I think we've been asking this since October lol. I'd rather them give Celestino a go and have Suwinski in a corner, than get another corner outfielder.
It seems that you are high on Celestino, I wish I see what you see! Not a knock, i mean! I want Lamb to be our 1b and somehow find Tellez a new home!!!
It's not that I'm so high on Celestino but the total lack of defense in center. Jack is average to above in a corner, a little below average in center. Bae could become better than average but needs to work on his routes and on base skills in Indy (base running as well). Better defense in center would help the team tremendously considering the lack of strikeout pitchers in the starting rotation. I'm all about a long-term fix at 1st as well.
I think Suwinski is fine in center and will only get better. As far as 1B I’m fine with Tellez and Joe. Not sure there was a better option out there that beats that platoon. Another major league proven outfielder js something I wanted so I wouldn’t hate signing him but I want a starting pitcher more. Lorenzen would fit perfectly.
He gives good effort but is a little slow making reads and doesn't take the best routes. I do agree he is getting better, but still feel his primary focus should be on hitting instead of sharpening his skills in center. He was already an average to above in the corners. I hear ya on Tellez, they should have secured an option for next year or went after Belt on a one year deal but there wasn't much out there.
Tellez drew a 2 out walk with 2 outs. Ok we like a guy that walks. Then Henry Davis doubles off the wall and Tellez can only make it to third with 2 outs. On base percentage is probably better for guys that can actually run the bases.
On the defensive side, I'm not sure how many wide throws he can't catch (where Santana did).
So... the early verdict from spring is that the Pirates have a competitive lineup, but the pitching is a mess. Isn't this about what everyone thought would be the case going into the post-season? The inaction or inability to act to fill out a rotation with competent MLB talent this off-season was absolutely inexcusable. There are only so many years of control for guys like Cruz and Suwinski. I'm not sure if Cherington quite grasps that dilemma.
I’ve tended to give Cherington some leeway because I don’t know how to assess the job performance of someone who literally works for Satan, but this club — which does not have an actual rotation two weeks before the season starts — has spent almost $30 million on Chapman, Perez and a container of salvage parts.
If the Pirates had a crack team of salvage part repair personnel, cool.
But this motley bunch couldn’t figure out that Bob Stephenson just needed to adjust his hand position while throwing a slider, so they traded him for a scrawny shortstop who can’t hit.
You have to take every opportunity to put a winner on the field when you have it as the Pirates. For every 3 seasons where the team is good, one will be lost to injuries or bullpen implosions or just play underperformance. In 3 years, the arbitration values will start to escalate rapidly on the core they now have. How long will the window stay open? Ask Huntington how quickly and unexpectedly it can close.
Sure, especially when your owner has you on a near-starvation diet. It’s one of the things about Cherington I don’t understand. Unlike Huntington, BC had been a GM before, and presided over one World Series championship and could plausibly claim to have put in key pieces for another. Presumably he had options.
So why in hell would he want to work for Bob Nutting? The authors of “Future Value” reported that Cherington was interested in a low-stress environment. I get that. But it isn’t stressful to be saddled with the certainty of operating under the yoke of poverty?
Stephen Nesbitt did an interesting AMA on NS9 right after his Athletic article came out. He reiterated a sentiment I’ve heard before that emanates, reportedly, out of the organization — presumably from Nutting himself: if fans fill the stadium, the Pirates will spend more on payroll and thus they will field a better team. The PG essentially reported this mode of operating in that investigative piece they ran back in April 2022.
This insane business philosophy, if it can be called that, is like Ford and Toyota announcing they will build better cars if enough people pre-order. Utterly batshit.
This will be Cherington's 9th season as an MLB GM. He has put together a team that had a losing record 7 or his 8 previous seasons and his team has finished in last place in the division 6 times in his 8 seasons. Low stress? Aside from one very lucky season, the man has done nothing but put together lousy teams... some of the worst in baseball for almost his entire tenure as a GM. He still has a job, and nobody questions his performance. It can't get any lower stress than that... absolutely suck at your job for 8 out of 9 years and never even get so much as a reprimand from the boss.
Contreras is looking perfect for the mop-up role in 12-0 losses. No need to waste any position players on the mound. Cannot believe this is happening after such a promising start to his Pirate career.
But they can’t cut him. He has no options and there’s still a chance that he can get his act together. I wouldn’t risk demoting him and potentially losing him. Would you?
Are we actively trying to win games? Arms like him are a dime a dozen.
Personally, I'd put him on the 26, with a real short leash. If he's getting smoked in long relief and has an era north of 6, with matching peripherals by Memorial Day, then you got to let him go.
I'd throw him in the pen. Use him in low leverage situations, see if maybe even adds a couple ticks in shorter outings. If he's excelling, see if he can go 2-3 innings and succeed and go from there. Otherwise he's probably just a candidate to be flipped to a team that still thinks something is there.
Seeing Ro get demolished and Cruz with another errant throw just makes me sad. Areas we had hoped they would make progress developmentally, and they're still where they were.
74 pitches for Ro seems aggressive, coming off arm injury.
Send him to Tread. Preferred subcontractor for the Pirates’ clueless pitching development staff.
I'm afraid that Mr. Contreras is not the answer to one of our rotation spots.
Pirates are interested in tommy Pham. I guess that would be an answer at RF. Wish the rumor was they had interest in Clevinger or Lorenzen though.
Let's hope no one gets into a fantasy football league with him if they acquire him.
I don't understand the lack of interest in Lorenzen, either.
Why can't they get "interested" in a centerfielder, 1Bman, and starting pitcher instead of random guys who do not fit any particular need.
I think we've been asking this since October lol. I'd rather them give Celestino a go and have Suwinski in a corner, than get another corner outfielder.
It seems that you are high on Celestino, I wish I see what you see! Not a knock, i mean! I want Lamb to be our 1b and somehow find Tellez a new home!!!
It's not that I'm so high on Celestino but the total lack of defense in center. Jack is average to above in a corner, a little below average in center. Bae could become better than average but needs to work on his routes and on base skills in Indy (base running as well). Better defense in center would help the team tremendously considering the lack of strikeout pitchers in the starting rotation. I'm all about a long-term fix at 1st as well.
I think Suwinski is fine in center and will only get better. As far as 1B I’m fine with Tellez and Joe. Not sure there was a better option out there that beats that platoon. Another major league proven outfielder js something I wanted so I wouldn’t hate signing him but I want a starting pitcher more. Lorenzen would fit perfectly.
He gives good effort but is a little slow making reads and doesn't take the best routes. I do agree he is getting better, but still feel his primary focus should be on hitting instead of sharpening his skills in center. He was already an average to above in the corners. I hear ya on Tellez, they should have secured an option for next year or went after Belt on a one year deal but there wasn't much out there.
Tellez drew a 2 out walk with 2 outs. Ok we like a guy that walks. Then Henry Davis doubles off the wall and Tellez can only make it to third with 2 outs. On base percentage is probably better for guys that can actually run the bases.
On the defensive side, I'm not sure how many wide throws he can't catch (where Santana did).
Tellez got from first to third on a double? Did he have a big wind behind him?
The throw in got knocked down by the wind.
I am embarrassed to say that took me a second, but very funny.
Had high hopes for Ro, but baseball is hard.
Someone needs fired or cut for that double play. Make a statement!
So... the early verdict from spring is that the Pirates have a competitive lineup, but the pitching is a mess. Isn't this about what everyone thought would be the case going into the post-season? The inaction or inability to act to fill out a rotation with competent MLB talent this off-season was absolutely inexcusable. There are only so many years of control for guys like Cruz and Suwinski. I'm not sure if Cherington quite grasps that dilemma.
I’ve tended to give Cherington some leeway because I don’t know how to assess the job performance of someone who literally works for Satan, but this club — which does not have an actual rotation two weeks before the season starts — has spent almost $30 million on Chapman, Perez and a container of salvage parts.
If the Pirates had a crack team of salvage part repair personnel, cool.
But this motley bunch couldn’t figure out that Bob Stephenson just needed to adjust his hand position while throwing a slider, so they traded him for a scrawny shortstop who can’t hit.
You have to take every opportunity to put a winner on the field when you have it as the Pirates. For every 3 seasons where the team is good, one will be lost to injuries or bullpen implosions or just play underperformance. In 3 years, the arbitration values will start to escalate rapidly on the core they now have. How long will the window stay open? Ask Huntington how quickly and unexpectedly it can close.
Sure, especially when your owner has you on a near-starvation diet. It’s one of the things about Cherington I don’t understand. Unlike Huntington, BC had been a GM before, and presided over one World Series championship and could plausibly claim to have put in key pieces for another. Presumably he had options.
So why in hell would he want to work for Bob Nutting? The authors of “Future Value” reported that Cherington was interested in a low-stress environment. I get that. But it isn’t stressful to be saddled with the certainty of operating under the yoke of poverty?
Stephen Nesbitt did an interesting AMA on NS9 right after his Athletic article came out. He reiterated a sentiment I’ve heard before that emanates, reportedly, out of the organization — presumably from Nutting himself: if fans fill the stadium, the Pirates will spend more on payroll and thus they will field a better team. The PG essentially reported this mode of operating in that investigative piece they ran back in April 2022.
This insane business philosophy, if it can be called that, is like Ford and Toyota announcing they will build better cars if enough people pre-order. Utterly batshit.
This will be Cherington's 9th season as an MLB GM. He has put together a team that had a losing record 7 or his 8 previous seasons and his team has finished in last place in the division 6 times in his 8 seasons. Low stress? Aside from one very lucky season, the man has done nothing but put together lousy teams... some of the worst in baseball for almost his entire tenure as a GM. He still has a job, and nobody questions his performance. It can't get any lower stress than that... absolutely suck at your job for 8 out of 9 years and never even get so much as a reprimand from the boss.
Continue to strikeout a shit ton and not strike too many opponent batters out
Contreras is looking perfect for the mop-up role in 12-0 losses. No need to waste any position players on the mound. Cannot believe this is happening after such a promising start to his Pirate career.
I don't even think he's suited for that. This is like James McDonald 2.0
But they can’t cut him. He has no options and there’s still a chance that he can get his act together. I wouldn’t risk demoting him and potentially losing him. Would you?
Yes.
Are we actively trying to win games? Arms like him are a dime a dozen.
Personally, I'd put him on the 26, with a real short leash. If he's getting smoked in long relief and has an era north of 6, with matching peripherals by Memorial Day, then you got to let him go.
I'd throw him in the pen. Use him in low leverage situations, see if maybe even adds a couple ticks in shorter outings. If he's excelling, see if he can go 2-3 innings and succeed and go from there. Otherwise he's probably just a candidate to be flipped to a team that still thinks something is there.
This sounds similar to what they tried last year before they busted him down to FCL
I'd say that was wind aided.
*Inserts Zach Galifinakis "ssshhh" gif*
I guess you can use the wind to your advantage when the ball approaches the stratosphere.
Cruz and RF thought that was a can of corn lol
Nice catch by Peguero.
covered a ton of ground and make it look easy
I hope Priester was taking notes watching Bassitt.
I hope everyone was taking notes on watching Bassitt.
Control. Control. Control. Hit your spots you are going to have success, regardless of velocity.
True, just thinking it would be a good person for Priester to model his game after. Hit your spots and change speed.
Except he seems to be a max effort pitcher. Great stuff though.
Think that's a perfect comp for QP to go after.
Seeing Ro get demolished and Cruz with another errant throw just makes me sad. Areas we had hoped they would make progress developmentally, and they're still where they were.
Henry Davis just keeps hitting.
That was SO CLOSE to being a great inning to end the day for Ro. Got two quick outs, located his pitches well, then it just poofed against Varsho