This may already be in the draft thread, which I can’t access, but the A’s are calling up Jacob Wilson after only 72 minor league games. He’s hitting .398 in AAA. I’ll be interested to see how he does. I thought he would be over-matched offensively, but even though he’s in a hitter’s park in a hitter’s league, his minor league numbers are still really impressive.
Some credit is due for org actually not pushing thru an accomplished veteran pitcher to the majors, without the pitcher earning the promotion. Does not appear German was worthy of the call-up. No favors granted. Too bad for him, just one year since he threw his perfecto. It's just not a league for soft tossers.
Pirates OF'ers have combined for -0.7 fWAR, that's *with* Reynolds @ 2.0 fWAR. They're dead last with -24 DRS. Although some of that bad OF D could be due to positioning.
I'd be inclined to send Jack to AAA and roll with Rey-MAT-JP. At least have someone in CF that can handle the position and perhaps part of the problem with MAT is the very inconsistent playing time.
Regardless, they need to make a move to get a bat.
The Twins might be a good match on Perez or Marco. They want a rental pitcher we need a rental bat or bounce back. Maybe a Perez for Kepler with lower level prospects going each way. Marco and Ashcraft for Kepler and Kirilloff with a lottery ticket or 2.
I don't know, the injuries, regression and lack of depth in the minors looks like they need to add a couple pitchers capable of starting. One 3 or better that they'll have to look elsewhere for and an inning eater that could also come out of the pen (pirates have that guy). A Perez for Kepler could help both teams without really hurting either. The salaries match up, Kepler has spent his entire career with the Twins so that could be an issue.
I was shot down with similar line of thinking yesterday, but i think this could be realistic. Innings eaters down the stretch are valuable even if they dont make a playoff roster
I wouldn't totally discount any team making a move just to get TO the playoffs. (Major league teams DO like to reach the post-season, contrary to what we see from Federal St.) The post-season environment is different. You definitely don't need five starters. To get there, though, you need more than five. And starting Gonzales or Perez against the Angels or against the Orioles are two different things.
I was all in on Kirilloff for most of the last couple seasons. But the injuries and wasted development time make him a lot less appealing. Don’t get me wrong, I would still take him but I think the Twins would want something back more in line with the potential he showed a few years back, and I don’t know if he can stay healthy!
It really comes down to his final option, if they use it he's in danger of the 40 man crunch during the off-season. If they don't he's probably on the IL or doing good in the majors. Kepler is the rental bat for this year. He's pretty average but safe to say an upgrade in the pirates lineup.
Totally agree on Kirilloff staying healthy, and if he's regressed otherwise.
Does it make sense to move prospects for ward and bleday? Or would it make more sense to trade the bare minimum and get a Winker and Pham instead. I would argue Winker and Pham would be better this year than the other two. Ward and Bleday have more upside and years of control but both have some red flags as well. I think I am starting to lean towards Winker and Pham. I think I’d be happy with any addition, as long as it doesn’t deplete the farm.
My targets would be:
1. Rooker
2. Robert
3. Chisolm
4. Winker
5. Bleday
6. Ward
7. Pham
8. Schneider
9. Varsho
10. Thomas
I put some guys that I know may take too much to get. But I think all these guys could help. I would want two of the 10, preferably one corner and one center fielder.
I'd like to get Pham, was mad we didn't sign him for peanuts to begin the year.
Ward to me is not the kind of guy to give good prospects for necessarily (I mean I like his statcast data to be a bit better than what he has done this year, but you are probably having to pay for him like he is going to be 2022 version with his control). Ward for Termarr or Bubba just doesn't feel good and is probably the kind of value it would take.
Rooker is really interesting...I wonder if we can give a mix of cheap major leaguers (Bae /Suwinski) to make the prospect cost things like Harrington instead of Bubba in a quantity vs one bet. I can see the A's wanting competent cheap major leagues and some guys to get excited about.
I agree with your assessment here. Ward only makes sense if you are not giving them top prospects back. I like your thoughts on rooker too. He’d be an awesome get.
Arozarena had a wRC+ over 120 every year from 2021-23 and is still at 98 this year. Hayes has been over 87 just once and that was 101 last year, and he's at a pitiful 72 this year. So, no, the two aren't even close.
Dodgers outright Jose Hernandez. I always keep tabs on recently moved players, especially when the bullpen was struggling. I found it strange that Hernandez was assigned to rookie level ball once he went to LA and never progressed. With his dip in velocity this year, I wonder if there’s a greater injury concern he’s trying to pitch through.
Bubba Chandler for Mason Miller. Who says no? Bubba obviously has the whole 6.5 years of control left. Miller has 5 after this year. Miller could make a Nasty Boys bullpen this year. Then next year you can decide if you want him to be a SP or not. OAK gets a top 100 prospect that lines up better with their move to Vegas.
A’s wouldn’t do it. Miller is a tough one to figure. Five years of control, a lights out reliever, but with serious injury concerns already. Even if he goes down with TJ surgery after he’s traded, there’s still a ton of control.
If I’m Oakland, I’d want a good bit more than Bubba. And if I’m Pgh, I probably wouldn’t pay it.
I wouldn’t pay it either…. The Bucs have had pretty good success acquiring leverage arms before they are fully identified and valued as such. I’d much rather stay that course long term; and if needed for the short term just call up one or two of the better ‘stuff’ guys (SP that needs innings managed, or RP, either one) and give them their MLB cameos out of the pen.
Elite closer types just have too much variance and so often have career success arcs like shooting stars, for me to feel good about trading high end assets to get one.
Just my two cents, watch them prove me wrong 🤷♂️😁
Sorry, forgot to answer the second part. I'll answer with another question - was there any pitcher at AAA, including German, who was or is holding Bubba Chandler from being promoted? He's on his own internal cruise control! That said, I would like to see Hunter Barco and 4 or 5 position players promoted to AA while Bubba and Thomas Harrington are still at AA.
Can never have too much pitching, but really have that abundance at toona plus what is already in the majors in addition to burrows/oviedo back from injury at various times. If there was ever a surplus to deal from...
Would not be surprised if the Yankees opened a line of communication with the Pirates that could include an exchange of a lot more than German. Clay Holmes has been strong for them, but struggling lately closing games. They have talented players they will never use that could help the Pirates, and the Pirates have late inning pitching and position players that could help the Yankees.
Ke has been frustrating at the plate, but the Pirate infield is just starting to come together. With where our pitching is at, and a strong defensive IF, this team could be playoff caliber right now.
If Key has some back problem that he can't recover from, I agree. If he can get back to form, this would be the worst time to trade him, imo. Last off-season he was one of the most marketable third basemen in the majors. He hit .299 with double digit homers along with his gold glove post all star break. The dollar figures you are showing are close to the average salary of a major league player and way below average for a guy with his numbers.
Not sure if this was posted yesterday, but Kiley did a rundown and analysis of all teams and their draft yesterday. Best value was Duce. Sleeper pick was Hartle. Griffin will end up ranked 4th on the Bucs team list. Said some good things (Griffin’s potential, Sanford can hit, Sterling has traits to take a jump in stuff) about the first three picks.
Is it because their system isn’t that great at the moment (due to a lot of graduates and some guys underperforming)? Or does he think a lot of Griffin? Or both?
It’s impossible to know with lists that are in flight and changing during the season with the draft and graduates. But a week ago, he had Griffin as 7th in the draft class, and would be 71 on the top 100.
Liked the first 4 picks, especially Sterling and Hartle, and lots to build on with Griffin and Sanford. After that, the next 5 picks (Rynders, Taylor, Ager, Wietgrefe, and Adams) will probably tip the scale regarding the overall value of this draft. Could be a few "sleepers" in that fivesome!
This may already be in the draft thread, which I can’t access, but the A’s are calling up Jacob Wilson after only 72 minor league games. He’s hitting .398 in AAA. I’ll be interested to see how he does. I thought he would be over-matched offensively, but even though he’s in a hitter’s park in a hitter’s league, his minor league numbers are still really impressive.
So Jacob Wilson beats Dylan Crews to the majors.
Some credit is due for org actually not pushing thru an accomplished veteran pitcher to the majors, without the pitcher earning the promotion. Does not appear German was worthy of the call-up. No favors granted. Too bad for him, just one year since he threw his perfecto. It's just not a league for soft tossers.
Isiah Kiner Falafel would be an interesting Ke replacement
Pirates OF'ers have combined for -0.7 fWAR, that's *with* Reynolds @ 2.0 fWAR. They're dead last with -24 DRS. Although some of that bad OF D could be due to positioning.
I'd be inclined to send Jack to AAA and roll with Rey-MAT-JP. At least have someone in CF that can handle the position and perhaps part of the problem with MAT is the very inconsistent playing time.
Regardless, they need to make a move to get a bat.
The Twins might be a good match on Perez or Marco. They want a rental pitcher we need a rental bat or bounce back. Maybe a Perez for Kepler with lower level prospects going each way. Marco and Ashcraft for Kepler and Kirilloff with a lottery ticket or 2.
Doubt they're looking for dudes who wouldn't even make a playoff roster.
Too bad, we've got lots of those.
I don't know, the injuries, regression and lack of depth in the minors looks like they need to add a couple pitchers capable of starting. One 3 or better that they'll have to look elsewhere for and an inning eater that could also come out of the pen (pirates have that guy). A Perez for Kepler could help both teams without really hurting either. The salaries match up, Kepler has spent his entire career with the Twins so that could be an issue.
I was shot down with similar line of thinking yesterday, but i think this could be realistic. Innings eaters down the stretch are valuable even if they dont make a playoff roster
I wouldn't totally discount any team making a move just to get TO the playoffs. (Major league teams DO like to reach the post-season, contrary to what we see from Federal St.) The post-season environment is different. You definitely don't need five starters. To get there, though, you need more than five. And starting Gonzales or Perez against the Angels or against the Orioles are two different things.
I was all in on Kirilloff for most of the last couple seasons. But the injuries and wasted development time make him a lot less appealing. Don’t get me wrong, I would still take him but I think the Twins would want something back more in line with the potential he showed a few years back, and I don’t know if he can stay healthy!
It really comes down to his final option, if they use it he's in danger of the 40 man crunch during the off-season. If they don't he's probably on the IL or doing good in the majors. Kepler is the rental bat for this year. He's pretty average but safe to say an upgrade in the pirates lineup.
Totally agree on Kirilloff staying healthy, and if he's regressed otherwise.
Does it make sense to move prospects for ward and bleday? Or would it make more sense to trade the bare minimum and get a Winker and Pham instead. I would argue Winker and Pham would be better this year than the other two. Ward and Bleday have more upside and years of control but both have some red flags as well. I think I am starting to lean towards Winker and Pham. I think I’d be happy with any addition, as long as it doesn’t deplete the farm.
My targets would be:
1. Rooker
2. Robert
3. Chisolm
4. Winker
5. Bleday
6. Ward
7. Pham
8. Schneider
9. Varsho
10. Thomas
I put some guys that I know may take too much to get. But I think all these guys could help. I would want two of the 10, preferably one corner and one center fielder.
I'd like to get Pham, was mad we didn't sign him for peanuts to begin the year.
Ward to me is not the kind of guy to give good prospects for necessarily (I mean I like his statcast data to be a bit better than what he has done this year, but you are probably having to pay for him like he is going to be 2022 version with his control). Ward for Termarr or Bubba just doesn't feel good and is probably the kind of value it would take.
Rooker is really interesting...I wonder if we can give a mix of cheap major leaguers (Bae /Suwinski) to make the prospect cost things like Harrington instead of Bubba in a quantity vs one bet. I can see the A's wanting competent cheap major leagues and some guys to get excited about.
I agree with your assessment here. Ward only makes sense if you are not giving them top prospects back. I like your thoughts on rooker too. He’d be an awesome get.
Happ and Vlad for any prospects not named Bubba, Termarr or Griffen
Cubs will not trade the pirates happ. Would love if they did but not happening.
Common sense.
dump Martin Perez, Chapman and KeBryan so we can afford those two guys
They’re not dumping Hayes without picking up a chunk of his contract, or somebody else’s.
sad but true
Arozarena fit this category?
Arozarena had a wRC+ over 120 every year from 2021-23 and is still at 98 this year. Hayes has been over 87 just once and that was 101 last year, and he's at a pitiful 72 this year. So, no, the two aren't even close.
and 128 wRC+ since the beginning of May.
I would not be against this
At least he is sober...
Hasn’t pitched like it.
Dodgers outright Jose Hernandez. I always keep tabs on recently moved players, especially when the bullpen was struggling. I found it strange that Hernandez was assigned to rookie level ball once he went to LA and never progressed. With his dip in velocity this year, I wonder if there’s a greater injury concern he’s trying to pitch through.
Bubba Chandler for Mason Miller. Who says no? Bubba obviously has the whole 6.5 years of control left. Miller has 5 after this year. Miller could make a Nasty Boys bullpen this year. Then next year you can decide if you want him to be a SP or not. OAK gets a top 100 prospect that lines up better with their move to Vegas.
A’s wouldn’t do it. Miller is a tough one to figure. Five years of control, a lights out reliever, but with serious injury concerns already. Even if he goes down with TJ surgery after he’s traded, there’s still a ton of control.
If I’m Oakland, I’d want a good bit more than Bubba. And if I’m Pgh, I probably wouldn’t pay it.
I wouldn’t pay it either…. The Bucs have had pretty good success acquiring leverage arms before they are fully identified and valued as such. I’d much rather stay that course long term; and if needed for the short term just call up one or two of the better ‘stuff’ guys (SP that needs innings managed, or RP, either one) and give them their MLB cameos out of the pen.
Elite closer types just have too much variance and so often have career success arcs like shooting stars, for me to feel good about trading high end assets to get one.
Just my two cents, watch them prove me wrong 🤷♂️😁
Right. The variance is why I wouldn’t sign Bednar long term either.
Much rather get a hitter plus starting pitching more valuable than a reliever.
A’s will not ever answer another call if that is the offer.
Probably. But his value is tough to gauge. Has never pitched a volume of innings at any level. He has 110 IP in 4 professional seasons.
More like Bubba, Harrington and Holderman
what a waste
just call up Bubba to the majors now
I'd be fine with that. We don't have the offense to go all in on a guy like Mason Miller even if he's fun to watch.
Get all the Pgh area players!
*inserts Kevin Hart "NOOOOOO" gif*
Gotta figure someone with a glaring need for SP will take a flyer on German. If he does leave, does that open a spot in Indy for Bubba?
Sorry, forgot to answer the second part. I'll answer with another question - was there any pitcher at AAA, including German, who was or is holding Bubba Chandler from being promoted? He's on his own internal cruise control! That said, I would like to see Hunter Barco and 4 or 5 position players promoted to AA while Bubba and Thomas Harrington are still at AA.
Well, Barco promotion happening. Hoping for others
Can never have too much pitching, but really have that abundance at toona plus what is already in the majors in addition to burrows/oviedo back from injury at various times. If there was ever a surplus to deal from...
It is?
https://x.com/_chaseford/status/1812610105298526238?t=ogzusTU-V0q7ECGMYE15MA&s=19
👍👍
Would not be surprised if the Yankees opened a line of communication with the Pirates that could include an exchange of a lot more than German. Clay Holmes has been strong for them, but struggling lately closing games. They have talented players they will never use that could help the Pirates, and the Pirates have late inning pitching and position players that could help the Yankees.
Why would the Yankees want German back when they couldn’t wash their hands fast enough from him? Unless it’s for Everson Pereira!
sources say the yankees are in on KeBryan
Ke has been frustrating at the plate, but the Pirate infield is just starting to come together. With where our pitching is at, and a strong defensive IF, this team could be playoff caliber right now.
dropping his money and chapman´s salary is the first step in acquiring some real bats
2025 28 Pittsburgh Pirates $7,000,000
2026 29 Pittsburgh Pirates $7,000,000
2027 30 Pittsburgh Pirates $7,000,000
2028 31 Pittsburgh Pirates $8,000,000
2029 32 Pittsburgh Pirates $8,000,000
2030 33 Pittsburgh Pirates *$12,000,000
If Key has some back problem that he can't recover from, I agree. If he can get back to form, this would be the worst time to trade him, imo. Last off-season he was one of the most marketable third basemen in the majors. He hit .299 with double digit homers along with his gold glove post all star break. The dollar figures you are showing are close to the average salary of a major league player and way below average for a guy with his numbers.
Not sure if this was posted yesterday, but Kiley did a rundown and analysis of all teams and their draft yesterday. Best value was Duce. Sleeper pick was Hartle. Griffin will end up ranked 4th on the Bucs team list. Said some good things (Griffin’s potential, Sanford can hit, Sterling has traits to take a jump in stuff) about the first three picks.
behind Chandler, Termarr and Harrington?
Dunno, he didn’t have the rankings listed. I’d assume it’s those three though.
4th is a surprise.
Is it because their system isn’t that great at the moment (due to a lot of graduates and some guys underperforming)? Or does he think a lot of Griffin? Or both?
Were you thinking he would be ranked better or worse?
#2 after Bubba seems awfully warranted.
better. right?
It’s impossible to know with lists that are in flight and changing during the season with the draft and graduates. But a week ago, he had Griffin as 7th in the draft class, and would be 71 on the top 100.
The high ceiling, low floor guy are probably harder to rank.
Liked the first 4 picks, especially Sterling and Hartle, and lots to build on with Griffin and Sanford. After that, the next 5 picks (Rynders, Taylor, Ager, Wietgrefe, and Adams) will probably tip the scale regarding the overall value of this draft. Could be a few "sleepers" in that fivesome!