17 Comments

The Bucs would get 2 bonus picks if Skenes would get the CyYoung too, correct?

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They would if they had called him up within the first two weeks of the season. As it is, they don't get anything other than any goodwill from Skenes for how they handled him.

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Nov 19·edited Nov 19

Actually just came across what I missed. Only one PPI pick per week player. Technically the ROY would make him qualify for the 1 year of service time but the team can’t earn a 2nd PPI pick for the same player. Was being greedy for a moment, lol!

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Nov 18Liked by WTM

Paul Skenes NL ROY

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yes!

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hip hip hurray

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Heh, the Athletic is filled with comments that Merrill got robbed.

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Skenes started the All-Star game and was the first rookie pitcher to have a sub 2.00 ERA in the live-ball era. Merrill had a nice season, but Skenes had a rookie season the likes of which no one has ever seen... at the very least... not since Valenzuela's rookie season 43 years ago.

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Cry me a river Padres fans. Take the L with class.

#StayClassySanDiego

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I don't think even in Pittsburgh people realize how good Skenes' season was. This was the best rookie season by a pitcher in at least 43 years and probably ever.

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Whoop whoop!

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I agree with WTM's assessment but then also agree with Ethan's closing paragraph with an addition. Normally I would have Siani as a hard no as Pirates would need to make roster space for other signings. I just see so many potential drops(like Ethan) or trading candidates for some low level flyer (that likely will never make it), that it is kind of like 'why not' protect Siani. If he is hitting with the same slash line next year as he ended last year then he is an easy drop during the season if the roster need arises. If he has in fact found something, let's see what he can do in AAA.

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If Siani is capable at all three OF positions, he has enough value to roster. If they're not planning to roster him, then they should be doing everything they can to trade him for a prospect that doesn't need a roster spot. I'd guess that based on his pedigree, defense, and AFL performance, several teams would be happy to give him a roster spot.

This would allow him to continue his development at AAA while giving the acquiring team some depth and us something in return even if just a live-arm A-level pitcher projected for the pen.

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Nobody who we protect or lose is going to alter the fortunes of the franchise. Been this way since 1954. Don’t expect this year to be different.

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If we protected Jose Bautista and let him develop a bit more he could have helped the franchise.

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One quibble: in the chaos and confusion of the leadership transition after the 1985 debacle, which ended with their hiring Syd Thrift, they failed to protect Bobby Bonilla, who was chosen by the White Sox. They had to trade Jose DeLeon to get him back. Franchise changing? No. But it was a stupid move, and DeLeon was an excellent pitcher who could have contributed to the late 80s revival.

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Agree with all!

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