Jared Jones has a sore elbow. Still at the evaluation stage.
Hopefully this is just a standard spring blip, but it’s a reminder of the idiocy of putting all your slim hopes for success on a few guys in the rotation.
Very discouraging. These things almost never end well, and the strategy of dragging it out with rest usually backfires by postponing the inevitable.
They do have reasonable depth in starting pitching, though unproven. If Falter is out as well I would go with Harrington, though they will probably go with Burrows since he is on the roster.
As much as I could have seen trading Keller for a bat, he does have one undeniable skill: he can stay healthy while throwing 175 league average innings. That is really valuable.
I partially agree.. his last season in AA as a full time starter with a WIP of 1.425 while not terrible also did not scream future MLB starter more because (if I recall.. truly could be wrong) he could not go deep into games even at the AA level. So far (spring training caveat very real) it seems stretching him out has promise whether in the '2024 Ortiz' role to start the year or to fill what unfortunately may now be the Jones rotation spot.
I guess that is why they did not package Bubba and another close to MLB ready pitchers for a big bat that we all were bantering about a month or so ago….
Those choices assume there will be 14 Ps and 12 hitters. I think it will be 13-13. Triolo and Frazier are locks. Gimme Endy and Suwinski. 13th guy is tough. I’ll guess Yorke.
Can only roster 13 on the 26 so there will be a wild card. Can see Frazier for now because of versatility. He prolly will be gone when Horwitz is ready to go
Endy is about 400 OPS points higher than Davis and is a switch hitter who can adequately play C and 2 or 3 other positions. Suwinski has brought his game and has earned the 4th OF position (the 26 HR in 2023 counts BIG also). Triolo can play all IF positions as well or better than anyone we start except for Hayes at 3B.
I think Triolo is a lock and I might add Palacios as a low odds contender but I don't think he will make it. I am totally torn at catcher as I think it is more of a waste to send Hank down but Endy has played so well (but so has Hank). I've posted my reasons several times (net. Endy plays everyday in Indy after missing an entire year & Hank has zero to prove in MiLB)
Who I think they will bring north: Triolo, Suwinski, Frazier, a catcher (sorry - I am lame)
Who I would bring north: Triolo, Suwinski, Hank, Yorke
A crazy idea that they won't do but makes so much sense is to keep Endy and Davis. Have Endy play 1B until Horwitz is back, let Davis catch, and re-assess on May 1st when Horwitz is ready to return.
Here's my beef and I feel I have become Groundhog Day. I love that these guys are hitting in SPRING TRAINING.. .it does count but is also frequently fools gold so over analyzing (sorry Mel - don't care about OPS difference in such a limited sample). When last seen (Hank 2024 and Endy 2023) they were very overmatched by MLB pitching. Not unusual. Endy then sat basically an entire year. I am very cautious in now moving them both to significant at bats at the MLB at the same time. So I don't think it is a terrible idea (Endy at 1st) but the thought that it is the clearcut best choice is where I protest. I 100% LIKE what I have heard regarding both of them, but I also can see the teams logic (sound IMO in this case) of letting them be comfortable on defense and just let them play for a while. We have others: Stewart, Frazier, Triolo, Yorke who can man first base for now. Not sexy, but quite frankly Endy is no more of a sure thing either.
I just think it's such an easy way to get them both at-bats, and also allows Davis to still catch. Endy wouldn't have any issues playing 1st for a month then going back to catching. But like I said, I know they probably aren't going to do this.
I get it and am not as opposed as I sound. The fact they said they just want him concentrating at catcher I get but given Horwitz injury there would be a way to get them short term ABs. Big picture (I should have probably stayed quiet) is the risk of too many players trying to prove themselves at the MLB level vs. getting full time ABs in AAA to stay ready.
I heard that also. Makes little sense, especially for a ball club that shuffles infielders and outfielders around like hot potatoes. It is not like Endy would be learning a new position. He is probably the second best defensive first baseman on the team behind Triolo.
What are our thoughts crew: Are we rolling with Bednar as closer?? He is feeling like last year Bednar and I’m pleasantly surprised when he gets a clean outing …
My biggest beef of the way we used the bullpen last year was that it was all scripted. My advise is if a reliever is struggling, don't leave him in there for 5 runs. If a reliever gets a 9 pitch 1-2-3, leave him in there for another inning. Let's not script the 9th either. Just see how things play out as Bednar and Lawrence bothe have experience closing, while Santana might have the best success.
All my opinion/guesses by options. 1) They will roll with Bednar. Another Pirate site headline was Bednar implodes again (or something like that) but many posters here who saw in person or tv said they were seeing eye hits. I think he is choice one with a much shorter leash than last year. But to be clear 4 games in if he has one bad and one shaky is NOT a test. Short leash means into May with maybe some closer sharing unless he truly implodes. 2) Santana - he has been getting people out for 4 season months now... you only get closer experience by - you know - closing. He has been their best out getter. 3) Holderman - he definitely has experienced some very strong stretches. 4) who knows - Nicolas needs to have a longer track record of consistently throwing strikes or Mlod who is being stretched out. Just my thoughts.
Thomas Harrington with a very good start. He is not going to wow people with upper 90's pitches, but he is the complete package. An excellent pickup by BC in the 2022 Draft with the A Comp Balance Pick at #36, right between Termarr at 1-4, and Hunter Barco in the 2nd Round at #44.
Unbelievable - Javier Rivas walks it off! Just a few days ago I had asked WTM if he had seen him on one of the back fields. Went to ST a few years ago and watched him hit BP on the field on the right as visitors walk in. He was driving balls to the golf course parking lot deep outside of LC/C. Just a huge human who can impress in BP, but has had K issues at every level. For instance, last year at BRD in 336 AB he had 16 walks/118 K.
A very smooth defensive SS/3B at 6'6" 180 and finished 2024 with a few games in A+. If he ever gets the confidence in himself to be a hitter, he'd climb through the ranks quickly. He'll play the whole minor league season as a 22 year old, turning 23 in Sep.
Javy is one of several guys who look like they’ve filled out a bit. Took a minute to recognize him when I saw him, and he’s usually easy to pick out, being 6’6”.
For the record - I also filled out some but probably not the same. I blame some back surgery but it could / maybe / possibly be an increase in desert consumption. Trying to get back to dad bod status.
They have had some success fixing guys like Ramos. If he can throw strikes, he will be quite the find. His walk rates in the minor leagues have been eye-watering.
Probably not, but would be nice to keep in AAA, if possible. He started with the Pirates and we left him on MiLB Waivers and the Mets picked him up and kept him for 2 years. He had an excellent 2024 in AA, but did not do well at AAA, and the Mets released him. The Pirates signed him as a FA.
The news that Jones is having further imaging is disappointing. But on the plus side, the Cubs are in last place and the Pirates are tied for first.
Jared Jones has a sore elbow. Still at the evaluation stage.
Hopefully this is just a standard spring blip, but it’s a reminder of the idiocy of putting all your slim hopes for success on a few guys in the rotation.
Very discouraging. These things almost never end well, and the strategy of dragging it out with rest usually backfires by postponing the inevitable.
They do have reasonable depth in starting pitching, though unproven. If Falter is out as well I would go with Harrington, though they will probably go with Burrows since he is on the roster.
As much as I could have seen trading Keller for a bat, he does have one undeniable skill: he can stay healthy while throwing 175 league average innings. That is really valuable.
If Jones needs surgery, Harrington can take his roster spot as Jones will be put on 60-day IL.
Total BS... We cannot have anything nice.
Skenes is pretty nice.
Having imaging done and seeking a second opinion sounds ominous.
That's what I thought.
So this is why Harrington is still in camp.
Given that he is not on the 40 him still in camp raised some flags for me…sad to be correct on this one
Yeah. DK actually said yesterday that it was because they weren't certain about Falter's status, so it's getting more complicated.
The good news is Burrows went four good innings in a MiL game yesterday, so it's not like there are zero options.
You really need like 9-10 starters at the AAA level and higher. And even that ain’t always enough.
Hasn't Mlod gone at least 3? He could also be an option.
True. They may need two.
Mlodzinski/Burrows maybe?
He was drafted as a starter and got to the sooner as a reliever out of need.
I partially agree.. his last season in AA as a full time starter with a WIP of 1.425 while not terrible also did not scream future MLB starter more because (if I recall.. truly could be wrong) he could not go deep into games even at the AA level. So far (spring training caveat very real) it seems stretching him out has promise whether in the '2024 Ortiz' role to start the year or to fill what unfortunately may now be the Jones rotation spot.
I guess that is why they did not package Bubba and another close to MLB ready pitchers for a big bat that we all were bantering about a month or so ago….
oh gawd....
-BB
To me, there’s 8 guys for 4 open spots on the OD roster - 1B, 4th OF, UT IF, Backup C.
C - Endy, Hank
OF - Cook, Suwinski, Stewart
IF - Triolo, Yorke, Frazier
Who ya got?
Those choices assume there will be 14 Ps and 12 hitters. I think it will be 13-13. Triolo and Frazier are locks. Gimme Endy and Suwinski. 13th guy is tough. I’ll guess Yorke.
Can only roster 13 on the 26 so there will be a wild card. Can see Frazier for now because of versatility. He prolly will be gone when Horwitz is ready to go
Davis to start the season to give Endy every day AB for a month or so as kind as Hank hits enough in a reserve role, Sueinski , Yorke, and Triolo
Endy is about 400 OPS points higher than Davis and is a switch hitter who can adequately play C and 2 or 3 other positions. Suwinski has brought his game and has earned the 4th OF position (the 26 HR in 2023 counts BIG also). Triolo can play all IF positions as well or better than anyone we start except for Hayes at 3B.
I would take Endy, Triolo, Suwinski and Yorke.
I think they’ll go with Hank, Triolo, Frazier, Yorke.
Endy, Stewart, Triolo and Suwinski.
Now try the bullpen…..good luck with that one!
I think Triolo is a lock and I might add Palacios as a low odds contender but I don't think he will make it. I am totally torn at catcher as I think it is more of a waste to send Hank down but Endy has played so well (but so has Hank). I've posted my reasons several times (net. Endy plays everyday in Indy after missing an entire year & Hank has zero to prove in MiLB)
Who I think they will bring north: Triolo, Suwinski, Frazier, a catcher (sorry - I am lame)
Who I would bring north: Triolo, Suwinski, Hank, Yorke
A crazy idea that they won't do but makes so much sense is to keep Endy and Davis. Have Endy play 1B until Horwitz is back, let Davis catch, and re-assess on May 1st when Horwitz is ready to return.
Not crazy idea at all. Just crazy that they won't give Endy time at first this spring.
Here's my beef and I feel I have become Groundhog Day. I love that these guys are hitting in SPRING TRAINING.. .it does count but is also frequently fools gold so over analyzing (sorry Mel - don't care about OPS difference in such a limited sample). When last seen (Hank 2024 and Endy 2023) they were very overmatched by MLB pitching. Not unusual. Endy then sat basically an entire year. I am very cautious in now moving them both to significant at bats at the MLB at the same time. So I don't think it is a terrible idea (Endy at 1st) but the thought that it is the clearcut best choice is where I protest. I 100% LIKE what I have heard regarding both of them, but I also can see the teams logic (sound IMO in this case) of letting them be comfortable on defense and just let them play for a while. We have others: Stewart, Frazier, Triolo, Yorke who can man first base for now. Not sexy, but quite frankly Endy is no more of a sure thing either.
I just think it's such an easy way to get them both at-bats, and also allows Davis to still catch. Endy wouldn't have any issues playing 1st for a month then going back to catching. But like I said, I know they probably aren't going to do this.
I get it and am not as opposed as I sound. The fact they said they just want him concentrating at catcher I get but given Horwitz injury there would be a way to get them short term ABs. Big picture (I should have probably stayed quiet) is the risk of too many players trying to prove themselves at the MLB level vs. getting full time ABs in AAA to stay ready.
The Bucs have already said no other positions for Endy except for catching because he missed the last year.
I heard that also. Makes little sense, especially for a ball club that shuffles infielders and outfielders around like hot potatoes. It is not like Endy would be learning a new position. He is probably the second best defensive first baseman on the team behind Triolo.
What are our thoughts crew: Are we rolling with Bednar as closer?? He is feeling like last year Bednar and I’m pleasantly surprised when he gets a clean outing …
My biggest beef of the way we used the bullpen last year was that it was all scripted. My advise is if a reliever is struggling, don't leave him in there for 5 runs. If a reliever gets a 9 pitch 1-2-3, leave him in there for another inning. Let's not script the 9th either. Just see how things play out as Bednar and Lawrence bothe have experience closing, while Santana might have the best success.
All my opinion/guesses by options. 1) They will roll with Bednar. Another Pirate site headline was Bednar implodes again (or something like that) but many posters here who saw in person or tv said they were seeing eye hits. I think he is choice one with a much shorter leash than last year. But to be clear 4 games in if he has one bad and one shaky is NOT a test. Short leash means into May with maybe some closer sharing unless he truly implodes. 2) Santana - he has been getting people out for 4 season months now... you only get closer experience by - you know - closing. He has been their best out getter. 3) Holderman - he definitely has experienced some very strong stretches. 4) who knows - Nicolas needs to have a longer track record of consistently throwing strikes or Mlod who is being stretched out. Just my thoughts.
Thomas Harrington with a very good start. He is not going to wow people with upper 90's pitches, but he is the complete package. An excellent pickup by BC in the 2022 Draft with the A Comp Balance Pick at #36, right between Termarr at 1-4, and Hunter Barco in the 2nd Round at #44.
Unbelievable - Javier Rivas walks it off! Just a few days ago I had asked WTM if he had seen him on one of the back fields. Went to ST a few years ago and watched him hit BP on the field on the right as visitors walk in. He was driving balls to the golf course parking lot deep outside of LC/C. Just a huge human who can impress in BP, but has had K issues at every level. For instance, last year at BRD in 336 AB he had 16 walks/118 K.
A very smooth defensive SS/3B at 6'6" 180 and finished 2024 with a few games in A+. If he ever gets the confidence in himself to be a hitter, he'd climb through the ranks quickly. He'll play the whole minor league season as a 22 year old, turning 23 in Sep.
Javy is one of several guys who look like they’ve filled out a bit. Took a minute to recognize him when I saw him, and he’s usually easy to pick out, being 6’6”.
Others: Ercolani, Endy and Bae.
For the record - I also filled out some but probably not the same. I blame some back surgery but it could / maybe / possibly be an increase in desert consumption. Trying to get back to dad bod status.
I know some of the players like to put on weight in the off-season, so my trip to Florida I put on weight as well.
Does Wilkin Ramos have a chance of making the team?
They have had some success fixing guys like Ramos. If he can throw strikes, he will be quite the find. His walk rates in the minor leagues have been eye-watering.
Probably not, but would be nice to keep in AAA, if possible. He started with the Pirates and we left him on MiLB Waivers and the Mets picked him up and kept him for 2 years. He had an excellent 2024 in AA, but did not do well at AAA, and the Mets released him. The Pirates signed him as a FA.
The stuff is plenty interesting. Good velo, funky arm angle, lots of movement. Hopefully he’ll find the strike zone at Indy.