Morning links: Time for best/worst

Instead of a best and worst, I think the Pirates deserve a worse and worst.

Right now the Pirates have the second worse record. DO NOT WIN ANOTHER.

"Oh, it's completely fine by me," he said. "Shoot, if that's going to help us out for me to go to second, that doesn't bother me at all. If they think Pedro's ready to come up and that helps us win, hey, whatever it takes to get us to play in October. That's all I want here." - Andy LaRoche

I want this guy on my team.  

I think the best quote should have been Jason Kendall talking about "Dave Kerwin"

The way the system works currently, resigning with the Cubs is really the only option Grabow has.  Buster Olney quoted an AL GM as saying:

"If they offered him arbitration, there's no chance another team would sign him. You're not going to give up a No. 1 pick for a middle reliever."

The compensation system kills lower-tier Type A free agents, non-closing relievers in particular.  It's a case where being pretty good really hurts your bargaining power.

I've heard more complaining on this blog than 25 beauty shops.(Not a dig at women,more of a dig on men).Oy ve.

They had the Pirates winning the pennant on Saturday Night Live just a few minutes ago.

At least the Pirates are Champions on national comedy shows!

Yep!  Kristin Wiig was even wearing an "authentic" Pirate pullover as they cheered the Pirates hitting a home run on the radio to win the Championship.

Seth Meyers, the head writer and Weekend Update Dude is originally from Pittsburgh.  Maybe it was his doing.  It was a secondary part of the skit—but the ending—and it stood out.  I thought I was falling asleep and/or dreaming when the girl walked in with the "Pirates" across her shirt.

LOVE that quote and that attitude from Andy!

I know, and I think I've been saying this since February, that it was too early to give up on him.  He had a bad start to the year, and he didn't hit as consistently as everyone wanted, but I have thoroughly enjoyed watching him play.  His fielding has been awesome.  The hitting will come.

DK,

I agree completely about AL.  As you no doubt have seen on the blog there is a growing number who have advocated a move to second base for him.

Given the progress in his first full season there seem to be even better days ahead.  Hard work and dedication will pay off I hope.  I just like the kid's makeup and when Alvarez gets here they need to have a place for LaRoche.    Thanks.

The SNL skit was something like Bad International Playhouse with castmembers playing Norwegian actors who have learned to speak American style English as a second language and who then attempt to act out a stereotypical American drama.

Kristen Wiig is a goddess. And that Kovacevic feller has given me a pretty good laugh tonight too.

You're skipping ahead. Possibly. Not likely though.

So wow, management is saying Pedro will probably be in Pittsburgh next year, AND also that Brandon Moss will not be the everyday RF.

Meaning either Tabata or a free agent will be,

OR

Jones will be the RF and Clement or a free agent will be at 1B.

Shall we take guesses as to which scenario will play out?

I hope the Tigers win the AL Central.  I do not want to see any dingy and dark indoor baseball at a park using industrial strength Hefty bags for its fence.  Good riddance to the Homer Dome.

"...and he (LaRoche) spent much of the first half reworking his approach to make better adjustments to various pitches. The power, which was no emphasis at the time, has emerged only in the past month."

"I needed to get back my approach of hard line drives through the middle, and that had me swinging, I'd say, at 70-75 percent," LaRoche said of the early going. "Once I got that down, I started to put a little more behind the swing and show more power."

I don't recall that being a story during the year.

So... management let a guy take half a year working out his swing, at 75%, to the detriment of the big-league club.

No scholarships, right?

It speaks volumes about the lack of talent on this club, the disregard for an honest effort at winning in the here and now, and FO favoritism.

Yep, we had many other options at 3b this year...must have been FO favoritism.  

The guy was a former top prospect and given a chance to play everyday, without injury.  He proved he's got some potential, not great but promising.  But, hey, George....thank goodness he's not a minority, right?  That'd be a double whammy...

So tired of the FO bashing.  We all seem to forget this team was just as awful without 'the group'.  Yet, these guys are WAY younger and WAY cheaper.  Yet same results.  And a good chunk of them are placeholders.  

The FO has made some good moves, some bad, as do most FO's.  Yet, this organzation is in way better shape overall than it has been in for a very long time.  We've waited 17 years, what's a few more?  It takes more than a few years to turn around the pathetic organization that was handed to the current FO.

If this FO ends up failing with this plan, at the very least, the organization won't be in the dire straits that were handed to them but filled with potential that can be added to by someone else.  I personally don't believe it'll get to that point.  I'm in the minority but have faith in NH and FC.

wakerider429 wrote re: Pirates vs. Reds, 10-3-09

on Sat, Oct 3 2009 5:25 PM

I can't believe it took Russell all season to figure out that Brandon Moss was no better than a bench player

 Are you really, really surpirised it took a robot like Russell an entire season to realize this guy Moss is not a major league starting player.?

   Face it, he was told to play Moss, he had no say in the matter, most likely. It could only be 1 of 2 things.  John Russell is a sheep for the FO, and if you say NO, then he is just a very bad manager.

     Concerning the declaration of Moss not taking advantage of his opportunity,  

       If that is the Fo's view concerning Moss,,than  why isn't the same declaration being made about Russell not being

qualified to run a Major League Ball Club.

    Big difference, The Pirates came out in the press about Moss, yet refuse to admit the same classification for the Worst first 2 year record , of a manager in the History of this great franchise.

     You can pretty much bet your bottom dollar, plenty more 1st and 2nd year players would choose to play winter ball , if a strong minded manager (Ozzie Guillen, anyone?), was obtained to run this team , and lead The Group, into the next decade.

     I don't know what the cut off date is for players to be added to winter league rosters(might already be to late).

    A new manager, an ACCOUNTABLE manager, would ensure these various Winter Rosters, would be well represented by the Pirates organization.

     Russell must go, just hoping the FO doesn't drag their rears on the matter, and get  this guy out of there, by Tuesday morning.

  Here's one thing to maybe ponder.

    Any grumblings behind the scenes, Kerrigan stayed on, to possibly take over as manager?

    Is it possible to new member of the staff will be more than just someone being Groomed for the position?

   Kerrigan wouldn't be my 1st choice, but a heck of alot better option than what the team is represented by now.

         Just don't let this 10 game stretch for a reason to keep Russell on board.

    The sooner(MONDAY, i hope), the better.

The FO has made some good moves, some bad, as do most FO's.  Yet, this organzation is in way better shape overall than it has been in for a very long time.  We've waited 17 years, what's a few more?  It takes more than a few years to turn around the pathetic organization that was handed to the current FO.

If this FO ends up failing with this plan, at the very least, the organization won't be in the dire straits that were handed to them but filled with potential that can be added to by someone else.  I personally don't believe it'll get to that point.  I'm in the minority but have faith in NH and FC.

 I am in the minority that has faith in the FO.

 If Russell is brought back for 2010, then i am joining the majority, until that day finally comes.

   But they better do alot of BETTER things between now and then , to get me to jump back on their side of the fence.

          ANNIVERSARY GATHERING

            October 24th, noon time

             Vincents of Greentree

                  Special Guest

                Mr Frank Coonelly

              LImited seating available

              RESERVE YOUR SEAT

                              to

                tjfran@comcast.net

         Questions for MR. Coonellly

          can be submitted by emailling to

                tjfran@comcast.net

                      No tie req

             gathering news update

Since the crowd is growing one simple rule of courtesy is in order.

Everyone gets the chance for a questioin before anyone asks a second question

DK, why did they talk to Andy about 2b and not SS?  Seems range requiements would be the same at either position, with added difficulty at SS for arm strength.  But andy has a great arm right?  I would also guess that there are more free agent and trade options for 2b than SS.  Does this mean FO sees more potential in Cedeno than DY?  Can't say I agree.  

I really like the idea of Andy moving, but I wish they'd consider SS.  I also question why they haven't started this transition two months ago, when this blog began advocating it.  They wasted two months in which they could have begun the evaluation process.  And don't give me the "can't learn I'm middle of season argument", as 1) the season was over and 2) they had DY learning 2b in middle if season!

testing avatar 123, testing 123

there once was a maybe youngin named belfry

who started off on the first post not shy

welcome to this crazy group

you get to stir your soup

so late in the season we are to say from all just hi

                Special Sunday Announcement

              I am taking questions fro Mr. Coonelly

              to the gathering from those not attending

                    you can email your question to

                             tjfran@comcast.net

Morning Links Part 2

Play by Play of a game we seen many times

scores.espn.go.com/.../playbyplay

Preview of the Final Game of the Season

www.cbssports.com/.../MLB_20091004_PIT@CIN

THE OFFICIALLY UNOFFICIAL PBC BLOGS AND MLB LINKS:  Part 1

Sandlot Swashbucklers-Don't Touch That Dial...

mvn.com/.../dont-touch-that-dial.html

Pittsburgh Lumber Company--Votto's Bat, Duke's Arm Push Reds Over Bucs

mvn.com/.../vottos-bat-dukes-arm-push-reds-over-bucs.html

Raise the Jolly Roger-Relevant Baseball Tomorrow

raisethejollyroger.com/.../relevant-baseball-tomorrow-pirates-4-reds-8

The green Weenie-Bumbling Bucs Back

oldbucs.blogspot.com/.../bumbling-bucs-back.html

PBC Home Page--Duke ends year with step back vs. Reds

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

PBC Home Page-Bucs turning corner just as year ends

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

PBC Home Page--Maholm pitched through injury in '09

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

It is SLAPHAPPY SUNDAY and time to review the updated stats for the ...

7777777  Wilson/Snell Trade  7777777

Trade completed on July 30, 2009, Jack Wilson & Ian Snell for Ronny Cedeno, Jeff Clement, Nathan Adcock, Brett Lorin and Aaron Pribanic. Here’s how the players are performing for their new teams since the trade was completed.

Stats thru Oct. 3:

Jack Wilson – Seattle Mariners – SS  (Jack last played on 9/15/09)

1 HR  8 RBI  .224 **  31 G  107 AB  11 R  24 H  17 K  6 BB  1 SB ** .263 OBP .299 SLG

Ian Snell – Seattle Mariners – RHP

5-2,   4.20 ERA  **  12 G  64.1 IP  61H  7 HR  37 K  39 BB  ** 1.55 WHIP .247 OP AVG.

Ronny Cedeno – Pittsburgh – SS – Bats : R (Ronny last plaed on 9/23)

5 HR  21 RBI  .258 **  46 G  155 AB  17 R  40 H  29 K  9 BB  2 SB ** .307 OBP .394 SLG

Jeff Clement – Indy – 1B -  Bats: L  (minor league season over)

7 HR 22 RBI .224 ** 27 G,  98 AB, 16R 22 H, 27 K, 12 BB, 1 SB ** .313 OBP .459 SLG

Nathan Adcock – Lynchburg – RHP (minor league season over – GO MIGHTY HILLCATS !!)

3-2,  5.25 ERA **  7 G,  24 IP, 29H,  5 HR, 15 K, 7 BB ** 1.50 WHIP  .296 OP AVG.

Brett Lorin – West Virginia – RHP (minor league season over)

3 – 1 , 1.57 ERA ** 7 G, 34.1IP, 33 H, 2 HR, 29 K , 10 BB ** 1.26 WHIP .264 OP AVG

Aaron Pribanic – West Virginia – RHP (minor league season over)

4 – 2, 2.15 ERA ** 7 G, 37.2 IP, 32 H,  5 HR,  18 K. 5 BB ** 0.99 WHIP .230 OP AVG.

777777777777777777777777777777777777777

THE OFFICIALLY UNOFFICIAL PBC BLOGS AND MLB LINKS: Part 2

Rumbunter--D-Fense, D-Fense. D-Fense

rumbunter.com/.../d-fense-d-fense-d-fense

Rumbunter--HOPE. Are the Pirates the Obama Campaign of MLB?

rumbunter.com/.../hope-are-the-pirates-the-obama-campaign-of-mlb

MLB Transactions

www.cbssports.com/.../transactions

Bucco Fans--The Battle for #2

www.buccofans.com/.../battle-for-number-two.html

FanHuddle--Pirates Avoid 100 Losses In 2009

fanhuddle.com/.../pirates-avoid-100-losses-in-2009

Good morning mates, good tidings to all.

A couple of things, one I repeat myself.  What caused this real dislike of Moss, as DK said, the kid busted his tail, he had 9 OF assists, or close, read something where the PBC had 55 OF assists, leading the ML.  Regardless, if anyone thinks JR had any intelligence with how Moss was handled, I would love to hear the logic.  

Second is, all the FO is in their final year?  FC and NH signed three year deals, JR a two and was extended one year.  I don't see how they can give JR another extension (at least I hope not), but would bet FC and NH get an extension this off season.

IMO draft choice be darned, I want 98 losses, not 99

How bout that crazy Dejan, putting #s at the bottom of his posts like some of the other kookie  inmates??  

But seriously...who DOES that??!?

A

Best morning moment - reading the best/worst

Worst morning moment - finishing B/W and realizing nothing until Spring Training.

B

1ST-IN-LINE FOR 2010 S.T. GATHERING

I've joked in past posts about spring training gathering/mrs drew hosting etc....BUT I'M NOT KIDDING.

so...

WHEN SPRING TRAINING 2010 SCHEDULE IS POSTED, WE'LL PICK A WEEKEND GAME AND SEE HOW MANY INMATES CAN MAKE IT TO BRADENTON SOME TIME IN MARCH!

I'LL ASK PBC IF THEY WANT TO SEND AN OFFICIAL REPRESENTATIVE TO TALK TO US ABOUT THE COMING YEAR.

WE MAY WRAP ANOTHER/OTHER EVENT(S) INTO A LONG WEEKEND - OPTIONS FOR POOL, BEACH, BOAT, GOLF ETC.

THERE WILL BE A SPECIAL SEAT WAITING FOR DEJAN IF HE HONORS US WITH HIS PRESENCE (AND ANY OTHER MEMBERS OF THE P-G STAFF).  don't worry Dejan that the seat doubles as the asylum's electro-shock chair, it's USUALLY turned off on weekends.

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT RE: BRADENTON GATHERING:

- WE'RE TIED FOR FIRST IN MARCH!

- FLORIDA WEATHER LOW 80s IN MARCH WHEN PITTSBURGH IS STILL A FROZEN TUNDRA

- MRS DREW IN A HALTER TOP

SO DRAW A WIDE CIRCLE AROUND YOUR CALENDARS FOR NEXT MARCH.  START WORKING ON YOUR ROADTRIP CARS, OR SAVING NICKELS FOR GAS OR PLANE TICKET MONEY.

NEWS TO FOLLOW IN COMING MONTHS

C

www.hulu.com/.../saturday-night-live-norwegian-actors-playhouse

The SNL skit

ants marching===================================

my reaction was positive to discussing position move with Andy.  The cynic might post that it's an excuse NOT to sign a free agent to play 2nd...but with Andy's dramatic defensive improvement, and his emerging signs of decent power, not sure a 2nd tier FA signing is any better.   if he now projects as a 260 hitter with 15-20 or more HR potential (let's give credit to recent power #s) with great glove, those #s project much better at middle infield than 3B, even aside for Pedro's presence.

Who disagrees with this from any perspective?  Would like to have someone take a serious, #s driven shot at this to see if logic holds up.

D

Conor....thx for the link. That video would've made the Top 17 list had it come out last year.

I hope AL can make the switch to 2B. If he can field there like he has at 3B, that would be great. His bat plays a lot better there than at 3B.

And, if B Morris can come along after all those changes he had to make to his motion, that J Bay deal may not seem so bad after all?

Go Bucs...lose to Homer B today and clinch that #2 position. I hear that there's another Bryce out there who is a stud hitting OFer.

"So tired of the FO bashing.  We all seem to forget this team was just as awful without 'the group'.  Yet, these guys are WAY younger and WAY cheaper.  Yet same results.  And a good chunk of them are placeholders"

"Just as awful without the goup" - NOPE  NOT EVEN CLOSE

"Way cheaper" - unless you are in Nuttings will, why do you care if they are cheaper?  It's not like Nutting spends the savings elsewhere.

"Placeholder" - I thought this was "the group"?  

------

Picking the best out of this season is like picking the thinnest kid at fat camp....pointless

The Group is for this year only, obviously.  You don't think Pedro or Tabata or Lincoln will be part of it?

And how is 64 wins with youngsters not the same OR better than 67 with overpaid Sanchez, Wilson, LaRoche et al.

Pointing out the negative EVERY day is pointless.

Well, I don't mean to be a jagoff, but I told you so about Andy Laroche moving to second base way back in the early going this season.

I've been saying this all along. It's either move to 2nd base, where he actually becomes an above average hitter for his position, or be a bench player when Alvarez hits the majors.

I like Andy at second. As I said before, if he can play third, he can certainly play second, an easier position. It's what Garner had to do when we got Madlock in '79, and Garner did it mid-season without any pre-work. And don't forget that Freddie Sanchez made the same transition.

Other commenters doubted my belief on this back when I first proposed it, based on his little previous experience at second. But as I said, second is less taxing on the arm, and I've always found second base to be the easiest position to play, personally.

These guys are athletes, not just an everyday Joe like me playing pick-up softball once a week. They should have no problem making such a switch.

I won.  Where are my accolades?  Where are my trophies?  Oh, I forgot.  I'm one of THOSE.  Forget about logic and truth.

On a brighter note, I hear Snow White is getting released on Blu-Ray this week.  :-D