Pittsburgh Pirates

[frankiegotti]

Ok, so here goes the new thread.


They were interviewing the new manager on tv and he said "we are going to be a lot more aggressive when we have runners on base than in years past, we are going to try to get every runner to score that we get on base." I think this means that there may be a shake up in the batting lineup and that there is also more chance of hit and runs for the pirates this year.

Also, i think there will be much more base running this year. But lets just see how spring training plays out. :cheers:

 

[MusicCityGambler]

Ok, so here goes the new thread.


They were interviewing the new manager on tv and he said "we are going to be a lot more aggressive when we have runners on base than in years past, we are going to try to get every runner to score that we get on base." I think this means that there may be a shake up in the batting lineup and that there is also more chance of hit and runs for the pirates this year.

Also, i think there will be much more base running this year. But lets just see how spring training plays out. :cheers:

Good for the Pirates. I've always believed that young teams should employ the most aggressive style of play available. It teaches a winning attitude. I'd love to see the Pirates compete this season.

 

[SteelBucsFan]

CF McClouth should get the redlight more often he was thrown out once last year 23 SB... Sanchez batting behind him , hits alot of doubles along his ability to make contact ... Mclouth needs to run more...Nyger Morgan will split time in center with Nate and the name of his game is basestealing...


this is my favorite thread :smiley_acbe:

 

[mogo]

looks like we'll have a few people with Pirates input for the board....

 

[E.T.G.]

Are they going to go over baserunning this preseason if they are going to be more aggressive? I can remember watching like 6 different games and seeing stuff that my 15-16 yr old baseball team that I coach does better on the base path.

They have some young talent to compete and I would like to see it happen

 

[frankiegotti]

Since steelbucs brought up the CF position i thought it would be nessecary to add that the new manager addressed that position as being "the most wide open position we have, pitching included."

 

[frankiegotti]

CF McClouth should get the redlight more often he was thrown out once last year 23 SB... Sanchez batting behind him , hits alot of doubles along his ability to make contact ... Mclouth needs to run more...Nyger Morgan will split time in center with Nate and the name of his game is basestealing...


this is my favorite thread :smiley_acbe:

I can't wait to see the lineup, i am wondering if the coach is really going to be as active as advertised or it is just an act.

If indeed he does shakeup the batting order then it'll be interesting to see how he puts jason bay and freddy sanchez in there.:cheers:

 

[SteelBucsFan]

I think the new skipper Russell will get alot out of these guys...coached many of the younger players in the minors and the vets know him from the few years as a coach w/ the pirates on McClendons staff....former catcher should be able to do some things with the young staff..

I forgot to mention stud CF prospect Andrew McCutchen , he may have a shot out of spring training...Got off to a real bad start last year in AA after a great spring training with the Bucs...Promoted to AAA around July and did well...most likely summertime callup

The man to keep an eye on is Steve Pearce ....the kid hits everywhere he goes ....didnt show any power last year in limited time with the pirates but its there...i would like to see Nady traded so this kid can play fulltime...

 

[SteelBucsFan]

starting rotation is pretty much set as long as there isnt any injuries during spring training...Snell , Gorz , Morris ,Maholm with # 5 up for grabs between Duke and a handfull of former #1 picks Burnet , Bullington ,Van Benschoten,Jaret Wright,Casey Fosssum and other scrubs ...

Burnett will stick somewhere on the team most likely bull pen because he is out of options but still young and lefty ..may sound crazy but the kid has been cursed by injuries has fought back over and over just give the kid a freaken chance in the show ...hes earned it and then some...

good chance /maybe ? we sign resign Chacon nobody else seems to want him


if i was the manager i would make all the former #1 relievers ...Trade Marte ,Grabow for prospects and keep Capps

have read that Mariners are interested in Snell if they cant get Bedard

man i cant wait for the season to start

 

[frankiegotti]

good info steel bucs...I did not know all of that information about the buccos minor league prospects.

Good stuff, i as well am looking forward to many discussions about the pirates this year.

 

[E.T.G.]

I think the new skipper Russell will get alot out of these guys...coached many of the younger players in the minors and the vets know him from the few years as a coach w/ the pirates on McClendons staff....former catcher should be able to do some things with the young staff..

I forgot to mention stud CF prospect Andrew McCutchen , he may have a shot out of spring training...Got off to a real bad start last year in AA after a great spring training with the Bucs...Promoted to AAA around July and did well...most likely summertime callup

The man to keep an eye on is Steve Pearce ....the kid hits everywhere he goes ....didnt show any power last year in limited time with the pirates but its there...i would like to see Nady traded so this kid can play fulltime...

Former Gamecock, he sure was good at SC, wish the kid the best in MLB

 

[scdoggy]

I'll be watching these threads very closely, as PIT does look to me to be one of the small market clubs that should provide good value. Decent pitching, and the pen should be reasonable. If they can play small ball, and get agressive on the bases - these guys will win some games early on.

 

[SteelBucsFan]

Pirates in talks with C Paul Bako to back up Paulino... how exciting

 

[Schrute]

Pirates in talks with C Paul Bako to back up Paulino... how exciting

LOL as a Braves fan I sympathize with you

 

[frankiegotti]

Pirates in talks with C Paul Bako to back up Paulino... how exciting

Who is this guy and will he be a factor?:cheers:

 

[BetCrimes1984]

frankie - Bako rivals Sal Fasano for uselessness.

 

[frankiegotti]

frankie - Bako rivals Sal Fasano for uselessness.

lol, thanks BC, i thought he may be relevant at some time. Guess i am mistaken

 

[STEED]

:tiphat:

 

[frankiegotti]

Freddy Sanchez and the pirates reach a "gentlemen's agreement" on a long term deal that would keep him in pittsburgh for an additional 3-5 years.

 

[mogo]

Freddy Sanchez and the pirates reach a "gentlemen's agreement" on a long term deal that would keep him in pittsburgh for an additional 3-5 years.

YEAH BUDDY!!!! THE DIRTY IS HERE TO STAY!!!!:cheers:


Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Freddy Sanchez agreed on a contract that could be worth $19 million over three seasons.
<!-- INLINE HEADSHOT (END) -->

The deal is for two years and $11 million guaranteed and includes a third-year, $8 million option that will vest if Sanchez reaches a designated threshold based on plate appearances.

The contract potentially locks up Sanchez with the Pirates through his first year of free agency in 2010.

Sanchez, 30, is a .310 hitter in parts of six major league seasons with Boston and Pittsburgh. He won the National League batting title with a .344 average in 2006, and hit .304 in 147 games for the Pirates last season.

By signing the new deal, Sanchez avoids a salary arbitration hearing scheduled for next week. Sanchez had been looking for $4.9 million in arbitration, while the Pirates had countered with an offer of $4.1 million.

Sanchez is the first Pirates infielder to hit .300 in consecutive seasons since third baseman Bill Madlock in 1982-83, based on a minimum of 450 plate appearances. Sanchez was a third baseman when he won the batting title in 2006.

 

[SteelBucsFan]

I like it ...Freddy started to show some power toward the end of the year ..Hopefully that continues..I believe we probably trade him after this year for some young prospects... Since he has a friendly contract many teams would jump to add a solid bat like his..By the time the pirates are ready to compete his contract will be over

 

[frankiegotti]

i agree, he will be a great bargaining chip to use for prospects. I think the pirates are headed in the right direction by adding the talented VP of scouting from the cleveland indians as their GM. He will be able to reconize valuable prospects when he sees them. Hopefully he can get this train goin.

 

[frankiegotti]

Pirates sign Doug Mientkiewicz to a minor league deal with the chance to earn a job as LaRoche's backup. Speaking of LaRoche, he is talking to the pirates with a 3 or 4 year contract extension but nothing finalized yet. They could rework 2008, but then the extensino would start in 2009, but if thats the case they have a week to get that straightened out.

Pirates pitching is taking another step by talking with Bartolo Colon. He has expressed interest in wanting to pitch in the NL. Among the teams that was at his workout were the pirates. Pirates are one of two teams that he is currently talking with, astros being the other.

Colon earned 14 million last year after only pitching 99 atrotious innings. I do not think those types of numbers will be in order for this year. The current pirates rotation is listed as Tom Gorzelanny, Ian Snell, Paul Maholm, Matt Morris, and Zach Duke. Zach Duke will be fighting for his spot if Colon is signed.

 

[SteelBucsFan]

would like to get Colon on the cheap, but i would think Morris and his 14million would have to be dealt first...If Morris starts the season strong like last year he will be moved...I still cant figure out why we traded for him in the first place...Cards possibly, as long as we eat some $$$...Hell what do i care its not my money sign that fatty in hopes of a rebound season and trade him later..these types of deals never seem to work for us tho...

 

[frankiegotti]

i think pirates are building for 2 or 3 years down the road right now....So whoever is doing well by around teh all star break they can expect to be moved with the exception of freddy sanchez.

I am unsure if the cards would take morris only becaue they have gapping needs at other positions 3rd, short, and one of the out field positions.

 

[SteelBucsFan]

Pirates sign Byung-Hyun Kim :hang:as long as he dosent start this may be an ok signing..


Bullpen so far :

Capps
Marte
Grabow
Kim
?
?
?

 

[frankiegotti]

It is ok, i know that builiding a team is a process, so the new pirates new GM said that he is not going after mediocre free agents and wants to build up the pirates through the draft and have good prospects in the minor leagues.

Not a bad move at all, but it isn't going to be a quick turn around by the buccos.

 

[SteelBucsFan]

ST Pitching Lineup

Thurs ; Gorzleanny
Fri : Snell
Sat uke
Sun :Maholm
Mon: Morris

2 innings each

3 innings in their 2nd start

I expect to see a lot of at bats for Adam Laroche, they want to try and break the pattern of early season slow starts.

 

[frankiegotti]

good info...will keep my eye to see how they do.

 

[SteelBucsFan]

Tom Gorzelanny will start the Grapefruit League opener against Philadelphia tomorrow ..

Bryan Bullington, Phil Dumatrait, Jaret Wright, Juan Perez, John Grabow and Matt Capps will follow

 

[frankiegotti]

First Pirates Play:

Team total wins Over 68.5 Wins Double Play.

 

[STEED]

i like

 

[mogo]

WE WILL!

 

[SteelBucsFan]

First Pirates Play:

Team total wins Over 68.5 Wins Double Play.

i like it ....

Pirates - 3 vs Orioles looks good too.

The plan for a winning year seems to be starting out the right way...play awful during ST (1-5) SO FAR ...THEN YOU KICK BUT WHEN THE SEASON STARTS...LOL

Isn`t that how it works ?

 

[frankiegotti]

steel, yea that is about right...I like the pirates to be competitive in their division at the very least. I don't think the new GM or manager will not put up with the team quitting when the season tanks, which at some point it will because they don't have the horses to compete with the favorites of the division. Although, that begs the question if somehow the buccos get a post season birth and that runs into football season. Will the pirates be forgotten about in the city of pittsburgh once football season starts.

 

[mogo]

View attachment 18127


:hang: only one way to go from here.......

 

[SteelBucsFan]

Pirates rotation set..

Snell - 18/20 game winner
Gorzellany - 15 wins if he stays healthy
*Maholm* - breakout season expect 15 wins
Morris- playing TT over every game he pitches
Duke - wont last 5 starts

waiting in the wings

Sean Burnett
Jared Wright

 

[mogo]

BRADENTON, Fla. -- The Pirates this morning cut four players from spring training -- outfielder Kevin Thompson and relievers Jonah Bayliss, Elmer Dessens and Casey Fossum -- and added infielder Luis Rivas to the 40-man roster, effectively putting him on the team for opening day.

Rivas will be the starting second baseman if Freddy Sanchez, still unable to throw at 100 percent because of offseason shoulder surgery, is not ready.

 

[cubsker]

Pirates rotation set..

Snell - 18/20 game winner
Gorzellany - 15 wins if he stays healthy
*Maholm* - breakout season expect 15 wins
Morris- playing TT over every game he pitches
Duke - wont last 5 starts

waiting in the wings

Sean Burnett
Jared Wright

lol. Snell isn't winning 20 games. You really think you're going to have 3 15 game winners?

 

[Seabass]

Snell or Gorzellany could be 15 game winners on the Yankees, but on the Pirates, I doubt it...

 

[~Utah]

Pirates rotation set..

Snell - 18/20 game winner
Gorzellany - 15 wins if he stays healthy
*Maholm* - breakout season expect 15 wins
Morris- playing TT over every game he pitches
Duke - wont last 5 starts

waiting in the wings

Sean Burnett
Jared Wright

This is crazy, Snell will be a bust. Im sorry to say it but like at the opening day pitchers who all Pittsburgh thought would be our savior, all had a couple good years and bust. ( Till they get get traded anyway)...Perez, Duke....or they get fucked and have tommy jones surgery or shatter there elbow or something

I think Gorzo can have a great year, very underrated last year

the rest are garbage with "potentail", gotta be realistic after so many years

 

[mogo]

is anybody thinking of playing the buccos regular season wins total???

i saw it at o/u 70 wins (-115) at sportsbook last night....

it's not a very attractive play at that price though.... does anybody see other sites offering something close, but at a better price???

 

[frankiegotti]

First Pirates Play:

Team total wins Over 68.5 Wins Double Play.

A couple weeks ago i played this. Looks like i'm not the only one predicting the buccos to increase their win total.

 

[~Utah]

I think theyll get 70-73

 

[frankiegotti]

I think theyll get 70-73

i am am in the same ball park as you but i think mid 70's will be good for them. I think snell may be somewhat of a surprise this year. From what i have been hearing in spring ball his curve ball has been working like a charm this year and has added curve to it. I don't know how you judge that but it's what i've been hearing. I think this will give added value to his changeup. The only thing that worries me is his fastball which hitters look for because that is not nessecarily his strong suit.

I think snell will be a 13 or 14 game winner.

 

[scdoggy]

Though I stay away from season win totals in bases (can't justify tying up funds over the course of the season) I do like this one. I've been quietly playing these guys over the last week of spring ball. Buccos should have a decent year, and be one of those teams that hangs around for a little longer than people would have thought.

 

[~Utah]

i just looked at the SI preview...they predict Pirates to get 70