Conner Joe helluva catch in the 9th to save the ballgame. Question remains, can Hank learn the reads, routes and first steps necessary to play RF? Actual games are won and lost, as today's demonstrates, by RF play. He's gotta play winter ball somewhere now that he's missing substantial time.
Joe Perez hit the game winning homer tonight for the Curve. That’s 7 HRs in about 70 at-bats with almost as many walks as strikeouts. He’s 24 and playing a level below where he was with the Astros, but maybe the Pirates have something here.
Meanwhile, Walker Jenkins is just outrageous for the Mighty Mussels, the Marauders opponent this evening. This draft class was really something, but he’s arguably been the best of the bunch so far. Batting over .400 at age 18 in low A. Small sample size, but really impressive. He has one strikeout so far in over 30 at bats at that level.
Crews was 0-5 tonight with two strikeouts against the Curve.
Two questions about Perez. 1. Why did the Astros just release a guy who was doing pretty well in AAA? I know they’re a talented team, but still seems a bit strange. 2. Why did the Pirates move him down a level to AA when he had played the whole season in AAA and at least statistically held his own there? Maybe he’ll turn into something but neither of those moves give me a lot of confidence so in my mind he’ll remain another one of Ben’s waiver wire pick ups until proven otherwise and as usual I hope he does.
I just saw where Ji Man Choi is still having a bad karma year. Just started a rehab stint due to a rib cartilage isssue and……..promptly fractures an ankle……
I actually thought Tres Gonzalez might also get moved up. He's not a needle mover (Bowen appears to have more potential) but has seemed to be a level too low for about half this season.
Good one to win. With the Royals and Cards, I was getting to where I felt they could pull it out when it was close and late, but this wasn’t the Royals or Cards.
While the Pirates 40 man decisions trigger bad memories, for smart roster management, they shouldn't take up a 40 man spot for Cutch until post Rule 5 draft. They certainly can have an agreement in place, but in theory there should be no rush to make it official. I've heard people say they should just do it immediately, but I think they(Cutch and Pirates) can make enough public comments regarding their intent to calm the nerves/anger of any Pirate mobs.
Thats a good point and something I have thought about as well. Having the DH as a rotating spot to give guys a day off/play matchups makes roster construction much easier than having a spot taken by a DH only. Would be a little easier if we could trot him out to RF once a week probably
In the coming few years the NL Central is there for the taking. Theoretically there is no reason for the Bucs not to seize the moment. But experience suggests that they’ll mess it up.
Having Cruz come back fully healthy is just so important to the immediate future of this team. That, and Paul Skenes establishing his presence with authority as early as possible.
Is it though? The AL East, and NL West are pretty prospect heavy as well. Per FG, Baltimore, Tampa, and Boston all have multiple prospects at 55 or higher. For all the prospect capital San Diego has cashed in on trades, they’ve got three prospects at 55 or higher. That outlet has the top two systems of Pgh and Chicago, but the minors seem distinctly more “down” in terms of impact than we’ve seen in awhile.
Granted this is all a snapshot in time of a highly fluid situation. Cincy and Pgh graduated (or will graduate) numerous 50’s and 55’s this season, and had young talent who had debuted before this season. It’s a fun division though, and looks to continue that trend in the near future.
Sure, but as we all know by now, prospects are prospects and can break your heart. There is no Atlanta or LA in the Central, and none is likely to emerge even if some of the prospects actually pan out. The Pirates just took two out of three from the Central leader without one bona fide starting pitcher. This is very doable in the near term, but the management is shaky. If the Bucs could steal Mike Elias and Brandon Hyde from the Orioles they’d be on top of the Central within two years.
Where are you going to put Cruz? I know he still wants to play short, but the Pirates have some pretty good players in the middle of the infield and he’d be a better fit and more valuable in the outfield if he’s willing. At least in my opinion. I guess that’s a good problem to have.
Skenes is not going to be in Pittsburgh until at least late June or July and even then probably in a limited way. I wouldn’t expect him to have much of an impact on the Pirates until ‘25, although he could possibly contribute late next year if by some miracle they find themselves in the pennant chase.
The big question for me is what, if anything, Cherington will do to improve the team and plug the holes in the lineup during the off season. That’s going to play a major role in whether they’ll be competitive next year or not. No one season veterans to trade at the deadline, but quality players who will contribute to having a winning team throughout the year.
So I would keep Cruz at shortstop and play Peguero at second. That is a young, dynamic middle infield. Unlike some on this board, I’ve given up on Gonzalez ever being a starter on a contending team. Williams and Marcano and/or Triolo can be back-ups and utility guys. So I don’t see a logjam of impact players until Termarr Johnson is ready at second. Perhaps by then Cruz will have played himself off shortstop.
Totally agree on the big question. To actually contend next year the Pirates need actual players with some upside, not end of career retreads at first base and at one outfield spot, plus at least one starting pitcher with the same profile. Unfortunately, I highly doubt Cherington will go in that direction.
Which reminds me: the whole veteran leadership thing has got to stop. A.J. Burnett provided veteran leadership but he could also still pitch. Actually being able to perform is the key. I can’t believe that Jason Mackey is already beating the drum for a return of Carlos Santana.
They need to target at least 1 if not 2 starting pitchers. Hopefully one is controllable or signed for a few years. I wouldn't like a bounce back candidates for a team trying to contend unless it's an add on. Definitely need a 1st basemen that is good defensively and can hit. Also need 1 or 2 outfielders hopefully a good defensive centerfielder.
It'll come down to which team capitalizes on developing and transitioning their prospects to the majors the best. Reds have graduated most of theirs this season, and can't sleep on Brewers and Cubs upper levels. Cardinals are the only ones who really look like they might be in a tough situation with aging out vets and a relatively thin farm.
Conner Joe helluva catch in the 9th to save the ballgame. Question remains, can Hank learn the reads, routes and first steps necessary to play RF? Actual games are won and lost, as today's demonstrates, by RF play. He's gotta play winter ball somewhere now that he's missing substantial time.
From AAA
(Tough day for Gonzales except for the 400+ ft HR)
https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/gamefeed?date=9/6/2023&gamePk=723542&chartType=pitch&legendType=pitchName&playerType=pitcher&inning=&count=&pitchHand=&batSide=&descFilter=&ptFilter=&resultFilter=&hf=&sportId=11
From Low A
(Jebb with a 400+ ft HR)
https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/gamefeed?date=9/6/2023&gamePk=729829&chartType=pitch&legendType=pitchName&playerType=pitcher&inning=&count=&pitchHand=&batSide=&descFilter=&ptFilter=&resultFilter=&hf=&sportId=14
And this guy was my preference for 1-1
https://www.milb.com/player/walker-jenkins-805805
Joe Perez hit the game winning homer tonight for the Curve. That’s 7 HRs in about 70 at-bats with almost as many walks as strikeouts. He’s 24 and playing a level below where he was with the Astros, but maybe the Pirates have something here.
Meanwhile, Walker Jenkins is just outrageous for the Mighty Mussels, the Marauders opponent this evening. This draft class was really something, but he’s arguably been the best of the bunch so far. Batting over .400 at age 18 in low A. Small sample size, but really impressive. He has one strikeout so far in over 30 at bats at that level.
Crews was 0-5 tonight with two strikeouts against the Curve.
Two questions about Perez. 1. Why did the Astros just release a guy who was doing pretty well in AAA? I know they’re a talented team, but still seems a bit strange. 2. Why did the Pirates move him down a level to AA when he had played the whole season in AAA and at least statistically held his own there? Maybe he’ll turn into something but neither of those moves give me a lot of confidence so in my mind he’ll remain another one of Ben’s waiver wire pick ups until proven otherwise and as usual I hope he does.
The only thing I can think of is playing time was more readily available in Altoona. Still seems fairly near sighted after his performance though.
I just saw where Ji Man Choi is still having a bad karma year. Just started a rehab stint due to a rib cartilage isssue and……..promptly fractures an ankle……
Damn poor guy
This is off topic, but this is the active thread, so ……
What is going on with Shalin Polanco? What is wrong with him and will he at least be active in instructional league?
Have not seen any injury report. I figured, because he was on 7-day IL and not 60, they at least hoped he'd be back. But it's not looking like it.
Too bad. The Marauders are trying to bomb their way into the playoffs. Nolasco with a 3-run HR to put them up today.
Jase Bowen and Darvin Garcia (??) also promoted.
I actually thought Tres Gonzalez might also get moved up. He's not a needle mover (Bowen appears to have more potential) but has seemed to be a level too low for about half this season.
Good one to win. With the Royals and Cards, I was getting to where I felt they could pull it out when it was close and late, but this wasn’t the Royals or Cards.
Now the Pirates have to re-sign Cutch. No way they can let him retire with 299 HR’s.
what are they waiting for?
Probably for Cutch to text Nutto and get it done without the idiot GM.
While the Pirates 40 man decisions trigger bad memories, for smart roster management, they shouldn't take up a 40 man spot for Cutch until post Rule 5 draft. They certainly can have an agreement in place, but in theory there should be no rush to make it official. I've heard people say they should just do it immediately, but I think they(Cutch and Pirates) can make enough public comments regarding their intent to calm the nerves/anger of any Pirate mobs.
He clearly wants to come back and as much as said so today. Cherington has to bring him back.
I believe the plan was to bring him back unless he decided to be done himself. He wants 300 and still wants to play so he will be back.
I'm not ready for that conversation. Yet lol
Not sold on bringing him back?
It's going to create a roster conundrum from a construction standpoint. That is, if they actually seek to upgrade 1B/CF with legitimate players.
Thats a good point and something I have thought about as well. Having the DH as a rotating spot to give guys a day off/play matchups makes roster construction much easier than having a spot taken by a DH only. Would be a little easier if we could trot him out to RF once a week probably
In the coming few years the NL Central is there for the taking. Theoretically there is no reason for the Bucs not to seize the moment. But experience suggests that they’ll mess it up.
Having Cruz come back fully healthy is just so important to the immediate future of this team. That, and Paul Skenes establishing his presence with authority as early as possible.
Prospect-wise, it’s MLB’s most loaded division. Gonna be tough once BC’s jeenyus development staff has Skenes throwing 89-90.
Is it though? The AL East, and NL West are pretty prospect heavy as well. Per FG, Baltimore, Tampa, and Boston all have multiple prospects at 55 or higher. For all the prospect capital San Diego has cashed in on trades, they’ve got three prospects at 55 or higher. That outlet has the top two systems of Pgh and Chicago, but the minors seem distinctly more “down” in terms of impact than we’ve seen in awhile.
Granted this is all a snapshot in time of a highly fluid situation. Cincy and Pgh graduated (or will graduate) numerous 50’s and 55’s this season, and had young talent who had debuted before this season. It’s a fun division though, and looks to continue that trend in the near future.
Sure, but as we all know by now, prospects are prospects and can break your heart. There is no Atlanta or LA in the Central, and none is likely to emerge even if some of the prospects actually pan out. The Pirates just took two out of three from the Central leader without one bona fide starting pitcher. This is very doable in the near term, but the management is shaky. If the Bucs could steal Mike Elias and Brandon Hyde from the Orioles they’d be on top of the Central within two years.
Where are you going to put Cruz? I know he still wants to play short, but the Pirates have some pretty good players in the middle of the infield and he’d be a better fit and more valuable in the outfield if he’s willing. At least in my opinion. I guess that’s a good problem to have.
Skenes is not going to be in Pittsburgh until at least late June or July and even then probably in a limited way. I wouldn’t expect him to have much of an impact on the Pirates until ‘25, although he could possibly contribute late next year if by some miracle they find themselves in the pennant chase.
The big question for me is what, if anything, Cherington will do to improve the team and plug the holes in the lineup during the off season. That’s going to play a major role in whether they’ll be competitive next year or not. No one season veterans to trade at the deadline, but quality players who will contribute to having a winning team throughout the year.
So I would keep Cruz at shortstop and play Peguero at second. That is a young, dynamic middle infield. Unlike some on this board, I’ve given up on Gonzalez ever being a starter on a contending team. Williams and Marcano and/or Triolo can be back-ups and utility guys. So I don’t see a logjam of impact players until Termarr Johnson is ready at second. Perhaps by then Cruz will have played himself off shortstop.
Totally agree on the big question. To actually contend next year the Pirates need actual players with some upside, not end of career retreads at first base and at one outfield spot, plus at least one starting pitcher with the same profile. Unfortunately, I highly doubt Cherington will go in that direction.
Which reminds me: the whole veteran leadership thing has got to stop. A.J. Burnett provided veteran leadership but he could also still pitch. Actually being able to perform is the key. I can’t believe that Jason Mackey is already beating the drum for a return of Carlos Santana.
They need to target at least 1 if not 2 starting pitchers. Hopefully one is controllable or signed for a few years. I wouldn't like a bounce back candidates for a team trying to contend unless it's an add on. Definitely need a 1st basemen that is good defensively and can hit. Also need 1 or 2 outfielders hopefully a good defensive centerfielder.
There’s a lot on that shopping list, Mel. Not sure they’ll find it at Costco.
It'll come down to which team capitalizes on developing and transitioning their prospects to the majors the best. Reds have graduated most of theirs this season, and can't sleep on Brewers and Cubs upper levels. Cardinals are the only ones who really look like they might be in a tough situation with aging out vets and a relatively thin farm.
Oh but the Cardinals have money and are always willing to spend it.
Also apparently Bubba's getting promoted, so another win!
https://twitter.com/JonathanMayo/status/1699497809806860724?t=RiJxtdVVPLWt1asTi5L1NQ&s=19
How many more innings Bubba has? The jump in innings from last year is getting to an uncomfortable level.
This will be his last start.
Perfect, love the one start taste
According to that tweet
Gorski, too.
This is what many of us hoped the second half was gonna be, it took a while, but is fun!
Good win and series!
Well, that's not a strike but we gladly take that. Raise it!
Thank you Buckner!
A swing a miss, a swing and miss!!!!