My prediction is if the rest of the line-up starts hitting, he will too. If not, he might not be much better. Being sandwiched between Bae and Lamb had to be fun.
When do we get seriously concerned about Termarr Johnson? How is it he cannot hit at High A ball? How has he so wildly diverged from the scouting report that accompanied him when he was drafted?
He was also compared to Tony Gwynn for his hit tool.
I just don’t get it. This spring he was raking in major league spring training. Mackey thought he’d start the season at Altoona! Now he’s got a microscopic OPS in High A.
So sign me up for the seriously concerned club as well.
Skenes and Gonzales are obviously a good start and at least in the case of Gonzales long overdue, but you do realize that in terms of WAR regardless of which middle infielder is sent down the two worst contributors and biggest holes in the lineup are still playing regularly and waiting for that illusive "breakout" that's probably not coming? There's more to be done and it doesn't require money or trades just the willingness to acknowledge being wrong and cutting the cord.
2 other dark horse DFA candidates: Josh Fleming and Palacios. I still think they probably move someone to the 60 day to open a spot and send down a reliever with options. That reliever would probably be Nicholas. Can’t send down Stratton he has been phenomenal…check out his k/bb numbers!
Fleming's margin for error is razor thin. If he's not at the very bottom of the zone, he'll get hammered. Just not enough juice in his arm. If Borucki was healthy, I'd agree.
I think Palacios might be late bloomer...He started to come on a bit at the end of the year. He can get great loft and lean in his swing.
I was listening to the Derek Shelton Show in 93.7 The Fan on Tuesday morning and Paul Zeise pointed out that the Pirates had promoted 4 players from Altoona to Indy, but only sent two players from Indy to Altoona, and that the missing players were a starting pitcher and an infielder, and did that mean they were calling up Skenes and Gonzalez?
Shelton laughed and said something along the lines of Zeise really digging deep for a conspiracy.....
Tuesday morning Shelton and Ben were still high on the 3 game winning streak. After Tuesday's beat down and Wednesday's loss, Ben probably got a bit panicked. Best way to change the topic was "Skenes is ready!" Shelton probably didn't know until sometime Wednesday during the game.
I’d be interested in a current report on his changeup. It used to be a plus to a plus plus pitch coming up when he was a top prospect. If he added a tick or three on his fb then that’s something to pique interest
I expected BABIP regression from Triolo but I’m a little surprised how hard he’s dropped off at the plate. A couple of games ago, Tree barked out “Fuck!” after striking out — same thing Tank did during his slide back to the minors.
It can’t be a coincidence that none of the Pirates hitters, save Connor Joe, is failing to meet expectations thus far. And in case you’re wondering, it ain’t the weather.
Has Carlson Reed, 21, put himself in position for a promotion to A+? Our 4th Round pick in 2023 out of WVU, he came in right after the draft and did well in the FCL, and in 6 Starts this year at A, he has been very impressive with a 1.75 ERA, 33 K in 25.2 IP, and also has positive numbers keeping the ball on the ground.
I still think Reed is a future high leverage reliever but if he get his control and command to just be a little above average, he has mid to frontline starter stuff.
Jones was already in triple A at the same age and 2 full seasons under his belt in pro ball. I really liked Reed coming out of WVU and hope the control comes together. He is a young 21, with his secondary pitches he could have multiple put away pitches. I think he has one of the best change ups in the organization.
Maintaining his velocity is another question, I could be wrong but I think I remember him touching 98mph last year with the Mountaineers sitting 94 to 96 but in relief.
I agree, and to be perfectly honest, he would be well down the list of potential SP's for the Pirates. However, I think we are in the business of cultivating present and future trade chips, so I'm thinking his trade value could increase with exposure to a higher level. And, if we trade, maybe not getting another MI should be one of our highest goals!
With all the disappointments in the system so far, this guy is possibly my #1 guy to follow. I’ve written this before, but a Ugandan making the big leagues would be surreal. The fact that he’s in the States at such a young age and throwing 100 —- unbelievable and even inspiring. This is not a freak show joke like the Indian pitchers from 10 years ago.
To me the choice of Williams/Triolo being sent down is on the planned usage of the infielders. I still want Triolo to get regular to semi-regular at bats. If Nick will be playing full time like Triolo is now at 2B that just leaves backup infielder at bats/starts which I think Williams has filled fine and he should then stay in that role. If the plan is some type of Nick/Triolo job share at 2B with occasional starts elsewhere then Williams gets sent down.
^This^. To be honest, I would rather Triolo be sent down like Hank to play everyday in AAA to get his confidence and swing back. This would allow for Gonzo to play mostly every day to keep the confidence that he has going to keep going.
I'd like Triolo to also get some time at shortstop if sent down. It'd be nice to have him eventually be a plus defender at 3rd, 2nd, 1st and average at short to open up a roster spot for a primarily bat only bench piece.
https://blogs.fangraphs.com/behind-the-skenes-breaking-down-the-games-best-pitching-prospect/
Can’t think of the last time I’ve been more invested in a guy figuring it out than Nick Gonzales.
Hard to overstate the significance at this point, on many many levels.
My prediction is if the rest of the line-up starts hitting, he will too. If not, he might not be much better. Being sandwiched between Bae and Lamb had to be fun.
When do we get seriously concerned about Termarr Johnson? How is it he cannot hit at High A ball? How has he so wildly diverged from the scouting report that accompanied him when he was drafted?
It must be our crack developmental team at work.
He'll never hit for a high average. He's 19 years old playing in High A.
He'll be the LH version of Dan Uggla. Bad defense, too many k's, but high bb's and HRs
Pre draft comp Wade Boggs to current comp of Dan Uggla is the worst Glow Up ever
The actual quote was “plate discipline of Wade Boggs…”, which, well if you can give the kid credit for anything right now it would be that.
He was also compared to Tony Gwynn for his hit tool.
I just don’t get it. This spring he was raking in major league spring training. Mackey thought he’d start the season at Altoona! Now he’s got a microscopic OPS in High A.
So sign me up for the seriously concerned club as well.
Pre-draft hype is hyperbole at its finest.
Why would anyone comp a 17-year-old as the next Wade Boggs?
They paid him $7.219M. Or does Bob just not care about money?
Skenes and Gonzales are obviously a good start and at least in the case of Gonzales long overdue, but you do realize that in terms of WAR regardless of which middle infielder is sent down the two worst contributors and biggest holes in the lineup are still playing regularly and waiting for that illusive "breakout" that's probably not coming? There's more to be done and it doesn't require money or trades just the willingness to acknowledge being wrong and cutting the cord.
No mention of who gets removed from the 40 and who gets sent down for Skenes and Gonzales?
I'm guessing QP & Triolo get sent down.
Ro DFA
2 other dark horse DFA candidates: Josh Fleming and Palacios. I still think they probably move someone to the 60 day to open a spot and send down a reliever with options. That reliever would probably be Nicholas. Can’t send down Stratton he has been phenomenal…check out his k/bb numbers!
Fleming's margin for error is razor thin. If he's not at the very bottom of the zone, he'll get hammered. Just not enough juice in his arm. If Borucki was healthy, I'd agree.
I think Palacios might be late bloomer...He started to come on a bit at the end of the year. He can get great loft and lean in his swing.
Triolo down for Nicky Sticks. Marco to 60 day. Stratton have options?
I doubt they send a reliever down for a starter. It's got to be Priester...right?
Move Falter to the pen and use him as longman/piggyback/spot starter to manage innings was my thought.
If they're trying to win - I trust Falter more than Quinn in the rotation.
If they're not trying to win - sure let Quinn get acclimated to the Show.
If you start the season with Jones and fast track Skenes, you're trying to win.
I was listening to the Derek Shelton Show in 93.7 The Fan on Tuesday morning and Paul Zeise pointed out that the Pirates had promoted 4 players from Altoona to Indy, but only sent two players from Indy to Altoona, and that the missing players were a starting pitcher and an infielder, and did that mean they were calling up Skenes and Gonzalez?
Shelton laughed and said something along the lines of Zeise really digging deep for a conspiracy.....
Tuesday morning Shelton and Ben were still high on the 3 game winning streak. After Tuesday's beat down and Wednesday's loss, Ben probably got a bit panicked. Best way to change the topic was "Skenes is ready!" Shelton probably didn't know until sometime Wednesday during the game.
Maybe Shelton didn't know. Would it surprise you?
1) About time for Nicky G
2) Brent Honeywell at 97.2 feels...high...for him, so that bodes well. Just wish the results would follow now.
BH is “that guy” you just hate playing against. He immediately became one of my spring training favs, def rooting for him.
Thought the same about Honeywell. Is that the new normal for him?
I’d be interested in a current report on his changeup. It used to be a plus to a plus plus pitch coming up when he was a top prospect. If he added a tick or three on his fb then that’s something to pique interest
Gonzales needs to PLAY every game, this needs to be his last tryout...
I expected BABIP regression from Triolo but I’m a little surprised how hard he’s dropped off at the plate. A couple of games ago, Tree barked out “Fuck!” after striking out — same thing Tank did during his slide back to the minors.
It can’t be a coincidence that none of the Pirates hitters, save Connor Joe, is failing to meet expectations thus far. And in case you’re wondering, it ain’t the weather.
Pre game meals?
I think they need to go back to pregame cigs and beers
Has Carlson Reed, 21, put himself in position for a promotion to A+? Our 4th Round pick in 2023 out of WVU, he came in right after the draft and did well in the FCL, and in 6 Starts this year at A, he has been very impressive with a 1.75 ERA, 33 K in 25.2 IP, and also has positive numbers keeping the ball on the ground.
I still think Reed is a future high leverage reliever but if he get his control and command to just be a little above average, he has mid to frontline starter stuff.
Sounds like the same description Jones had a couple of years back. 😁
Jones was already in triple A at the same age and 2 full seasons under his belt in pro ball. I really liked Reed coming out of WVU and hope the control comes together. He is a young 21, with his secondary pitches he could have multiple put away pitches. I think he has one of the best change ups in the organization.
Maintaining his velocity is another question, I could be wrong but I think I remember him touching 98mph last year with the Mountaineers sitting 94 to 96 but in relief.
I agree, and to be perfectly honest, he would be well down the list of potential SP's for the Pirates. However, I think we are in the business of cultivating present and future trade chips, so I'm thinking his trade value could increase with exposure to a higher level. And, if we trade, maybe not getting another MI should be one of our highest goals!
Per Florida prospect report guy Matoma is hitting 100 in the FCL. He’s dominated in two relief appearances. Might bounce to A- soon
With all the disappointments in the system so far, this guy is possibly my #1 guy to follow. I’ve written this before, but a Ugandan making the big leagues would be surreal. The fact that he’s in the States at such a young age and throwing 100 —- unbelievable and even inspiring. This is not a freak show joke like the Indian pitchers from 10 years ago.
To me the choice of Williams/Triolo being sent down is on the planned usage of the infielders. I still want Triolo to get regular to semi-regular at bats. If Nick will be playing full time like Triolo is now at 2B that just leaves backup infielder at bats/starts which I think Williams has filled fine and he should then stay in that role. If the plan is some type of Nick/Triolo job share at 2B with occasional starts elsewhere then Williams gets sent down.
I’ll co-sign that.
^ this
^This^. To be honest, I would rather Triolo be sent down like Hank to play everyday in AAA to get his confidence and swing back. This would allow for Gonzo to play mostly every day to keep the confidence that he has going to keep going.
I'd like Triolo to also get some time at shortstop if sent down. It'd be nice to have him eventually be a plus defender at 3rd, 2nd, 1st and average at short to open up a roster spot for a primarily bat only bench piece.