Just watching Cubs v Mets tripleA, Mauricio 2 for 2 his first single was a line drive off the right field fence, second one smoke into right field both over 100mph. I think my hope for a trade for him is over. He is absolutely crushing RHPing since returning to tripleA.
Looks like FSU (vs Bethune Cookman) and LSU (Little Rock) play at 3 on Friday, while Tennessee (Miami, OH) is on at 6. I have no way of knowing the strategy that goes into the CWS, but I’d assume all three lefties go in game 1. Kiley noted in his write up that Doyle was hit hard in both conference tourney starts.
Yeah that’s a new name, and one I’m not opposed to. I do like Kileys write ups because he provides intel as to what he’s hearing. He does have the Bucs tied to a lot of different demographics (college bat, college arm, prep bat).
Kiley didn't rule out much for our pick with listing Arquette if he's available, any of the top three college lefties, and "whichever of the prep shortstops get here".
Based on knowing nothing about the individual players, I'd lean towards one of the prep bats hoping for a future core of Terrmar, KG, and whoever we draft. But you can never have too much pitching, and one of the college lefties could overlap with Skenes for at least three years.
My concern with Parker, Carlson, and Willits is that none of them has plus power. That means that if they don't stick at SS, they are either a contact over power 3B (not an ideal profile) or move to 2B where we already have too many options. I do like that Parker is a LHH. If he could stick at SS, that would allow Griffin to play CF and move Cruz (if he's still here) to slide to LF or RF.
That's kinda my position as well, prep bat unless Arnold or Hernandez are available at pick 6. Eliminating Holliday (already picked) I'd go Willits, Parker, then Carlson. Arquette would be my least favorite, I just don't think his power will play at PNC and he still has some swing and miss.
There's only 2 players I don't think we have a chance at, Holliday and Arnold. If Holliday doesn't go 1st he won't make it past the Rockies and Cardinals, Arnold probably has the best combination of floor/ceiling in the draft. Just don't think he'll slide to 6 (I'd like it if he did).
I really like Hartshorn and or Taitn Gray, I think you're right that Hartshorn will most likely be available in the 3rd round, don't think Gray will but probably will at pick 50.
Somewhat disappointed in the pirates rookie pitchers making their major league debuts. I thought Harrington with his great control and four pitch mix would become a key building block but in his start he walked more then he K'd. Even Burrows is giving up the long ball.
Hopefully Ashcraft will prove to be more successful.
Yeah, very few rookie pitchers hit the ground running.
If/when these guys are deemed ready, I wish the club would not hesitate to throw them out of the bullpen. It’s a weakness right now and guys like Ash, Harrington and Burrows can still learn how to pitch to major league hitters and gain valuable experience. They can prove they are able to get hitters out at this level and slot into the rotation when they are needed, whenever that is.
Stearns did this with Burnes, Peralta and Woodruff in Milwaukee. To a lesser extent, Kranick is doing it in NY.
Yeah, good point on Harrington. Just thinking if/when any of them prove themselves ready, I’d rather see them in a relief role than wasting bullets in AAA (even using someone like Harrington in long relief). On the flip side, I guess you still need stretched out starters in AAA for injury insurance.
Three innings in relief Monday from Ashcraft and almost 4 innings in relief from Wentz last night. I hope this becomes the trend when and if Harrington, Mlodzinski and Bubba Chandler joint the roster.
I like the way Kelly is doing this and was a little surprised that he didn't stay with Mattson for one more inning on Sunday with Santana and Bednar likely unavailable, though if iirc there were a couple of lefties due up so Borucki made sense.
I have 6 or 7 pitchers in minor and majors together that all fall in the group of 3 to 5 inning guys. I am fine with Burrows starting and having Ashcraft ready to come in relief. I am also fine with Ashcraft starting and Burrows ready to come in.
nah, he's fine. I'm just really impressed with what I saw from Ash. He looks every bit the part of a 50 FV. He was even dealing with a case of the nerves and almost took hitters head off with his first pitch.
this sounds stupid saying it out loud but i've never seen someone look worse when they don't square it up compared to when they do. that dong last night, an actual barrel, looked like he was swinging a toothpick. a ping pong ball off the paddle. it just popped. but my goodness does it turn into a club when he's popping it up and rolling it over.
Nice to see the Pirates fight back, and it seems that they are all into playing better. Feel good for Henry Davis, IKF, Bryan Reynolds and our Relievers David Bednar and Dennis Santana for holding the lead. This was the type of breakout this team needed badly!
Enjoyed the write-up on Reinold Navarro for his work in the FCL. The Pirates have some excellent talent at the FCL level, and I hope they make an effort to move these kids up when their production at the FCL would indicate they are able to face a higher challenge at A. Navarro and Sterling are two pitchers that would merit evaluation for promotion.
On the hitting side I would love to see Edward Florentino, 18, in the A lineup ahead of or following Konnor Griffin. Griffin is a 6'4" 225 RH hitter, and Florentino is a 6'4" 200 LH hitter. In the DSL last year Florentino had 146 AB with a slash of 260/432/459/890 OPS with 10 doubles, 2 triples, 5 HR, and 38 BB/36 K. At the FCL Level so far in 2025 he has 52 AB with a slash of 269/387/462/849 OPS with 2 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HR, and 9 BB/17 K. He is a VG OF who also plays 1B, and would fit well with the better talent at A. It's a tough decision, because moving people up usually is accompanied by having to demote a player from that Level. The reality of playing to win!
Just watching Cubs v Mets tripleA, Mauricio 2 for 2 his first single was a line drive off the right field fence, second one smoke into right field both over 100mph. I think my hope for a trade for him is over. He is absolutely crushing RHPing since returning to tripleA.
Espn has a new mock draft out, pirates get Arnold, Cincinnati get Hernandez, St. Louis get Willits.
I'm relying on you to let us know when to tune in to catch the college lefties in action :)
Looks like FSU (vs Bethune Cookman) and LSU (Little Rock) play at 3 on Friday, while Tennessee (Miami, OH) is on at 6. I have no way of knowing the strategy that goes into the CWS, but I’d assume all three lefties go in game 1. Kiley noted in his write up that Doyle was hit hard in both conference tourney starts.
Yeah, I was wondering if the Vols would save Doyle for an expected game 2 against Wake Forest since he'll probably only pitch once over the weekend.
I need to look at the times and starters. Tournament starts Friday.
Yeah that’s a new name, and one I’m not opposed to. I do like Kileys write ups because he provides intel as to what he’s hearing. He does have the Bucs tied to a lot of different demographics (college bat, college arm, prep bat).
Yep, Kileys one of the better ones. I would like the Arnold pick (don't think he'll be there) at 6. Glad he had a mention of Parker in that spot.
I'm low on college bats (I like Arquette but not at 6), don't really think there's a top 10 guy this year.
I like 5 prep bats better, 4 or 5 college arms, and Hernandez as a prep arm but that's just my preference.
Kiley didn't rule out much for our pick with listing Arquette if he's available, any of the top three college lefties, and "whichever of the prep shortstops get here".
Based on knowing nothing about the individual players, I'd lean towards one of the prep bats hoping for a future core of Terrmar, KG, and whoever we draft. But you can never have too much pitching, and one of the college lefties could overlap with Skenes for at least three years.
My concern with Parker, Carlson, and Willits is that none of them has plus power. That means that if they don't stick at SS, they are either a contact over power 3B (not an ideal profile) or move to 2B where we already have too many options. I do like that Parker is a LHH. If he could stick at SS, that would allow Griffin to play CF and move Cruz (if he's still here) to slide to LF or RF.
That's kinda my position as well, prep bat unless Arnold or Hernandez are available at pick 6. Eliminating Holliday (already picked) I'd go Willits, Parker, then Carlson. Arquette would be my least favorite, I just don't think his power will play at PNC and he still has some swing and miss.
MLB has him as the 3rd best prospect in the draft. Your boy Hartshorn is 95th & easily could be available in the 3rd rd.
There's only 2 players I don't think we have a chance at, Holliday and Arnold. If Holliday doesn't go 1st he won't make it past the Rockies and Cardinals, Arnold probably has the best combination of floor/ceiling in the draft. Just don't think he'll slide to 6 (I'd like it if he did).
I really like Hartshorn and or Taitn Gray, I think you're right that Hartshorn will most likely be available in the 3rd round, don't think Gray will but probably will at pick 50.
Somewhat disappointed in the pirates rookie pitchers making their major league debuts. I thought Harrington with his great control and four pitch mix would become a key building block but in his start he walked more then he K'd. Even Burrows is giving up the long ball.
Hopefully Ashcraft will prove to be more successful.
Paul and Jared probably spoiled us a bit but I agree.
Yeah, very few rookie pitchers hit the ground running.
If/when these guys are deemed ready, I wish the club would not hesitate to throw them out of the bullpen. It’s a weakness right now and guys like Ash, Harrington and Burrows can still learn how to pitch to major league hitters and gain valuable experience. They can prove they are able to get hitters out at this level and slot into the rotation when they are needed, whenever that is.
Stearns did this with Burnes, Peralta and Woodruff in Milwaukee. To a lesser extent, Kranick is doing it in NY.
also appreciate the nod to Kranick, didn't realize he resurfaced. Good for the kid.
LOVE this.
For sure Ash, Burrows and Barco could help the pen. I don't see it with Harrington at this point...he's got a fip in the mid 5's in AAA.
Yeah, good point on Harrington. Just thinking if/when any of them prove themselves ready, I’d rather see them in a relief role than wasting bullets in AAA (even using someone like Harrington in long relief). On the flip side, I guess you still need stretched out starters in AAA for injury insurance.
Hank with a career night as Jordan Lawlar goes hitless for 2025.
Because i be petty like that.
The 2 homer game off of Ohtani still ranks a bit higher, but this was his most meaningful especially coming off the bench.
I SAID PETTY
I was thinking petty, many years from now Davis says to his grandkids "Yeah that Ohtani was pretty good, but I owned him!"
Three innings in relief Monday from Ashcraft and almost 4 innings in relief from Wentz last night. I hope this becomes the trend when and if Harrington, Mlodzinski and Bubba Chandler joint the roster.
I like the way Kelly is doing this and was a little surprised that he didn't stay with Mattson for one more inning on Sunday with Santana and Bednar likely unavailable, though if iirc there were a couple of lefties due up so Borucki made sense.
I know small sample and all, but I'd be inclined to swap Ash for Burrows.
I have 6 or 7 pitchers in minor and majors together that all fall in the group of 3 to 5 inning guys. I am fine with Burrows starting and having Ashcraft ready to come in relief. I am also fine with Ashcraft starting and Burrows ready to come in.
Burrows doesn't look great, man. You might have me on this one...
nah, he's fine. I'm just really impressed with what I saw from Ash. He looks every bit the part of a 50 FV. He was even dealing with a case of the nerves and almost took hitters head off with his first pitch.
"intentionally wild" ;)
Both would be weapons out of the pen if you ask me
Juicy.
Top Exit Velocity
Oneil Cruz - PIT - 111.9 mph - Field Error
Konnor Griffin - BRD - 111.4 mph - Single
Ethan Lege - BRD - 110.1 mph - Single
Henry Davis - PIT - 109.6 mph - Home Run
Bryan Reynolds - PIT - 108.7 mph - Home Run
Field error? They should give him a medal for the attempt!
Henry Davis has the same fWAR as Bart, in a 1/3 of the plate appearances.
If Davis can get 5 hits in his next 11 at bats, he'll get his average up to .250.
.359 xwOBA lol
writing that just for wilbur.
That is wild
I don't know that we should trust 19 games of catcher D metrics but he's basically peak pudge rodriguez. maybe i'm dating myself with that reference.
Only if you went with Pudge Fisk would you be dating yourself.
I still vividly remember watching that Fisk HR in the bottom of the 12th in Game 6 of the 1975 WS. I was 10 years old at the time. Ahhh, memories!!
The eye test passes… maybe not a star but a solid defensive catcher and non-negative value with the bat wouldn’t be a bad outcome at all
probably not a great comp but stylistically gives me huge Mike Zunino vibes.
Eww
He disappointed me as a prospector almost as much as Sanchez.
I mean if that's what we end up with... sign me up! He can play every day on a winning club no doubt
Let this be Hank Davis from now on?
You really put a question. Mark? Like you weren’t sure that is what you want Hank to be?? 🤣🤣🤣
to steal a quote from the last thread...
"Let the Hankening begin."
Hanksgiving!
ahaha
Really rooting for Hank, but the downside of him breaking out is that it could save Cherington's job ;)
Still very much rooting for him though :)
Lordt…
who hurt you
You didn't get the wink?
Reading stuff like that and I question why I even bother.
Don't take things quite so seriously--I thought I was safe adding the ;)
all good.
Pretty please let it be
I think I'd throw him in the 4 or 5 spot in the lineup today, see if he takes to a middle of the lineup.
What happened to Bart?
Not sure but maybe concussion related, took a foul ball and a backswing to his head.
Double ouch!!
thx, mel
He was pretty clearly concussed. Appeared to be dry heaving with nausea.
Shelton flashbacks, maybe?
I think we might have something!
this sounds stupid saying it out loud but i've never seen someone look worse when they don't square it up compared to when they do. that dong last night, an actual barrel, looked like he was swinging a toothpick. a ping pong ball off the paddle. it just popped. but my goodness does it turn into a club when he's popping it up and rolling it over.
Feels like he hit several foul ball HRs and was overdue to crank one over the wall.
If Pirates score 7 runs in an inning, but nobody is awake to witness it, did it really happen?
Nice to see the Pirates fight back, and it seems that they are all into playing better. Feel good for Henry Davis, IKF, Bryan Reynolds and our Relievers David Bednar and Dennis Santana for holding the lead. This was the type of breakout this team needed badly!
Enjoyed the write-up on Reinold Navarro for his work in the FCL. The Pirates have some excellent talent at the FCL level, and I hope they make an effort to move these kids up when their production at the FCL would indicate they are able to face a higher challenge at A. Navarro and Sterling are two pitchers that would merit evaluation for promotion.
On the hitting side I would love to see Edward Florentino, 18, in the A lineup ahead of or following Konnor Griffin. Griffin is a 6'4" 225 RH hitter, and Florentino is a 6'4" 200 LH hitter. In the DSL last year Florentino had 146 AB with a slash of 260/432/459/890 OPS with 10 doubles, 2 triples, 5 HR, and 38 BB/36 K. At the FCL Level so far in 2025 he has 52 AB with a slash of 269/387/462/849 OPS with 2 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HR, and 9 BB/17 K. He is a VG OF who also plays 1B, and would fit well with the better talent at A. It's a tough decision, because moving people up usually is accompanied by having to demote a player from that Level. The reality of playing to win!
The size of those boys, we should win the game & the fight after!