Fun mock draft exercise on espn with Kiley and two other baseball writers where they utilize the trading of players and picks to move up and down in the draft.
Morel is 4-6 so far in the DSL Gold's DH today. That brings his avg up to .265, and his OPS is >.900. SSS, but still nice to see. Mola has a 3-R HR today with his avg >>.300 and OPS >1.000. It's a long way away and may mean little, but I'd still rather see these guys succeeding rather than struggling like Suero or Jauregui in the FCL.
I don't think many people, including many Pirates' fans, understand how valuable Keller is. The guy goes out and gives piles of quality starts year in and year out. There are not many pitchers in baseball who can do that.
I think fans know how valuable he is. The problem is that the owner has capped their payroll where it is, so the only way to add a hitter is to unload your most expensive player. Attendance is down so Bob will have an excuse to drop the payroll even lower next year.
I missed your saying that Chandler was in the game last year. Players don’t repeat in the Futures Game, so that’s the explanation as to why Bubba isn’t appearing this year.
I went to the futures game in Milwaukee way back when it was fairly new. Such a cool event. Not to mention the blasts in the home run derby by Sosa and others. Too bad the actual all-star game ended in a tie. :)
I really didn't like him. He was suspended from baseball as a leader in the collusion and cheating. There was a comish actually standing up to make baseball better, so he was a leader in a league run by owners. He swiftly moved his Brewers in the NL and the Astros in the AL. Then he watched all of the steroid era and made our heros look like they were the big problem. The fact that Selig is in the hall of fame makes me ill.
Now we start separating the contenders from the pretenders. This is the tough jump short of the big one. Even more so for a hitter in this system. Huge opportunity for Esmerlyn.
despite that he's also cut down his k% by 9 points from last year. wouldn't surprise me if they left him there, but it would be nice to see how he'd do in aa before the end of the year
It's good that he cut the strikeout rate down, because that was obviously needed. The Swinging Strike rate though concerns me moving up. Greensboro season ends before Altoona's does, so I wonder if they give him a small taste at the end of the season.
I can see both scenarios, but the SwStr% does point to some regression, especially against better pitching.
I have no idea, just asking. Is it possible that a top prospect might be tempted with more pitches to chase in the minor leagues and wind up with a higher strike rate?........................ as opposed to if they were on a major league club sandwiched between 2 quality hitters.
very possible. i'd like to see them challenge him. they seemed to have did that this year (didn't think he'd be promoted after last season), and he has responded pretty well for the most part
He's a very resilient person. Very aware of what he needs to get done. Gave maybe one of the best answers to the 'what's the next step in development' question I give most prospects. Had me and the interpreter talking after the interview.
I wouldn't mind challenging him, but the Pirates are also adamant they won't promote a guy until they feel he is ready. So if he does see AA this year, it may be at the end of the year. Like the 10 games he got last year in Greensboro (that went really bad)
I think there is always going to be some swing and miss to his game, but an 18 SwStr% in high-A is going to be a rough transition to the upper levels.
I've seen a lot of 18% guys not make it out of A ball, honestly. He will because the raw power and the glove, but there's still work that needs to be done.
Like, he gets credit for knocking the strikeout rate down, but there's more work to be done.
Well it is official, the pirates have ruined my 9 year olds sons fandom: yesterday we were out and about without screen access. When I picked up my phone to check on the score I happily explained that they demolished the Mets again 12-1. He looked at me with a furrowed brow and asked why they didn’t save some runs for the cardinals tomorrow.
Important to remember that the Pirates have a number of guys in the bullpen with options (and a starter with options). They can drain the pen one day, option a guy or two, and call some people up: a major advantage that Kelly has that Cherington never gave to Shelton.
Also important to remember the optioned pitcher has to stay down for 15 days, barring a phantom IL injury to bring him back up. So it's not as simple as you make it to churn thru relievers.
No one would ever create a phantom IL stay to finagle the roster around the MLB rules.
You know... it's funny, they actually applied a penalty to someone last year, I think it was the Mets, for doing this, when it happens 60 times a year around the league.
When looking for Prospects, I always tune into the work of Geoff Pontes of Baseball America. Last Oct he authored a piece "Traits To Target" - Batted Ball Metrics Help Identify Dynasty Prospects on the Rise. Two of the 9 players noted were LH hitting OF Prospects Josue DePaula and Zyhir Hope, both in the Dodgers System. They are now 20 and both are in the Top 10 Hitters in the A+ Midwest League, and I assume both will be promoted to AA by year end.
A few days ago Pontes issued another interesting Prospect piece - "10 MLB Hitting Prospects with standout data in June. Number One on the list was Konnor Griffin, which should be a strong indication that he thinks very highly of KG. Another Pirate Prospect, Esmerlyn Valdez, was mentioned by him in a sort of back-asswards way. The 9th listed Prospect, Colby Thomas, is a 24 year old at AAA. In the text he states "currently ranks in the Top 10 in the minor leagues this season with 17 HR, 2 off the Minor League Leader, Esmerlyn Valdez. Any mention is great, and congrats to Valdez hitting his 20th yesterday!
I guess the pitching in Pitchburgh has waited out the offense. Granted, we caught the Mets on a pretty dramatic low... But I'd like to remind you of the level of pitching that our offense has made look like Cy Young this year.
*
That said, there are some good signs that I was kind of optimistic of this preseason that did not pan out in the first half.
*
First. We, a team sitting 10.5 games out of FOURTH place, unceremoniously knocked a first place team into second place over three days. You are welcome, Philadelphia.
*
Second. The bullpen blowups of the first half might be a thing of the past. With Mlod, Burrows and Ashcraft, we've got enough swing in the pen to cover some innings, yo.
*
Third. I like Coach Donnie's quick hook with said pen. A Heaney can have an off day and get an early shower. Or a summer shower can happen and our winningest pitcher, Bailey Falter (who saw that coming... baseball is weird...), can leave after one and it's all good.
*
Four. I don't know how the job of, say, a hitting coach or a pitching coach at the MLB level, matters, but I've heard that Haines was awful and I suspect if Matt Hague coaches the way he used to hit the ball... well... I could see that translating to a popgun offense sort of how we batted around so often this weekend. No idea what's happening, but... sure... okay.
*
But the thing is... I was saying in my Eternal Sunshine of my Spotless Mind this spring that our team could be MLB average all around the diamond and with outstanding pitching, make the playoffs. Two things happened on the way to Optimistville: The offense shit the bed like a 1972 AMC Hornet and the bullpen had more holes in it than the Steelers' D-line in last year's playoffs... (sorry if that triggers anyone.)
*
Answers would seem to be the new arms in the pen and some guys who are delivering well and the way Donnie uses them (Loved seeing El Farol in the 5th the other day). Answers seem to be in warmer weather, because cold weather Pirates are not good, and possibly in the new contact prescription of Tommy Pham (There, Wilbur, I SAID it.). Key, Cutch, B-Rey and a few others are heating up and this pitching staff doesn't need The Lumber Company... It needs 4 plus runs per game.
*
I believe the margin was tiny. I think the Pirates lost 21 one-run games in the first half. That's shitty offense and shitty bullpen. MAYBE those issues are easing, or maybe it's luck or regression b/c the coin flipped consistently tails all this first half.
*
that is all.
_________________________
"Alright you slop artist! How about some scenery?"
I never liked Carey as a comedic actor. But, you know, this film, "Truman Show,"... I did not like Robin Williams as a comedic actor either, but give the man a dark role, like "One Hour Photo," or "Insomnia," or ... Jeez... "The Fisher King." "What Dreams May Come." You look at a comedian and what you tend to get, in order to get to the humor, you have to know what's ticking under the hood. So, I feel like comedians have always been our most intelligent people. Also, sometimes, our most loving and tortured people.
Anything by Charlie Kauffman. God, that guy nailed it for a while. "Adaptation" just had levels. "Being John Malkovich," again, levels.
I don't think we need rule by businessmen, lawyers or rich people. I think we need rule by poets, comedians, authors. They are, at heart, humane. They are not, in any way, driven by greed or want.
Okay. I think I'm veering off into a column on one of my platforms here.
Baseball. We love baseball so we don't have to think about things like this.
No I love it. I’ve spent nearly 40 years, off and on, acting on stage and the occasional short film. Preach it brotha!!! I also have a great passion for cinema of all eras, from Chaplin and Keaton, Davies & Garbo to DiCaprio and Pitt, Winslet & Pugh 🎥
Unique lineup for the Pirates Sunday in that they sat both IKF and Nick Gonzales. Showcased obvious Trade Deadline guys like Adam Frazier and Tommy Pham, who both did well at the plate - Frazier 2-4 at leadoff, and Pham 2-4 with a HR and 2 RBI. Oneil Cruz with 2 HR & 4 RBI, Reynolds 2-4 with a HR & RBI, Ke' Hayes 3-5, 2 RBI, and Henry Davis 4-4 were also huge contributors.
The Pirates also took the opportunity to showcase two young SP/RP's in Mike Burrows and Carmen Mlodzinski who accounted for 8 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 1BB/7K, 9/3 GO/FO. And, chances are that Johan Oviedo will also be activated for a rehab assignment soon. In short, the Pirates are flush with pitching.
Fun mock draft exercise on espn with Kiley and two other baseball writers where they utilize the trading of players and picks to move up and down in the draft.
Morel is 4-6 so far in the DSL Gold's DH today. That brings his avg up to .265, and his OPS is >.900. SSS, but still nice to see. Mola has a 3-R HR today with his avg >>.300 and OPS >1.000. It's a long way away and may mean little, but I'd still rather see these guys succeeding rather than struggling like Suero or Jauregui in the FCL.
Well Suero didn't strikeout yet today, only the 2nd time this season if he can make it the rest of the game.
3 of Morel's hits were doubles.
Got another hit now 5 for 7.
Did Alonzo get promoted to Altoona? Thought I saw that he did but can't find it now.
The prospect bats in AAA/AA have been depressing this season. Hopefully Valdez hits the ground running and provides a spark to the Curve lineup.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/06/pirates-trade-rumors-mitch-keller-cubs-poll.html#comments
MLBTR readers think we should trade Keller
I don't think many people, including many Pirates' fans, understand how valuable Keller is. The guy goes out and gives piles of quality starts year in and year out. There are not many pitchers in baseball who can do that.
I think fans know how valuable he is. The problem is that the owner has capped their payroll where it is, so the only way to add a hitter is to unload your most expensive player. Attendance is down so Bob will have an excuse to drop the payroll even lower next year.
He's valuable for sure but at least one set of projections thinks (https://fantasy.fangraphs.com/projections-fueled-top-30-pitching-prospects-midseason-2025-update/)—right now—Chandler and Ashcraft could put up a similar line. Maybe totally wrong but a guy like Cherington will play those odds to save Nutting $18M per year.
After they do it 140 times over 4 years without injury, we can assess. Projections take no account of durability.
I'm not saying the projections do. I'm saying Cherington will sell on Keller because he thinks he's got similar coverage.
He'll trade Keller because he can't sell any tickets to see the team, and there is no room in the Nutting budget.
Unless they get well overpaid, it will be a mistake IMO.
Cherington make a mistake?! Get the fainting chair.
That's my boy!
By a huge margin. I would also add that most people that took part in that poll, don't understand the Skenes window.
Valdez to AA
Valdez and Griffin named to the Future's Game
Have they named pitchers yet?
https://www.mlb.com/news/2025-futures-game-rosters?t=mlb-pipeline-coverage
I see Andrew Painter, but no Bubba Chandler.
Only 2 reps for the pirates are Griffin and Valdez. Bubba and Termarr were in it last year, I think. Bubba might have got the save.
I missed your saying that Chandler was in the game last year. Players don’t repeat in the Futures Game, so that’s the explanation as to why Bubba isn’t appearing this year.
So no mystery.
My guess is that Chandler was offered a spot and the Bucs declined because he hasn’t been that effective this recently.
Very possible, Valdez and Griffin have earned it as well.
I went to the futures game in Milwaukee way back when it was fairly new. Such a cool event. Not to mention the blasts in the home run derby by Sosa and others. Too bad the actual all-star game ended in a tie. :)
That image of bud selig shrugging during that tie game.....I really didn't like him as commishowner
I really didn't like him. He was suspended from baseball as a leader in the collusion and cheating. There was a comish actually standing up to make baseball better, so he was a leader in a league run by owners. He swiftly moved his Brewers in the NL and the Astros in the AL. Then he watched all of the steroid era and made our heros look like they were the big problem. The fact that Selig is in the hall of fame makes me ill.
The Futures Game is definitely on my list of events I'd like to attend.
Arizona Fall League as well
AFL is abs worth the trip. So cool. I got a good look at the Cubs' Moises Ballesteros in the game I saw last year....meat chopper with big power
Now we start separating the contenders from the pretenders. This is the tough jump short of the big one. Even more so for a hitter in this system. Huge opportunity for Esmerlyn.
let's get rivas to altoona now
He has the third-highest swinging strike rate in the system (of players not in the DSL or FCL).
It honestly wouldn't surprise me if he's in GBO all season.
Also, it wouldn't surprise me if they push him at some point.
But also believe that needs to be thrown out there.
despite that he's also cut down his k% by 9 points from last year. wouldn't surprise me if they left him there, but it would be nice to see how he'd do in aa before the end of the year
It's good that he cut the strikeout rate down, because that was obviously needed. The Swinging Strike rate though concerns me moving up. Greensboro season ends before Altoona's does, so I wonder if they give him a small taste at the end of the season.
I can see both scenarios, but the SwStr% does point to some regression, especially against better pitching.
I have no idea, just asking. Is it possible that a top prospect might be tempted with more pitches to chase in the minor leagues and wind up with a higher strike rate?........................ as opposed to if they were on a major league club sandwiched between 2 quality hitters.
very possible. i'd like to see them challenge him. they seemed to have did that this year (didn't think he'd be promoted after last season), and he has responded pretty well for the most part
He's a very resilient person. Very aware of what he needs to get done. Gave maybe one of the best answers to the 'what's the next step in development' question I give most prospects. Had me and the interpreter talking after the interview.
I wouldn't mind challenging him, but the Pirates are also adamant they won't promote a guy until they feel he is ready. So if he does see AA this year, it may be at the end of the year. Like the 10 games he got last year in Greensboro (that went really bad)
I'm hoping the swinging strike rate is a product of his approach (2 for me 1 for the team, total speculation on my part).
I think there is always going to be some swing and miss to his game, but an 18 SwStr% in high-A is going to be a rough transition to the upper levels.
I've seen a lot of 18% guys not make it out of A ball, honestly. He will because the raw power and the glove, but there's still work that needs to be done.
Like, he gets credit for knocking the strikeout rate down, but there's more work to be done.
Well it is official, the pirates have ruined my 9 year olds sons fandom: yesterday we were out and about without screen access. When I picked up my phone to check on the score I happily explained that they demolished the Mets again 12-1. He looked at me with a furrowed brow and asked why they didn’t save some runs for the cardinals tomorrow.
Welcome to pirates fandom son!
That kid has a future on this site!
DKPS had a bunch of crazy factoids:
+26 run differential was team’s highest in 3 game series since 1975 and tied for fourth highest in team history
First time w 9+ runs in every game of a series since 1999
First time w 40 hits in a series since a 4 game series in 2019
BaseRuns record now just three under .500, lol
That would be the Rennie Stennett 7 hit game vs the Cubs series. I remember studying that box score in disbelief
They're now 27th in runs. Pretty sure they were 30th before Friday.
Only 6 behind Cle and 11 behind Tex.
It looks like the entire team has a different approach.
If they go back to losing 2-1, 3-2, I'm going to throw up.
Get the barf bag ready vs the Cards!
It's going to be back to business as usual I'm afraid.
Yes they were 30th.
Whatever the hitters do, I think they’re better positioned for these low scoring games with the bullpen and Kelly.
Important to remember that the Pirates have a number of guys in the bullpen with options (and a starter with options). They can drain the pen one day, option a guy or two, and call some people up: a major advantage that Kelly has that Cherington never gave to Shelton.
Also important to remember the optioned pitcher has to stay down for 15 days, barring a phantom IL injury to bring him back up. So it's not as simple as you make it to churn thru relievers.
No one would ever create a phantom IL stay to finagle the roster around the MLB rules.
You know... it's funny, they actually applied a penalty to someone last year, I think it was the Mets, for doing this, when it happens 60 times a year around the league.
Weird wild stuff.
baseball
Oviedo to FCL on rehab. Unfortunately, he’ll probably pitch today when they’re on the road.
When looking for Prospects, I always tune into the work of Geoff Pontes of Baseball America. Last Oct he authored a piece "Traits To Target" - Batted Ball Metrics Help Identify Dynasty Prospects on the Rise. Two of the 9 players noted were LH hitting OF Prospects Josue DePaula and Zyhir Hope, both in the Dodgers System. They are now 20 and both are in the Top 10 Hitters in the A+ Midwest League, and I assume both will be promoted to AA by year end.
A few days ago Pontes issued another interesting Prospect piece - "10 MLB Hitting Prospects with standout data in June. Number One on the list was Konnor Griffin, which should be a strong indication that he thinks very highly of KG. Another Pirate Prospect, Esmerlyn Valdez, was mentioned by him in a sort of back-asswards way. The 9th listed Prospect, Colby Thomas, is a 24 year old at AAA. In the text he states "currently ranks in the Top 10 in the minor leagues this season with 17 HR, 2 off the Minor League Leader, Esmerlyn Valdez. Any mention is great, and congrats to Valdez hitting his 20th yesterday!
I guess the pitching in Pitchburgh has waited out the offense. Granted, we caught the Mets on a pretty dramatic low... But I'd like to remind you of the level of pitching that our offense has made look like Cy Young this year.
*
That said, there are some good signs that I was kind of optimistic of this preseason that did not pan out in the first half.
*
First. We, a team sitting 10.5 games out of FOURTH place, unceremoniously knocked a first place team into second place over three days. You are welcome, Philadelphia.
*
Second. The bullpen blowups of the first half might be a thing of the past. With Mlod, Burrows and Ashcraft, we've got enough swing in the pen to cover some innings, yo.
*
Third. I like Coach Donnie's quick hook with said pen. A Heaney can have an off day and get an early shower. Or a summer shower can happen and our winningest pitcher, Bailey Falter (who saw that coming... baseball is weird...), can leave after one and it's all good.
*
Four. I don't know how the job of, say, a hitting coach or a pitching coach at the MLB level, matters, but I've heard that Haines was awful and I suspect if Matt Hague coaches the way he used to hit the ball... well... I could see that translating to a popgun offense sort of how we batted around so often this weekend. No idea what's happening, but... sure... okay.
*
But the thing is... I was saying in my Eternal Sunshine of my Spotless Mind this spring that our team could be MLB average all around the diamond and with outstanding pitching, make the playoffs. Two things happened on the way to Optimistville: The offense shit the bed like a 1972 AMC Hornet and the bullpen had more holes in it than the Steelers' D-line in last year's playoffs... (sorry if that triggers anyone.)
*
Answers would seem to be the new arms in the pen and some guys who are delivering well and the way Donnie uses them (Loved seeing El Farol in the 5th the other day). Answers seem to be in warmer weather, because cold weather Pirates are not good, and possibly in the new contact prescription of Tommy Pham (There, Wilbur, I SAID it.). Key, Cutch, B-Rey and a few others are heating up and this pitching staff doesn't need The Lumber Company... It needs 4 plus runs per game.
*
I believe the margin was tiny. I think the Pirates lost 21 one-run games in the first half. That's shitty offense and shitty bullpen. MAYBE those issues are easing, or maybe it's luck or regression b/c the coin flipped consistently tails all this first half.
*
that is all.
_________________________
"Alright you slop artist! How about some scenery?"
-Wabbit
Thanks for the Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind reference. Very good film
I never liked Carey as a comedic actor. But, you know, this film, "Truman Show,"... I did not like Robin Williams as a comedic actor either, but give the man a dark role, like "One Hour Photo," or "Insomnia," or ... Jeez... "The Fisher King." "What Dreams May Come." You look at a comedian and what you tend to get, in order to get to the humor, you have to know what's ticking under the hood. So, I feel like comedians have always been our most intelligent people. Also, sometimes, our most loving and tortured people.
Anything by Charlie Kauffman. God, that guy nailed it for a while. "Adaptation" just had levels. "Being John Malkovich," again, levels.
I don't think we need rule by businessmen, lawyers or rich people. I think we need rule by poets, comedians, authors. They are, at heart, humane. They are not, in any way, driven by greed or want.
Okay. I think I'm veering off into a column on one of my platforms here.
Baseball. We love baseball so we don't have to think about things like this.
No I love it. I’ve spent nearly 40 years, off and on, acting on stage and the occasional short film. Preach it brotha!!! I also have a great passion for cinema of all eras, from Chaplin and Keaton, Davies & Garbo to DiCaprio and Pitt, Winslet & Pugh 🎥
About to jump on NS9 to talk some prospects, if anyone is up and interested
https://www.youtube.com/live/rggkfPR41ow?si=Gsxtqm4HWrrxiqu9
Unique lineup for the Pirates Sunday in that they sat both IKF and Nick Gonzales. Showcased obvious Trade Deadline guys like Adam Frazier and Tommy Pham, who both did well at the plate - Frazier 2-4 at leadoff, and Pham 2-4 with a HR and 2 RBI. Oneil Cruz with 2 HR & 4 RBI, Reynolds 2-4 with a HR & RBI, Ke' Hayes 3-5, 2 RBI, and Henry Davis 4-4 were also huge contributors.
The Pirates also took the opportunity to showcase two young SP/RP's in Mike Burrows and Carmen Mlodzinski who accounted for 8 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 1BB/7K, 9/3 GO/FO. And, chances are that Johan Oviedo will also be activated for a rehab assignment soon. In short, the Pirates are flush with pitching.