Our SS just got promoted to GBO. He's 19. He's big. He's strong. He's faster than an F-18 fighter jet. He is eligible to go to war and die for our country. I bet Don Kelly can do more with him than anyone in our minor league system. Bring him on. Maybe it's time to break with convention, especially when you are a team that has sucked for years.
That's where I raise the question is he going to learn more about hitting by playing at the major league level or at the minor league level. I honestly don't know.
When's the last time a prospect has done what this kid is doing? He's different. He has amazing tools but he also is matching his tools with strong performance. Imo, given what he is, he should be handled differently.
I don't see Hayes working as a SS. I don't see the range or the arm. He has the first step and reaction needed for 3B, but I doubt he has the two-three step chase needed at short. The skills don't necessarily translate.
As a lifelong 3B and sometimes shortstop, I could stop anything at third, but was a crummy short (because I would get winded after two steps)
I like the idea of just using Nick at SS and going with Yorke, maybe this Simon guy, too, at 2B. I doubt that'd be a defensive downgrade at SS, although it would at 2B, but I'd like to start finding out which guys can actually hit some, and I guess Yorke and Simon could play LF, too. It's hard to see any reason to keep IKF around, except of course that Cherington has to cling to his failed plans as long as possible. They're gonna need a new SS for 2026 anyway, hopefully one chosen by a competent GM.
This is where I was trying to go with my comment below. If Nick can reasonably equal IKF's defense (not a high bar) that leverages potential depth elsewhere (Yorke and even Frazier this year at 2B). The bonus is if Nick is passable he could be a 2026 option until they find something better. The available SS free agents look barren so unless there is a big trade for a young shortstop made the 2026 options look challenging. We can worry about any Nick/Yorke/Termarr logjam if they find a SS. I would love that to be a problem.
Yep, Cherington’s incompetence blew up this season before it really started. Why not use what’s left to find out who can contribute next year and how? Not some comical BS like calling a guy up for the last week of the season.
Not sure if this is his name (Blanco) the 6'6" 240 lbs International signing 2 or 3 years ago who is always hurt. What is his name and why doesn't he play at all? Is he made of tissue paper?
A question for the experts. How much does minor league at bats prepare you for the majors? and how much does having to actually face major league hitting actually prepare you for the majors. It sure seems like there have been plenty of top mlb prospects that hit well in the minors that come up and looked over-matched in the majors.
Depending on the answer to that, the follow up question is should the Pirates bring up some of their young prospects faster and let them learn how to improve their hitting in the majors?
Given IKFs defensive ratings, what are peoples opinion on how Nick G would grade out at SS? I don't think that is ideal but if he is also below average does he become an option at least until there is a better Plan A. That also allows for some Yorke (2025 Frazier as backup) at 2B. Full discloser this is a bit of a follow up to the friendly discussion on whether to trade IKF to get something or trying to extend given the lack of both internal and potential external options for 2026. On that topic I will repeat myself from that discussion, IKF can be signed for 2026 if that is desired even if he is traded.
- At the beginning of the year Cruz was taking wrong routes quite a bit, but he actually looks comfortable at judging fly balls now. Good job to whoever is working with him. My guess is Brock?
- Imo, Kiner-Falefa's defense is not as noticeable as long as he is playing next to Hayes. If we ever trade Hayes, I think you might see a problem on the left side of the infield.
- I always thought Jack Suwinski was a good outfielder, but man he has taken it to another level this year.
- Billy Cook has been hitting the ball well now for a couple of weeks and we all know what he can do on defense.
- I wish Alika Williams could hit because he has been very impressive defensively both at short and third.
Unfortunately, IKF's defensive flaws were too noticeable in Tuesday's loss when he couldn't throw out Lopez on what looked like a routine grounder, and Lopez then scored the run that ended up being the difference.
I like IKF, but he'd be a better fit at 2B for someone.
I think a good major team will want him as a utility guy and I think he would fit nicely for the Pirates there if we had an every day shortstop... and if the Pirates would be willing to pay the guy. You are right about that ground ball. That might have costed the Pirates the game.
I think IKF's defense also isn't noticeable at times cause his lack of arm strength isn't something you consider when either a throw just beats or is just late on a play. There's routine grounders he full effort throws and beats the runner by a step. There's been, attempted, double play turns where the runner at first is safe by a step, but he's not going to take a hit cause he "made the play", but was a tad late.
IKF's contract is up after this year, and he's not in his mid 30's and will want more than $4 million a year, so you don't have to worry about him for 2026....
IKF is definitely a choice. They probably just went off his 2021 and 2022 seasons. Which were great from a DRS perspective, cause he didn't make errors, but not so much from an OAA perspective cause you can't make errors on balls you can't get to. Arm strength is mostly overrated, but you need to be Key if you don't have an arm. And IKF is not Key.
Offensively this year hes been a pleasant surprise, but defensively has left plenty to be desired. This deadline is probably a primetime to try to find our next shortstop, but unfortunately I don't trust BC to make the right call there
It’s frustrating because there are four legit SSs at Greensboro and lower: KG, Rivas, Sanford and Kendrick Herrera, who had a 4-hit game a couple days ago.
Outside of KG, the rest are considered lottery tickets- and I really like Sanford. Maybe one will be included in a Heaney (or some other) deal to sweeten the pot. All the better if the return is a SS prospect in the upper levels.
I’m not convinced the bat will hold up, but these days it seems like attrition is off the charts with hitters generally. Hard to see a reason from him to stay at Greensboro too much longer anyway.
I could see a move happening within a week. There should be only 7 games left in first half, and Hoppers back 2 games of division lead. Either once Brooklyn clinches, or once first half ends.
Our SS just got promoted to GBO. He's 19. He's big. He's strong. He's faster than an F-18 fighter jet. He is eligible to go to war and die for our country. I bet Don Kelly can do more with him than anyone in our minor league system. Bring him on. Maybe it's time to break with convention, especially when you are a team that has sucked for years.
That's where I raise the question is he going to learn more about hitting by playing at the major league level or at the minor league level. I honestly don't know.
When's the last time a prospect has done what this kid is doing? He's different. He has amazing tools but he also is matching his tools with strong performance. Imo, given what he is, he should be handled differently.
Trade IKF, move Hayes/Nick G to SS, call up Yorke to fill the other spot.
Find a real LF this offseason.
I don't see Hayes working as a SS. I don't see the range or the arm. He has the first step and reaction needed for 3B, but I doubt he has the two-three step chase needed at short. The skills don't necessarily translate.
As a lifelong 3B and sometimes shortstop, I could stop anything at third, but was a crummy short (because I would get winded after two steps)
I like the idea of just using Nick at SS and going with Yorke, maybe this Simon guy, too, at 2B. I doubt that'd be a defensive downgrade at SS, although it would at 2B, but I'd like to start finding out which guys can actually hit some, and I guess Yorke and Simon could play LF, too. It's hard to see any reason to keep IKF around, except of course that Cherington has to cling to his failed plans as long as possible. They're gonna need a new SS for 2026 anyway, hopefully one chosen by a competent GM.
This is where I was trying to go with my comment below. If Nick can reasonably equal IKF's defense (not a high bar) that leverages potential depth elsewhere (Yorke and even Frazier this year at 2B). The bonus is if Nick is passable he could be a 2026 option until they find something better. The available SS free agents look barren so unless there is a big trade for a young shortstop made the 2026 options look challenging. We can worry about any Nick/Yorke/Termarr logjam if they find a SS. I would love that to be a problem.
Yep, Cherington’s incompetence blew up this season before it really started. Why not use what’s left to find out who can contribute next year and how? Not some comical BS like calling a guy up for the last week of the season.
Great piece, Wilbur.
That's what she oh nevermind.
Not sure if this is his name (Blanco) the 6'6" 240 lbs International signing 2 or 3 years ago who is always hurt. What is his name and why doesn't he play at all? Is he made of tissue paper?
That last, it seems.
A question for the experts. How much does minor league at bats prepare you for the majors? and how much does having to actually face major league hitting actually prepare you for the majors. It sure seems like there have been plenty of top mlb prospects that hit well in the minors that come up and looked over-matched in the majors.
Depending on the answer to that, the follow up question is should the Pirates bring up some of their young prospects faster and let them learn how to improve their hitting in the majors?
Given IKFs defensive ratings, what are peoples opinion on how Nick G would grade out at SS? I don't think that is ideal but if he is also below average does he become an option at least until there is a better Plan A. That also allows for some Yorke (2025 Frazier as backup) at 2B. Full discloser this is a bit of a follow up to the friendly discussion on whether to trade IKF to get something or trying to extend given the lack of both internal and potential external options for 2026. On that topic I will repeat myself from that discussion, IKF can be signed for 2026 if that is desired even if he is traded.
Realistically they need a solution at SS for 26 and half of 27, because Konnor Griffin is going to be there after Super 2 in 27.
Actually, I think he’ll be up to Pgh in 3 weeks.
Great stuff and so true. A few notes.
- At the beginning of the year Cruz was taking wrong routes quite a bit, but he actually looks comfortable at judging fly balls now. Good job to whoever is working with him. My guess is Brock?
- Imo, Kiner-Falefa's defense is not as noticeable as long as he is playing next to Hayes. If we ever trade Hayes, I think you might see a problem on the left side of the infield.
- I always thought Jack Suwinski was a good outfielder, but man he has taken it to another level this year.
- Billy Cook has been hitting the ball well now for a couple of weeks and we all know what he can do on defense.
- I wish Alika Williams could hit because he has been very impressive defensively both at short and third.
Unfortunately, IKF's defensive flaws were too noticeable in Tuesday's loss when he couldn't throw out Lopez on what looked like a routine grounder, and Lopez then scored the run that ended up being the difference.
I like IKF, but he'd be a better fit at 2B for someone.
I think a good major team will want him as a utility guy and I think he would fit nicely for the Pirates there if we had an every day shortstop... and if the Pirates would be willing to pay the guy. You are right about that ground ball. That might have costed the Pirates the game.
I think IKF's defense also isn't noticeable at times cause his lack of arm strength isn't something you consider when either a throw just beats or is just late on a play. There's routine grounders he full effort throws and beats the runner by a step. There's been, attempted, double play turns where the runner at first is safe by a step, but he's not going to take a hit cause he "made the play", but was a tad late.
The BCFC is growing anxious waiting for the Pirates' season to be saved with just one call up
IKF's contract is up after this year, and he's not in his mid 30's and will want more than $4 million a year, so you don't have to worry about him for 2026....
IKF is definitely a choice. They probably just went off his 2021 and 2022 seasons. Which were great from a DRS perspective, cause he didn't make errors, but not so much from an OAA perspective cause you can't make errors on balls you can't get to. Arm strength is mostly overrated, but you need to be Key if you don't have an arm. And IKF is not Key.
Offensively this year hes been a pleasant surprise, but defensively has left plenty to be desired. This deadline is probably a primetime to try to find our next shortstop, but unfortunately I don't trust BC to make the right call there
I obviously have that little bit of hopefulness, but Ben "tried" last deadline and ended up with Beeks, BDLC, and their "future SS".
Through it all, I'm at least glad it all ended up with Cruz finally being placed in the OF where he should've been for quite some time now.
Another problem being that we don't have anyone within even shouting distance of the majors who profiles to be a remotely viable option
It’s frustrating because there are four legit SSs at Greensboro and lower: KG, Rivas, Sanford and Kendrick Herrera, who had a 4-hit game a couple days ago.
Outside of KG, the rest are considered lottery tickets- and I really like Sanford. Maybe one will be included in a Heaney (or some other) deal to sweeten the pot. All the better if the return is a SS prospect in the upper levels.
Rivas to 'toona? Even if that happens next week, hes still at absolute best probably a year away from coming to the show unless they rush him
I’m not convinced the bat will hold up, but these days it seems like attrition is off the charts with hitters generally. Hard to see a reason from him to stay at Greensboro too much longer anyway.
I could see a move happening within a week. There should be only 7 games left in first half, and Hoppers back 2 games of division lead. Either once Brooklyn clinches, or once first half ends.