Next step in Alvarez matter is resolution between MLB, union on grievance

Amazing.  This is almost like real-time coverage.

Totally unrelated, but does the P-G have any plans to upgrade its servers?

Seems like every time something happens things slow down to the point that everyone's frustrated just trying to get on, read the comments and post.

The blog is excellent, but best when it responds reasonably quickly.

Well ... Shyam Das ... sounds like a magician ... maybe he can weave some ... "HOC EST ENIM CORPUS MEUM" ... and cis, boom, pa ... we get Alvy in the fold ... Yeah, like

Hocus Pocus ... www.youtube.com/watch

@JHadar

Love the blog,but no soup to the server

JHadar wrote re: Morning links: Pirates, Alvarez agree to terms on revised contract

on Sep 22, 2008 1:38 PM

"Some people do have morals, values, intergrity for themselves and others believe it or not.

Not everyone in this world is greedy! "

I spent the day in Cedar Rapids Saturday watching a few hundred unpaid volunteers helping people rebuild and repair their homes after the floods their this spring.  

It's taken that long because of the red tape, insurance process, and what not -- but absolutely there are people who have integrity, some to such a degree that they value it more than they value even their lives.

Thank you for proving my point.

@Pirate Sun

Thank you as well.  I saw your comment from the ealrlier thread.

I can see it now. Boras suddenly recalls that Pedro did agree to the contract at 11:59 and he just forgot until that new contract was signed.  

So, since we have to add him to the 40 man immediately, put him in a Bucco uniform and throw him out there for the last few games.  It's not going to hurt him and he's not going to perform lower than Lil' La.

DK

How important is the Major league contract, do you get the impression that it took just that little bit of compromise to achieve this solution

I see the attendance is down on this blog even with the PA news.

Time for the PG to open the wallet and buy a server for the PBC Blog.  

Or will we get a Russellism?

The server has been getting closer to performing they way we need it to. If we keep plugging away it will be fine for next year.

Hello all,

Glad the server has learned to behave for the moment.

DK--"The traffic we get for our football news is mind-boggling."   Um...yeah I bet...I won't even get started on this...but I will state that I thought it completely ridicuolous that on the news they were asking people what they thought of our QB's injury, and the girl who responded (with clear desperation) "well, I was really scared at first...but I think he'll be ok for next week...I think he'll be ok..."  

Too bad the Rusty Scissors were at work....

@Baywatch

Loved the link

Now i know why my Dad hated that song and I loved i,t kinda reminds me of our PBC. Makes no sense but you just can not put it away

BTW that versi9on was recorded on my 19th BDay

The Steelers played yesterday?  Musta missed that...

no need to replace this server, we can just rebuild it!!!

Sorry, had to do it.

Concerning Pedro

www.youtube.com/watch

Let's see:  trade Nady, trade Bay, don't sign top two picks in draft;

or

trade Nady, trade Bay and sign top pick in draft.

I like the second one much better than the first.

Diehard--well, the Steelers played but they didn't, does that make sense? hahaha.

I said boy, after being at the ballgame yesterday, then going home and watching the Steelers, it was like watching the Pirates twice.

PIrata13 - I'd prefer to see the Pirates twice!

Already planning to be at the last home game next year.  Monday, September 28 at 12:35.  Unless we're sitting on 80 wins, are they really expecting a crowd for that one?  Maybe we'll be giving Jack a send off for the third year in a row.

@Pirata13

Now that hurts

Diehard--ME TOO.....seriously there was a guy at the game that was like "Hurry up! There's a Steeler game coming on!" I said no one's holding you in your seat, so why don't you leave and go watch the Steelers...

And I too, am excited that the last home game is a weekday afternoon. Those are mine & Dad's favorties anyway.  Real basball fans.  

Madturk--maybe if I'd won one of those jerseys, I'd have been less bitter....     :)

the stillers? who dey?

Just managed to get the Chat Transcript to load.  There was a question in there about Nate's comments yesterday and whether management read them, to which DK replied management reads everything.

How inclusive is "everything"?  Does it include this blog, the Q&A, and chat?  It would certainly give them a pulse on fan support and lack thereof.  

And if NH & FC -- or more likely their appointed screeners -- do read here, may we say:  Keep Jack, Keep Doug, Get some pitching.  Nice job on the Alvarez deal.  There's a lot of what the economists call pent-up demand out here -- put up some wins and see what happens.

I'll be through there sometime next June, make it worth my while to add a day to my trip and spend some money with you.

Alaskan ; do you realize that being on the 40 man roster doesn't count toward arbitration time,but the minute he is on the 25 man,the clock starts ticking,and then when he has to go to the minor leagues next season,( which he will ) they will have to use an option ? If they did what you reccommended,I would really know that management is clueless !

Pirata13 -

Re Steelers: you're sounding like PAMT and ron d today.

Speaking of ron, I wonder what he'd do if the Rooneys sold their Steelers shares to Nutting.

Pirata13 -

Speaking of the jersey giveaway, did they hand out the literal shirts off their back or clean ones? And were they the pinstripes or the white jerseys? I once attended a Capitals final home game where they advertised the hockey players would give away the "shirts off their back." In fact, they went to the locker room and came out still wearing the sweaty ones but brought autographed, clean, folded ones to give away. That always made me wonder if they were actually "game-worn" jerseys.

@Pirata13--The Steelers' defense played well--the offense played poorly, especially the offensive line.  No QB would have done well with the pressure the Eagles put on him.  It was like a baseball game where the starting pitcher throws an excellent game but get no run support.

@Lion--Correct--clock doesn't start until placed on 25 man roster.  The major league contract means that he will be out of options the third year he comes up--lets say that that bring him up in Sept next year--option 1 gone, then in 2010 option 2 gone, same in 2011--now out of options so if starts 2012 with the Pirates and isn't doing well they can't send him down without him clearing waivers.  On a minor league contract the team can move him up and down as they wish for 7 seasons.

G-Man:  HAHAHAHAHA!  (Rooneys selling shares to Nutting.  Can you imagine that?!?!)  Btw, in regards to what we were discussing w/pro football.  Interesting book called Pros & Cons.  Old, not sure if there is an updated version (if not there should be).  But about all the criminals in the NFL. Interesting read, even if it is outdated....

Thanks for joining us, btw....

G-Man:  That's cruel !  Funny, too.

Speaking of funny, I did not check the whole thread yesterday, but I was surprised there wasn't more about JR "arguing" the play at the plate.  He "argued" for quite awhile and kept pointing to the plate, but the coup de grace was kicking a little (and I mean a little) dirt on his way back to the dugout.  Hey, it was a start.  And the umpire was probably right and seemed bored by the whole "argument."  I thought JR was trying to be kicked out of the last home game of the year, but the umpire wouldn't bite.

more kudos for our DK, this time from BP (excellent, Dejan!); the link: www.baseballprospectus.com/unfiltered

DK-Congratulations on being called excellent- we all knew that but great that people outside of this blog recognize it too!

G-man...literally off their backs yesterday.  I was sitting on the 3rd baseline and stayed to watch the jersey exchange.

So, who goes off the 40man roster then, if they have to add Alvarez to it?  Any thoughts?

This server stuff is giving me angina. I just lost another comment. Let me try again.

Pirata13 -

On the submect of criminal football players: Not sure if you guys and gals pay attention to ACC football. Michael Vick's younger brother, Markus, was also a Virginia Tech QB and he stayed in constant trouble with the law: speeding, contributing to delinquency of minors, firearms charges, etc. The school finally kicked him off the team. Around these parts. a lot of folks went on record as feeling sorry for Michael because his little brother disgraced the family name. Well, we all know how that turned out.

All sites I have checked for confirmation give DK or the Post-Gazette credit.  I believe that's what's called a scoop.  

DMac -

Thanks about the jerseys. I was just curious.

>>So, who goes off the 40man roster then, if they have to add Alvarez to it?  Any thoughts?<<

Well, I'll give BillyKidd a bonus Hap Cap if he can guess who I'd pick. ;)

@Lion and JAL

I have been looking at  the option situation with Pedro since I read that he was getting a ML contract. From what I understand from wikipedia ( en.wikipedia.org/.../Major_League_Baseball_transactions ) the Pirates will be able to send Pedro to the minors for 4 years (09, 10, 11, 12) since he will have less than 5 years of pro experience that fourth year.  If he is not ready to make the club by year 5, then he must go through waivers to be assigned to the minors.  Barring injury, we should see him a lot sooner than that, so except for the immediate hit to the 40 man roster, the major league contract part of the deal seems to be a non-issue for the PBC.

Trade the sever for a pc to be named later and cash.JR says it's a good move and we're making progress,just need to defrag and reboot and the speed will come along with control of the blog

Pirata13 -

Ack! I cannot type today. That was supposed to be "subJect," not subMect."

G-Man--Dad and I started to make our way out, but I am pretty sure they were getting the ones off their backs.  Anyone else who may have been sitting closer know for sure?  And I think it was the white shirts, not pinstripes.  Love the pinstripes.  And guys like DD who still wear the pants the right way...

DK -

Belated Hap Cap for breaking the latest Alvarez story.

    __/_H_\

DMac--Thanks for answering that for G-Man...I tried but this server.......grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr............

My first guess is Raul Chavez--36 year old journeyman catchers are not in high demand--he would probably clear waivers.

MadTurk,

Count me firmly in your camp. I have turned down profitable  business at times, because A) it smelled bad, or B) the people I would have had to deal with "smelled bad". I'd like to think that even if my own son were to be a top five draft pick, we could find another agent out there besides Scott Boras.

JHadar,

Thanks for your input on this, too. Also, good question about whether or not "The Regime" takes note of what we angry peasants have to say on this blog. I often refer to them just as I did above: as "The Regime". Just the other day, I noticed in an interview, FC referred to themselves as a "regime."

Coincidence? I don't know.

On the chance that it is no coincidence, humongous kudos to Dejan and Jerry Micco for providing this outlet/conduit for we peasants. Heck, even if it is just coincidence, humongous kudos anyway. As this season is soon to be put out of our misery, let the accolades roll. This forum has been an addictive blast, and we angry villagers are all just a little bit less angry, and a lot better informed thanks to the yeoman-like effort Dejan has put in for us. We'll never aim our pitchforks at you, Dejan (only at Ed Bouchette...).

Pirata13 -

Thanks to you, too, for the jersey info. They were wearing pinstripes yesterday based on a photo of Jack Wilson and Lance Berkman on the Pirates website. I, too, like the pinstripes. But I get the impression you and I are in a minority on that. People say they are not traditional but they are. Back in the 3RS days, bucs had a trio of jerseys they mixed and matched. One set was gold, one was black and one was all pinstripes. I bought a pinstripe jersey when they first came out. I wonder if those and the red vests will disappear next year since this management team seems to want to dump everyone/everything that was not of their doing.

Know what you mean about DD and guys wearing pants the right way. I see Nate with his pants almost folded under his heels and wonder why he does not fall down trying to run.

It really wouldve been a disaster had the Pirates missed out on their top 2 picks in this draft (Alvarez/Scheppers) during this critical time during their rebuilding.  

You just don't get that many cracks at impact talent, and you need to hit when you do.  

Glad to see this is closer to resolution.

BillyKidd -

One thousand pardons. All afternoon, I have been meaning to welcome you back to the home front from the medical facility. Hope you are feeling better and are taking your medicine as prescribed.

@G-Man

Do as I do: I never trust _any_ server. Every time I write any comment I press Ctrl+A then Ctrl+C before hitting "OK". Too much bad experiences on orkut led me to this habit.

Ahhh...didn't think about Chavez...I'll bet that's it.  But in that same vein, it could be Gomez or Rivas too.

They were wearing their normal Sunday pinstripes...and that's what the fans got.  I wish I had been that lucky. I love the pinstripes, but then again I love the red vests too...sorry.  ;-)

@G-Man--I like pinstrips--have a couple of pinstriped suits.

I can not believe I did not win a jersey yesterday.  The  grandkids had to leave early so just my luck maybe I did.

Another good tune from Baywatch.

With all the clamer form the Bloggers about keeping this active post season and even having an honoary director in GMAN, how come not a one of you have been able to get an answer from DK?

McClouth, mcClutchen, Morgan , Pearce, tabata, Moss,Duffy

This is the tough situation at hand, align these guys and guess who is part of the plans who is part of trade winds?

As this plays out are we to have our outfiels from this group?  or two of these woth trades to obtail a solid power hitter?  We arwe not going to break .500 this year so at least we can have a good time just wondering.

You can look at this every which way but loose, we know what the real intentions of boris were but the stated complaints was that he signed late no contract.  it does not matter who called whom and the numbers or other contract changes mean nothing when asking winners or losers.  

Boris's claim and now his signing make him out to be the loser, remember again  its not what we know to be the truth in this matter its what boris said to be the truth is where his credability lies or dies.

Who was that said a little earlier about beating this to a dead horse?

@DMac--Certainly Gomez is good possibility. Rivas less so because is much younger-depends on what think of him a backup infielder.  I went with Chavez first because they seem to have several options for backup catcher, more so than infield.

I assume nothing can be done until the contract is approved and the arbitration is settled so they have a few days to figure things out.

G-Man...Drum role please.....LaRoche.

How about a package of Hoss,Duffy and Paullino for #4-5 pitcher and a top minor league pitcher? Sanchez is gonna be 31 so we also need to look for a 2nd baseman pretty soon!

@ DMac - Welcome to the Red Vest Brigade, consisting now of G-Man, you and me. The Pirates wore red and blue until 1948, so the vests are not as outlandish as they may seem. I like the current pinstripes as well, gonna try and pick one up from FanFest this year.

@ G-Man - I loved the pinstripes from the 70's as well as the mix and match between the three uniforms. I used to be excited before the game to see what they were going to be wearing that day (I was nine in 1977 when they first came out). My favorite was the pinstriped shirts with black pants.

I too am a big fan of the old fashioned way of wearing the pants, I can't stand the long, crumpled look. The worst in this regard was Kevin Young.

I also prefer the old looped socks, which Jamie Moyer still wears. I believe I saw a game on TV this year in which one of the Pirates was wearing looped socks. It was recent and I think it was either Morgan or Cruz.

And while we're on the 40-man roster, don't forget Dumatrait's on the 60-day DL, so there are two that have to go.

G-Man---Glad to be home. Yes taking the meds a required. I said this in an e-mail yesterday.

I may be stubborn hard headed and other things that can not be put here but those are much better than being dead.

Although I do have a few family members wishing for the latter due to the former. :)

BTW is there a deadline for getting the grievance dropped, and if both sides agree to drop the grievance 30 seconds after the deadline . . .

@ Baywatch - One of your main men, Raul, is being proffered as the 40-man roster casualty to make room for PA. You gonna stay quiet on this matter? :-)

Wasn't it Derek Bell that first brought the long long pants to the Pirates?

@maz--<How about a package of Hoss,Duffy and Paullino for #4-5 pitcher and a top minor league pitcher? Sanchez is gonna be 31 so we also need to look for a 2nd baseman pretty soon!>

Packaging them together might get you a tub of Bazooka Joe Bubble Gum and a half eaten bag of David Sunflower Seeds.

Yoslan, JVB would go from my 40-man roster, but that's probably too practical.

@AG--Thanks for the well wishes.

And to anyone I may have missed, From the bottom of my heart the response(s) from you have been tremendous and kept my spirits high, which I am sure helped in my speedy recovery so far. You all have become a part of my family and I will never forget, promise.

BK -- How big of a tub?  

Sorry for the posting frenzy, but the server just started working right, at least here and now, and I got kind of carried away.

By the way is the P-G website completely in house or hosted?

Derek Bell's weren't long pants, they were long bloomers.  First time I remember seeing the long pants was Joggin' George.

@JH-See the post by DK at the top of the thread @ 5:07PM.

Hey BK,

By checking the back and forth on this thread, I can see you're back on the street and in fine form. Great news --here's a virtual slap on the back!

OOOOPS!!! What have I done?!

BK?

BK?

Oh oh....

Well... since you won't be using those tickets...

Kidding, of course. Glad you're out of Nurse Cratchett's clutches, and let's keep you out this time. You've handled your ordeal well, though.

Hope I'd do the same.

BK -- the morning(?) "deadline" was what prompted the remark.

@JL

Thanks we all need someone in our corner.

As for the "Regime" yes I have heard it and a few others being used from the management, writers, commentators, and JR.

I think they all read our comments and and have used what they have either learned or heard from us to some extent.

Not only does that add credence to DK doing a good job but some of you guys and gals as well.  G-Man a hapcap should be provided for all.  Open the wallet and pass them out...

@JH--my error, I thought you were referring to the following:  

< Dayton Moore affirms the notion that there is urgency to get the grievance wiped away before the scheduled hearing tomorrow.>

I second ArribaW on the pants - I remember how odd George Hendrick's pants looked at the time.

My nomination to ditch off the 40-man would be Joggin' Ronnie P.  Then again, this all depends on the timing of actually siging the contract.  If they wait until next week - after the season - Gomez, Rivas, Chaez, DD will all have contracts set to expire.

Just checking the Pirates site - Jennifer Langosch uses the same quote from Bart Giamatti I used a few days ago ("It breaks your heart...")  So I'll re-quote the one she used today:

"People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball," Rogers Hornsby said. "I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring."

BK -- well, that was it.  The Dayton Moore ref. was in the 5:07 stuff which was what I was using, so I missed something, I guess, but . . . but it was just a bad attempt at humor and not worth all this effort.  

Ah well, continue to get better and remember I try not to use smileys unless absolutely necessary.  

I don't understand why so many complaints on the server...it's only taken me 8 hours just to get signed in.  

Glad to see the Alvarez situation starting to come to an end.  I went from ecstatic to terrified with the future corner spot in the hands of Lil LaRoche and a young Walker.

I can't believe people do not have better things to do with their time but whine about the speed of the PG's servers.

Get a life.

I wonder if Pedro will issue an apology to the fans for being such a jerk and not honoring his original contract? Like someone said earlier, He wouldn't sign the contract before because it was two minutes past midnight (their version), but it's okay for him to sign it now, 3 months later? (Sorry I couldn't find the earlier post to credit whomever said it).

What do you guys think, should he issue an apolgy or not?

I'll say Vote #1 for an apology.

If the Alvarez signing is done prior to game's end next Sunday...the roster move will be to release a pitcher. My guess is Belisario...although Herrera, Davis and JVB won't be very far behind him.

If it is after Sunday...expect one of the free agents (Chavez, Minky, Michaels, Gomez and Rivas) to be removed. Nothing stopping the Pirates from one or most of them resigning at some point...although I hope that we will have seen the last of Rivas by then.

Point being...creating a roster spot for Pedro is going to be easy.

I suppose this is yet another exercise in futility, but I guess I'm just a glutton for punishment.

Adam LaRoche's stats for the year would be more than acceptable if spread out over the whole year, but since he starts slowly everyone hollers for his head? Interesting.

Andy Laroche gets booed a lot, but is it because of his play or his last name? He comes to a new team, traded for one of that team's great players and fails to live up to the perceived value (#1 PROSPECT on a playoff-bound team), but what is the difference between hero and zero? One hit every 6 ABS. Think about it: 2 for 6 (.333), hero; 1 for 6 (.167), zero. If he fields at a .950 rate for the year that would be acceptable for a 3rd baseman, even if the errors all came at in a short period of time. He hears the boos folks, trust me. Would we really rather have Joey Bats back? Also bear in mind, Andy was not the only player received for Bay, but he seems to be the one taking all the heat. Hardly seems fair, does it?

Obviously I like the Brothers LaRoche. Most here don't seem to feel the same way. Good thing we give the perceived heroes on our other teams more slack when they stumble, as they all do from time-to-time.

Pittsburgh has a commodity only 28 other cities have: a Major League baseball team. Maybe we as fans should be a little more lenient as that teams tries to regain former greatness. Let's give them more than 1 year before we tar and feather them. After all, it took 16 years to get to this point.

Still keeping the faith for over 50 years.

BTW...don't forget that there will be other cuts to add Walker, Meek and Tabata (?) to the 40 man roster...so some of the current roster has a very short shelf life there.

60FT6: I am willing to bet that when he finally signs, Pedro will say something to the effect that he doesn't want to dwell on the past and contractual issues, and that he is just looking forward to doing what he does best- playing ball. He will avoid questions about the contract like the plague.

People that whine about whining.Go figure.i think that's hilarious!

@Missing- as long as Pedro hits 30+ HRs I don't care what questions he answers.  If he is as good as advertised it's going to be nice to have big star power to get excited about.

@NuttingHostage- commented

<I can't believe people do not have better things to do with their time but whine about the speed of the PG's servers.

Get a life.

My pithy reply,

I can't believe people do not have better things to do with their time but whine about us whiners.

Get a life.

@TedKin

I agree with you on Adam Laroche.  It would be nice to get a full seasons production out of him though. Until the Pirates have someone better, they may as well keep him at 1B, and no, I don't think Steve Pearce is the answer. You might get more consistent production over the course of the year, but by the end of September Laroche will have more HRs and ore RBIs.

Andy hasn't impressed at all except for a few nice plays with the glove. It also worries me that his stock was falling in the Dodgers organization. We may be on the receiving end of a "Get rid of him while he still has some value" deal.

@BattlinBucs

as long as Pedro hits 30+ HRs I don't care what questions he answers.  If he is as good as advertised it's going to be nice to have big star power to get excited about.

I hope he does well to...because if we have the next Barry Bonds, Manny Ramirez, or Alex Rodriguez on our hands we can trade him when the time comes for some top notch prospects without the inflated egos.

I would like to see Andy come back next season with a clean slate and clear head.  With Alvarez agreeing to a deal, again, I feel a little bit better about 3rd base.  See if Andy has the talent at the major league level, and if Pedro plays well too we finally have a good problem on our hands.

Andre -

Thanks for the tip about copying my text. I usually do that but was being especially lazy today. So, of ocurse, Murphy's Law struck.

BillyKidd -

Excellent guess. How did you know? You win a Hap Cap.

    __/_H_\

We can whine about wine

Then we can add a line

About the starting nine

That would fine

I have a life

A lovely wife

Sometimes strife

And a butter knife

@G-Man--When speaking of him you become the evil stepchild of Ron'd and PAMT....

www.youtube.com/watch

@G-man--excellent present to BK on the day he was released from the hospital.

Scratch my previous post about us being lenient towards our other teams (Pens and Stillers). I just read the Blog & Gold posts, LOL

Thanks JAL, now I'm craving green eggs and ham for dinner.

@BK  Excellent comeback on the whines

@G-Man--I am honored to accept your gracious award. I shall wear it with honor.

tedkin and 60ft -

It's cool that you guys like Adam. I respect your opinion. Obviously, you know I'm not a fan of his. What I will say to support my feelings about his split season approach to the game is to look at this season. The team had a decent (by Pirates standards) first half. If Adam had put up his 2nd half numbers spread out through the spring when others were providing offense, how more many games would we have won this year? Instead, he's hammering the ball now when we lose almost every game because the team was dismantled. If it was a case of having one bad spring, I could overlook it. But he's done it every year with us and also Atlanta. And in his flip comments to DK last week, he stated he's unwilling to do extra work in the offseason to try to overcome this problem. It's hard for me to respect a guy with an attitude like that, especially when he wants a big raise on his $5 million next year. Just my opinion.

P.S. I still can't change my display name.

@JAL--Thank you...I am just trying to figure out  how to add P13's rusty scissors to your wonderful prose.

BillyKidd -

Who knew there was footage of my ex-wife on You Tube? :)

teckin43 -

>>I still can't change my display name<<

I, too, wondered if one could do that. There does not appear to be any feature to do it. Have you tried re-registering under a different name just like it was your first time? I don't know if they will let you have two identities under one e-mail address, though. You might just re-register with an alternate e-mail address since it's so easy to get extra e-mails from Yahoo et al.

@diehard-I did not realize it would influence culinary desires :)

@BK

Pirata 13 has some scissors rusty

That slice all things very crusty

And cuts posts that are musty

Rusty Scissors are very trusty

JAL,

You're threatening to replace Jose Lind's Pants as our resident Poet Laureate.

On the news you can't use side--

No that it should matter much any more but Shyam Das the arbitrator has ties to the burgh

"Since 1977 he has been self employed as an arbitrator, having previously worked at the University of Pittsburgh Law School as a professor from 1971 through 1977.

AS OF 2001--

"Of his 120 cases decided, Arbitrator Das has sided with management 44 times, the union 51 times, and has issued a split decision 25 times"

But don't worry, Pants.

You're inimitable and irreplaceable.

@JL-Since neither of us can be here all the time I think we could split the duties :)

JAL,

We'll platoon you guys.

A few comments about Andy LaRoche:

I heard at the time of the trade that he was the exact opposite of Adam. He is hot early and then he dies in the latter part of the season.

Also, do you think they may have gotten him in the trae to try and boost the production of Adam by setting up a bit of sibling rivalry? Andy may bring out more in Adam just by competition between the two than all the off season training would.

BK welcome back. I hope you are feeling better.

As I have rolled this PA signing around today I still have one major puzzlement.  How much of what was said in the past is true.  We were told the main issue was whether the signing deadline as set up in the collective bargaining agreement was violated.  If that was the issue how can the union go along with a contract signed this long after the deadline?   That would destroy all meaning of the signing deadline.  Under the agreement can the union and MLB agree to extend the deadline?  If so, then there is nothing to arbitrate.  If they did not agree then even if the arbitrator rules in favor of MLB wouldn't there be a another round on the new contract?  Just plain confusing.

@JL

Two poets were on the blog

Neither could be a poem hog

A platoon JL said

Would be better instead

Of taking one out to flog

@JAL--My take on your above post is that I think both sides MLB/MLBPA saw that this was going to become a nightmarish pandoras box potentially costing both sides to defend vigorously and therby costs millions of dollars with the possibilty of now real winner. I need to look back at DK's article but I think there was mention that both sides may have quietly urged this come to Jesus meeting and please get it resolved. I honestly felt all along that there would be no winners and only losers if this went to court.

Lion 43 - Sorry, my mistake.  I do realize that about the 40/25 man rosters but obviously wasn't thinking this morning when I posted.  I'm just anxious to see PA in action and am disappointed, as I'm sure we all are, that he won't get any minor league action this year.  Hopefully, he'll take the AFL by storm and this whole ordeal will be easier for all to put behind them.  If he's as good as advertised, I would love to see him get a fair shot at the job in the spring.  I know a lot of people will say he's not ready but isn't that what a number of "experts" were saying this year when the Rays sent Longoria down at the start of the year?

BTW, I like Andy L. and think he's just under a lot of pressure.  It would be nice to have a decision to make between 2 good, young 3rd sackers.

JAL:  The union and MLB can settle the grievance any way they want, and my understanding is that they are the only parties to the grievance.

speaking of whiners, here's something to get you started:

SI's Jon Heyman (as reported in mlb trade rumors) reports that the Yanks are interested in Nate McLouth as their centerfielder for next year.

The link: www.mlbtraderumors.com/.../heymans-lates-6.html

I like both LaRoche brothers...I think there's a chance Adam can get that back woken up earlier in the season.  Maybe it will help that everything will be extended out next year due to the World Baseball Classic.  

And Andy is getting his first serious playing time in the Majors, if I'm not mistaken.  I think he's okay.  He's  made errors, but it sounds like they're working with him.  And he hit several solid balls yesterday, just right at people.

And apparently the Yanks aren't happy with taking our best right fielder, now they want our centerfielder too?  Geez Louise!    ;-)

there once was young las named pirata

whose got the boys thinking they gotta

clean her rusty sissors

give her flowers and furs

just because they think they oughtta

Why else would they all like rusty crusty and musty in the same line?  

Its a hoot reading what everyones thoughts are pertainning to our next years roster.  This alone should keep the blogg up.

I did want to see Ronnie catch a few games.  Thats a puzzle why he was just shut down so to speak.

Any updates on the coming to agreement before the hearing tomorrow?

Now that I saw Dorf pitch yesterday, my take on his delivers he is tired.  He seemed at times to me to be throwing his body trying to get the pitch there.

@AlaskaBucco- If he's as good as advertised, I would love to see him get a fair shot at the job in the spring.

Even if PA is lights out in spring, you still send him down for a month or so like the Rays did with Longoria. It saves the Bucs a year of his service time.

I was on espn trading remarks with a disgruntled ex fan.I almost had to give a virtual butt kicking.I told the whiner in 3 years our outfield would have 3 guys (Nate,Taba , and Cutch) with 20hrs,20 sb,and 85-95 rbi.Not sure where that leaves Moss,but if you figure Pedro in there I'd say that sounds pretty offensive

DMac--Unfortunately for the better part of the losing streak the PBC has been nothng but a Professional Farm Club/MLB Training Facility for the "haves and wanna be's" of the MLB. Bonds started that trend.

So now the Yanks have McClouth in their sights? "Buyer's Remorse" Cashman must be feeling uppity about the last trade he pulled off with us. Well, Neal and Frank, if you're sincere about building a winning ball club, you can start with McClouth and Doumit. They're home grown boys who play the right way and will make Pittsburgh a winner, if given the chance. Just take a look at what happened to this year's attendance if you have any notions about breaking the fan's hearts again.

Gotcha, BK...my rookie-ness is showing, I guess.  :)

I suppose it's too much to hope that NH and FC put their feet down.  I'd hate to see Nate or Ryan go anywhere.

And Hell's Bells, I forgot about having to make a spot for Dumatrait too!  

I might have leaped before I lept. After checking out Juan P's link, that looks pretty gossipy about the Yanks wanting McClouth. It's attributed to the Yankee's "lockerroom." Still, if the Yanks ever do come a callin' for Nate, don't even take that call, Neal. Unless it's on your speaker-phone while your sitting on the toilet, as you tell Cashman, "Don't know why, but I was JUST thinking of you, Brian."

DMac--You are not a rookie in anyone's book here. Not by a long shot.

G-man

I tried another name under the same email, didn't work. Next is the second email acct.

Thanks for the info.

I think the McLouth talk is just chatter.Even the site says DeJesus  is the most reasonable target.  With the Yankees all but done for the year (done tonight if Boston comes back) they know they need more than a quick fix.  The Pirates would more for McLouth than the Yankees would be willing to give.

As much as I like Nate, lets not be too hasty. We have Cutch and Tabata on the horizon and Moss is looking pretty good. If they could land a solid middle infielder for Nate I think I would take a close look at that trade. Not talking a prospect, but a "sure thing" type player ready for the majors. Outfield is the only real area of strength to make trades, not to mention we have 3 or 4 center fielders. Lets not rule anything out.

@maz- 3 years is a ways away to be projecting but it's fun nonetheless.  I'd see with that outfield, Moss at first, Pedro at 3rd, and LaRoche at 2nd.

@BK & Arriba Wilver--Thanks for takes on the MLB and union

@tedkin43 Good luck on figuring out something

@BattlinBucs --that leaves SS--Maybe next year's draft choice?

@BattlinBucs  I think it's possible,not probable.Not sure about Lil La at 2nd unless he takes ballet lessons

Aw, thanks, BK...I am slightly new to the PBC though, just not new to baseball.  However I have taken this team to heart, like my adopted city.  I see good things with this team...really good things.  Nate and Ryan are two of the very good things. Maholm, too, and Capps.

I don't think NH will part with Nate easily though.   From what I understand, neither McCutchen nor Tabata are ready for the Pirates' yet and won't be rushed.  And as much as I like Duffy, I would be very surprised if NH opts for Duffy over Nate after Nate's fantastic season.  Besides, how ticked off would the rest of the fans be if Nate the Great got traded, especially after JBay and Xman?

They drafted 2 ss in last year's draft in the top 10.Arnaud and Mercer

Then i guess they won't be going after another SS this draft.  

@JAL  You never know.I think they had  3rd sacker that killed the ball after the draft and soon they may have a glut thereThe guys name was Matt Hague I think.He only played a short time,but he hit great.

It also leaves out Walker too...I'm excited for the pitching prospects in 3 years too...Mosk...er Morris, Lincoln, Olendorf, Maholm, Karstens, Doumatrait, Snell, Gorzo...if the front office uses the draft wisely and allocates money properly we might have a pretty fun product to watch in a few years.

Just checkin' in and out -- mostly to leave a bookmark, so I know where to start reading in the morning; looks like there was a little fun with NHostage after I left.  If he'd bother to read the whole blog instead of just posting and running, he'd see that a lot of us have lives.  

And for those of you who do have lives thanks for letting us see a bit of them.  For my part I saw a rough legged hawk and a harrier on the way home tonight -- spent the evening with a dozen or so friends.   One of them is clearing some timber and wondered if we could use a couple of cords of firewood this winter.  Spent the morning trying to figure out what to do in the phys. ed. market, and the afternoon working out a front end for a database application.  There may have a been a donut in there somewhere, too.

And all through it there were little baseball breaks.  Yeah, I mentioned the server being slow, because I do have other things to do with my time.  Baseball is a passion, but life, now, that's real.  People here have been talking about their families, jobs, interests, health, and fantasies...  and a few poor souls keep singing one sad song.  I'm not whining NHostage, but we keep inviting you and a few others to participate, and you keep driving us away.  

It's not your opinions -- many here share your thoughts comfortably and eloquently, but you seem to be angry at everybody and everything, and I'm sorry it puts people off.  Relax, enjoy the company instead.  You'll feel better about yourselves and the world if you do.

@BattlinBucs    Another Pizza dude.You are the 3-4 za man on this blog.You know there's no way the pitching can be this bad next year.So next year they learn and in 2010 they compete.Things are looking up believe it or not

@maz- yeah I'm actually at the shop now.  

Things really are not as dark as they seem in Pirateland.  I think NH did a great job getting some talent into the system.  A lot of competition for a few spots will make them all better ball players.

tedkin43 wrote re: Next step in Alvarez matter is resolution between MLB, union on grievance

on Mon, Sep 22 2008 6:45 PM

I suppose this is yet another exercise in futility, but I guess I'm just a glutton for punishment.

Andy Laroche gets booed a lot, but is it because of his play or his last name? He comes to a new team, traded for one of that team's great players and fails to live up to the perceived value (#1 PROSPECT on a playoff-bound team), but what is the difference between hero and zero? One hit every 6 ABS. Think about it: 2 for 6 (.333), hero; 1 for 6 (.167), zero. If he fields at a .950 rate for the year that would be acceptable for a 3rd baseman, even if the errors all came at in a short period of time. He hears the boos folks, trust me. Would we really rather have Joey Bats back? Also bear in mind, Andy was not the only player received for Bay, but he seems to be the one taking all the heat. Hardly seems fair, does it?

Obviously I like the Brothers LaRoche. Most here don't seem to feel the same way. Good thing we give the perceived heroes on our other teams more slack when they stumble, as they all do from time-to-time.

Pittsburgh has a commodity only 28 other cities have: a Major League baseball team. Maybe we as fans should be a little more lenient as that teams tries to regain former greatness. Let's give them more than 1 year before we tar and feather them. After all, it took 16 years to get to this point.

Still keeping the faith for over 50 years.

GUY YOU'RE WAY OFF THE MARK--THIS ISNT FAIRY TALE LAND.....YEA----LETS GIVE THEM 20 MORE YRS....WHAT ANOTHER 1/5TH CENTURY OF STINKING----AND THE ANALOGY ABOUT 1 FOR 6 BEING JUST A WEE BIT LESS THAT 2 FOR 6----THIS ISNT EVEN WORTHY OF COMMNET---AND YEA--I'D RATHR HAVE BAUTISTA THAN LAROCHE--- ARE YOU KIDDING ME....THE GUYS IS AWFUL--MAYBE 2 OR 3 OTHER TEAM WOULD HAVE HIM ON THEIR 25 MAN ROSTER--AND AS A BACKUP AS THAT

WAKE UP PEOPLE