Diego Cartaya was dfa'd to make room. Wouldn't mind to get him if only for spring training, his defense took a big step forward and he has caught some decent arms. Wouldn't give up much of anything though.
I'd be interested if they think his plate discipline and OBP will translate to the majors. What I liked about the Horwitz acquisition is that they seemed to have found a player whose approach aligned with their coaches' philosophy, and Kim could be another step in that direction.
Plus, I want us to be active in the Asian market, and in the free agent market in general.
I see him listed as a second baseman that may be able to play short. If all other needs were filled or we had no budget, I would feel confident that he would help our ball club. The fact that in the majors and minors it seems we have plenty of second basemen, I would not do that signing today.
Josh Rojas - ho-hum right. Nobody the Pirates would be interested in, but interesting in the number of teams that were interested in him for his ability to play multiple positions, especially 3B. How much is Gold Glove Utility Player Jared Triolo worth? BTW, the Pirates have another possible Triolo-clone in Jack Brannigan. He missed a lot of 2024 injured, but should be in AA to start 2025 or soon after the season starts.
And, maybe not even that good, although he did post a 1.9 fWAR last year. IKF a total of 2.0 fWAR. I could not understand a veteran such as IKF with the pitiful K/BB numbers after the trade. I would love to see him come to ST with a positive attitude and assume the role of a leader on and off the field in 2025!
Especially if we can get a few infielders to step up and take ownership of their roles, then triolo becomes a valuable trade chip. Alternatively, if his offensive improvement from the end of last season is real, then he becomes super valuable to us
Agreed! But, in order to take advantage of his skills, I think we would have to dedicate some time for him at a regular position. If Hayes continues to have back issues, 3B would be that primary spot to get 60-80 games. If not, 2B would be that spot, and rotate into SS, 3B, and 1B for 40+ more games. If I was him I would rent an apartment down the street from wherever Hague is located, and make sure he has his swing mechanics down cold before ST starts. If he comes to camp making contact and controlling the zone, he will become a very strong weapon for the Pirates and other teams.
Spring will be big for Triolo, his defense is already known other than a longer look at shortstop. If his bat looks better, he could put pressure on Hayes and the front runners at 2nd. Might even put himself in a platoon position at first, he'll have to show a lot more with the bat though.
Looks like hes consistently had elite walk, K, and chase rates for multiple seasons running now. However, he hit the ball significantly harder this past season than he ever had before and has never graded out very well defensively. He's an interesting case because how likely is it that this ability to impact the ball will stick starting in his age 30 season? Im not sure if the market will really know how to value him. I think he would be much less risky if he was even a middling defender to go along with elite walk and K rates, but without that base his floor could crater even if his upside is as elite as we saw last year
Another MI who found a home in LF, mostly because the bat is still worth a pretty decent offer. A 32 year old who will definitely hold until the last minute hoping for a 3 or 4 year extension? Not somebody the Pirates can afford.
Livvy Dunne posted picure of Paul, Bubba Chandler and his girlfriend on Bourbon Street just a few hours before the attack. The four had been to NYE celebrations and left about 1am
Hye-Seong Kim’s signing/posting deadline is today. Any interest?
Looks like he may be VERY light hitting, but strong MI defense. I think he may be worth a flier given our lack of true SS and budget constraints.
Signed with the Dodgers
I'm shocked. Shocked, I tell you . . . .
Diego Cartaya was dfa'd to make room. Wouldn't mind to get him if only for spring training, his defense took a big step forward and he has caught some decent arms. Wouldn't give up much of anything though.
Whoever worked with Bart should work with Cartaya.
Catcher prospects, man. That kid was a DUDE.
Also, he seems to be what we hoped Bae would become--plus speed, plus defense, good on-base skills, limited power.
I'd be interested if they think his plate discipline and OBP will translate to the majors. What I liked about the Horwitz acquisition is that they seemed to have found a player whose approach aligned with their coaches' philosophy, and Kim could be another step in that direction.
Plus, I want us to be active in the Asian market, and in the free agent market in general.
I can’t wait for the Bucs to sign him and put him in RF.
I see him listed as a second baseman that may be able to play short. If all other needs were filled or we had no budget, I would feel confident that he would help our ball club. The fact that in the majors and minors it seems we have plenty of second basemen, I would not do that signing today.
Josh Rojas - ho-hum right. Nobody the Pirates would be interested in, but interesting in the number of teams that were interested in him for his ability to play multiple positions, especially 3B. How much is Gold Glove Utility Player Jared Triolo worth? BTW, the Pirates have another possible Triolo-clone in Jack Brannigan. He missed a lot of 2024 injured, but should be in AA to start 2025 or soon after the season starts.
Josh Rojas = IKF.
And, maybe not even that good, although he did post a 1.9 fWAR last year. IKF a total of 2.0 fWAR. I could not understand a veteran such as IKF with the pitiful K/BB numbers after the trade. I would love to see him come to ST with a positive attitude and assume the role of a leader on and off the field in 2025!
We got that one with the cooler name at least?
Especially if we can get a few infielders to step up and take ownership of their roles, then triolo becomes a valuable trade chip. Alternatively, if his offensive improvement from the end of last season is real, then he becomes super valuable to us
Triolo with a league average bat is extremely valuable. With his defense and a bat that doesn't hurt you, he'd be 3+ WAR super utility.
Great hedge against injury, while lengthening the bench for a bat only type.
Agreed! But, in order to take advantage of his skills, I think we would have to dedicate some time for him at a regular position. If Hayes continues to have back issues, 3B would be that primary spot to get 60-80 games. If not, 2B would be that spot, and rotate into SS, 3B, and 1B for 40+ more games. If I was him I would rent an apartment down the street from wherever Hague is located, and make sure he has his swing mechanics down cold before ST starts. If he comes to camp making contact and controlling the zone, he will become a very strong weapon for the Pirates and other teams.
Spring will be big for Triolo, his defense is already known other than a longer look at shortstop. If his bat looks better, he could put pressure on Hayes and the front runners at 2nd. Might even put himself in a platoon position at first, he'll have to show a lot more with the bat though.
Could be this team's version of JHay
Just don’t sign him to an extension.
Was looking at profar a bit out of curiosity.
Looks like hes consistently had elite walk, K, and chase rates for multiple seasons running now. However, he hit the ball significantly harder this past season than he ever had before and has never graded out very well defensively. He's an interesting case because how likely is it that this ability to impact the ball will stick starting in his age 30 season? Im not sure if the market will really know how to value him. I think he would be much less risky if he was even a middling defender to go along with elite walk and K rates, but without that base his floor could crater even if his upside is as elite as we saw last year
He was the number one prospect in baseball recently. 2013 was only 12 years ago. Some of these guys just need a little time.
I can't believe he is only 30. Good post.
Another MI who found a home in LF, mostly because the bat is still worth a pretty decent offer. A 32 year old who will definitely hold until the last minute hoping for a 3 or 4 year extension? Not somebody the Pirates can afford.
Livvy Dunne posted picure of Paul, Bubba Chandler and his girlfriend on Bourbon Street just a few hours before the attack. The four had been to NYE celebrations and left about 1am
That will put some things in perspective for early 20-somethings. Good post.