I typed this last year with the Castro/Bae/Marcano competition and feel the same this year. I think there is nothing wrong with going into the season with a pure competition at 2nd base. Basically tell the 2 finalist (3 doesn't really work) that they will start every other day for an extended period(2 months?). No 0-10 streaks dooming them to the bench and no 7-10 declaring them the winner. If they know they will be in the lineup every other day (bonus starts subbing at 3B or SS) then they are in a rhythm, don't stress over good/bad days, and doing it over an extended time small sample sizes aren't over weighted. Last year this blew up with the Cruz injury.
I agree that it makes more sense to carry position battles into the season when the games count, just as long as there are only two competing. I don't know, though, that I'd rotate by game as it limits them getting into a groove, so maybe 2 games playing, 1 game off, 1 game in the DH role or at another position (SS or 3B). And I'd be open to tweak that based on pitching matchups, which Shelton would likely do. What I wouldn't do that Shelton does is constantly move batters around in the lineup.
I can't wait to buy my Termarr Boggs t-shirt jersey when he makes the big leagues.
Random: As my 4 year old came to sleep in her parents bed at 3 am and proceeded to thrash around like she was moshing at a Natalie Merchant concert I thought of a past trade that still chaps me arse. I will give you guys a chance to guess. Once this right jolly fella left the Burgh he decided to only play for teams that play close to large bodies of fresh water.
Three locks. Mlodzinski, Borucki, and Moreta are close to locks. Borucki is out of options. If Luis Ortiz gets a rotation spot it will push either Roansy or Falter to the final bullpen spot. Selby and Nicolas could also take that last spot. All of the NRIs have an outside shot.
I'd personally bump Borucki to 100% given his performance and as you stated no options. I don't see a reason to risk losing him. I also consider Moreta at about 99%. I could see lowering some other % based on potential losers from the SP battle being in the bullpen. Good list!
Thought Roansy had a decent outing against a strong lineup, and as you pointed out, they did not hit him hard - that's positive and the mid-90's FB is a good sign. Braxton Ashcraft was very efficient following Contreras, getting Guerrero, Turner, and Jansen 1-2-3 on 16 pitches - 8 FB's around 98, 5 Sliders in the hi 80's, and 3 Curves in the lo 80's. Good mix and a confidence builder for a kid who has had some injury issues, and worked himself back last year - good chance for him to see action at the MLB level in 2024.
The Pirates should break camp with 13 position players and 13 Pitchers. In the BP we should have 7 or 8 - Bednar, Chapman, Holderman, Moreta, Borucki, Hernandez, Mlodzinski are the top 7, and then guys like Ortiz, Jones, Priester, Stratton, Selby, Falter, Alldred, Nicolas, and Ashcraft. That leaves the Pirates in great shape to pull off a trade for a CF using a RP or two or a RP and a position player. I've mentioned Rafaela of the Bosox and Pereira of the NYY. Both are strong defensively and both had exc numbers at AAA (IL) last year, and were late season call-ups.
Excellent comment on the knee bend Termarr Johnson did to get down to the ball in the 9th, and drive it out for a HR to CF with an exit velo of 104.1 mph. Watching MLB highlight it this morning, and Carlos Pena was positively all over it. NMR commented on it in the previous post and I was hoping to see it this morning. If you have access, don't miss it!
I typed this last year with the Castro/Bae/Marcano competition and feel the same this year. I think there is nothing wrong with going into the season with a pure competition at 2nd base. Basically tell the 2 finalist (3 doesn't really work) that they will start every other day for an extended period(2 months?). No 0-10 streaks dooming them to the bench and no 7-10 declaring them the winner. If they know they will be in the lineup every other day (bonus starts subbing at 3B or SS) then they are in a rhythm, don't stress over good/bad days, and doing it over an extended time small sample sizes aren't over weighted. Last year this blew up with the Cruz injury.
I agree that it makes more sense to carry position battles into the season when the games count, just as long as there are only two competing. I don't know, though, that I'd rotate by game as it limits them getting into a groove, so maybe 2 games playing, 1 game off, 1 game in the DH role or at another position (SS or 3B). And I'd be open to tweak that based on pitching matchups, which Shelton would likely do. What I wouldn't do that Shelton does is constantly move batters around in the lineup.
I can't wait to buy my Termarr Boggs t-shirt jersey when he makes the big leagues.
Random: As my 4 year old came to sleep in her parents bed at 3 am and proceeded to thrash around like she was moshing at a Natalie Merchant concert I thought of a past trade that still chaps me arse. I will give you guys a chance to guess. Once this right jolly fella left the Burgh he decided to only play for teams that play close to large bodies of fresh water.
Aramus Ramirez. Of all teams forced by MLB to rid themselves of salary... it would be your Pittsburgh Pirates.
Got it. Man that angered me. I liked his build, batting stance, and general outlook on life. Which I knew nothing about.
Relief Pitchers
David Bednar……………..100%
Aroldis Champman (L)..100%
Colin Holderman…………100%
Carmen Mlodzinski……….90%
Ryan Borucki (L)……………90%
Dauri Moreta…………………80%
Jose Hernandez (L)………70%
——————————————————
Colin Selby……………………60%
Kyle Nicolas………………….50%
Brent Honeywell……………10%
Ben Heller……………………..10%
Josh Fleming (L)……………10%
Connor Sadzeck……………..5%
Ryder Ryan……………………..5%
.
Three locks. Mlodzinski, Borucki, and Moreta are close to locks. Borucki is out of options. If Luis Ortiz gets a rotation spot it will push either Roansy or Falter to the final bullpen spot. Selby and Nicolas could also take that last spot. All of the NRIs have an outside shot.
I'd personally bump Borucki to 100% given his performance and as you stated no options. I don't see a reason to risk losing him. I also consider Moreta at about 99%. I could see lowering some other % based on potential losers from the SP battle being in the bullpen. Good list!
Those Termarr bombs really got me feeling some things
Thought Roansy had a decent outing against a strong lineup, and as you pointed out, they did not hit him hard - that's positive and the mid-90's FB is a good sign. Braxton Ashcraft was very efficient following Contreras, getting Guerrero, Turner, and Jansen 1-2-3 on 16 pitches - 8 FB's around 98, 5 Sliders in the hi 80's, and 3 Curves in the lo 80's. Good mix and a confidence builder for a kid who has had some injury issues, and worked himself back last year - good chance for him to see action at the MLB level in 2024.
The Pirates should break camp with 13 position players and 13 Pitchers. In the BP we should have 7 or 8 - Bednar, Chapman, Holderman, Moreta, Borucki, Hernandez, Mlodzinski are the top 7, and then guys like Ortiz, Jones, Priester, Stratton, Selby, Falter, Alldred, Nicolas, and Ashcraft. That leaves the Pirates in great shape to pull off a trade for a CF using a RP or two or a RP and a position player. I've mentioned Rafaela of the Bosox and Pereira of the NYY. Both are strong defensively and both had exc numbers at AAA (IL) last year, and were late season call-ups.
Don't believe you mentioned that Johnson's second home run was off a lefty and an actual major league one at that.
Excellent comment on the knee bend Termarr Johnson did to get down to the ball in the 9th, and drive it out for a HR to CF with an exit velo of 104.1 mph. Watching MLB highlight it this morning, and Carlos Pena was positively all over it. NMR commented on it in the previous post and I was hoping to see it this morning. If you have access, don't miss it!
Mine is supposed to be delivered by Amazon today.
Can’t wait!!!
Looking forward to reading your 2024 Pirates Minor League Guide!