Thank you. I think he had one option remaining going into 2023 - are the Pirates using that option this year? Could not find him in the Pirates Transactions page.
This is weird. According to MiLB.com, the Pirates just signed catcher Luke Scherrer, an 18-yr-old NDFA from Yucaipa, CA. Assigned him to the FCL, which if you count John Lopez now has something like eight catchers.
Committed to Cal Poly, the Golden State native provides a 6-foot-1, 210-pound target behind the plate, although Luke Scherrer is also an intriguing arm on the mound should a team want to give him a look as a two-way player.
FSS Event History: Scherrer attended the San Diego Regional Combine at the very end of 2021, where he worked as both an RHP and his more customary position of catcher. While the scouting staff liked him on the bump, it was behind the dish where he drew the best grades, showing the potential for plus power.
Current Ranking in Joe Doyle’s FSS Plus Top 600: 480
Joe Doyle on Scherrer:
Scherrer really burst onto the scene at Area Code Games putting together a really impressive week at the plate with upside behind the plate as well. Scherrer is a strong-arm backstop with an above average throwing arm and good explosion out of the crouch. The bat is hitterish right now, but the frame and torque suggests some game impact is coming. Right-handed high school catchers are a tough demographic to set draft value on, but there’s Day Two value here.
The interesting consideration here is the NDFA bonus rules. Used to be a $20K limit, but MLB removed that. The only limitation is that anything over 150K counts against the team's pool. But the Pirate have a big pool left.
Me and Ethan have been trying to find the actual rules about this. It doesn't explicitly state anywhere whether UDFA's can be signed after deadline (which this would prove they could), and then whether or not they can use pool money after deadline (over the $150K)
First pitch is the best pitch from a lot of pitchers. Had one manager in college that always wanted batters to take the first pitch, his hitting coach always said he was full of crap, that's when you're most likely to get a pecker high fastball.
I still think if Choi gets traded that they're going to call up Martin, if he can't make contact he'll be easier to dfa. It would have been Nunez if not for the injury, but with his age and not being on the 40, I think Martin maybe Shackelford will get the call.
Jul 31, 2023Liked by Anthony Murphy, NolaJeffy(BnP), WTM
Hey everybody.
Just checking in. I haven't gone anywhere, even though it's been nice having this unintended reprise from writing.
I was just curious though, if anyone is really missing my contributions, as far as payroll, service, options, etc. go. Anthony has so graciously offered this space if I wanted to take it, so just thought I'd see what anyone thought.
Like I said, I've been enjoying the break, but just trying to read the room.
I tried for a couple years to get Tim to put up a front page link to your payroll and roster pieces. It’s an incredible resource, one that you want on an ongoing basis, like at FG or Cots, only it’s better. So that’s what I think.
I have to agree with Wilbur. There was so much that could have been done with your info that it would be nice to finally see it, whether it's small contributions or your unrivaled larger articles on the inner workings
While they can be personally fulfilling, those articles are so terribly hard.
I'm talking hours of research and writing. It was nothing to spend 10-20 hours on the RSN piece, or lockout stuff, or MiLB CBA. And it was often late at night, so several late nights in condensed periods takes it's toll.
Like I said, it's rewarding (it certainly was never about the money), but they are really hard. So who knows, is what I'm saying.
I know that's in jest, but to be honest, I always edited my own work, which would lead to 3 to 4 reads of endless scrutiny, which could also be extremely exhausting.
It's your bar to set. No one else does anything close, so you're only competing with yourself. Something is always better than nothing. When you have the time, that's when you do the bigger articles
One aspect I'll add on to Wilbur's first point, or observation, that I didn't know nor do I believe Ethan knew. But, of revenue sharing receiving teams, those who do not spend into their 5% overage receive a split of the taxes paid by the teams who do go into the 5% overage. So, not only did they have $312.4K left of their pool, not only did they not spend their 5% overage, but they're splitting roughly $7M between 8 teams for a rough payout of $882,310 per team. I had somewhat come to just accepting the draft as it is, but that added point kid of angers me.
Jul 31, 2023·edited Jul 31, 2023Liked by NolaJeffy(BnP)
Another reason I'm disappointed (other than Skenes, happy about that) in this draft. They went with high floor low ceiling college bats in rounds 2 and 3 with several higher ceiling and not much lower floors. (Example Tre Morgan v Forrester) Again I like the players they took just don't see where they fit into the system long term. I would have preferred high ceiling high schoolers or even another college pitcher like Tanner Witt in those slots or a college power bat.
If there were more answers than questions, it'd make sense, but as of now it's still wait-and-see mode. I just can't get the Fraizer drop out of my head until a couple prospects change the narrative. Cheng is seemingly catching fire, so that's good. Brannigan and Sightler have SO far carried their bats to High A, which in itself is still sketch given their from major college programs. Tres Gonzalez started hot, slumped, and is getting hot again. I just personally need to see more success stories before buying in.
I in part believe they MAYBE had a plan in place that fell apart when a kid they wanted got drafted. But even that aside, they would've had no contingency or backup plan?
If that were the case, it'd also be of concern to me. A long shot Cuvet for, theoretically, $700K-$800K is more talent and potential upside in the system. When their own words have been about adding to the system. Rather than playing the draft how they've been populating their depth with moderate shooting fish in a barrel upside. It just doesn't make sense to handicap themselves in the draft, by any means. The chances of any of the Brewers five Prep arms post-10th making it is VERY slim, but it still didn't stop them.
I have been hoping that this was not a motivator, and just more a factor of the way that the board fell/they got their pockets picked. If they go and spend another 30+mil in FA next year then I will be marginally less upset about it though
Yeah, there's that, but we've been unfortunately waiting for the FA expenditure year after year. They've handed out extensions. At same time, when parroting the desire to add talent and develop it, you're talking ~$1.8M after taxes included?
Termarr promoted to Greensboro.
Giants just picked up AJ Pollock and Mark Mathias for a PTBNL. Pollock is hitting .171. Strange trade.
Ben has an update on Contreras.
https://pittsburghbaseballnow.com/pittsburgh-pirates-roansy-contreras-ben-cherington-major-league-baseball/
Thank you. I think he had one option remaining going into 2023 - are the Pirates using that option this year? Could not find him in the Pirates Transactions page.
This is weird. According to MiLB.com, the Pirates just signed catcher Luke Scherrer, an 18-yr-old NDFA from Yucaipa, CA. Assigned him to the FCL, which if you count John Lopez now has something like eight catchers.
Seems to be an actual prospect. I found this:
Committed to Cal Poly, the Golden State native provides a 6-foot-1, 210-pound target behind the plate, although Luke Scherrer is also an intriguing arm on the mound should a team want to give him a look as a two-way player.
FSS Event History: Scherrer attended the San Diego Regional Combine at the very end of 2021, where he worked as both an RHP and his more customary position of catcher. While the scouting staff liked him on the bump, it was behind the dish where he drew the best grades, showing the potential for plus power.
Current Ranking in Joe Doyle’s FSS Plus Top 600: 480
Joe Doyle on Scherrer:
Scherrer really burst onto the scene at Area Code Games putting together a really impressive week at the plate with upside behind the plate as well. Scherrer is a strong-arm backstop with an above average throwing arm and good explosion out of the crouch. The bat is hitterish right now, but the frame and torque suggests some game impact is coming. Right-handed high school catchers are a tough demographic to set draft value on, but there’s Day Two value here.
The interesting consideration here is the NDFA bonus rules. Used to be a $20K limit, but MLB removed that. The only limitation is that anything over 150K counts against the team's pool. But the Pirate have a big pool left.
Me and Ethan have been trying to find the actual rules about this. It doesn't explicitly state anywhere whether UDFA's can be signed after deadline (which this would prove they could), and then whether or not they can use pool money after deadline (over the $150K)
Good video of Severino from Fangraphs
https://youtu.be/c_cbq2MfOiA
Hunter Barco went four today in the FCL. They haven't gotten to the fifth yet, so I suppose he could stay in. Have to think he'll head to BRD soon.
How did Severino look today at the plate?
Road game. Didn't see.
Thanks, going by the box scores, he seems to be a free swinger with good contact. (Starling Marte like) Hope he learns to take some walks lol.
Well, when I saw him he hit the first pitch three times. I'm not sure that bothers me more than guys with 30% K rates.
First pitch is the best pitch from a lot of pitchers. Had one manager in college that always wanted batters to take the first pitch, his hitting coach always said he was full of crap, that's when you're most likely to get a pecker high fastball.
Promote rivas, promote barco, promote valdez
Should promote Escalante, too. Have to move Planchart up.
Have Chang and Peralta piggyback off each other, slide everyone else up a day, and let Barco take over on Sundays. Boom.
I think Martin goes back to Altoona.
This makes sense, since last I checked he was hitting barely above the mendoza line there
I still think if Choi gets traded that they're going to call up Martin, if he can't make contact he'll be easier to dfa. It would have been Nunez if not for the injury, but with his age and not being on the 40, I think Martin maybe Shackelford will get the call.
he´s decent with the glove, no?
Yes
better him there than Joe then
Hey Catch22….didja catch Jeffy’s comment on Cheng?
Hey everybody.
Just checking in. I haven't gone anywhere, even though it's been nice having this unintended reprise from writing.
I was just curious though, if anyone is really missing my contributions, as far as payroll, service, options, etc. go. Anthony has so graciously offered this space if I wanted to take it, so just thought I'd see what anyone thought.
Like I said, I've been enjoying the break, but just trying to read the room.
I really enjoy and appreciate your contributions. Answers several questions and I don't have to spend hours trying to look it up or figure it out.
Definitely would love to have it if you are able!
I tried for a couple years to get Tim to put up a front page link to your payroll and roster pieces. It’s an incredible resource, one that you want on an ongoing basis, like at FG or Cots, only it’s better. So that’s what I think.
I have to agree with Wilbur. There was so much that could have been done with your info that it would be nice to finally see it, whether it's small contributions or your unrivaled larger articles on the inner workings
While they can be personally fulfilling, those articles are so terribly hard.
I'm talking hours of research and writing. It was nothing to spend 10-20 hours on the RSN piece, or lockout stuff, or MiLB CBA. And it was often late at night, so several late nights in condensed periods takes it's toll.
Like I said, it's rewarding (it certainly was never about the money), but they are really hard. So who knows, is what I'm saying.
And you haven’t even mentioned the countless hours of editing…😉
I know that's in jest, but to be honest, I always edited my own work, which would lead to 3 to 4 reads of endless scrutiny, which could also be extremely exhausting.
Yeah, but then there’s the countless hours of drudgery involved in “publishing” an article, i.e., clicking the “publish” button.
It's your bar to set. No one else does anything close, so you're only competing with yourself. Something is always better than nothing. When you have the time, that's when you do the bigger articles
No expectations. Anything you can do is like finding buried treasure.
It’d be too depressing to check Nutting’s cheapness, so I’d probably avoid it. 😹😹
One aspect I'll add on to Wilbur's first point, or observation, that I didn't know nor do I believe Ethan knew. But, of revenue sharing receiving teams, those who do not spend into their 5% overage receive a split of the taxes paid by the teams who do go into the 5% overage. So, not only did they have $312.4K left of their pool, not only did they not spend their 5% overage, but they're splitting roughly $7M between 8 teams for a rough payout of $882,310 per team. I had somewhat come to just accepting the draft as it is, but that added point kid of angers me.
https://twitter.com/kileymcd/status/1684607345148428308?s=20
Another reason I'm disappointed (other than Skenes, happy about that) in this draft. They went with high floor low ceiling college bats in rounds 2 and 3 with several higher ceiling and not much lower floors. (Example Tre Morgan v Forrester) Again I like the players they took just don't see where they fit into the system long term. I would have preferred high ceiling high schoolers or even another college pitcher like Tanner Witt in those slots or a college power bat.
The whole cam johnson signing with the cards debacle is very difficult to understand for me as well
He didn't sign, at least I don't think he did. It was reported wrong on mlb draft sign list but corrected I think.
I believe you are correct, good call
If there were more answers than questions, it'd make sense, but as of now it's still wait-and-see mode. I just can't get the Fraizer drop out of my head until a couple prospects change the narrative. Cheng is seemingly catching fire, so that's good. Brannigan and Sightler have SO far carried their bats to High A, which in itself is still sketch given their from major college programs. Tres Gonzalez started hot, slumped, and is getting hot again. I just personally need to see more success stories before buying in.
the Greensboro bump is real. I can't trust anymore breakouts before Altoona
Ho-lee s***. Didn’t think it possible, but my opinion of this FO just went even lower.
I in part believe they MAYBE had a plan in place that fell apart when a kid they wanted got drafted. But even that aside, they would've had no contingency or backup plan?
At that point, you might be left with a longshot like Cuvet being that contingency/backup.
If Cherington wasn't authorized to go into the overage, there really wasn't a ton of meat left on that bone. I could see things unraveling quickly.
If that were the case, it'd also be of concern to me. A long shot Cuvet for, theoretically, $700K-$800K is more talent and potential upside in the system. When their own words have been about adding to the system. Rather than playing the draft how they've been populating their depth with moderate shooting fish in a barrel upside. It just doesn't make sense to handicap themselves in the draft, by any means. The chances of any of the Brewers five Prep arms post-10th making it is VERY slim, but it still didn't stop them.
I have been hoping that this was not a motivator, and just more a factor of the way that the board fell/they got their pockets picked. If they go and spend another 30+mil in FA next year then I will be marginally less upset about it though
Yeah, there's that, but we've been unfortunately waiting for the FA expenditure year after year. They've handed out extensions. At same time, when parroting the desire to add talent and develop it, you're talking ~$1.8M after taxes included?
Ok youve convinced me, $40mil this FA season for decreased frustration
There we go!
I absolutely love this!
bullet points are the future!
I did, too, but I hate that I am agreeing with you. A true Catch22.
what is the story on Malcom´s defense at third?
He's actually a lot more nimble and fluid than you'd expect, but I still couldn't really see it as a path forward (nor do they need it to be).
Sounds like he’d be a good defender at 1b. Look what Santana started. Who knew first basemen could play good defense?
They do fine with 3B defense. Jack Brannigan could be on a level with Hayes and Triolo. But somebody’s gotta hit.
I am still unsure why brannigan is not on the mound
his approach seems to emulate Jose Ramirez