My out of leftfield prediction is that Soto will go the Cardinals. They're desperate and are clearing a lot of money off the books, including options that appeared to make sense like Gibson's.
For in the division, I said it last year, and I’ll repeat it again: the Cubs could really use him. They have the need and the cash.
He’s a bit of a unicorn as a free agent, he will be 27 next year and is a superstar. Guys like that frequently don’t reach free agency till they are a bit older for extension/service time manipulation reasons. On that basis, he’d really make some level of sense for any the teams who have financial wherewithal to sign him, as you’re likely getting him for a good bit of his prime.
AM: Any plans to do an article on the USA Premier 12 Team? MLB TV and former Brave Mark DeRosa is very much involved with the USA Baseball Org, and Mike Scioscia is the Manager of the team. The Pirates Termarr Johnson left the AFL to join the USA team, and there are quite a few top prospects on the team - there are also guys like 44 year old Rich Hill on the Roster.
I pulled up the roster and it includes some folks the Pirates might be interested in watching. Three OF's that I thought to be interesting are Justin Crawford 20, CF, AA (Phil's), Colby Thomas 23, LF, AAA (Oak), and Chandler Simpson 23, OF, AA, (TB). I wondered who will be opposite TJ at 2B, and it is 2024 Defensive MiLB POY, SS Carson Williams 21, AA.
Let’s hope BC isn’t too scared to make deals for ML ready hitting this winter, because we know for sure they won’t be signing any FA’s who will move the needle.
We just need to find a way to get rid of the two duds that made it perfectly clear that they were not happy with being traded to the Pirates. In their time with the Pirates they both struck out 13 times for every one walk - pitiful - not even minimally proficient! Not the type of people I would want in a clubhouse of young, impressionable ballplayers.
I’m fully in agreement, but unfortunately I also fully believe BC will bring them both back because he brought them in. He won’t accept responsibility for being wrong, and he won’t be held to account for his mistakes either.
I'd feel more optimistic if Nutting's claim that he expected contention last year was anything more than just words. Is there another owner in sports that would say something like that, see his team fail miserably, and then be satisfied that the only changes are a few coaches and FO personnel?
Now that they are involved and support the revitalization of the downtown, I cannot think of a better way to do that than to field a team that could realistically challenge for a playoff position. Just think - 7 months of more fans at PNC Park leading into the Fall where the Steelers seem to know how to win and keep their fans supporting them.
We have pitching, but only 2 MLB quality hitters (Reynolds and Cruz). Hayes was a solid player and hitter in 2023, and then almost invisible (due to injuries) in 2024. Cutch had a nice 2024 season, but can that be depended upon moving forward? Joe had a good 2023 then dropped off last year. Suwinski was decent in 2023 then awful in 2024. Our hitting overall in 2024 was pitiful.
My thought is to plan to go young in 2025 with PT for Peguero MI, Yorke 2B/OF, and Cook 1B/OF. Hayes, hopefully, can return to 2023 form, and Triolo remains the UT IF. Bart, Endy are strong at C. In the OF we have Reynolds and Cruz, with AB's for Yorke and Cook also. If we have the opportunity, we could use a LH proven power bat or a LH leadoff type who can hit for average, steal bases, and a strong BB/K rate (think Chandler Simpson, TB). I would be leaving the door open to see how well TJ does at AA, and if we trade for Simpson, he will be at AA/AAA also.
I'm hoping for a step forward - 5 games different means .500. With another year of a solid Rotation and a few improvements in the lineup, even Shelton can push that across the finish line - I know that's a lot to hope for, but BC is dragging his feet to make a decision about Shelton. We're the Pirates - baby steps!
How are you hoping for a step forward with the same players or young players who look like role players and nothing more? Doesn’t make a lick of sense. The obsession on this board with wanting a better team, but not thinking it’s possible by acquiring outside players is one of the weirdest things I’ve seen.
I agree. The only way they are getting hitters is through trades. They could luck out in the OF and wait it out. There's usually a few bargain vets that get passed over. 1b they have to trade for someone.
Cole and Soto are probably going to play for the Dodgers next year, right?
My out of leftfield prediction is that Soto will go the Cardinals. They're desperate and are clearing a lot of money off the books, including options that appeared to make sense like Gibson's.
For in the division, I said it last year, and I’ll repeat it again: the Cubs could really use him. They have the need and the cash.
He’s a bit of a unicorn as a free agent, he will be 27 next year and is a superstar. Guys like that frequently don’t reach free agency till they are a bit older for extension/service time manipulation reasons. On that basis, he’d really make some level of sense for any the teams who have financial wherewithal to sign him, as you’re likely getting him for a good bit of his prime.
If he signs with the Cards or Cubs I hope he immediately breaks his tibia and never plays again.
That’s almost as mean as hoping for plantar fasciitis!
If you can't beat them, join them.
Pirates have declined Marco Gonzales' option.
AM: Any plans to do an article on the USA Premier 12 Team? MLB TV and former Brave Mark DeRosa is very much involved with the USA Baseball Org, and Mike Scioscia is the Manager of the team. The Pirates Termarr Johnson left the AFL to join the USA team, and there are quite a few top prospects on the team - there are also guys like 44 year old Rich Hill on the Roster.
I pulled up the roster and it includes some folks the Pirates might be interested in watching. Three OF's that I thought to be interesting are Justin Crawford 20, CF, AA (Phil's), Colby Thomas 23, LF, AAA (Oak), and Chandler Simpson 23, OF, AA, (TB). I wondered who will be opposite TJ at 2B, and it is 2024 Defensive MiLB POY, SS Carson Williams 21, AA.
Let’s hope BC isn’t too scared to make deals for ML ready hitting this winter, because we know for sure they won’t be signing any FA’s who will move the needle.
We just need to find a way to get rid of the two duds that made it perfectly clear that they were not happy with being traded to the Pirates. In their time with the Pirates they both struck out 13 times for every one walk - pitiful - not even minimally proficient! Not the type of people I would want in a clubhouse of young, impressionable ballplayers.
I’m fully in agreement, but unfortunately I also fully believe BC will bring them both back because he brought them in. He won’t accept responsibility for being wrong, and he won’t be held to account for his mistakes either.
I'd feel more optimistic if Nutting's claim that he expected contention last year was anything more than just words. Is there another owner in sports that would say something like that, see his team fail miserably, and then be satisfied that the only changes are a few coaches and FO personnel?
Now that they are involved and support the revitalization of the downtown, I cannot think of a better way to do that than to field a team that could realistically challenge for a playoff position. Just think - 7 months of more fans at PNC Park leading into the Fall where the Steelers seem to know how to win and keep their fans supporting them.
We have pitching, but only 2 MLB quality hitters (Reynolds and Cruz). Hayes was a solid player and hitter in 2023, and then almost invisible (due to injuries) in 2024. Cutch had a nice 2024 season, but can that be depended upon moving forward? Joe had a good 2023 then dropped off last year. Suwinski was decent in 2023 then awful in 2024. Our hitting overall in 2024 was pitiful.
My thought is to plan to go young in 2025 with PT for Peguero MI, Yorke 2B/OF, and Cook 1B/OF. Hayes, hopefully, can return to 2023 form, and Triolo remains the UT IF. Bart, Endy are strong at C. In the OF we have Reynolds and Cruz, with AB's for Yorke and Cook also. If we have the opportunity, we could use a LH proven power bat or a LH leadoff type who can hit for average, steal bases, and a strong BB/K rate (think Chandler Simpson, TB). I would be leaving the door open to see how well TJ does at AA, and if we trade for Simpson, he will be at AA/AAA also.
That lineup (basically rolling it back) ain’t gonna top 76 wins.
I'm hoping for a step forward - 5 games different means .500. With another year of a solid Rotation and a few improvements in the lineup, even Shelton can push that across the finish line - I know that's a lot to hope for, but BC is dragging his feet to make a decision about Shelton. We're the Pirates - baby steps!
How are you hoping for a step forward with the same players or young players who look like role players and nothing more? Doesn’t make a lick of sense. The obsession on this board with wanting a better team, but not thinking it’s possible by acquiring outside players is one of the weirdest things I’ve seen.
We need a SS, 1stbaseman and an outfield. Sign 1 and trade for the other 2. Not to mention a closer and 2 more relievers
Other than that, we’re great!
True that.
I agree. The only way they are getting hitters is through trades. They could luck out in the OF and wait it out. There's usually a few bargain vets that get passed over. 1b they have to trade for someone.