Morning links: Ohman still on radar

Bucs made the MLB Network Spring Training list of games:

3-16 vs Rays

3-28 vs Phils

Enjoy Bucco fans!

DK what kind of value could the Pirates really expect to get for Grabow in a trade?  

It's really looking like Virgil Vasquez is a real lemon. Did he show up out of shape, or does he have a hidden injury or what? Haven't heard much about Japan League F/A signee Jeremy Powell yet. Is he even in major league camp?

The Sporting News article is sort of a cliff hanger."Stay tuned til tomorrow"."Same bat time,same bat channel".Is this guy teasing us ...or what?

DK,  I can not find the <<focus on pitchers>>  where is it after you click on the link?

from the sarasota times

It was too serious, I think, last year. A little rough," said Snell, who was 7-12 with a 5.42 ERA in 31 starts, after being named the Opening Day starter in 2008. "It means a lot when you're able to relax, have fun, play the game. Last year a lot of us didn't understand, because it got to the point where it was too serious. It was frustrating, because all the pressure was really on you (on the mound), and not on the whole team."

Man if this is not a yin yang quote.

SIR, ditto.

Coming from a guy who leaves a memory that we were down 5 runs before he got an out every time out, Ian, we want you to pitch in the world series for the Pirtaes.  Its time to concentrate on yourself.

I see you knocking on the door, there is a door bell, ring it.

Am I the only one that's had about enough of the endless Andy Laroche bashing around here?

The guy misses a few spring training field sessions with a sore back and you people are ready to hang the poor guy from a tree.

After perusing the last three days worth of threads, I think Jersey Joe is the only other person who realizes that a bad 150 or so at bats in the big leagues and a sore back in spring training doesn't tell the true story of a player. Plenty of star players have struggled in their initial big-league appearances.

Posters who suggest that Neil Walker should be able to "win" the job in spring training simply don't understand how to evaluate minor league prospects. A guy who posts a .694 OPS in AAA has not earned the right to compete for a job in the big leagues. Andy LaRoche, on the other hand, absolutely obliterated his way through the minor leagues with an .899 career OPS and rightfully deserves his first chance to open the season as a starter in the big leagues. If he fails he fails but the Pirates would be idiotic not to present him with that opportunity.

With the amount of disdain shown to Laroche on the PBC blog, you would think he got arrested for a DUI or failed a drug test. Instead it's worse, much worse: He thought his back was better, so he stopped doing the exercises. Goodness gracious, what a scandal! We should all be up in arms! Death to LaRoche!

(LaRoche? ...Walker ??? ...remember guys...3B will ALWAYS be mine!    ;-)

Seriously......ONLY 48 AYS UNTIL THE PNC PARK HOME OPENER !!!!!

thanks, DMAC is in Fl. and she is there to watch andy maybe her next visionary.  She is on Andy's side   so watch your teddy Bears.

Morning Links part 2

Monroe hopes Pirates follow Tigers’ pattern

www.tribune-democrat.com/.../local_story_055003508.html

Pirates Actually Have Indian-born Player--who knew?--Indian-born players chasing a distinctly American dream

www.bradenton.com/.../1248118.html

Pirates Notebook: Andy LaRoche says back ‘feels great’

www.tribune-democrat.com/.../local_story_055003331.html

Mark Mulder, Where Are You?

bleacherreport.com/.../128243-mark-mulder-where-are-you

JAL  dead links

JAL correctiomn  when you click you get a tab that will open

THE OFFICIALLY UNOFFICIAL PBC BLOGS AND MLB LINKS

Bucs Dugout--Community Projection-Nyger Morgan

www.bucsdugout.com/.../community-projection-nyjer

Sweet Sixteen of the Pittsburgh Sports Blog Tournament

seanramblings.blogspot.com

WHYGAVS-Short Term Memory

whygavs.com/.../short-term-memory.html

Pittsburgh Lumber Company--Random Thoughts

mvn.com/.../random-thoughts.html

Hyzdu Headquarters-Who's On First

hyzduhq.blogspot.com/.../whos-on-first.html

The Burgh Blues--We Hear Your Baltimore

theburghblues.mlblogs.com/.../we_hear_you_baltimore.html

The Burgh Blues--5 Pirates Not Missed At Camp

theburghblues.mlblogs.com/.../five_pirates_not_missed_at_cam.html

The Green Weenie--Another AAA Infielder

www.oldbucs.blogspot.com

Moskie Madness--World Baseball Classic

piratesprospect.mlblogs.com/.../world_baseball_classic.html

Moskie Madness--Offseason Training

piratesprospect.mlblogs.com/.../offseason_training.html

By Gosh, It's Langosch--Day 10 Daily Squeeze

bucsbits.mlblogs.com/.../day_10_daily_squeeze.html

JJ

Links seem to work fine--yes, they open a new tab

JAL, you are one tricky guy.

Given the hot Dominican mess the Nationals find themselves in, I'd like to see an update on the Pirates' efforts in the DR, their Latin American scouting in general, and the whole Solly Torres baseball academy saga.  

I know DK did some columns on Gayo, Nutting and the supposed new emphasis on scouting in Latin America - I wonder if anything has changed.  You know, like more "buyer beware" before you drop a $1.4M signing bonus on a 16 year old 20 year old guy whose street agent grew up with your own in-house Dominican street agent (Jose Rijo).

The PG's former Chico Harlan is doing a pretty solid job covering this for the Washington Post.

JAL  I meant the link went dull and nothing happened, so i posted what i posted and in the meantime before you posted what you posted I tried it again and noticed the tab so I clicked on that and the story opened.

Now the links open, tricky guy.

Here is a direct link to the story about Jason Davis

www.post-gazette.com/.../951170-63.stm

JJ

That happens sometimes and I have no idea why.  If at first you do not succeed then try, try again :)

The Marlins cannot send Dallas McPherson or trade candidate Robert Andino to the minors without clearing waivers, but barring injuries, it's hard to envision room for more than one of them, at most -- if Gaby Sanchez is the first baseman. McPherson led the minors with 42 homers at Triple A but struck out 37 percent of the time and five times in 11 Marlins at-bats, which he downplays: ``An out is an out.''

The Pirates had some interest in Andino this winter, and a third baseman with 42 homer power might be worth looking at.

@ All: Disclaimer: This post contains no Stonehenge content.

A request: Where do you see Ohman fitting in, should the PBC get him? We give up a solid guy (Grabow) if the potential trade comes true. We already have Capps. I don't see him as a closer and he seems to have left Chicago in an ill-temper.

A comment: Not to stir things up, but I was reading the Remains of the Day in the Gotay thread. I would like to go on record in as cheerful and positive way as possible that I have no issues with F Sanchez.

My comment about Gotay stands: Veteran presence at AAA and insurance for F Sanchez based on last season's shoulder/vision issues. Should these recur, Gotay may/may not be called up.

I have no issues with the play/performance of F Sanchez and in fact think he is an ok guy who might even get time at 3B since that is where he joined the PBC as a player.

I am not sure about this whole positive/negative thing regarding posts. For myself, I was just spouting more meaningless insight...

Cheerfully Bright and Positive, I remain,

Yr fthfl srvnt,

Jose

I respectfully would like to add to the pedro swing saga.  I just took a look at him hit the homerun in the link above and I see some Al Oliver mixed in there.

Jose,

I see Ohman fitting into Grabow's mid to late inning lefty specialist role once Grabow is dumped for a non-descript prospect that will never see a game in Pittsburgh unless he buys a ticket.

If Sanchez has a strong second half, I see him being dumped at the trading deadline too.

Did you know that Jamie Moyer has 246 career wins?  That is pretty freaking incredible.  With a 4.19 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP.  But considering he's signed to a two year contract with a winning team, he could possibly hit 270 wins.  How many pitchers with that many wins are NOT in the Hall of Fame?  He's like the Palmeiro of pitchers as far as accumulated stats without HOF credentials (and without the steroids, of course).

Jose,

I would think most of us understood your point and I do agree with it.  I did not take anything out of it and as a matter of fact since I have been saying for some time I like freddy at third I remember your comments to that some time ago.

I also would like to take a time machine moment and respond to your lumbar pain.  I had it, I had it bad, I did the same thing you did, I have not had any of it to close to that magnitude in twenty years.  As bad as I was my Chiropractor is even suprised.

Make sure you find that Pedro homerun swing link

The "RH" power bat may be Ryan Shealy, who may be DFA'd by the Royals.  

Duke- McPherson isn't a bad idea, pre-back surgery was better than any one the Pirates had since Ramirez (excluding Sanchez).  Only problem is do you want another LH bat? Also, he would block Jim Negrych.  

Is Jason Delaney still with the Pirates?  He looks like he could be a competent guy off the bench.

Disclaimer: The following Cheerful and Positive post contains no Chad Hermansen content.

I have had the opportunity to meet Mr Sanguillen and while I have not talked baseball with him, I find him to be a pretty forthright character. If he says that P Alvarez' swing is the real deal, that is good enough for me.

I just hope that the PBC does not pull another "Bob Bailey" here. For those of you not born before the end of the Last Ice Age like me, Bob Bailey was a "can't miss" 3rd baseman who had all the tools and a beautiful swing. In one of the few mistakes of the Galbreath era, Bob was brought along too quickly and he fizzled here. I believe he had an ok career and spent a good bit of it in Montreal.

I have been quiet about P Alvarez and the good reports about him so far as I don't want to jinx him. I hope that the PBC handles him wisely and does not rush him.

I remain So Cheerfully sweet that I am in need of Insulin,

Jose

Jose,

I'd be willing to bet you $10 that not one of the following current Pirate veterans will be with the club in 2010:

Jack Wilson

Adam LaRoche

John Grabow

Fred Sanchez

Stanley, I need a glossary to keep up with you

Grabow for Dontrelle in a general salary swap?   It couldn't get any uglier last year for Dontrelle.

NH:

What do the guys on your little list have in common?

Stan,

A guy I would like to see the Bucs target is Padres 1st base prospect Kyle Blanks.

He is a 6'6", 270 lbs, right handed hitting 22 yr old first base prospect blocked by gold glove all star Adrian Gonzalez.

minors.baseball-reference.com/players.cgi

Fantasy League

Yahooo

League # 129517

password: cratchett

@ Arriba Wilver from end of yesterdays post.  Yes, overall we play well together here, one thing we all have to remember is we all suffer from the same disease.

And there is no cure....

@ JJ: Al Oliver had a wicked swing - a thing of beauty!

@ JJ (again): Without my chiro, pain would be more of a companioin than it already is. Someone suggested yoga to me and the two of us just laugh...

@ NH: So what you are saying is that other than a seemingly crappy attitude, Ohman at the expense of Grabow is less than a zero-sum game?

Hope you are wrong about trading Sanchez, but I see his foot issue coming into play as he ages - simply from the "old nagging injury" department. I wish his bat had more pop as I think he could solve the 3B thing until Alvarez is ready. To my mind 3rd requires less footwork than 2nd B.

Aspartamely yours,

Jose

Duke,

They all earn multi million dollars per year.

That is the compelling reason why they won't be here in 2010.

Duke84 : I Know I Know (eagerily raises hand)!!

they were all pre-NH.  

Duke

Burt Blyleven--287 wins

Jim Kaat--283 wins

Tommy John--288 wins

@ NH: When I was younger and more daring, I would have taken a piece of that bet! Old Age and Caution impair my once keen senses.

My mid-life crisis beckons - you're on! The Rush! I am rejuvenated!

Do we need to designate someone like JAL or JJ to be the one to remind me where to send the $10 if none of them are on the Opening Day roster in 2010.

Jose

Oy... hectic days at work cutting into my baseball addiction.  I didn't get to read yesterday's blog posts until early this morning.

@JAL - thanks as always for the links.  Extremely helpful.

So the big question is... will our firewall allow WPGB and will I get away with listening to the game at my desk tomorrow?

I can't get enough of the reports on the sound coming from the bat of Pedro Alvarez.  Are there any links to video yet?

I remember it a sad day the day Bob Bailly left home.

Jose,

In terms of ability & production, Ohman and Grabow are pretty much the same.

Ohman will cost less so therefore he is more attractive to the Bucco brass than the guy who came up through their system and has pitched for them for 6 seasons in the majors.

Ohman - 10-9 / 2 sv / 4.16 / 1.37 whip

Grabow - 17-15 / 6 sv / 4.19 / 1.44 whip

Ohman = Grabow

Grabow = Ohman

@Stan

Andino is the guy previously mentioned as catching the Pirates eye - and they sure could use some institutional depth at SS.  But anytime the Marlins start jettisoning off young talent, you should swoop in, right?  They sent Josh Willingham to the Nationals in a complete salary dump, and he'd be the Pirates third or fourth best OF now.

I know most of the posters here hate players that are placeholders, but I see a combined 900 PA between Hinske in the OF and IF corners, and Vasquez at 2B, SS and 3B.  Look at it: they are MLB veterans that collectively back up Adam and Andy LaRoche, Freddy Sanchez, Jack Wilson, Nyjer Morgan, and Brendan Moss.  What I can not come close to predicting is what they'll do with the PAs

As for Willis, it appears a majority of MLB scouts seem to think his mechanics and mental inability to repair them are fatal flaws.

@JAL: Tommy John, 288 wins

JAL - do you mean to say there's a pitcher named after the surgery?  Wow.  Who would have guessed it.  His parents must have been big fans of surgeons.

Jose,

I just wish this front office worked as hard at improving the talent and getting better than they do at finding less expensive players and managing down the payroll.

That's what gets me about the Ohman rumors.

I'd be much happier if they were going after him with the intention of keeping both he and Grabow in an effort to bring more experience into their bullpen.

G's,  I too am a bit pondered to the lack of video of him so far, Would'nt you think by now there would be a DVD out in Blue Ray.

JAL - I was actually headed to dig for that.  Knew Blyleven was there, because of the kerfuffle about the last HOF vote.  It seems those voters have forgotten how good he, John and multiple GG winner Kaat were.  Sutton made it on accumulated career stats, but these guys didn't.  And without checking their career stats, all of these pitchers started in the very late 60's or early 70's, and thus didn't have the benefit of the 1968 year of the pitcher.  It was a little tougher to dominate in the 70s.

I want to add that I believe this is the first time I have ever posted the word "kerfuffle" on the interwebs.

NH- He may start in LF for the Padres this year and while Towers has provided the Pirates a few gifts over the years, I don't think Snell and Grabow would get you Banks. I like your idea.

With the ownership change there, I wonder if they are going to have another fire sale.  

As a short term solution, whose bat is ready now, how about Scott (my brother is John from Diehard) McCLain?  Played in Japan and is obviously seasoned.  Yes age is high, but ..  

based on a visit that month -- that one stings

Funny guy

DK -

I was completely aware of your series, read it and enjoyed it.  I have a good friend who is basically a videographer and a huge baseball fan that did a series on Latin American players a few years before you.  If I remember, the words "Wild West" were used upon his return.  I think my question (and honestly, you were the person it was directed to) was whether this situation with the Nats might change the ways teams without millions to lose in scams look at scouting in the DR.

I actually will reread your series, with as I said, a little more perspective.

Stan,

The Pads need middle infield and outfield prospects.

The Bucs need a replacement for Adam LaRoche.

We've got McLouth, plus McCutchen, Tabata, and Moss in the pipeline. Plus those shortstops we drafted last season.

Perhaps a deal could be struck to swap prospects? - It sure would be worth a conversation.

Flashback question: What was the first name of the pitcher (i think last name was Wagner) who Leyland referred to as a pitcher who would get his manager fired?  (Because he was a great practice pitcher who made believers of managers based on raw talent but couldnt take it into the game.)

Thanks

Flashback question: What was the first name of the pitcher (i think last name was Wagner) who Leyland referred to as a pitcher who would get his manager fired?  (Because he was a great practice pitcher who made believers of managers based on raw talent but couldnt take it into the game.)

Thanks

Drew,

Paul Wagner?

www.baseball-reference.com/.../wagnepa01.shtml

During the Q&A session at PNC Park this past Saturday afternoon,  FC said that they would have liked to sign a free agent reliever, but they were at their budgeted payroll already.  

I like Grabow but I don't have a problem with trading him if they replace him with Ohman.  Grabow is a year younger, but I think there is always the concerns about his elbow.  I would like to see Sean Burnett develop into the 'grabow' role

Sorry for double posting.  I must have hit the ADD button twice.  

Sorry for double posting.  I must have hit the ADD button twice.

Paul

Thanks for the link, Hos.  That's it.  Don't know why i had the flashback...other than he was one of the most exasperating players i ever followed - wasted talent - and exasperation seems to be the theme of the year.

Duke

As per DK's request on the Dominican Series

Part 1--www.post-gazette.com/.../931514-63.stm

Part 2-www.post-gazette.com/.../931871-63.stm

Part 3--www.post-gazette.com/.../932045-63.stm

Grabow is a young, consistent, dependable, left handed reliever.  Other than money, why would they not want to keep him?    Possible arm issues?

Grabow is the kind of pitcher that other teams are paying 3 or 4 mill to maybe do the same job.  He's one of the best values the Pirates have.  If no one is offering you anything for him, just use his durability, solid ERA, and great job keeping inherited runners from scoring to your advantage.

Thanks, JAL.  As I've said, I read them the first time - but given recent events, I'm going to give them a second read.

Thanks everyone for remembering "Paul".  Old age - fading memory - you know how it is.  The memory is the second thing to go.

JAL - thanks for link.  If anyone missed the Dominican series, i encourage reading it.  Very interesting stuff, tho' of course the value of the investment wont be known for a long time.

Grabow ought to pitch in Dodger Stadium for a year, post an 0.96 ERA and .100 BA against lefties in that ridiculous pitchers park, then ask for $5M a year.

He should also not live in Erie.

Cave,

To your point, Grabow does have an issue with loose bodies or bone chips floating in his elbow that he has yet to succumb to surgery to correct.

I recall reading he did a bunch of rehab on the elbow this winter to strengthen in hopes he can make it through another season without having to have surgery to have the floaters removed.

And apropos of nothing: George Brett hit .469 with runners in scoring position in 1980.

Re - Grabow - Ok, he's not the greatest, but he's a commodity, and is making what 1.5mil?  I say try to sign him for a two-three year deal.

I wonder what it is that I don't understand regarding some of the PBC moves, do they just not like the fellow?  Does he have halitosis?  Refuses to bathe??

Saw a report BTW, that Pedro M is still on the PBC radar screen, I think it ended with a statement like "If Pedro can't find anyplace else to go, he always has the Pirates..."

Not quite a "hapless" statement, but close....

Pedro pitches in the WBC.

If he craters, even the Pirates don't want him.

If he knocks the bottom out of the world of baseball, the Pirates can't afford him.

If he lands in the middle, I'd say don't bother.

Bizrow,

Which is the more common Pirate reference used in the media?

"Hapless" or "Lowly"

I'm thinking "lowly".

Hapless means unlucky

Lowly means in a low position

Good morning inmates....

I can't think of any reason why the PBC would have any interest in Pedro M.

We aren’t in need of a 5th starter to complete an established staff. We need to build for 2010 and beyond, and not be overly concerned with winning 2 or 3 more games this year. His skills have been in decline for years, and one can only assume that his skills will continue to decline as his carrier wanes.

This is "Low":

www.youtube.com/watch

JAL,

In that case, I think it is fair to say that the Bucs are BOTH hapless and lowly.

;-)

I agree that Pedro Martinez is not a fit for the Pirates.

He would reek of Burnitz, Randa, Casey, and Morris.

Just get by with the young depth and see what you have. - If you are going to lose, do it constructively.

The Bucs are not going to win in 2009 anyway so why have Pedro take innings from younger pitchers we need to know more about???

Just say no to Pedro.

Are wegoing to be stop bashing Andy LaRoche today, or will we be demonstrating our ever increasing lack of confidence in him as we approach the 1st game of spring training?

Do we still want to cut him outright and sign DD to play 3rd?

That was "are we going to stop bashing......"

Ken,

Let's bash Bud Selig today.

Under his watch we've cancelled a world series, seen an all star game end in a tie, experienced the worst drug scandal in professional sports, lost all sense of competitive balance, and now come to find their is a Latin American bonus skimming scandal going on.

Besides all that, he comes across as a buffoon when he testifies in front of Congress and worst of all, he has a horrible haircut.

Hostage

No argument from me on that.

Hostage

I think you just handled Bud bashing pretty well :)

JAL,

I think I submitted a good start, but my comments only qualify as a "bash".

Additional Selig comments from other inmates are required to make it an all out "bashing".

;-)

If you want DD to play 3B, maybe you should have attended the 1975 Hampton All-Star game.  Because I played as well as St. Doug, and I think I may have gotten a donut and a trophy. I had like three weak grounders hit to me, I caught them, and threw the ball to first. In the Pirate organization, these actions are considered "sign this guy now" material.

He is not, was not, and will never be a major league caliber third baseman.  He may not even be a major league baseball player anymore.

Hostage,

The problem with bashing Bud is that there isn’t anyone but MLB team owners willing to support him, and they never post.

On the other hand, at just $18 million a year, you get a lot more destruction than any single player making far more. That’s the thing about sub par performance, if your going to pay for it, then you may as well overpay too.

I will refer to Andy Laroche from now until June 1st as "Youkilis in making, or YIM".  Per my post last night, his projection is to be Kevin Youkilis, and Adam is projected to be Jason Giambi (of the early decade).  

Granted it is a little early to compare both brothers, but what I find odd is that Adam walks no where near as much as Andy.

Maybe they'll be like the Alous, or at worst the Ripkens (Bill had about 3-5 good years with the Orioles).

I'll give Bud support a try.

wait, give me a minute...

Umm...

Well, maybe...no, that won't work..

Guys, I got nothing.

I agree with BBB about the Andy L bashing that has been going on, but it appears that the name LaRoche is cause enough for immediate disdain. I can't imagine a team that wouldn't love to have a 25-30 HR 80-90 RBI .260-.280 hitting 1B, but we have one and bash him all the time for being a slow starter. Now his little brother comes to the team as one of the highest-rated players in the minors (#1 or 2 in tge Dodger org.), has a miserable start to his ML career, and everyone wants to run him out of town. I'm sure glad that my success in life wasn't determined by my first 2 months on the job. Next thing you know the citizenry will be marching on LaRoche College with torches and pitchforks.

Srsly

THE CiIRCUS IS COMING TO TOWN

Watch the Merry Go Round of free agents vie for roster spots in the coming weeks.  It is going to look like a game of musical chairs with each FA undercutting the next to secure a job for 2009.  

This will be payback to the union and Boras" worst funhouse nightmare.

isn't bashing Bud a waste of server space? productivity at work?

The Bootcheck area starts tomorrow.

I watched Billy Ripken in Baltimore and he was stink on toast.  I can't even think of the comp player at his position at that time, because that player would be completely forgotten.  The biggest piggyback ride of all time.  In Texas, he was a little better, but then every one is a little better in Texas. Wonder why?  Must be the ballpark.

@NH - re lowly -

Isn't using lowly and Pirates in the same sentence an oxymoron??

I agree with thoughts on Pedro, what is he going to add to the rotation and what message does it send to those that are in camp?  Plus, he wants something around $5 million.

IMO Bud is an excellent target for us today.  I vote for the lousy haircut, and that silly decision to have the All Star winner get home field advantage in the Series.

Did he know players were getting juiced up?  Nah, he just thougth that they were working out more....  He was a big part of this drug problem, looked the other way while Sosa, Bonds, McGwire and Co mashed homers like Bugs Bunny in that cartoon "wham, another homer...."

He and Fehr are the two biggest drags on MLB, IMO, not to be critical....

You see them on TV and the skin crawls on your back, eeeewwww

Re: bashing Bud Selig,

let's not forget to add to the list linking World Series home field advantage to the outcome of the All-Star game. (while we're on the Series, how about adding that he has given a free hand to the networks to schedule all games to start at 8:30 PM, so there is no chance of little kids inthe eastern time zone seeing a game to it completion. (Don't get me started ont he total embargo against any day games).

Baseball America Top 100 prospects

www.baseballamerica.com/.../267698.html

I worry that the "Bootcheck area" might be a job for the Homeland Security guys.  Up there with "Blagojevic taint", when considering things you don't want to search.

I've said from Day One - having Bud Selig as commissioner was a huge conflict of interest. Having a team owner (Milwaukee Brewers) run MLB makes his decisions impartial, biased. He doesn't think from both sides.  In additiopn to that, he's been commissioner way too long. I would have a term limit on commissioners (8 years) so as to provide fresh ideas.  Selig is the same old same old....  I'd even go back to the two commissioner format, one AL one NL.  

Selig has been a cancer to MLB for years.

BBB -- Agreed with everything but this <<  I think Jersey Joe is the only other person who realizes that a bad 150 or so at bats in the big leagues and a sore back in spring training doesn't tell the true story of a player. >>

Joe has been vocal in support of Andy, but he's hardly the *only other person* who sees potential there.  Yesterday in my grumpy rant on negativity I talked about the "Andy LaRoche is the Antichrist" crowd.  

Today the sun is shining, I'm looking out of my office window at a couple of eagles circling over last year's cornfields, and am viewing a lot of the negativity as wisecracking of the nature that I'm guilty of myself at times.  

Cave -- << Merry go round >> I think there's going to be more spring activity, trades as well as free agents, than we've seen in quite a few years.  

NH -- Are there any players on the current roster that you do NOT expect to be gone as salary dumps in the next two or three years?  Good idea about Bud Selig -- baseball definitely needs an outside commissioner again.  Maybe not Judge Landis, but I'd take Fay Vincent or Bart Giamatti in a heartbeat over Selig.

BTW -- What is the batter's eye in centerfield.  Photo?  DMac.

Whenever I see "lowly" I keep thinking of "Lowly Worm" from Busytown. Is Neil H then Huckle Cat? Sorry - this was my eldest child's favorite series of books a billion years ago...

There is little I can say that hasn't been said about Selig - but I did promise to stay positive, so that means I must say nothing.

I agree that P Martinez must be kept in someone else's uniform.

Jose

I was a member of the Pirates chat with Russell and was excited to get two questions in, despite missing half the chat. I am not sure about Gotay and agree that has is very comparable to Luis Rivas. The more I see talks about Martinez, the more I become wary. I still would take a chance on Martinez because of his ties to Kerrigan.

JHadar: Batter's Eye:  The big, monocolor wall just beyond, sometimes part of, the centerfield fence.

This one ( www.apifantasybaseball.com/.../priate%20city%20stadium%20field.jpg ), I think, is at McKechnie Field, and in the background of this shot ( www.post-gazette.com/.../20070304pdpirates0219a_230.jpg ) is another one.  I found both at Google images.  I can't confirm that the second one is at Pirate City, but it may be.

RE: Just say NO to Pedro

Win pct -- ERA -- WHIP -- IP/GS

0.455 -- 5.61 -- 1.57 -- 5.45 (Player 1)

0.476 -- 4.89 -- 1.51 -- 6.21 (Player 2)

Can we agree that, at BEST, Player 1 = Player 2?  And that more appropriately, Player 1 < Player2?

SirL -- Thanks, that's a new term then for what we used to call the backdrop?

JJ, JAL -- Morning Links -- With IE7 they open in a new browser (not a new tab on the same browser as the blog), but every once in awhile for some reason they will open *behind" my browser so that nothing appears on the screen, but you can see the button for the other link in your task bar if you.  (Of course if you have the task bar hidden, you have to check with alt+tab).  Don't know how they behave on Firefox or Mac.

RE: Baseball America Top 100 prospects

www.baseballamerica.com/.../267698.html

**************

Thanks for the link ... where are our other #1 pitching prospects ?!

Afternoon, fellow looneys.

On Selig---I have seen several comments over time like NuHo's about "lost all sense of competitive balance" in baseball.  I don't agree that since Selig has been commssioner baseball has lost all sense of competitive balance unless one is only focusing on the Yankees, who haven't been able to do much lately despite their spending.  

World Series winners since 1993 in order:

Winners                               Losers

Blue Jays  ('93)                    Phillies

Braves  ('95)                        Indians

Yankees                               Braves

Marlins                                  Indians

Yankess                               Padres

Yankees                               Braves

Yankees                               Mets

Diamondbacks                      Yankees

Angels                                  Giants

Marlins                                  Yankees

Red Sox                                Cardinals

White Sox                             Astros

Cardinals                              Tigers

Red Sox                                Rockies

Phillies                                   Rays

I do agree that Bart Giamatti would make a better commissioner than Bud, and Bart's dead!

All,

Excellent comments on Bud, I agree with all. - I think we've done a pretty good job now of accomplishing a "bashing" today!

;-)

Hadar,

Sure, I think there are lots of Pirates who won't be dumped in 2009 including.....

Andy LaRoche

Brandon Moss

Nyjer Morgan

Jeff Karstens

Russ Oilydorf

Ryan Doumit

Paul Maholm

Nate McLouth

Phil Dumatrait

Evan Meek

to name a few......

The guys I think stand a pretty good chance to get dumped in 2009 are veterans that were brought here by a different regime and who earn multi-millions......

Adam LaRoche

Fred Sanchez

Jack Wilson

John Grabow

I also think the potential exists for a couple of other guys to be dumped......but less likely than the Big Four listed above.....

Ian Snell

Matt Capps

Zach Duke

Tom Gorzy

Eric Hinske

Wilver,

Your list, while depicting a diverse set of teams making it to the world series, is comprised primarily by large market clubs.

Clearly a few small market clubs made it, but it was the exception rather than the rule.

JH

With Firefox the links open a new tab so you can easily go from one site to another

As for Selig--he talks before he thinks.  Like a couple weeks ago when he talked about suspending A-rad and then thought about it and stepped back.  He has done that several times.

A better indication of competitive balance vs money would be wins vs. payroll or wins rank vs. payroll rank to counter the effects of inflation.  I think you'd see a different picture over time.

NuHo--I'm not saying every team has an equal chance to make it, although I would argue that after significant revenue sharing the playing field has been made more rather than less competitive.  I just don't see the evidence that competitive balance has significantly worsened under you know who's tenure, and certainly "lost all sense" is hyperbole.

JAL,

IMO Bowie Kuhn would have used his "in the best interests of baseball" empowerment and still suspended A-Rod simply for breaking the law. - Regardless whether it did not violate the collective bargaining agreement.

I'm pretty sure the CBA doesn't say anything about murdering people but if A-Rod or any other MLB'er murdered someone, I think they should be suspended for that too, regardless of what Don Fehr thinks and that murder is not part of the collective bargaining agreement.

Bud lacks a spine. - Always has.

Wilver,

I have an unrelated question.....

If I am "NuHo"......

Who is "OldHo"?

Just curious.

;-)

NH -- My question was "over the next two or three years" not just 2009.  Meaning after they get past MLB minimum salaries?  But it was largely rhetorical :-}

Hadar,

In that sense, I think this regime's strategy is to maintain players through their first couple of arbitration years and then dump them for more prospects a season or two before they are eligible for free agency.

I think we will see that pattern play out over and over and over......

JAL -- I guess it's what you're used to.  With IE7 if you want to open a link in a new window, you hold down the control key while you click . . . but I find clicking the link and having a new browser pop up is easier.  

NuttingHostage--no disrespect intended, just trying to avoid the confusion with  Neal H.  If you prefer "Hostage" or something else I can use that.  I'm guessing "Nutting" isn't a prefered short hand.

Old Ho?   I'm not going there . . . ;)

JAL--I agree Bud is a buffoon.  And I think the owners and probably the MLBPA like it fine that way.

Wilver,

Oh I don't mind at all, I was just teasing and wanted to see who you might choose to appoint "Old Ho".

;-)

Since I am apparently one of the so-called bashers of our anointed starting 3B...I feel prompted to respond.

Outside of taking care (or not) of one's back...my beef has never been with the man himself. My beef has been with the decision by the PBC to anoint players as starters that have not experienced success at the major league level...to the exclusion of other possibilities. If you have noticed my entries...I also carry that criticism to our left fielder...and somewhat to a smaller extent to our right fielder. If we are to take our BEST TALENT northward with the team..."scholarship" cannot happen...at any position.

Stats seem to be good enough for some people to use around here...but when it is used to support an unpopular position...it's considered bashing. Since we don't have any professional baseball scouts on this blog (I don't think) to provide their expertise, what else can we use than stats and opinions? It's called research.

Do I absolutely believe that players like Steven Pearce, Neil Walker, Andrew McCutchen, et al. are ready for the majors?? No, I don't...but I don't think they are being given a fair shake either. I also believe...listening to statements Pirates management has made on numerous occasions in many places...that it would take an extreme set of circumstances or injury...for the starting eight to be any different than currently indicated. And with multiple 95+ loss seasons to show for it...I find that unacceptable.

Flame away if necessary...I've got the asbestos underwear on today.

Thunder: As one who uses stats, I'll say this much.  Sample size is important.  And, to me, trends.

FWIW, I'm not a huge fan of shutting down competition if a position is unsettled (see "pitchers, starting"), and I wouldn't mind seeing competition at third.  That said, TPTB appear to think that AnLa did not get a fair chance to compete at the end of the year, due to his injury, so they're going to run him out there as the starter to begin this year.  He better perform, though, or he _should_ be sat down for someone who works harder, performs better, or both.

Win your job, kid.  You're a big boy now.

HostageSage,

Although I parochially agree that Small Market franchises get the shaft——it's an easy argument——the scattering of teams actually making the World Series would seem to belie your argument.  I suppose it matters how one identifies small markets.

It appears to me that 6 Large Market and 6 Small Market teams have NOT made the World Series since 1993:

LARGE

Cubs

Dodgers

Rangers

Senators

Orioles

Mariners

SMALL

Bucs

Twins

Reds

Royals

A's

Brewers

11/17 large market teams have been in World Series.  7/13 small market teams have made it.

That seems quite egalitarian to me.  Also interesting that we would all consider Giants large market and Oakland A's, just 12 miles away, small market.

Maybe it has to do more with how teams are managed!

I'm just saying  .  .  .  .  

Luckily, the Buccos have the "Best Management Team in All of Sports," so we will be jumping the broom to new life soon, probably next year if not this.

By the way, above should obviously be Nationals, not Senators.  Both play the same way.  Maybe I should also refer to the Orioles as St. Louis Browns.

Thunder

Obviously there were a lot more posters than you that were piling on Andy LaRoche. Opinions are just that opinions, and the only way that we are going to find out which opinions are correct is to see these players play. LaRoche is out of options, those other players are not. We still have some time remaining to evaluate them before we make a decision on their future as a Pirate; we need to decide on LaRoche now. We can’t send him to the minors, and he has a strong history of success at the lower level; too much prior success to not see what he can do.

I will hold out my criticism of the team’s choice of 3rd baseman only if they stick with him too long after he has obviously proven that he is not a major leaguer. However, I do not disagree with their choice there at this stage of the team’s evolution.

I do not expect to fail, but I doubt that he will prove to be All-Starr caliber either.

Mine is just an opposing view to yours, not an attack.

@Hostage--

GONE IN 2010

Adam LaRoche

Fred Sanchez

Jack Wilson

John Grabow

True these players may be gone by 2010, as well as a few others, but your reasons are one track reasons (Money Only), when in reality there may be several reasons why these players among others may be moved.

As far as Grabow is concerned, we can talk all we want and speculate all we want, but unless someone on this blog site is answering Huntingtons phone, we don't have a clue whether someone has inquired about an offer for Grabow, and if so, every team including the Pirates would consider what the offer was, and oh yes, if they or I could save a buck, I or they would do it. Unfortuneatly when the Bucs save a buck, it is considered dumping, another term that doesn't mean anything, just someone's opinion based on a lack of total facts.

@leadoff - re gone in 2010

As far as Grabow being traded, I believe that bit of info came from our leader, DK.  He's not one to speak without some inside info.

Re the other 3 listed being gone, well, no talk of extension with Big LaR, and both JW and FS have pretty large options for 010, the way the economy is going and this years FAs are making out $$ wise, well, didn't Adam Dunn get two years at 20 mil?  I think Jacks option is around 8 mil, Freddys is 6-7ish?  Thats too much money for the PBC to pay them, IMO, so they most probably are here for the last year.  IMO of course.

Ants marching, new post,

Freddy has an 8 mil option with 600k buyout in 010

JW has 8.4 mil option with 600k buyout in 010.

Too pricey to keep, IMO, unless they agree to renegotiate, which with this market is a possibility

Leadoff,

Two things.....

First, the PPG beat writer who covers the Pirates seems to think that the Pirates ongoing interest in Ohman indicates that a trade of Grabow is on the horizon. - That's good enough for me.

Second, "Unfortuneatly when the Bucs save a buck, it is considered dumping, another term that doesn't mean anything, just someone's opinion based on a lack of total facts."

That is because Pirates consistently have a team payroll ranking in the bottom three in all of of baseball along the Marlins and Rays and at tleast those two clubs have the excuse of not benefiting from a new publically funded ballpark with revenue geterating luxury suites.

Make no mistake about it, it is entirely about dumping when it comes to the Pirates and Bob Nutting.

Sir Lochsby,

I just think it is funny that out of one side of his mouth Neal Nuttingdon says that the days of scholarships are over and that competition for the right to start is important and he actually implements competition for the starting rotation and then out of the other side of his mouth he annoints Andy LaRoche, he of the .163 batting average and abysmal fielding percentage as the starter at 3B.

It makes no sense.

Interesting -- new thread up.  Just some fuel for the fire, but Chuck Tanner points to Niel Walker as a possible surprise player of spring training -- says he's comfortable at 3B and looks like he belongs in the big leagues.

@ leadoff

Totally agree with you on the salary dumping thing. How much difference is there between a slightly above average lefty reliever and say a Burnett or Veal for this current Pirate team. Middle relief is so hit or miss season to season you can find capable replaces much easier. I would welcome any prospects and wil ohman for cheaper as a replacement for Grabow. It would be like trading Grabow for Ohman cash and prospects. Sounds great to me.

As far as Big Laroche Wilson and Sanchez they are 3 players whose play will not justify their future salary. I know we all love Jacks hustle and Freddy Freddy Freddy and the way Adam flails away at the low and outside breaking pitch(well maybe not that) but we havent won with these players and if they can be moved for younger players with more potential right now I say do it. If the bucs aren't in contention in July you would be a fool not to do it. The options on Jack and Freddy are insane. No way they pay that. Unless Pedro is going to play first there are not many future options at the position. Maybe while the market is down they could talk Adam into  a 2 year ext. but barring that I would welcome a trade. He could probably bring the most for his 2nd half potential.

Capps is really interesting. I feel there are plenty of young arms in the system that could at least give closing a shot. What does a a 95 loss team need with a closer if you can't get to him.

Nyjer and Ian could also bring some decent return if packaged right. Hopefully Ians paly negates any trade talk though.

The returns are the all important thing. I'm not against any trades that nerte longer term potential all stars like tabata and b morris. A lot better than bobby hill and a sack of flour.

Speaking of bad trades the Kris Benson trade always bothered me . The mets gave us crap but for Victor Zambrano they gave up Scott Kazmir.

Sorry this is so long and probably completely off base but whatever. Im gonna go watch spring training games on mlbnet now.   What a loser

@  Bizrow

Sorry I reitterated your point took to long for me to type.

Hadar,

That's encouraging news on Walker. I like him and hope he makes it and makes it big. I've always hoped he would develop into a Ted Simmons kind of hitter.

But......I've been burned so many times, from both sides on spring training performances that I no longer put any faith in good or bad play in ST.

For instance, do you remember the year Mark Johnson tore up the Grapefruit League? I thought we had a real slugger on our hands and that clearly did not pan out.

Then just two years ago Gorzy got lit up all spring and I dogged the Bucs for taking him north and then he went on to be the ace that year.

You just never can tell.

@Hostage-

Hostage-

Make no mistake about it, it is entirely about dumping when it comes to the Pirates and Bob Nutting.

I respectfully disagree, it is not entirely about the dumping when it comes to this Pirate mangement team, save a buc, yes, but you have never given them credit for saving a buc, about making correct moves, it is always about the dumping, you can surmise all you want, but on a regular basis reality and fact do not back you up. Other than Rameriz, I don't know of a player that was actually dumped.

Making moves with players that you pay large amounts of money and that do not produce cause most teams that I know of to want to get rid of them because they cost to much for the productivity that the team gets from them, this is not unique to the Pirates or Mr. Nutting.

@Bonds-

Capps is really interesting. I feel there are plenty of young arms in the system that could at least give closing a shot. What does a a 95 loss team need with a closer if you can't get to him.

I can honestly say I am not sold on Capps, I don't think he throws hard enough to just throw it over the plate and let them hit it and he doesn't have much else.

The other problem with him is that JR regards him as his closer, so in JR's eyes, he is in there in the ninth and the team will sink or swim with that, if he gets hit or can't get the ball over the plate, he isn't coming out, if he gets through an inning so be it, consider yourself lucky.

This drives me up a wall, if I am the manger, if the guy doesn't have it, I am not going to let the team lose because of it. I can live with Capps giving up a game tying homer and a game losing homer if he is pitching good and the guy coming up just gets a hold of it, but to watch him struggle and not make changes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@Bondsthegoat, no problem, scary, we think alike... ; }

leadoff -- NH told me the othe day to just get used to it when it comes to his take on the FO.  It's saved me a lot of typing

:-}

NH <<you just never can tell>> True, but should we let that stop us?