Morning links: No. 2 going, going ...

THE OFFICIALLY UNOFFICIAL PBC BLOGS AND MLB LINKS:

- Bucs Dugout: Busy Day In The Dugout Khalil Greene, JW, Jorge Julio, WTM, Russell Branyan:

http://www.bucsdugout.com/

- WHYAVS: Something Brewing On The JW Front:

http://whygavs.com/

- Wilbur Millers PBC Player Profiles: Minor News 1 LHP, 1 OF Signed As Minor League FA’s:

users.rcn.com/.../pirateprofiles.htm

- MVN PBC.: 3 Links In One Place, Pirate Revolution: Newark Ledger Star Report, Pittsburgh Lumber Co.: Wilson Rumors Heating Up, Sandlot Swashbucklers: Maldonado Pitch BOOM Cota Pitch BOOM, Pitch BOOM 2 Times In 1 Winter Ball Game:

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

- Raise the Jolly Roger: JW Traded, Just Kidding:

www.raisethejollyroger.com

- Honest Wagner: Jack Not Traded Yet As Reported By Dejan:

www.honestwagner.blogspot.com

- The Burgh Blues: Thursdays Hot Stove Roundup:

theburghblues.mlblogs.com

- The Green Weenie: On The Road To Vegas:

www.oldbucs.blogspot.com

- In Clemente Weather: Change? We Don’t Need No Stinking Change:

inclementeweather.blogspot.com

-MLB Blogs: Hot Stove And Other MLB Blogs:

pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/blogs

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

- PBC Homepage: PBC Heads To Vegas With Agenda And Money

pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/index.jsp

Since I'm still awake (barely):

71 DAYS UNTIL PITCHERS AND CATCHERS!!*

(*This countdown is currently calibrated to an unofficial reporting date of February 14th, 2009.  When the reporting date becomes official, this countdown will be recalibrated as required.  There is some rumbling out there of Feb. 17th, but nothing official that I can find.  Thank you.)

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

@SirL--What keeps you up at this hour?

You are not normally part of the late late show.

*Hmmm... thought I hit "Add."  Well, here it is again..  Maybe double-posting...*

Eh.  I was up fairly late already and decided to stick it out (unlike "jutting it out" (Hi, Bay*g*)) until the ants went marching two by two...  Plus, I thought ye might get lonely with all the other kids either lurking or asleep.

Okay, it's late.  I'd better turn in before the carriage turns back into a pumpkin.

It's been an interesting day and looks to be more of the same tomorrow.

Night all!

Jorge Julio signing anywhere is big news?  I want my wiffle ball bat to hit off him.

@SirL--kids lurking or sleeping

It has been a long and very busy day. This is kind of early to be alonr in here.

Good night D-Mac

OK I am out for the AM.

See everyone in a few hours.

Forasmuch as I always loved Chef Boyardee's Ravioli, I never got into there Beefaroni ...

Hold on there, you guys, Where do you think you're going? Gonna just leave a guy alone in the playroom of the asylum?

Gonna read through real quick, back in a few ...

Wow, looks like the Hot Stove is really heating up. I guess Jack is a goner....I think he'll eventually become a Dodger. The next question is: 'Who's at Short next season for the Bucs?' I don't see Hu as a starter, so do we intensify our negotiations with Mark Loretta? Just more fuel for that Hot Stove.......

Wow, I do believe Billy forgot these:

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

I guess the Buccos are pretty desperate to move Jack Wilson along with his salary even though they have no one else to play SS as we all saw last year when Wilson was out. It's laughable that one of the players they appear to want is a 26 yr old firstbasmen who hit all of 250 in AAA last year. Don't we already have a firstbasemen like this in Pgh? If the Pirates are insisting on trading their last valuable commondity, it sure should be for more than a journeyman minor leaguer.

I suppose none of this is surprising given that Neil Walker, who's been 5 years in the minors and hit about 230 in AAA, will compete with Andy Laroche at third in the spring. It doesn't say much about the new and improved Pirate scouting that one of the key players in the Bay trade looks to be a bust. I guess the scouts didn't pay much attention to what Laroche did when he was actually IN the major leagues instead of focusing on his minor league stats.

I used to love the Bucs, but they are such a joke now...

Morning Links Part 3

From the Windup: Use Your Collusion

mlb.fanhouse.com/.../from-the-windup-use-your-collusion

Perjury indictment against Bonds revised

www.google.com/.../ALeqM5hJdDheqd4uAqZv1qMfLet8mmHC7w

Attrition By Addition: Cubs' Foes Continue Adding Mediocre Players

bleacherreport.com/.../89014-attrition-by-addition-cubs-foes-continue-adding-mediocre-players

MLB salary increase lowest since '04

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

Free Agent Watch

today.sportingnews.com/.../20081204

@PI--<MLB Websites>

Thanks, but after a discussion with our fearless leader DK he said those links were on the Lhand side of the page and he felt did not need repeating.

That being said, as DK alwaus says this is our rooom and if you wantme to add it back in I will be more than happy to add it in.

Let me know you CRAZY people.

Good morning and a Happy Friday to all!

BF

I assume you are referring to Andy L when you say on of the players is bust.  Too early to know that.  Many players struggle their year or so.  Yesterday we were discussing Aramis Ramirez--he hit .235 in 1998 and then .179 in a short stint up in 1999.  Not saying Andy will become a good player, just that one season it too little to know.  

Good morning BillyKidd and all who may be lurking about.

BK

I like it better the way the links looked this morning.  Good job cleaning them up.

Thanks JAL

Good Morning Mad...Happy Friday.

Remember, It is Happy Hour somewhere in the World right now!

Then let me send a toast your way my friend.  drink up it's Friday and the weekend is here.

there once was a young lad named turk

who caught Billy the Kidd on the lurk

they had a very nice chat

about this and about that

much like mr. spock and captain Kirk

So far so good today. It is quiet...I hope i do not jinx that with this post.

Good Morning all and TGIF!

@BF...I think it's too early to say whether or not Andy LaRoche is a bust.  He had had limited playing time in the majors before coming here, but he's been ranked as one of the top prospects for awhile.  He was supposed to be working with Don Long over the winter, so maybe we'll see a different Andy in the spring.

@BK..."CRAZY"  -- Pot, Kettle, Black.  ;-)

Short bit on Wilson saying Pirates want Chin-Lung Hu as part of any deal

www.examiner.com/x-1100-LA-Dodgers-Examiner~y2008m12d4-Dodgers-talk-Pirates-about-SS-Wilson

Chin-Lung Hu's stats--He plays SS

minors.baseball-reference.com/players.cgi

BK

I will heading off to one of my free lunches in bit--exciting topic of tax treatment of health insurance--have my trench coat ready :)

DMac

Good morning

We are on the same page concerning Andy--see my earlier post

@JAL--Enjoy your lunch catch you this afternoon. I will notify the local authorities to look out for a man in a trench coat with Cargo's and Tenni's. ;-)

BK--won't be leaving for another half hour or so.  Want to get here about 11:30.  I can evade the authorities with ease :)

@JAL--We have an idea who the LAD are ponying up in trade but I have not heard who the DT are offering up. Do you have any clues?

BK

DK mentioned Jeff Larish and I have also seen top pitching prospect Rick Porcello  mentioned but nothing substantive that either has been offered.

I really don't understand this information that the Dodgers want the Pirates to take the majority of JW's salary.  I googled Furcal's 2008 salary and got close to $16 mil.  I know he's a better hitter than JW, but . . . they're saving by not trying to sign Furcal.

Sorry, but I feel our Buccos are in deep trouoble this upcoming 2009 season. We all witnessed first hand this year the absence of Jack Wilson. Believe me, I appreciate Bixler and Cruz, et al., and always am rooting for the little guy, etc., etc., be we are fooling ourselves if we think the Pirates can cope without Jack Wilson.  We gotta start building this team somewhere, with some talent. $7 million for Jack is not expensive, given his time and experience. It is worth every penny. Keep Jack, for gosh sakes, and let the rebuilding begin.  

Wow, Hu is listed at 152 ibs, shades of Freddie Patek (at least on the weight front, Freddie was 5'4). Also, at 5'9, Hu makes the O'Brien twins looks like linebackers in comparison (both were in the 165-170 lbs range)

Good Morning, Mad, Billy, DMac, JAL .... and JJ, nice limerick about the Turk and The Kidd being Spock and Capt. Kirk! Maybe a remake if we can get the G-Man to give us another of his scripts!

@BF - I didn't much like you calling my team a joke. They're a work in progress ... Alright a PIECE of work!

@JAL - I will heading off to one of my free lunches in bit--exciting topic of tax treatment of health insurance--have my trench coat ready :)

Yeah, you and your buddy, Maxwell Smart with the Trench Coat ... and you both always land the 99s of the world!

Alright, going to try to scare up some breffer, JAL, maybe ravioli and eggs this morning?

Oh. Arriba posted after I did .. Good Morning, Arriba! Happy Friday to you. Yeah, I'm with you on the Dodgers wanting US to maintain part of Jack's salary, I mean THEY, THE ONES who have the money to drop on Manny Ramirez. I mean what's 7 more million dollars to them?

Bay

Ravioli and eggs--interesting breakfast

Enjoy

back  sometime this afternoon

@JAL--<Jeff Larish/Rick Porcello>

Larish is a 1B represented by the 1 and only Scott Boras. So we make the trade with the Tigers...

1) What does that mean for AdLa?

2) What does that mean for the SS position for the PBC?

Porcello is a Minor League up and comer with high ceiling BUT is ALSO represented by SB.

The Tigers GM DD has Man Love for JW...They have a few SS in their Stable with well regarded potential..but are still 1-2 years away...I want one of those SS. But that will not answer our immediate need for 09. If the DT are not willing to rush one of their SS prospects to the Bigs neither should the PBC.

We'll play nice while you're gone, JAL (he says as he takes a brick out of his bag, Ernest T. Bass style ...

Why would the Dodgers want to trade a SS for a SS?  I think they're trying to hose the Bucs on this one.  All of this is according to previously published reports, of course.

Throw in Joe Beimel and you have a deal! : )

Are the Tigers willing to throw in Jim Leyland?

Probably has been echoed elsewhere in the blog, but rather than trading away all Pirate MLB talent for good prospects, why not just keep drafting players over slot $ and essentially get a few extra high-level draft picks every year?

Between some of the young players coming (McCutchen, McCutchen, Tabita, Alvarez, etc.), they should help bridge the gap between the current roster and the new draftees.

for what it's worth, over the past 2-3 months I have asked this question to 2 of BP's staff (trade "guru" Christina Karl, and Joe Sheehean), based on earlier rumors. the questions was: "what can the Bucs expect from trading JWilson: eg would the LAD trade Hu for JW?." Both replies were, essentially the same, that this would be  a good trade for the PBC, but they doubted that the Dodgers would go for it.

JAL - after I go thru the early postings, there is always a post I want to respond to but you always beat me to it, saying pretty much what I would say (eg your reply to BFG today). Thanks!

Keeping JW may mean 10 more wins over playing Bixler (and it may not. Having seen Bixler and JW in Altoona over the years I will happily take Bixler next year) If we get a couple of live arms I will deal with 5 wins as opposed to 75.

Wilson willing to renegotiate contract for dodgers, ebonics for;  I want out of this lousy poorly run Pirates business...

Pirates going with youth movement, ebonics for; We we have no idea how to get quality free agents to play everyday, and we don't want to spend money, gonna stay cheap salary to line pockets of managment and owners... Raise hot dog prices!!

Mienkewitch Pirates get last say in where I go; They blew it, shoulda locked me early in the off season, as I am a team leader, I am one who would keep some of these losers in line that have no real leaders in 2009... SEE YA, I am outta here as well...

WAKE UP FANS... we are being sold a bill of goods and 2009 disaster is just around the corner...

@PFS...I think that Mientkiewicz filed for FA with the hopes of getting a starting job more than it being an issue of the Pirates not locking him down.  That's my understanding at least.

I don't think JW necessarily wants to leave, but he isn't going to block any deals either...again, that's my take on this.

@PFS60--<Wilson willing to renegotiate contract for dodgers, ebonics for;  I want out of this lousy poorly run Pirates business>

As DK stated that is Standard Player Speak when this happens. JW has indicated he would like to stay.

<Pirates going with youth movement>

They are not going to throw good money after so-so players as the previous mgmt has. IMO Great!

<DD-blew it, shoulda locked me early in the off season>

Doug wants to look at any opportunity that will give him a starting position. Can not blame him. Both sides have been above board through the entire situation.

<we are being sold a bill of goods and 2009 disaster is just around the corner...>

It may not be a good year, but IMHO I think you may be off base on that assessment

@Pirates Fan Since 1960 - I don't think we're being sold a bill of goods, at least not a bad bill. I think Huntington and Coonelly have demonstrated a nice touch in what they've traded for - not shown yet, necessarily on the field. And while 2009 may be another losing season, knowing me, I don't think I'd call it a disaster. The BIG PICTURE of 2010 is what I think many of us are waiting for. It's going to come, but it's going to take a little time, too.

If Rome wasn't built in a day, I'd say 16 years of losing and being run by losers is going to take months - or a couple of years.

DMac, I was GREATLY impressed that Doug wants to go somewhere where he can start. I don't know how realistic it is, but I admire him for the fire in his belly that says, "I can play with everyone else." Before DK's story, I don't think that had really sunk in, about him wanting to be an everyday player somewhere.

Hey, a man has to make his mark. (He said in his best John Wayne voice)

Gentlemen, believe what you want to believe....

Pirates are simply a poorly run business.... I love the Pirates. It is what it is and your patience is not being rewarded. If you believe we should wait 2-3 yrs for another La Roche to mature, and for mangement to turn this around.... So be it.... Me, my eyes are wide open... I will be the first to say I was wrong in 2010. I would love to say I was wrong in 2009 and 2010....  But alas, current management is no better at decision making than the last....   Go Pirates

NH has to have something up his sleeve.  If he is "trying" to trade Jack, as was stated to DK by someone in the industry, he certainly can't be ready to hand over the shortstop job to either Bixler or Cruz.

Young pitchers with a new pitching coach will more than likely further digress if the main defensive cog is gone.  Just does not make sense; unless there is good return.

If on is "trying" to trade someone, I'd not expect the return to be great - reference Khalil Greene

terrible trade by SD to someone within our division

@PFS60--<<Gentlemen, believe what you want to believe>>

I believe an apology is forthcoming from you to DMac for He is actually a SHE... :-)

If JW (and his entire contract) gets shipped to LA, I think we'll see a few signings shortly thereafter. I agree that with Jack out of the lineup, our middle infield looks pretty weak. I can't believe that FC and company won't address this with a couple "stop gap" signings like Punto, Loretta, etc. I'd love to see Bixler step up, but he seemed so overmatched last year, at the plate and in the field.

Look, as much as I'd like to see JW, and even Freddy (sorry BK, I think there's a lot of ball left in him) stay in Pittsburgh, it just doesn't make sense to do. We've lost with them, we'll lose without them. If this mgmnt. team didn't think they could build a contending club around Jason Bay, it sure won't get done with anyone else we have.

Of course, this is just my opinion, I could be wrong....

Ahhh a SHE pirates fan with faith... I normally would be in love, but alas.....

I just read the Q&A which was just put up by DK.... the questions are excellent and the answers I assume accurate and astute...... As I commented, the curse words and rage I have only things left out of the questions.... I also just have little or no faith in management at this time and DK is still trying to keep the faith....But read the answers carefully... Was not really pounding the table for our 2008 decision making... OK I AM BACK TO WORK :----)  You all have fun....

Happy Friday everyone!

@PFS60-<<current management is no better at decision making than the last.... >>

They signed their #1 pick, Did great due diligence in NOT signing Scheppers. Got good prospect arms and Tabata for Bay and Nady (The jury is out on Moss only due to his knee but I believe he will be a star). While they both stated they wanted to stay what assurances did we have that they would and not leave via FA and left us with comp picks that may have resulted in zip.

They have comitted to rebuild the Dominican Facility. They have completly revamped the Minor's and scouting team. They have stated consistently they will not make the same WRONG financial investements in FA's that would emulate the abysmal decision making of the previous mgmt.

This is going to be a work in progress, but IMO they are slowly starting to refloat and turn this once sinking ship. Do I want a winner now yep. That is the the part of the Instant Gratification Moron Generation in me. But having some of my parents wait and see attitude as my guiding principles, I will give this mgmt team the benefit o the doubt as they head into only their 2nd year of full control of the operations.

@Bucco-

NH has to have something up his sleeve.  If he is "trying" to trade Jack, as was stated to DK by someone in the industry, he certainly can't be ready to hand over the shortstop job to either Bixler or Cruz.

Who says he trying? These teams have come a calling, he is just doing what any GM would do, you want it, what do you want to pay for it? He would do this with any of his players

I keep saying this over and over, Bixler has the talent to be a regular shortstop in this league, his first go round was not as good as he or we would like it, but nerves and pressure are usually going to make you look bad, like most young players he needs time to MATURE, we seem to have a ton of patience with the LaRoach boys, but none with a shortstop.

Why do I know Bixler is going to be a quality shortstop?

1. I have seen him play live, a few times.

2. He has good range, maby not great but normal.

3. He does have a quick first step

4. He has good baseball instincts

5. He has good form

6. He has a very good arm

7. He will take a cutoff throw where he is supposed to,  Jack had a problem of trying to help Freddie out and put the whole cutoff system out of whack.

8. He is fast

9. He probably will take time to get his average up to 250 or 260, that will come.

My question to you is why do you think Bixler isn't good enough for this team?

@BK...Thank you!  

@PFS...What's more a transplant fan with faith. I used to live out in your neck of the woods.  My first team colors were green and gold.  ;-)

And yes, I do have faith for this team.  I've watched them the last couple of years and have seen some very good things.  I've seen some nauseating things, but I try hard to stick to the positive.  

I'll back up everything BK said about this administration and add in that no crap was taken in regards to fitness, performance, etc.  For example, 2 players were sent down to minor league ST for not adhering to conditioning, as well as Gorz and Paulino both being sent down to Indy for poor performances.  It seems to me that previous admin would have gone status quo.

Was I disheartened by the Bay and Nady trades?  Sure I was...how could you not be when they lose their most potent offensive threats, but I, sometimes grudgingly, see where NH is going and he was doing what he needed to fill holes in the system that we were glaringly exposed to last year.

But thank you very much for your point of view.  :-)

Good day folks.

First, let me wish Johnnie V all the best with the White Sox, devil organization that they are. I hope he finds his place there and succeeds. I'm glad he's out of black and gold because I could throw more strikes on a major league mound than that guy did in Pittsburgh (the opposite of his performance at AAA), but there has got to be something there for him to be an MLB pitcher at this point in his life and not a used car salesman. So Godspeed, Mr. VanBenschoten.

As for the possible Jack trade, I keep reminding myself "I know not what they're thinking." There could be something really smoking great going on out there that would bring an acceptable fielder and hitter into Pittsburgh to take the SS place until we have a legitimate prospect of our own ready to play in the big leagues - or a trade next year or later brings us an amazing SS, when we have a couple of years of above .500 baseball seasons under our belt. (I was smooth slipping that in, wasn't  I?) So until I know, I'll have fun speculating but I'm going to continue to hope in the new administration.

PFS60 - with TREMENDOUS  respect to your longevity as a fan of this club, I have to ask: What, sir, shall make you happy? With only one year of tenure in this city for Mr. C and Mr. H, what do you expect? They drafted well and signed a huge deal in Alvarez; they traded what little value we had for prospects to begin stocking the farm. If they went out and signed a bunch of FAs for a ton of money, many fans could say that they're spending to spend. If they don't spend a ton of money and buy discounted one season wonders, fans will say they aren't any different than past administrations.

While I am as eager for winning baseball and dare I say Pirate Baseball in October, I realize you can't fix this broken team overnight. I won't agree with everything these guys do, I'm sure. I would have to be really impressed with the fielding of the short stop the Bucs get if Jack goes to not just miss all those amazing plays he makes, and the way No. 2 owns that ball coming off the left field wall notch. For now I trust that Mr. H and Mr. C are doing the best they can to improve the Pirates. My main hope is that they field a competitive team in 2009 and that's not selfish: I believe in my baseball heart that Ryan Doumit and Nate McLouth and Paul Maholm and Matt Capps deserve to be on a team that hits .500 or better. They just do.

Things take time. Have hope. Plenty of Hope.

Srsly.

Good Morning, Plenty!

Some things I think I think (I miss those Bob Smizik notes)

-- I think the Pirates would've already traded Jack Wilson if the Tigers had offered Rick Porcello. I also think the Pirates have as much chance of hosting A-Rod at PirateFest as they do of getting Porcello (unless he's hurt and the public doesn't know about it).

--Matt Joyce, Jeff Larish, I think these guys are nothing more than the hitting equivalents of guys like Daniel McCutchen, Jeff Karstens, Phil Coke (I know Pittsburgh turned him down, but what's really the difference?)

I think I would pass on Lu and Young from LA. Lu is a lightweight with no power and would've taken over the Dodger's open spot at SS last year if he was worthy. Yes, he's young but not a top prospect. Delwyn Young's star might've worn off, too, but he's close to the major leagues.

Finally, I think Wilkin Ramirez is the guy the Bucs need. He's not the best BB:K type of player, but he has excellent power and I like his attitude.

personally, i would love to see the Pirates brass sign somebody that would put butts in the seats.  I'm not saying manny or C.C.  But damn.....someone worth coming out to the ball park to see.

Bay - I gotta tell you, my priority is that you are fine. But the kind of day I had at work yesterday, you posting that you caught on fire just caused me to lay my head down on my desk and laugh till the tears came. I love you to death.

Srsly.

Good afternoon all,

I don't have a problem with Bixler but he is already 27 years old, he is not exactly a prospect anymore. I say he gets this year to prove himself and if not he then becomes a bench player at best. Shortstop is a crucile position especially for a team that is rebuilding.

OJ Trial Sentencing

Stewart 15 years is the major sentence 6 mandatory before eligible for parole

Simpson 10 counts concurrent as follows

15 yrs with a max of 6 before parole eligible

Goldman and Brown in the court for sentencing.

Baywatch -

>>I admire him for the fire in his belly<<

And your fellow asylum inmates admire you for the fire on your back yesterday. I have to, ashamedly, admit to chuckling when I read about it. The thought that stuck in my head was, "Bay is really determined to get those pizzas there while they are still piping hot"

DMac -

You mentioned Andy L's assignment to meet twice with Don Long in Seattle. The season has been over for 2+ months. Does anyone know if he has made one of those trips yet? If not, when is he due to make a trip? Only a little over 2.5 months before ST.

BK -

I am not at all okay with the image of JAL in trenchcoat, cargo shorts and tennys. To someone not aware of the cargoes underneath, he would look like a flasher ready to strike.

@Gman...I have no clue if those meetings have taken place or not.  FC did mention at the last gathering that Andy had also been working out with Adam at the workout facility he has on his property in Kansas.  I would think at least 1 of those meetings with Long has occurred though.

Sorry all with the Simpson stuff, that was meant for the OS...I have 4 threads plus the forum open. I apologize.

Hey Dejan (or anyone else who may know), in case you're checking in on your legion of inmates, I have a question for you- who is this Tony Jackson guy from the LA Times? I just spent some time checking out the Dodgers' Blog (incognito)and here's my findings -

1. Mr. Jackson claims there's been no talks concerning JW "in months".

2. The bloggers over there seem to really admire and trust this guys info.

3. Our PBC blog could beat up their blog any day of the week.

BK -

Re the forum: I looked over there a day or two ago. I can't see what it really offers us that we don't already have here except the ability to start a thread of our own. If we operated like most blogs, that might be important. But we are the asylum, i.e., unconventional. Mainly, it's one more thing to keep track of, and I can only juggle so many items at one time. Have you found the forum to add any real value?

DMac -

Thanks. I hadn't seen anything about Andy L making a trip, but I don't read the other blogs and wondered if something had meen mentioned there. Thanks again.

@G-Man--<Forum>

I agree. I just keep my fingers in there, I hate to miss out on any fun...

See any rabbits in Cargo's and Tenni's lately saying Hear Ye Hear Ye?  Odd men in shorts at the local McD's?  

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: TOMORROW @ 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!

Gman -

Everyone better be working out all the freaking time. Some of the coach's travel, but what Adam had built is not really that out of the norm. He just wanted something on his property, probably. From what I understand all the guys that live far away have arrangements for Pirate-approved facilities in the off season  -- DK may want to step in here if I'm wrong - but they all have winter programs - especially this year. Had a brief chat with Capps and he mentioned his off-season goals. Some probably have more goals than others, I would guess, depending on what they need to be at ST.

BK -

No more bunnies so far today. But they only seem to come out at night, along with the opossums, raccoons and other roadkill. And the McDonald's has been noticeably free of men in shorts since the last time I mentioned it. But yesterday I did have a nice surprise at McD's where I have breakfast 4-5 times a week. I was lagging over my breakfast as I tried to finish the funnies and move to the Sudoku puzzle when my GF appeared. She was taking the day off (using up vacation days) and headed to the Bizarre Bazaar, the big local Christmas sale-a-thon out at Richmond International Raceway. She had to come over to the county office to pay some taxes and decided to surprise me over breakfast. She was wearing long pants and never once uttered "Hear ye."

PoH -

>>Everyone better be working out all the freaking time.<<

I am hoping that is the case with Andy L. But I do not have a good feeling about it. This is terribly unfair to say considering I have no data to support it - and I'm an engineer, one who puts more value in data than theories and suppositions. I saw Andy exactly twice on TV last year and I came away with a four-letter-word impression of him: L-A-Z-Y. Thus my concerns about what he's doing in the off season.

@Pirates Fan Since 1960

I will ditto BK and other's remarks about this management group.

I wil also state that earlier this off season i did not want to see Jack or Freddy moved to the sake of the help up the middle they provide.

I have come to the understanding and somewhat trusting of this management group for what they have done so far and the vision they have.  Mostly for being striaght forward with us.  I see this (09) as a building year and not looking at it as a must have a winning season.  As much as I would like NOT to break the record of losing. I beleive we should go with them and trust them until proven wrong.

As for Jack and Freddy I thanks them for being a Pirate and doing what they could.  It's time for us to look a little more to the future with what we have.  Bixler should be fine next year.  Maybe not Jack in his prime but suitable for the next year or two until we pick someone up that is great or have a young one from the minors show up. Maybe we could be surprised by him as well?  We will not know until he gets the chance.  He does have the tools for SS.

I don't think spending money on an average SS now is worth what we need to find out about Bixler and who if anyone steps up in the minors.  We can and should go with a fair priced alternative at this time.  If we need to speand the money, Let's get that pitcher or firstbaseman that will be with us a long time and not just a year or two.

I will be keeping my eyes open on what is being done by the management to help us get back to being a contender.  If they fail in my eyes I will be with you and NH on all the negative comments you can throw at them.

I am willing to see some young guys get their chance and see what unfolds this year to help us determine what we will need the in the year (2010).  There will be growing pains along the way no doubt.

I see we have a few critics out before the deal's even done.

Yes, it does look like our favorite shortstop will be somewhere else next year.  

But, no: It doesn't mean that Huntington is Littlefield.  

There are maybe 5-8 players on this team that will still be here when they finally contend.  To buy a championship caliber team right now we'd need to replace at least 5 guys who are not Doumit and McLouth and more than half the pitching staff.  

As many have been saying the key is getting value for the players we lose.  

@G-Man--<She was wearing long pants and never once uttered "Hear ye.">

Darn, she didn't get the memo.

BK -

>>Darn, she didn't get the memo<<

Let me give you some advice as a friend. You do not want to send any memos to the GF. She will give you "The Look" and that is more powerful than Superman's x-ray vision. I have absorbed so much radiation on a weekly basis from getting "The Look" so many times that I glow in the dark now.

@G-Man--<The Look>

Believe me I am immune to The Look having received that from an ex-wife for years...Anyway the memo was addressed from Bay...

Chuck Tanner News:

www.postgazette.com/.../933023-100.stm

Maddux is retiring...no surprise...

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

I see the Pirates have dropped 2 from the 40-man roster, Jason Davis and Chavez. Seems like a move is afoot.

hmmmnm   better make that either something is afoot, or a move is imminent.

sheesh