Morning links: A Mientkiewicz return?

THE OFFICIALLY UNOFFICIAL PBC BLOGS AND MLB LINKS:

- Bucs Dugout: SFG Sign Howry, PBC Attempt To Recreate 90’s Expos Continues:

http://www.bucsdugout.com/

- WHYAVS: Coonelly “Expect A Rule 5 Move”, It’s Time To Trade JW:

http://whygavs.com/

- MVN PBC: Pirate Revolution: Two Homers For Ronnie And A Save For Hernandez Does Neil Walker Have A Future With The PBC:

http://mvn.com/mlb/pirates/

- Raise the Jolly Roger: PirateFest Plans Announced Jan23-25, What To Do With Jason Davis:

www.raisethejollyroger.com

- The Burgh Blues: Party Planner: Invites For Spring:

theburghblues.mlblogs.com

- The Green Weenie: Afraid Of The Dark:

www.oldbucs.blogspot.com

-MLB Blogs: Hot Stove And Other MLB Blogs: HOF 2009 Who Will It Be:

pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/blogs

PBC NEWS & NOTES (TODAY’S TOP PBC STORIES):

- PBC Homepage: FC Answers Your Questions And More:

pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/index.jsp

MLB WEBSITES:

- Baseball America: www.baseballamerica.com/today

- ESPN: sports.espn.go.com/.../index

- Fox Sports:  http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb

- MLB: http://mlb.com

- MLB trade rumors: http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/

- Sports Illustrated: sportsillustrated.cnn.com/.../mlb

- Sporting News: www.sportingnews.com/mlb

- USA Today: www.usatoday.com/.../default.htm

HEAR YE! HEAR YE! HEAR YE! HEAR YE!

WHO:

ALL INMATES OF THE ASYLUM

WHAT:

GATHERING III A and III B

WHEN:

2 DATES

III A: SATURDAY 06 DECEMBER 1:00 PM

III B: SUNDAY 07 DECEMBER 1:00 PM

WHERE:

III A: DUNKIN DONUTS, MARKET SQUARE

III B: VINCENTS PIZZA, MANSFIELD AVE. GREENTREE

WHY:

TO WISH YOUR FELLOW INMATES A HAPPY HOLIDAYS.

SEE YOU THERE!

HEAR YE HEAR YE HEAR YE

G-3 (A&B)    ATTENDANCE CHECK

ALL IF YOU WOULD PLEASE HELP ME OUT BY SENDING ME AN EM AND LET ME KNOW WHICH OR BOTH GATHERING'S YOU MAY BE ATTENDING. PLEASE ONLY SEND THE EM IF YOU ARE THINKING OF ATTENDING

I WILL SEE YOU AT BOTH GATHERINGS.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME

SEND TO:    billabraham2004@yahoo.com

To DD and Jodi a SINCERE and Heart Felt Thank You to the two of you for what you brought and gave to the PBC and its fans. We all sincerely hope you will both be back for the 09 season.

If not the time you spent here has left us with the fondest memories of how the game is to be played. Please know you will be missed and if you return in a rival uni you will be welcomed back and cheered as you take the field and as you step into the batter box...After that all bets are off as we still root for our PBC. :)

Jodi a continued and speedy recovery. You will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.

Take care and God Bless you both.  

<<Rob Rogers, is tough on the club>>

But Man o Man is he right...

Seeing the quote from DM that the Bucs had that last say put a smile on my face.  I'm glad he has enjoyed his time as a Bucco as much as we have loved watching his scrappy attitude on the field.  He's the spark that would continue to move this organization in the right direction.

I'll second you Billy on the continued and speedy recovery for Jodi.

Late Additon to the ML's Courtesy of Irate Fan, Thank you.

Hot Stove Signings

sportsillustrated.cnn.com/.../index.html

SIGN DD!!!

That is it for me I am done.

Good morning everyone. Have a great day.

See you in a few hours.

Hearing that DM would give NH a last shot is not surprising since we all knew all along what a stand-up guy he is. Also very interesting that Branyan had an offer from the Bucs. I wonder if he signed for extra money, or did the Pirates' recent history of losers have anything to do with it?

Hang in there, Jodi Mientkiewicz. Sorry to here about the new bout with that virus. If I could smash it for your with my own fingers, I would. But you're going to lick it, anyway. You're a Mientkiewicz!

Come on, DD! We still need you HERE! Be the face of Operation 'Right the Ship!' More than any other news, this off-season, I'm waiting to see that we re-sign you. Pure selfishness on my part. But rooting for you on the Pirates makes this middle-aged guy feel like a kid about again...

@PI--<Branyan>>

DK may know. IMO it was probably some of both.

@PI--<Branyan>

While not promised, it looks as though Branyan will be the starting at 1B. Something he was not going to do here...

After looking at his stats I am not sure why we would want him or what role he would play, other than a "1M+ Value signing", I think Pearce could/might do as well. Just from the R side of the plate,

One good thing that comes out of this for us DD fans, at least he is not going there to play 1B.  

Ok I need to run. Be back soon.

Morning Links part 3

This Week's Jack Wilson Post

www.blessyouboys.com/.../this-week-s-jack-wilson-po

Miscik named Stars manager

www.al.com/.../index.ssf

Pondering My Ballot for the Baseball HOF

www.myrtlebeachonline.com/.../695294.html

Baseball and "Not So" Great Depression

bleacherreport.com/.../88698-baseball-and-not-so-great-depression

Cubs' Hendry adds Eljaua to his staff

chicago.cubs.mlb.com/.../article.jsp

ValleyCats Have A New Skipper

wnyt.com/.../S689600.shtml

@Billykidd

Nice job on wishing DD and Jodi the best.

I second your thoughts!

DD and Jodi - We'd all love to see you come back.  As Pirate fans, I think we're all honored, in a way, that we've had an impact on your family, and that a player of your caliber would so openly consider coming back.

On Branyan - A left handed, power hitting 1B was offered a one-year contract?  Is this telling about the organizations view of Adam?  (Adam, wherever you are - and whatever you're shooting at today - I hope you get the early season thing straightened out, whether you stay here or not.  You're a quality guy.)

But i'm still advocating for DD/Pearce at first.

Last thought - the Orioles are interested in Jack Wilson.  The Pirates want prospects.  Jack Wilson, Adam LaRoche, and Danny Moskos for Matt Weiters!

If any Pirate fan didn't love DD before today, they have to now.   I would not begrudge him leaving for even less money than the Pirates would offer if he thinks he has a better chance to start somewhere else.  I would begrudge the Pirates if they let him leave for a higher offer as a reserve somewhere else.  I tend to think that this veteran presence, etc.schtick is usually overrated, but Dougie is in a different class and fits the 'burgh and the PBC so well that he is worth way more than his stats, which aren't bad for a reserve.  And he could at least platoon at first for April and May here and be a backfill for AnLa if he doesn't improve. Although he may have to change his last name to LaRoche.

Diehard and I throw in any catcher in the system other than ryan  had you thinkiing there for a second POH.

srsly do you think they would give Matt up for anything at this point?

Hi, all.  Every day this week, the news has been good.  Actually, what I mean is that I have enjoyed every article since DK came back and there's been good stuff in each one.  Today is no exception.  It warms my heart to hear what DD said and I add to the good wishes for him and his wife.  I hope for our sake that he comes back.

I'm off for a few days.  Here's hoping for more good stuff while I'm gone.

Capn

Enjoy the time off

Khalil Greene is a part of the NL Central now:

mlb.mlb.com/.../article.jsp

If memory serves me correctly and if there was any credence to the prior rumors, this is at least the third time that Branyan has nearly become a Pirate, the first being when he was an outfielder with the Indians and the second, I believe, sometime during his first stint with the Brewers. I guess hope springs eternal with the vision of this big lefty taking advantage of PNC's right field dimensions.

Other hot stove news:

ESPN2 will air "Baseball Tonight" hot stove edition at 5pm next week Mon-Thursday.  There is also an airing at 1230am Friday morning (late tonight).  

At least that will get us closer to the Jan 1st date and the MLB network.  A little baseball talk in December is much welcomed.

Bucs/Braves spring game in Orlando on Feb 27th will probably be an ESPN telecast.  This is the same weekend called "ESPN the weekend" at Disney World and they always show the first spring training game on that Friday.  This happened in 2007 when the Bucs/Braves game aired so watch for that announcement and we'll see if it comes true.  Braves/Dodgers were the first game aired in 2008.

Cards hope Greene returns to 2007 form--more likely to return to 2005-2006 form --hit around .250 and pop about 15 HR--that would upgrade their offense.  Of course he could also have another .210 with 10 HR year.

Good Morning, Billy, BucsFanCents80, JAL, Capn, JJ, Arriba, MadTurk & anyone else lurking ... BattlinBucs, welcome back!

@DK - "Be very sure that Branyan would have become the first Pirate to plunk one in the Allegheny on the fly."

I was curious why you would say something like that, not knowing much about Branyan. Then I read this from the Wikipedia entry on Branyan's brief stay (2008) in Milwaukee:

"Branyan holds the record for three of the 5 longest home runs ever hit in Miller Park. On May 31, shortly after his return to the majors, he hit a 465 foot home run into the "Dew Deck" in the right field bleachers of the stadium helping the Brewers gain a 4-1 win."

But even at that, if he'd have signed here, I would figure Nate or Adam would have just as good a chance at being the first ones to pop one in the water on the fly.

All - Encouraged like the rest of you at Mientkiewicz' response, both to how much he enjoyed being here, AND his desire to start on a team ... I think the latter aspect makes more sense to me now. He's just a great competitor.

Good morning to you Baywatch,

Yep Branyan is the Adam Dunn type with less playing time.  Still gets his share of homers, but also a ton of stirkeouts which is usually why he is a platoon type or even off the bench type of player.

I have loosely been following Russell Branyan for years, ever since I witnessed him clout a home run at PNC Park off the Jumbotron. I recall this happening when he was with Milwaukeen a few years ago. Anyone else remeber this? Or was I dreaming?  Anyway, Branyan is 2008's version of Dave Kingman. Lots of power, but tons of strike outs and a terrible batting average. Eh. Adam LaRoche is filling that void for the Pirates already.

As for Doug M., I love his intensity and guidance, but remember folks, we need WINS!!!  Doug would be good as a player/coach thing. But his starting days are over. 2 HR's, no matter how animated he is, ain't cutting it.

Considering the effect Don Long had on Bay, Nady, and Doumit last year - not to mention Ryan Howard when he was in the Phillies' organization - if his track record continues, I wonder what impact a guy like Long will have on the thought process of someone like Branyan.  (ie "If this guy could help me eliminate 10% of my strikeouts, I could hit 45 HR's and rasie my average 15 points.")  Especially on potential one year contract guys looking for a bigger payday in a year.

Dang, we coulda traded Jack for Khalil Greene straight up ... or even if we'd have thrown in Grabow or somebody. All the Padres wanted was a couple of relief pitchers! Of course, we'd have to take on Greeney's salary, 7.5 million.

Hard to know about these young people. He's only 28, hit 27 home runs, 97 RBIs in 2007, but then punched a locker and missed the last two months last year with a broken hand.

Go figure.

Good Morning all!

I really hope Dougie re-signs here.  It seems he had a great impact on a few of the younger guys -- Nate and Ryan -- not to mention the excitement he brings when he's on the field.  It was great to see some fire out there last season.

Thanks to BucsFan for the info on ST...That could be an interesting game to go to, if one were to happen to be in Florida that weekend.  

@LZ--<<But his starting days are over. 2 HR's, no matter how animated he is, ain't cutting it.>>

I think most in here will agree with your above statement. I do. If AdLa can not get it going until July though. A DD/SP platoon MAY give you the same 1st 3 month results. With a L/R platoon combo. It will probably never happen. But the PBC has to keep all potential options open and available. Especially if Pearce learned to hit the off-speed stuff.

The best part of the talk with Doug was the class he showed.  Saying he would make his last call to NH before signing a contract because he appreciated what NH did for him last year is something too few players do.  

I should extend that last post--it is something too few people do in our current society.

It wasn't that long ago when J-Bay and Khalil were being mention together and not just because they both were in the SD system at one time.  Think back to 2004.  Remember when people (i.e. experts on ESPN and other outlets) were saying Khalil deserved the ROY because he played shortstop?  Anyone think he is the better player these days?  ha I think not.

I see BK has returned from whatever nefarious deeds he was up to :)

From yesterdays PBC Chat with FC:

Interesting Q's from my viewpoint...Interested to read what you think

Q # 2 by bucsin09--<<40 Man / Rule 5>>

q # 6 by 21sarge--<<What FC likes about job>> I would like to think there is a loose reference to the Asylum G2 about intelligent passionate fans.

pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/.../article.jsp

I Love Jack, but if we could have recieved Greene I would ahve welcomed it. Hitting in Petco Park in SD isn't easy. Greene would have been a nice pickup.  Plus I sense from Jack that he wants to retire pretty soon. Why not let him get his final year of two close to home out West?  

@JAL--<nefarious deeds>

Crap you figured out I was at the nursing home dumping the residents out of their wheelchairs.

Final thought about Greene, if it hasn't been mentioned yet, he was born in utler, PA? I didn't know that. I wonder when he left.  And his blonde hair would fit in well with Nate, Jason Michaels. Call 'em the Blonde Boys of the Burgh. (Pretty good??)

"The Pirates...well they're the Pirates."

Watch the NL Central Hot stove report with Karl Ravech.  They put us in there in the last 2.5 seconds of the video clip.  Hilarious.

sports.espn.go.com/.../clubhouse

@bucsfan--<<ESPN>>

Unless it is a large mkt team I have come to figure out that ESPN could care less and glosses over everyone else with as minimal coverage as possible.

@BK...I was intrigued by the ansser to the Q on the Rule 5 draft and the 40 man roster.  If they plan to be below 40, who do suppose is going to be dropped?

RE:  nefarious deeds..."at the nursing home dumping the residents out of their wheelchairs"   And you give me heck for stalking?   ;-)

The 2nd and 3rd stories on the clip IS THE REAL STORY From Outside the Lines OTL

It is about trying to retire Mr. Clemente's #21 from baseball...A very nice set of stories....

sports.espn.go.com/.../clubhouse

BK,

Oh I know, it must have pained them to have to talk about the Rays all season.  Bet they are not hoping for a repeat performance.

Yeah that has been on there for a few months.  It aired shortly after Roberto Clemente day in Sept.

@DMac--< And you give me heck for stalking?>>

Little do you know I was wearing a DMac mask, and asking the residents and staff if I could book their holiday travel packages....

@bucs--<ESPN>

If it is not NY/Boston/Chicago/LA.....Yeah the Rays thing had their blood boiling. As it relates to revenue per mkt I understand. The problem with their thinking is if the small mkt viewership dips nationwide they are in big trouble. I have been watching FSN late night for my National Sports fix. The Rundown I think it is called.

BK

Nothing like the ability to disguise oneself as others.  Now we must wonder how many of the stories in the PG are really you

State Rep. Wagner says she won't run for mayor--Wagner or BK?

In a Clearfield County cornfield, a 39-year-old hunter became a victim of a black bear attack.--bear or BK

Roethlisberger tweaks knee, probably 'not serious'--Big Ben or BK

and so on and on and on

ESPN is that way with all sports.  Three or four teams get 90% of the coverage.  

@JAL--<ability to disguise oneself>

Wait till you see what they have to say about "YOUR" next visit to the National Press Club for lunch...When "YOU" show up in nothing but a Trench Coat.

@BK...Great...now I'll be blacklisted by older Pittsburghers.  And where did you offer to send those poor misguided souls? You didn't try to send them to the clothing optional resort in Jamaica, did you?

I would love nothing better than to hear ESPN have to say good things about the Pirates.  And I hope they choke on it after all the mean things they've said.  

@DMac--<send those poor misguided souls>

I billed Hedonism Resort as the new up and coming retirement community...Compared favorably to the Villages of FL...

BK

Touche  :)

Now I must be off for some of my own nefarious deeds

Back to BB Talk..I was wondering the same thing DMac...Who on the 40 Man may be moved (per FC's comments) to make room for any R5's...

PBC is carrying 22 Arms

No way they move any OF off that list

Maybe Ronny Paulino, Robinson Diaz or Raul Chavez from the Catchers

IF positions Bixler, Cruz, Freddie, JW.

IMO.

40-man...

I think a pitcher or 2, maybe one of the catchers you mentioned.  I doubt Diaz, is one though, since he's a fairly recent acquisition.  Either Chavez isn't being offered a contract, or Paulino's getting moved.  

I'm not sure on the IF positions, unless JW is traded, or something like that.

You're right on the OF...none of them will be going off, barring an expected trade.  

I'll guess we'll find out soon enough.  

Another Q about the 40 Man...Who do they move off if DD and or JMike is resigned? It may have to be someone from the Catching or Pitching Ranks....

As someone who follows both the Reds and Pirates, it seems that the Buccos are actually TRYING to completely rid me as a fan and send me back to my RedLegs roots.

First of all, the news of Turnblow absolutely floored me.  He's got the tools, but his performance flat out stinks.  The Bucs don't need any reclamation projects.

Then I saw soemthing about Loretta.  Just what the Bucs need, a 37-year-old has-been.

And now the news that re-signing Mientkiewicz is not an absolute slamdunk?  Give DM the winter to hone his skills at the position, and he is our starting 3B man until Alvarez is ready.  Let's face it; Andy LaRoche is terrible and has no business being in the big leagues, much less anywhere on the field in front of a hardnosed leader like Mientkiewicz.

What's next, are they going to make a run at Eric Gagne?

As someone who follows both the Reds and Pirates, it seems that the Buccos are actually TRYING to completely rid me as a fan and send me back to my RedLegs roots.

First of all, the news of Turnblow absolutely floored me.  He's got the tools, but his performance flat out stinks.  The Bucs don't need any reclamation projects.

Then I saw soemthing about Loretta.  Just what the Bucs need, a 37-year-old has-been.

And now the news that re-signing Mientkiewicz is not an absolute slamdunk?  Give DM the winter to hone his skills at the position, and he is our starting 3B man until Alvarez is ready.  Let's face it; Andy LaRoche is terrible and has no business being in the big leagues, much less anywhere on the field in front of a hardnosed leader like Mientkiewicz.

What's next, are they going to make a run at Eric Gagne?

@BK--

Back to BB Talk..I was wondering the same thing DMac...Who on the 40 Man may be moved (per FC's comments) to make room for any R5's

   Here are a few guys you can take off the roster, remember if someone does not pick them up you can still keep them. None of these guys is going to help us win more than another 67 games.

Bautista, Denny

Chavez, Raul

Barthmaier, Jimmy

Beam, T.J

Davidson, David

Davis, Jason

@RedBuc--<With your first (double) post allow me to welocme you to the Asylum. You are now an official Inmate. Thanks for joining.

@ RedBuc

Turnbow - agree with you there. No need for another Hansen, and that only IF he's healthy.

Loretta - there was some good discussion about this the other day. If he's envisaged as a bench replacement for Rivas and comes with a commensurate cost, then I am all for it. When in the line-up, he will at least be a legitimate #2 hitter, which they lack.

Dougie Ballgame - I am all for him being on the team but if he is the starting 3b, then maybe I should start looking into the Reds (just kidding). Laroche excelled in the minors and is still young, so giving him another shot makes sense, as there may be something there. That's at least attempting to build for the future. Putting a 34-year-old power anemic DD at the hot corner there just does not make sense to me. He himself joked that his fielding impacted his wife's health.

Just my poultry-laden thoughts.

From DK's notes: <The Pirates' streak of not raising prices -- which goes back to 2002 and Bottled-watergate -- is the longest in the sport.>

Is it just me, or should the Pirates openly commit to not raising prices until they have a winning season?  It would really show that they understand our frustration and would provide accountability and a tangible incentive to field a winning team.  It also would, I would think, be a concrete sign that Things Are Different Now (TM).  'Til now, everything has seemed to be talk, and "Trust me.  We're stocking the system."  "Trust me, when we start winning, we'll spend."  "Trust me, we want to win, and it matters almost as much as making money, if not just as much.  Since the two go hand in hand, you'll recall.  Rlly."

Am I that far off the mark?  For me, at least, such a commitment would show me, if not the whole pony, at least a saddle, or some hooves!

...A boy can dream...

@RedBucs--<And now the news that re-signing Mientkiewicz is not an absolute slamdunk?  Give DM the winter to hone his skills at the position, and he is our starting 3B man until Alvarez is ready.>>

We knew early on that DM was going to look to make a move to another team if given the opportunity. He deserves that opportunity. He made 7 or 8 errors last season all coming at 3B. By every indicator he is NOT and never will be a regular at 3B. He is a gamer and will play any position asked of him to the very best of ability. His position of trade is 1B. That is the position he desires to play as he looks in the FA mkt.  

@leadoff, the only one I don't agree with is Chavez, unless Diaz is going to be the new backup for Doumit.

I'm good with the rest though.

@RedBuc...it never was a slam dunk that Dougie would re-sign.  He's made no secret about wanting to see if someone would let him start.  It is very good to hear that he's going to give the Pirates the last word though.

Sir--

I don't know about your saddles and hooves, whatever?

The Pirates tickets are the 2nd lowest priced tickets in the Major Leagues, so many complaints about the Pirates spending money on high priced ballplayers, but nobody wants to PONY up at the gate.

Just had to get something in there to go with those saddles and hooves.

@DMac-

I like Chavez as a back up catcher a lot, the reason that I would take him off the 40 man roster is because no body is going to pick him up, I would then resign him to a minor league contract, then he would still be in the system if I needed him, Diaz or Paulino would fight it out now for the backup, have to do something with Paulino, he is too good for AAA, not good enough to beat out Doumit.

@leadoff

I imagine we'll be the lowest for 2009.  It was AZ at the bottom in 2008 I think.  Pretty sure we were 28th or 29th in 2008, but Tampa won't be in that picture any longer.

@RedBucs  we could probably bring Julio Franco in so he can celebrate his 51st birthday with us.  

Noon Link

Tigers interested in Rangers Catcher...(may throw a kink in the JW negotiations)

mlb.mlb.com/.../article.jsp

Not to cause a stampede of ants or anything - but a new link is up.  Jack Wilson to the Tigers by DK - nonconfirmed)

Hello inmates

It was nice to read that Doug has a strong connection to the team and us fans, and that he while he obviously wants to start, he enjoyed his role here.

"John Russell was adamant about letting me be me, like it or love it or hate it. And I think it rubbed off on the guys that needed to hear it."

That's what we love about him.

JW traded to Tigers

could be very interesting with the return with Renteria all but signed with the giants and greene traded the carninals, maybe the tigers got nervous and gave us a great offer.

I think to an extent, you have to let guys be who they are....especially when it's someone like Dougie.  He's such a firecracker in the clubhouse, it sounds like, and I can't believe it doesn't help at all.

Leadoff

I do not think Jimmy Barthmaier will be moved off.  He has been mentioned as one the pitchers who will be looked at in spring training for one of the spots on the team.

RedBuc --

Easy there. Don't get driven away. Loretta is a Pirate killer and has been - he wouldn't be a bad acquisition. Turnbow on the other hand is not going to be a good idea and no one can make me believe it. But talking is talking.

As for the Jack news, if the boss said no on the PBC end, no means no. If it turns out later it was yes, someone has some 'splaining to do. Srsly.

leadoff: re: Pony: Goes back a few weeks, I guess, to when we were discussion how to judge performance: words vs. actions.  Somebody mentioned a quote they attributed to Reagan, saying, roughly, "I've seen the sh--, now show me the pony"  Note that I don't even remember the quote correctly, but that was the gist.  Does anyone else remember the exact reference?

@DK - From above, sorry. I meant to say "I was curious why you would say something like that, ME not knowing much about Branyan." As it was, it sounds like I was saying YOU not knowing much about Branyan."

@Chicken - "Just my poultry-laden thoughts."

You da man, Chickie Baby!

PoH <<As for the Jack news, if the boss said no on the PBC end, no means no. If it turns out later it was yes, someone has some 'splaining to do. Srsly.>>

He only denied that a trade was not made, not that one wasn't in the works.

We all know DD bat is not up to snuff with all corner IFs,but with all the bad habits young players show up with(Raggedy Andy not hustling per example) he might be worth a game or two,just cause kids listen.I'm sure in practice the kids listen to someone who experience as a winner,but can also tell it like it is.BTW I wonder what DD thinks about being called Dirty Doug as we all know most of the team reads this blog?Best wishes to Jodi.One more thing or two....DD is the last one I'd want to meet in a dark alley and also NO way I'd want to play pepper with.My glove hand would be sore for a week!

Sir & leadoff

It was said that one of Ronald Reagan's favorite sayings at cabinet meetings was

“Now that  I’ve seen all the manure, show me the pony.”

uglyken - I know he was saying "no" to a done deal. Could still happen.

If it does - we'll see Jack at PNC this summer when the Tigers come to town. I have those games circled on my calendar because of the Tigers' first base coach - but at least we'd get to see Jack too if it ends up that way!

HEAR YE HEAR YE HEAR YE

G-3 (A&B)    ATTENDANCE CHECK

ALL IF YOU WOULD PLEASE HELP ME OUT BY SENDING ME AN EM AND LET ME KNOW WHICH OR BOTH GATHERING'S YOU MAY BE ATTENDING. PLEASE ONLY SEND THE EM IF YOU ARE THINKING OF ATTENDING

I WILL SEE YOU AT BOTH GATHERINGS.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME

SEND TO:    billabraham2004@yahoo.com

@PoH--<Games Circled/1B coach>

On a neck watching expedition?

Still.....he isn't gone yet. They've been close to a trade before. Anyway, he will not be facing many boo's when he comes back.

UglyKen - Don't get me wrong. I'm not willing him away. I would be proud to stand with the masses and cheer his appearance at PNC no matter what uni he's wearing if it comes to that.

BK - you have no idea.

All these Doug quotes remind me of the Pirates vs. Red Sox game at Spring Training. When Doug came to bat the fans - it was at the Sox summer home - went nuts. There was a lot of foul language. A lot. People were spitting and cursing and raging as he took his at bat and got on base. I was horrified. I had no idea those Boston mouth-breathers could be so hateful over an ST game.

The next day, Doug was giving me his autograph and I said "Doug, I was at the game yesterday. You need a hug or anything?"

He looked up at me (he was on the field, I was in the stands), grinned and said "Nah. For them that was nice."

That was it for me. I was a Doug fan from then on. I was thrilled he made the team and I learned quickly within the confines of PNC in the 2008 season that most every woman in Pittsburgh - of any age - has a crush on Dougie Fresh. And understandably so.

If the deal is done or gets done I think you will see space on the 40 man roster as well.  May be a couple of duds thrown in there as well.

PoH

What's up with trading Duffy and all for DM now.  Man it's hard to keep up with who you are staking next.

@Plenty - "He (Dougie)  looked up at me (he was on the field, I/Plenty was in the stands), grinned and said "Nah. For them that was nice."

ROFL

Umm...Mad?  I'm the Duffy stalker, not PoH...with her it's Doumit and she is, as BK said, a Doumit disciple and keeper of the website.  ;-)

@Dmac

Ah sorry for that, seems with all the stalkers and manlove floating about I am getting a bit confussed in my old age.

That being said...you can count me among those that do have a Dougie Fresh crush.  *grin*

Afternoon/Evening Links

Braves Make Offer To Burnett:

mlb.mlb.com/.../article.jsp

Derek Lowe Fields Offers From 2 Teams

mlb.mlb.com/.../article.jsp

The fact that Doug M. is willing to make the Pirates his last call before doing anything else is a major point why we need to sign him, and give him a starting spot. We need his fire and his spirit.

More Links:

BoSox Finalize Deal with Tazawa

sports.espn.go.com/.../story

Vasquez to Braves Deal (6 players) Complete

sports.espn.go.com/.../story

HERE IS A NEW WILSON UPDATE REGARDING LAD

sports.espn.go.com/.../story

Renteria To SFG 2 yrs 18.5M

sports.espn.go.com/.../story

I thought this should get its own post

HERE IS A NEW WILSON UPDATE REGARDING LAD

sports.espn.go.com/.../story

(AP Update @ 4:50 PM EST)