Hate to disappoint all the Billy Cook fans out there, but Keith Law answered a question about him in the Pirates top 20 comments on the Athletic. He sees him as at best an organization player, and doesn’t understand why the Pirates traded Reilly for him. Law had Reilly at 16 in the Orioles organization.
Not fair. At all. Look, as someone just pointed out on the Athletic, Law is putting his rep on the line to analyze and rank 600 prospects. There are bound to be mistakes and errors in judgment. But I’ll put his work up against anyone’s in the field. Plus, he’s smart as hell and a great writer.
So he’s 17th in the Blue Jays system. Law says he really struggled with off speed stuff once he hit AA. Projects left field as his best position, and a possible future as a utility guy.
I hope Cook works out, but after some of the posts about Reilly here prior to the trade, I was surprised by that trade. I recall thinking at the time that as much as I thought the Yorke trade could be a nice win for us, the Cook trade could just as easily come back to haunt us.
By solely on the eye test, in a very small sample to boot, I think Cook’s athleticism and arm might be a bit underrated. He’ll obviously have to hit some to have positive value, but something like a 90’s wRC+ would make him a fine player for awhile.
I like Law, but let’s not forget the stiffy he had for Newman and Polonco.
Good takes boys on the podcast, specifically Hank shouldn't be in AAA, he's done all he can in minors. Can Endy come back as a Catcher after the TJ, it ain't guaranteed with that injury.
Jalen Beeks is still available (but call me skeptical). And yes, our depth is always suspect year-in and year-out.....when injuries occur. I credit that due to Bob's budget. We can barely sign 4 or 5 legit MLB players let alone paying for another 8-9 MLB position players.
Jansen wanted to sign with a team where he can be the closer. Pirates couldn't offer that with Bednar getting first dibs. Robertson would be the better option. If they can sign him for $10 mil or less they should jump on this.
Also worth noting that only two prospects get their own article during FG's Prospect Week: Walker Jenkins and Bubba Chandler (Bubba's is scheduled for Thursday).
Suwinski/Pham, especially knowing that one of Bae, Palacios, or Frazier could replace Suwinski if Jack doesn't bounce back from his poor '24. Jack offers upside that I don't think Heyward has anymore.
Seems like there may be a mini-run on relievers happening today, perhaps so that their new teams can get them into camp at the start? Or maybe the Angels signing Jansen and the Reds signing Barlow doesn't constitute a mini-run :)
Nice to have an exaggerated number of MI options, but make a decision and go with it. Nick Gonzales, 26, got the opportunity in 2024, started with a 913 OPS in 65 AB in May, followed by a 638 OPS in 95 AB in Jun, and a 533 OPS in 84 AB in Jul. He finished the year with a 709 OPS, 665 OPS against RHP's. Liover Peguero, 24, and Nick Yorke, 23 should get the opportunity in 2025. Why? Peguero is needed long term as our SS, and we traded to get Yorke's bat in the lineup.
Liover Peguero should start at 2B (994 in 48 G at AAA in 2024) opposite IKF at SS. Nick Yorke makes the final 26 as an IF/OF/DH. We alternate Peguero with IKF at SS, and Peguero/Yorke at 2B. Spencer Horwitz does not hit LHP well, so Yorke/Triolo can get some work and AB at 1B. At the trading deadline, IKF leaves and Peguero/Yorke is the starting MI. Expect TJ to be up early in 2026.
Hate to disappoint all the Billy Cook fans out there, but Keith Law answered a question about him in the Pirates top 20 comments on the Athletic. He sees him as at best an organization player, and doesn’t understand why the Pirates traded Reilly for him. Law had Reilly at 16 in the Orioles organization.
Keith Law is to baseball scouting what Bob Nutting is to baseball owning.
Not fair. At all. Look, as someone just pointed out on the Athletic, Law is putting his rep on the line to analyze and rank 600 prospects. There are bound to be mistakes and errors in judgment. But I’ll put his work up against anyone’s in the field. Plus, he’s smart as hell and a great writer.
I appreciate your measured take, but WRONG! The Billy Cook Fan Club cannot agree to this slander!
Speaking of former Bucco prospects, where'd Chuck Mac land? I saw he dropped a good bit in BA's 2025 Top 30.
So he’s 17th in the Blue Jays system. Law says he really struggled with off speed stuff once he hit AA. Projects left field as his best position, and a possible future as a utility guy.
Thanks man! BA had him at #16 but says he struggles with velo and slays breaking balls, lol.
Hilarious. I guess we shouldn’t take these prospect gurus TOO seriously.
Especially Keith Law.
I forgot about him. Let me see if he even got a mention.
I hope Cook works out, but after some of the posts about Reilly here prior to the trade, I was surprised by that trade. I recall thinking at the time that as much as I thought the Yorke trade could be a nice win for us, the Cook trade could just as easily come back to haunt us.
By solely on the eye test, in a very small sample to boot, I think Cook’s athleticism and arm might be a bit underrated. He’ll obviously have to hit some to have positive value, but something like a 90’s wRC+ would make him a fine player for awhile.
I like Law, but let’s not forget the stiffy he had for Newman and Polonco.
Good takes boys on the podcast, specifically Hank shouldn't be in AAA, he's done all he can in minors. Can Endy come back as a Catcher after the TJ, it ain't guaranteed with that injury.
Jalen Beeks is still available (but call me skeptical). And yes, our depth is always suspect year-in and year-out.....when injuries occur. I credit that due to Bob's budget. We can barely sign 4 or 5 legit MLB players let alone paying for another 8-9 MLB position players.
Well scratch Kenley Jansen off the “I hope we can get one more good RP” list. Just signed w LAA.
Jansen wanted to sign with a team where he can be the closer. Pirates couldn't offer that with Bednar getting first dibs. Robertson would be the better option. If they can sign him for $10 mil or less they should jump on this.
Currently -12 here at the office, but heat wave coming for pitchers and catchers tomorrow. High of 3.
We've had about six inches of snow dumped on us in about 4 hours. It's really coming down here.
Bet it's that heavy mid-atlantic snow, too. hunker down!
It was 80 degrees here on Sunday. Today mid 30s and raining. Wtf SC weather
Checking in at +34
What part of Alaska is your office?
Turn me loose, set me free.
Somewhere in the middle of Montana.
My daughter lived in Emigrant and worked at Yellowstone.
i never miss a chance to hit the Old Saloon!
👍
Damn, you all the way out in Yellowstone territory!
Probably my favorite state to visit- especially the western portion. Beautiful country.
fair trade for only getting to see the last half of most Bucco games live. ;)
I haven't finished it yet but this type of article seems like must reading for subscribers to this site :)
https://blogs.fangraphs.com/hows-my-driving-2018-top-100-audit/
Lots of Pirate content there, very cool.
Also that consensus Top 10, eesh. Baseball is hard.
Also worth noting that only two prospects get their own article during FG's Prospect Week: Walker Jenkins and Bubba Chandler (Bubba's is scheduled for Thursday).
What would you rather have...
Heyward/Joe platoon or Suwinski/Pham platoon?
Suwinski/Yorke ;)
C: Kyle Tucker.
Suwinski/Pham, especially knowing that one of Bae, Palacios, or Frazier could replace Suwinski if Jack doesn't bounce back from his poor '24. Jack offers upside that I don't think Heyward has anymore.
ONE MORE DAY!!!
Seems like there may be a mini-run on relievers happening today, perhaps so that their new teams can get them into camp at the start? Or maybe the Angels signing Jansen and the Reds signing Barlow doesn't constitute a mini-run :)
Nice to have an exaggerated number of MI options, but make a decision and go with it. Nick Gonzales, 26, got the opportunity in 2024, started with a 913 OPS in 65 AB in May, followed by a 638 OPS in 95 AB in Jun, and a 533 OPS in 84 AB in Jul. He finished the year with a 709 OPS, 665 OPS against RHP's. Liover Peguero, 24, and Nick Yorke, 23 should get the opportunity in 2025. Why? Peguero is needed long term as our SS, and we traded to get Yorke's bat in the lineup.
Liover Peguero should start at 2B (994 in 48 G at AAA in 2024) opposite IKF at SS. Nick Yorke makes the final 26 as an IF/OF/DH. We alternate Peguero with IKF at SS, and Peguero/Yorke at 2B. Spencer Horwitz does not hit LHP well, so Yorke/Triolo can get some work and AB at 1B. At the trading deadline, IKF leaves and Peguero/Yorke is the starting MI. Expect TJ to be up early in 2026.
But we only traded Quinn to get Yorke. Yorke ain’t to superstar or all star. Priester trade doesn’t bring that kind of value back in a trade.
More from "Baseball Wit and Wisdom", as some teams (but not ours) begin to report:
"All ballplayers should quit when it starts to feel as if all the baselines run uphill."
- Babe Ruth
I presume the context here was when you drink too much before the game and not retirement.
You must have seen some of my softball games.