The Pirates made three separate trades on deadline day, and did some roster shuffling throughout the minors which included some draft picks making their debut.
Why was Delay brought up, if Davis was going to be our backup catcher? So, we’re carrying THREE catchers?
Speaking of Davis: “ While playing out of position in right field — he was drafted as a catcher — he’s been worth minus-2 defensive runs saved and minus-2 fielding runs above average. It would be one thing if those were his full-season numbers, but extrapolated to a full season, they’re very alarming and suggest he has a lot of work to do to become even an average outfielder if that becomes his full-time defensive home.”.
Hes played under 50 career games in RF, so im sure he will make himself into at least an average defender with time based on his work ethic. Delay is necessary because endy and hank will probably both be playing other positions on some non catching days so its not as easy as having them on the bench in case of injury
Just in case anyone here needs to hear it, because I saw it misunderstood so many times yesterday. When you make a trade for international bonus pool space, you don't get any actual money. You get the ability to spend more money on international players.
The international bonus pool has a hard cap. The Pirates nearly spent all of their approx. $5.9M cap space at the start of the signing period. Their signings since then have been hopeful diamonds in the rough, possibly not even counting against the bonus pool if they were $10,000 or less.
What the Pirates got from the Rangers was part of their cap space. The Rangers had $526,000 left a few months ago, but apparently they acquired more recently, so the number was a little higher. The Rangers gave up their ability to spend $776,000ish more on international players by December 15, 2023. They now have nothing, so all they can sign is guys for $10K or less. The Pirates had $250K or less, depending on recent bonus amounts.
If the Rangers had no targets for the rest of the year, then that bonus pool space is completely worthless to them. You can't roll it over, you don't get anything for not spending it. The Pirates likely have a target in the Pacific Rim (Asia/Australia) because I heard about a scouting trip recently with higher ups going, so don't be surprised if they sign someone of note soon. I have no other details than that, could literally be any country out that way. I'm sure what I was told was vague on purpose. They may have found a hidden gem on Kangaroo Island (an actual real place)
Last time they did something like this was for solomon maguire IIRC. He hasn't panned out yet, though still fairly early, but I do really like this tactic as a way to get more international guys that they like
They offered Maguire every dollar they had in their pool ($334K at the time), which he turned down. So when they got $250K more, they made the odd-looking offer of $594K to sign him. So yes, that money was acquired specifically for him. Injuries have really sidetracked him, but it certainly seemed like a great signing at the time
He is not a possibility with international bonus pool money for multiple reasons, but maybe he comes to Pittsburgh in the future. The scouting trip was for an amateur player
I don't have any names or even a country, just know about the trip. I was told "Pacific Rim" and that covers a lot of baseball countries. I would say that there is definitely a target because bonus pool space is worthless if you don't spend it. The Pirates supposedly had 4-5 teams asking for Hedges, so I don't think they would risk passing a mid-grade prospect just to have added bonus pool space for the next four months. There is someone they got this space for.
Ok this might be a long shot, but rumor is that Jang hyun-seok is a korean high schooler projected to go #1 in the KBO draft and is supposedly considering the MLB route instead... feels almost too good to be true, right?
They got some pitching depth and high-variance teenage prospects almost entirely for vets on expiring contracts. Overall, it was more than I thought they would get; not earth-shattering, but helpful. Part of me thinks there's a chance they regret moving Castro- and he's been a favorite of mine since his days in the low minors- but the Phils could also regret selling low on Falter. Falter's numbers prior to this year were really interesting, not sure what happened in 2023.
At the very least, there was no Craig Wilson for Shawn Chacon (I think that trade encapsulated the lack of any direction Dave Littlefield had) or Archer trade (not only did the Pirates clearly lose that trade, but it also was frustrating that the one time NH made a huge move at the deadline was for a mediocre 2018 team instead of the true WS quality teams he had 13-15).
Looking at Falter's numbers, he has interesting metrics, but looks like the Phils had him entirely scrap his sinker and go heavy FF. I'd imagine one of the first things we see is him incorporate the sinker back into his repertoire
Overall im pretty content with the deadline. Two upside lottery tickets, hopefully they see something in falter that allows him to pitch more like last year, wolf is at least interesting, getting something for castro as he slid way down our depth chart was solid, and hedges isnt blocking hank or endy anymore
Rodolfo Castro was salvaged by a very competent baseball guy, Dave Dombrowski. Not hard to highlight his ability to hit for average and power from the Right side, and be able to play well defensively at 2B/3B.
Josh Harrison had been the guy in that role for the Phils, but really had hitting issues in 2023. Castro gets the Phils a solid contributor 12 years younger than Harrison, and with 5 years of club control. I thought going in that some smart GM would try to pick up Castro or Bae for next to nothing.
I like Castro too, but a) he was really really struggling and was looking bad even in a platoon role, b) there are other middle infield options with higher pedigrees who deserved more chances than Castro did going forward, and c) while Falter is a meh return, he will likely still be much more valuable for this season and early next than Castro would have been.
Totally possible Castro blossoms in Philly, but I don’t mind the deal.
When you are the designated righty hitter against LHSP's, you miss 3 out of every 4 starts. It works on your head and especially on your game time confidence. The Platoon system instituted in May by Shelton did not work for Castro, but it did get a lot of PT for lefty hitters such as Bae and Marcano. That said, the way Peguero is playing, I do not see much hope for Bae, Marcano, and Gonzales. Cruz/Peguero as the MI and Jared Triolo as the Utility Player, adept at 3B, 2B, and has played SS, CF, and could lock-in at 1B also.
Look at Castro's numbers from last year, and his numbers at the end of April in 2023. That's what Dombrowski saw and it is a solid baseball move. Still only 24, it should help his self-confidence greatly which will make him a much better player. His time with the Pirates was done.
Harrington and Kennedy with sparkling performances on the bump. Wonder if the Pirates will keep Harrington at A+ and watch his innings (already at 90+ for the year), or bump him to Altoona for a few starts before gradually shutting him down.
Mitch Jebb has started strong, and probably could help at A+.
The Pirates managed to offload a lot of guys they did not have plans for in the future, but I really do not see any of the players coming in as being able to help. Severino and Estuar Suero could be the best of the crop. Some iffy LHSP's, but we keep Alldred at AAA without even a chance?
Why was Delay brought up, if Davis was going to be our backup catcher? So, we’re carrying THREE catchers?
Speaking of Davis: “ While playing out of position in right field — he was drafted as a catcher — he’s been worth minus-2 defensive runs saved and minus-2 fielding runs above average. It would be one thing if those were his full-season numbers, but extrapolated to a full season, they’re very alarming and suggest he has a lot of work to do to become even an average outfielder if that becomes his full-time defensive home.”.
For context, those extrapolated defense numbers would be roughly half as bad as 2022 Oneil Cruz (-9 OAA in 87 games).
I feel like Alika's short time at SS has shown that maybe playing competent players at positions has benefits.
BIG, if true! ;)
Hes played under 50 career games in RF, so im sure he will make himself into at least an average defender with time based on his work ethic. Delay is necessary because endy and hank will probably both be playing other positions on some non catching days so its not as easy as having them on the bench in case of injury
Has anyone asked yet if substack can host videos?
You trying to kickstart the Bald Beauties feature?
that's reserved for the BoD OnlyFans
one trade with the Mets this November will turn us into National League favorites in 2023
sources say the reason why they didn´t pull the trigger is because of a chance at one more high draft pick
Cantina, Marte and Alonso good as going to Pittsburgh sometime soon
Whats the return looking like?
that trade is instant contender and there is a chance that they eat Marte´s salary
Priester, Nick, Lonnie White, Cheng, Shim, and Kennedy
lets Suwinski platoon with Cutch and Marte defense in center field
Cantina, Keller Oviedo to start the top of the rotation
Alonso and an extension solves the first base pickle for a while
Unfortunately, marte fell of a cliff and is worth negative war this year
buy low candidate
that is why they pay for his salary
regardless, investing in a centerfielder is a good idea so that we can platoon split Cutch and Suwinski in 2024
Just in case anyone here needs to hear it, because I saw it misunderstood so many times yesterday. When you make a trade for international bonus pool space, you don't get any actual money. You get the ability to spend more money on international players.
The international bonus pool has a hard cap. The Pirates nearly spent all of their approx. $5.9M cap space at the start of the signing period. Their signings since then have been hopeful diamonds in the rough, possibly not even counting against the bonus pool if they were $10,000 or less.
What the Pirates got from the Rangers was part of their cap space. The Rangers had $526,000 left a few months ago, but apparently they acquired more recently, so the number was a little higher. The Rangers gave up their ability to spend $776,000ish more on international players by December 15, 2023. They now have nothing, so all they can sign is guys for $10K or less. The Pirates had $250K or less, depending on recent bonus amounts.
If the Rangers had no targets for the rest of the year, then that bonus pool space is completely worthless to them. You can't roll it over, you don't get anything for not spending it. The Pirates likely have a target in the Pacific Rim (Asia/Australia) because I heard about a scouting trip recently with higher ups going, so don't be surprised if they sign someone of note soon. I have no other details than that, could literally be any country out that way. I'm sure what I was told was vague on purpose. They may have found a hidden gem on Kangaroo Island (an actual real place)
Last time they did something like this was for solomon maguire IIRC. He hasn't panned out yet, though still fairly early, but I do really like this tactic as a way to get more international guys that they like
They offered Maguire every dollar they had in their pool ($334K at the time), which he turned down. So when they got $250K more, they made the odd-looking offer of $594K to sign him. So yes, that money was acquired specifically for him. Injuries have really sidetracked him, but it certainly seemed like a great signing at the time
I wonder who is left that the Pirates have their eyes on?
So, basically, welcome to Pittsburgh Roki Sasaki!
He is not a possibility with international bonus pool money for multiple reasons, but maybe he comes to Pittsburgh in the future. The scouting trip was for an amateur player
*la la la la la I can't hear you*
Welcome to Pittsburgh, Sasaki lol
I obviously don't expect you to mention any names, but I guess you'd say they do in fact have a definitive target in mind?
I don't have any names or even a country, just know about the trip. I was told "Pacific Rim" and that covers a lot of baseball countries. I would say that there is definitely a target because bonus pool space is worthless if you don't spend it. The Pirates supposedly had 4-5 teams asking for Hedges, so I don't think they would risk passing a mid-grade prospect just to have added bonus pool space for the next four months. There is someone they got this space for.
BnP, now that you have this in my head, I will be very disappointed if we somehow dont end up with Roki. Thats on you lol
*enters "whoopsies" gif* lol
Ok this might be a long shot, but rumor is that Jang hyun-seok is a korean high schooler projected to go #1 in the KBO draft and is supposedly considering the MLB route instead... feels almost too good to be true, right?
I would drink his age in IC lights if he comes to pittsburgh (in addition to drinking termarr's age if he makes the opening day roster next year)
You have a problem if you’re drinking that much IC Lite. 🤠
Pirates sent Ji Hwan Bae on a rehab assignment to Indianapolis. He went 0-2 with a walk. Termarr had similar stats in his Bradenton debut.
Pirates’ 2023 draft pick Garret Forester made his pro debut and went 1 for 2 with three walks.
We activated Hayes. Who else was added to the MLB roster?
Good to see that Lonnie White’s ‘injury’ wasn’t serious.
With Andujar continuing to hit, you would’ve thought some club woulda come acalling?
One more move — Alessandro Ercolani to 7-day IL. Unfortunate. He’s had ups and downs this year but he’s shown some promise.
Bummer, any idea what its for? Hoping its minor (if real at all)!
Thaaaaat makes me upset. Actually injury, or "IL stint"?
They got some pitching depth and high-variance teenage prospects almost entirely for vets on expiring contracts. Overall, it was more than I thought they would get; not earth-shattering, but helpful. Part of me thinks there's a chance they regret moving Castro- and he's been a favorite of mine since his days in the low minors- but the Phils could also regret selling low on Falter. Falter's numbers prior to this year were really interesting, not sure what happened in 2023.
At the very least, there was no Craig Wilson for Shawn Chacon (I think that trade encapsulated the lack of any direction Dave Littlefield had) or Archer trade (not only did the Pirates clearly lose that trade, but it also was frustrating that the one time NH made a huge move at the deadline was for a mediocre 2018 team instead of the true WS quality teams he had 13-15).
My Phillie Phriends weren’t impressed with Falter, nor could they fathom why their GM wanted Castro.
Classic Philly.
Good guys. But, way to fanatical about Phils and Eagles, tho.
Looking at Falter's numbers, he has interesting metrics, but looks like the Phils had him entirely scrap his sinker and go heavy FF. I'd imagine one of the first things we see is him incorporate the sinker back into his repertoire
Overall im pretty content with the deadline. Two upside lottery tickets, hopefully they see something in falter that allows him to pitch more like last year, wolf is at least interesting, getting something for castro as he slid way down our depth chart was solid, and hedges isnt blocking hank or endy anymore
And two of Rivas' four career home runs are against the Pirates lol
Rodolfo Castro was salvaged by a very competent baseball guy, Dave Dombrowski. Not hard to highlight his ability to hit for average and power from the Right side, and be able to play well defensively at 2B/3B.
Josh Harrison had been the guy in that role for the Phils, but really had hitting issues in 2023. Castro gets the Phils a solid contributor 12 years younger than Harrison, and with 5 years of club control. I thought going in that some smart GM would try to pick up Castro or Bae for next to nothing.
JHay was still gettin work? Good for him.
JHay has been DFA'd
Yep, and he got a nice little ovation in the Sunday game in Pgh. Dude was so easy to root for.
my younger, less-wise self was so red assed over him taking my boy Pedro's spot, lol. completely missed the enjoyment i should've gotten out of him.
I see that they DFA Dancing Josh. End of the line?
I like Castro too, but a) he was really really struggling and was looking bad even in a platoon role, b) there are other middle infield options with higher pedigrees who deserved more chances than Castro did going forward, and c) while Falter is a meh return, he will likely still be much more valuable for this season and early next than Castro would have been.
Totally possible Castro blossoms in Philly, but I don’t mind the deal.
When you are the designated righty hitter against LHSP's, you miss 3 out of every 4 starts. It works on your head and especially on your game time confidence. The Platoon system instituted in May by Shelton did not work for Castro, but it did get a lot of PT for lefty hitters such as Bae and Marcano. That said, the way Peguero is playing, I do not see much hope for Bae, Marcano, and Gonzales. Cruz/Peguero as the MI and Jared Triolo as the Utility Player, adept at 3B, 2B, and has played SS, CF, and could lock-in at 1B also.
Look at Castro's numbers from last year, and his numbers at the end of April in 2023. That's what Dombrowski saw and it is a solid baseball move. Still only 24, it should help his self-confidence greatly which will make him a much better player. His time with the Pirates was done.
Harrington and Kennedy with sparkling performances on the bump. Wonder if the Pirates will keep Harrington at A+ and watch his innings (already at 90+ for the year), or bump him to Altoona for a few starts before gradually shutting him down.
Mitch Jebb has started strong, and probably could help at A+.
The Pirates managed to offload a lot of guys they did not have plans for in the future, but I really do not see any of the players coming in as being able to help. Severino and Estuar Suero could be the best of the crop. Some iffy LHSP's, but we keep Alldred at AAA without even a chance?