I get it but it still doesn't seem right to say a 24yo that crushed AAA but failed at the majors is considered struggling terribly yet a 24yo that struggled in AA still has optimism to develop
In an ideal world, it would be great if the Pirates was perfectly balanced in their development of pitchers and hitters. In reality, they are far from balanced. Nonetheless, they seem extraordinarily strong on the pitching development side. I would obviously look for ways to improve hitting development, but why not just lean into their strengths? I’d be curious to see if they are already doing this based on their drafting of pitching and position players. No sense in wasting draft capital if the opportunity cost is developing a solid pitching prospect that could be used to acquire a solid hitting prospect in the future.
I couldn't tell you if this has been part of their calculus, but my take is that it's also just generally *easier* to develop pitching in this era of the game.
The pitcher has the clear advantage and the game has evolved to make it easier for them to have an impact on the game without actually reaching their developmental potential.
Nearly all 9 position player slots on almost every playoff roster this year was stacked with former Top 100-quality, if not elite, bats. And then the pitching staffs had like half a dozen guys you've never heard of before who are able to collectively dominate those same elite bats. There's just not a comparable means for bats doing that in today's game.
Excellent read and things should look good for the Pirates if they can find a way to solve the problems they have had with their Manager (.415 Winning Percentage since 2020) and finding Hitting Coaches who are able to produce the results needed and expected from some of these prospects. Both of those needs are on the Owner and GM, not the players drafted. Thankfully our developmental group on the pitching side have been able to produce a strong group of now and future SP's, RP's, and solid trade pieces for hitters we cannot seem to develop!
I get it but it still doesn't seem right to say a 24yo that crushed AAA but failed at the majors is considered struggling terribly yet a 24yo that struggled in AA still has optimism to develop
In an ideal world, it would be great if the Pirates was perfectly balanced in their development of pitchers and hitters. In reality, they are far from balanced. Nonetheless, they seem extraordinarily strong on the pitching development side. I would obviously look for ways to improve hitting development, but why not just lean into their strengths? I’d be curious to see if they are already doing this based on their drafting of pitching and position players. No sense in wasting draft capital if the opportunity cost is developing a solid pitching prospect that could be used to acquire a solid hitting prospect in the future.
I couldn't tell you if this has been part of their calculus, but my take is that it's also just generally *easier* to develop pitching in this era of the game.
The pitcher has the clear advantage and the game has evolved to make it easier for them to have an impact on the game without actually reaching their developmental potential.
Nearly all 9 position player slots on almost every playoff roster this year was stacked with former Top 100-quality, if not elite, bats. And then the pitching staffs had like half a dozen guys you've never heard of before who are able to collectively dominate those same elite bats. There's just not a comparable means for bats doing that in today's game.
Excellent read and things should look good for the Pirates if they can find a way to solve the problems they have had with their Manager (.415 Winning Percentage since 2020) and finding Hitting Coaches who are able to produce the results needed and expected from some of these prospects. Both of those needs are on the Owner and GM, not the players drafted. Thankfully our developmental group on the pitching side have been able to produce a strong group of now and future SP's, RP's, and solid trade pieces for hitters we cannot seem to develop!
Fantastic write-up, Wilbur.
That certain other guy was just named Rookie of the Year.
C’mon BC, don’t screw this up again! Start Bubba in the majors so when he wins the ‘25 NL ROY award, the team will receive an extra pick!
This is a great summary/check in on stuff, thanks for putting it together WTM