their contributions on the field should soon be unemployed. IMHO

negative comments regarding the Pirates

when you lose for as long as the Pirates have, and they have done nothing to improve the MLB team , negative comments are valid. The Bottom line is winning and this team fails with an capital "F"

When you rank at or near the very bottom in payroll every year, you are tightwads. When you trade your best player and a very good player because you know you would have to pay them much more....its about the money.

Again answer this question.....who makes ownership accountable? If you are too weak to make ownership accountable and need your losing Pirate baseball fix, Nutting has you just where he wants you as he and his boys pull your strings and your emotions get the best of you. Do you keep being a loyal customer of a restaurant that keeps giving you lousy food?

who makes ownership accountable?

JHadar,  you are right.  I agree with your point.

Rob Mackowiak just got signed,  Jose Castillo & Brad Eldred did too (to minor league deals),  so I think it is hard for someone to fall off the radar.

Plus weren't there some rumblings last season at the trade deadline, and waiver deadline, that some teams may have been interested in Doug then?

Since 2004 he has played for 6 teams.  

PapaCoach,

If GM only signed a player to please the fans, indeed,  that wouldn't be good. But DD concretely contributed to this club, and still has miles to go. His clutch hitting, his leadership, and all his other "intangibles"(to use DK's apt term), are why he should be re-signed. These also happen to be why he is much loved by the fanbase. No where is it written in stone that "what the fans want" happens to be bad for the team. There is no conflict here.

Richie,

I "get" you're rhetorical question.

Nobody here is saying that criticism is never valid. JHadar was only saying -and I happen to agree- that a "drive-by" pot-shot is unamusing and unhelpful to anyone.

The points which you raise, however, are valid and contribute to a dialogue. Admittedly, they have already been raised by others. But that's fine.

I can't worry about Jose Castillo or Rob Mackowiak, and what other teams are doing with them. That doesn't mean much of anything. I'm concerned about what I believe DD can still contribute to OUR club. That's the issue.

papa <<to the fans instead of their contributions on the field>>

He is more than just a fan favorite, that is only the difference of his value here than to another team (at the same price, we get a better deal). However, it has become obvious that Doug wants to return. Why wouldn’t the PBC use that to their advantage, perhaps he shouldn’t have so openly lobbied for a return, I think it weakens his bargaining position. Anyway, I have a feeling that he will be there in Spring Training, and once given a chance, he will probably make it hard to keep him from heading north with the team in April. It’s just a hunch.

UK, understand I also hope he is in Bradenton, my concern is that he seems to be seen as THE ANSWER by to many people. You make multiple valid points and again I hope he is there and wins a spot. I guess my main concern is that at this point in his career if we just give him one of 25 spots we may very likely be holding back a youngster. If he earns that spot in ST, YEA!!!

Richie -- Since you have come back.  Thanks.

Here's what I was reacting to << Give the owners credit...most business owners need to have a decent product for people to buy. The Pirates dont have to....keep the payroll low, win an average of 43% of your games and make your safe 15-20 million with a pathetic team....is this a great country or what? >>

My reaction was that the Pirates have squandered their resources and have gotten rid of the previous administrations that did the squandering.   If you put that $15-20 back in to two FA's you could almost make it up to mediocre and then not have left over to keep the talent you have.  

Nuttings have had majjority ownership for awhile, but it has only been two years since McLatchy was relieved.  And it's only been one year that the current management team has been in place -- and that's at the top.  A lot of the front office, coaching, and scouting last year were holdovers.  If you want to go from a losing team to a winning team, you get rid of the incompetence -- which is what they are FINALLY doing.  Or so we hope.

I've been following this team since 1957, so I'm familiar with the ups and downs and frustrations.  And the past 16 years have not been as much as they might have been, but bad as they are the Bucs have provided a lot of entertainment.

A lot of us here this afternoon, probably evening where you are, have discussed these issues in great detail on the baseball blog.  

If you care to bring forth some ideas that are more than just "they're not spending enough" please do.  Nothing personal, but when you've heard the same thing a few thousand times with so little to back it up, you become skeptical.

Maybe yes, maybe--If Ollie turns out as good as scouts say he is and Karstens pitches well and a healthy Andy hits well the team will be better.  I do not see what they could have done to improve the MLB team for 2009--sign a big FA--to what purpose?  They did improve the system--drafted PA--the first time in many a year they went for the best on the board on their turn.  Tabata has great potential--maybe it will never develop but he has more than what was there before.  McCutch is close and if not in 2009 then in 2010.  McLouth thinks Moss will have a breakout year.

As for the trades, there are two camps on them and I am in the one that thinks they were good.  Nady trade a money one--not likely--Nady would up for maybe $5 million this season--hardly big money in baseball terms.

The big improvement needs to the pitching staff.  With 4 past 10 game winners, putting it together in one season will improve the team.  If they don't put it together then no improvement.  

Bottom line, we won't know if this team is better until the season starts--and then not until June.  

I'm out for awhile, but I wonder if anyone noticed how the interest in a bench player for the baseball team topped the interest in the other four articles combined.

@papacoach wrote re: Why not Mientkiewicz?

on Jan 26, 2009 6:58 PM

UK, understand I also hope he is in Bradenton, my concern is that he seems to be seen as THE ANSWER by to many people. You make multiple valid points and again I hope he is there and wins a spot. I guess my main concern is that at this point in his career if we just give him one of 25 spots we may very likely be holding back a youngster. If he earns that spot in ST, YEA!!!

____________

Papa your last remark is the heart of the issue here.

He would not be taking a spot from a youngster for the youngsters coming north need to play everday.  The ones that don't should be in AAA until ready.  It hurts a youngster to sit and not play.  Bench play is for vets that can offer some hits here and there while extending their career and bodies to do so.

Papa,

"If he earns that spot in ST, YEA!!!"

I think that's more than reasonable.

And I, for one, don't think he is THE answer. But I do believe he is part of the answer. Our team is not a team of veterans. And while I believe they are an earnest bunch, they need someone with DD's presence to see them through. Eventually, of course, it won't be the DD's, but the Nates and the Ryans who will deliver us titles. But we set off down that road, putting one foot in front of the other.

Again though, I'm completely fine with your sentiment which I quote at the top of my post.

MadTurk,

Excellent, excellent point! There's nothing I can add to that. So I won't.

papa <<holding back a youngster>>

I don't think that that would be a problem at all. We don't want a young prospect to be riding the bench most of the time in the majors; it would be better development for them to play full time in AAA. If someone is blocking a prospects development, then that is reason to move that player to the bench or trade him.

JL

My point about the radar was that if even guys like that can get signed that means that the radar is wide & deep.  All the teams know who is out there andthat Doug is available and what he may or may not be able to contribute.  

We signed another Vazquez (one I never knew existed)

I now pledge not to post another opinion about Doug M for 2 weeks or until he signs with us.

JHadar

Sorry but the Nutting family and thier money has been a major influence on this team since 1996. The GMs had their hands tied with what they could do. That was a result of ownership.....and the Nuttings have been part of this garbage all along. Add to it some foolish signings and trades and you have the mess throughout this organization.

I have been a fan since the mid 60s.. Difference between me and you is that you cant walk away from that bad restuarant....er uh that bad baseball team. You are emotionaly tied to the Pirates. You know you should, but you cant make them accountable. I dont root for another team but untill I see action, I've heard for too long how they say they want to win...action speaks louder than their PR spin and slogans.

"I now pledge..."

Well, unfortunately or fortunately, I can may no such pledge when it comes to DD. I believe it's worth noting that last year, nobody signed Doug until 4 days before the opening of ST. That's when John Russell made a pitch for him to NH. Why was nobody else was interested? I cannot say. But I wouldn't see too much into what other clubs were, or were not, thinking. The Rams once dumped Jerome Bettis for a song. Willie Parker was overlooked by every other team in the NFL. Nate McClouth wasn't taken until the 27the round in the draft. We know that signing DD paid off for us last year, and I'm confident it will again.

Richie,

JHadar has stepped away for a while...

I can't speak for him, but allow me to say that he's entirely entitled to his long-term perspective and general optimism towards the club. I happen to agree with him. If you can't see it that way, of course, that's your prerogative. But our take is our prerogative.

richie

You are confusing “can’t walk away” with “don’t want to walk away”; some people can see the seeds being planted, and a plan that makes sense.

The last I looked, we are currently tied for the lead in the entire majors. In fact it isn’t even Spring Training yet; we don’t know if there is going to be a trade or FA acquisition. Probably not, but maybe someone will fall into our acceptable price range.

I see no reason to “walk away”.

JL and Richie--time for a bit Gershwin

You like potato and I like potahto, You like tomato and I like tomahto

Potato, potahto, Tomato, tomahto, Let's call the whole thing off

But oh, if we call the whole thing off Then we must part

And oh, if we ever part, then that might break my heart

So if you like pyjamas and I like pyjahmas, I'll wear pyjamas and give up

pyajahmas

For we know we need each other so we , Better call the whole off off

Let's call the whole thing off.

@JAL wrote re: Why not Mientkiewicz?

on Jan 26, 2009 8:01 PM

JL and Richie--time for a bit Gershwin

____________

Nursssssssseeeeeeeeeeee it is time for the meds here.  JL is off whatever he was on.

Hi Bob,

It's good so see you writing again in some capacity at the PG.

Yes, Dirty Doug has been a hot topic for quite some time over at DK's place.

I've gotta wonder at point if there isn't some kind of dislike for him from upper management. I know he's a good friend of John Russell but maybe Doug said something last year that irked Nutting, FC or NH. Other than that, it really doesn't make any sense. The Pirates are signing minor leaguers and other guys with no where near the credentials of Doug's. There has to be something behind the scenes.

"Nursssssssseeeeeeeeeeee it is time for the meds here.  JL is off whatever he was on."

Here I am!

www.palmbeachpost.com/.../montreal%20streaker.jpg

Richie -- I've walked out of a lot of bad restaurants, pounded my fist on a lot of service desks, and gone ballistic with the customer service people at more than one establishment.

But for me baseball is entertainment.  If you find it as frustrating and depressing as you seem to, you probably should walk away from it.  

Richie -- I've walked out of a lot of bad restaurants, pounded my fist on a lot of service desks, and gone ballistic with the customer service people at more than one establishment.

But for me baseball is entertainment.  If you find it as frustrating and depressing as you seem to, you probably should walk away from it.  

And we wonder why they make the L.A.Clippers look like a model franchise.

Growing up in my area of the city if a young kid were to say in the presence of an older kid, I want the older kid would say how does it feel to want.

Lets break this bench down a bit.  Last season we had 4 on the pine to sit in at 2nd, 3rd, and ss not counting DD for first.  We did need so many because the pitching could not be counted on to get the first out.

Pitching will be much better just from the physical reports from all at the fest is enough for me to see that. We will have those 5 make the 6 inning cut off stat.

That said we signed our one infielder so far who can play all three of the infiled postions to the side of the firstbaseman.

By having a better staff and we will we now have the luxury of having a bonefied major leaguer to play any of those mentionned positons and we will need one less pine player so that positon can be shifted to keep veal on the team.

We still have two to the side of first open positions and one at first with a questionalble one at first to start with and lets not forget we are still in limbo with our man who I think will be fine at third but none the less we should be prepared to have someone spell him for more than one game.

Although DD does not play a third like many he can and that may be his ticket to the clubhouse for you.  That is the one positive weight that goes to his side of the keep or not to keep DD scale.

Then his presece becomes a teaching factor to the younger guys.

Otherwise what if we need a regular backup for both 1st and 3rd.  so get DD at first and whoever at third then DD loses his Gig at 1st and is not needed for any Gig at 3rd. what is on field advantage for this ballclub?

I wopuld like to see him resigned, but I do see this club being built where more is needed on the field than he can contribute, like being a 1st base and outfield guy, that we may end up for waiting on him to decide he will sign for a backup role that we can not wait any longer and when he comes around there may not be that spot.

JHadar

"But for me baseball is entertainment."

That is true....and there are many good teams and players that come to Pittsburgh. Pirate ownership looks it as entertainment too with all the BS promotions. That is how the team is marketed. If you find it entertaining to lose and for the longest period of all time, then we just have differents ideas of what entertains is. You find losing baseball entertaining...I dont.

ritchie, Jhadars point is not that he likes losing, believe you me he does not, what he is saying is that us who take a nip of the koolaid start every game or every season with the belief this team can win this game today.  And with the plenty of hope we go threw the turnstyles with we are ready to see a good game.  We have not lost the child in us.

Some of us get intuned at the ball park that when we see a good play we are tunnelled visioned enough that we do not see the jerseys that make the play.  Its kinda like umpiring a little league game and the parents yell at you portraying you as calling playes for the other team when in fact if you are watching the play you can not look at the uniform or try to remember which uniform is which to make the correct call.

jersey joe

If you have thought for the past 7 or 8 years that you thought the Pirates had a chance to win, then you are living in a fairytale land. After the 01 season that was enough convincing for me that ownership didnt really want to win and their profit was all that mattered. You get intune watching a good play and not the jersey? You can watch that with any team at any pro park(including the minor leagues) PArt of the child is the hope that "your" team has a chance...your team has hope. There has not been hope for the Pirates in years and there sure is not for this year. If you think otherwise, contact me and we can make a wager that you think Nutting and company will have a winning team.

Ritchie  exactly  part of being a child is hope and you have none so what is your point

The ownership of this team has ripped the hope away from the fans. Remember they said they needed a new stadium to compete. They were given a hand out stadium, they get revenue share money and they have put the money in their pockets. They say they are paying down debt.....thats putting money in your pocket.

richie <<ripped the hope >>

You only speak for yourself.

By Bob Smizik | Thursday, 11:40 a.m. I’ve written way, way too much about former Pirates reserve