Just last deadline it looks like the Braves, Orioles, or Phillies did not protect any players. So, while it's not the most common, it's not like it never happens.
I'm still hoping Yorke shows up in the majors this month (two weeks ago would have been ideal), so there's a chance that they might not add anyone during the off-season. I agree that Alfonzo seems the most likely. He's also upped his OPS at Greensboro to .828, so they could add him. It's a small risk to leave him available.
Checked the pirates Transactions page again just a few minutes ago, and nothing since 2 days ago when Cook was called up and Davis off to injury. I'm just comfortable with the fact we are so set for the future that we do not need to see anybody other than some of the question marks that are still on the active roster. We traded to get IKF - why do we need Alika Williams? Jared Triolo is an excellent backup at SS, 2B, and 3B. We traded to get BDLC and Cook, and transitioned Oneil Cruz to CF - why do we need Michael Taylor? How many pitchers have to stay on the 28 man Active Roster?
Glad to hear from you Ethan, and if this GM has any sense whatsoever, Yorke is brought up for the last 2 or 3 weeks.
The Pirates have some potential difference-making middle infielders (including Yorke) in the prospect ranks - who is the Pirates Infield guru that could put together a camp after the season and before Thanksgiving? And, I am also waiting for the other shoe to drop from Oneil Cruz regarding his choice of position(s) he wants to play in 2025. He did a good "best for the team" effort working to develop as a CF, but I doubt that is the last we'll hear of that situation. Monetary difference in a long term contract between a SS and a CF could be substantial.
Says a lot about the system that there are essentially no tough choices. In addition, between pending FAs and guys nobody could possibly miss, the 40-man roster could easily be pared down to barely over 30. This is a team that's been "rebuilding" for five years. It's impossible to understate what a terrible job Cherington has done.
I think we will see pitchers advancing upward through the system, but outside of Johnson and Brannigan, the next group of strong position players below AAA, will be right there in Bradenton next year. That's not a bad situation because I think the Pirates position players next year will all be relatively young (4 or 5 years of control remaining) except for a few.
If Nutting had any stones, he’d fire Sheltie, Cherington and the entire developmental system to try and get a new regime that could do something with Skenes and the other decent SPs assembled before the window closes.
It doesn’t take “stones” to sack an underperforming FO, it takes consideration of the team’s won/loss record. I think it’s been readily apparent for a while now that BN isn’t all that concerned with on the field results.
And for the record, if DS is fired, don’t expect the Pirates to make some earth shattering hire to replace him. BC will definitely want someone who will support his vision. Which is do just well enough, but not too well so the expectations aren’t too high to achieve.
In a way it does. He would end up eating some sum of money, which is toxic for him.
The larger problem, IMO, is how easy it would be to sell himself on the sunk cost fallacy. I don’t think it would be hard for him to sell himself on the idea that nothing is wrong. He’s a guy who doesn’t like change, and according to some reporting, conflict and confrontation. He can delude himself on the limited progress they’ve made, looking around the roster and seeing JJ and Skenes, and think I’ve got too much invested in this guy to change and start over.
It’s fallacious because, of course, you don’t have to start over. Hiring the right person (a big if) could mean a wildly reimagined roster, and possibly one that doesn’t mess with the Skenes induced competitive window.
It would take “stones”/ courage on Nutting’s part to do a COMPLETE housecleaning NOW. I’m no defender of Nutting, and feel he’s one of the worst owners in professional sports, but you don’t think it takes a bit of courage to abandon what you have believed in for 5 years? I think he’s cheap and prioritizes money over winning, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t care about winning at all. I’ve not read/heard any rumors about him completely doing a wholesale change, but that MAYBE, Sheltie will go. I think it would be surprising to most to see BC and his cronies go.
I don't know how as an owner you could continue to watch your gm and his staff fail each year and not think it's time for change. Unless he doesn't watch the games and just takes BC's excuses why the team is actually worse than last year even with Skenes and Jones adding unexpected performances.
Here's the list of players needing protection...
Nick Yorke.
Prior to the deadline, they had nobody.
has this happened in recent memory?
Just last deadline it looks like the Braves, Orioles, or Phillies did not protect any players. So, while it's not the most common, it's not like it never happens.
Appreciate the response.
Efficient organizational construction! No need to grapple with rule 5 spots if you dont have anyone worth promoting
I'm still hoping Yorke shows up in the majors this month (two weeks ago would have been ideal), so there's a chance that they might not add anyone during the off-season. I agree that Alfonzo seems the most likely. He's also upped his OPS at Greensboro to .828, so they could add him. It's a small risk to leave him available.
Checked the pirates Transactions page again just a few minutes ago, and nothing since 2 days ago when Cook was called up and Davis off to injury. I'm just comfortable with the fact we are so set for the future that we do not need to see anybody other than some of the question marks that are still on the active roster. We traded to get IKF - why do we need Alika Williams? Jared Triolo is an excellent backup at SS, 2B, and 3B. We traded to get BDLC and Cook, and transitioned Oneil Cruz to CF - why do we need Michael Taylor? How many pitchers have to stay on the 28 man Active Roster?
Gilberto Alcala has also been released, so he's not an option. Just recently happened, so probably before Ethan wrote this up
Correct, noticed that when I read it after it posted.
Considered leaving a comment like this actually, but just didn't. So thanks!
Glad to hear from you Ethan, and if this GM has any sense whatsoever, Yorke is brought up for the last 2 or 3 weeks.
The Pirates have some potential difference-making middle infielders (including Yorke) in the prospect ranks - who is the Pirates Infield guru that could put together a camp after the season and before Thanksgiving? And, I am also waiting for the other shoe to drop from Oneil Cruz regarding his choice of position(s) he wants to play in 2025. He did a good "best for the team" effort working to develop as a CF, but I doubt that is the last we'll hear of that situation. Monetary difference in a long term contract between a SS and a CF could be substantial.
Says a lot about the system that there are essentially no tough choices. In addition, between pending FAs and guys nobody could possibly miss, the 40-man roster could easily be pared down to barely over 30. This is a team that's been "rebuilding" for five years. It's impossible to understate what a terrible job Cherington has done.
I think we will see pitchers advancing upward through the system, but outside of Johnson and Brannigan, the next group of strong position players below AAA, will be right there in Bradenton next year. That's not a bad situation because I think the Pirates position players next year will all be relatively young (4 or 5 years of control remaining) except for a few.
If Nutting had any stones, he’d fire Sheltie, Cherington and the entire developmental system to try and get a new regime that could do something with Skenes and the other decent SPs assembled before the window closes.
Stones?
It doesn’t take “stones” to sack an underperforming FO, it takes consideration of the team’s won/loss record. I think it’s been readily apparent for a while now that BN isn’t all that concerned with on the field results.
And for the record, if DS is fired, don’t expect the Pirates to make some earth shattering hire to replace him. BC will definitely want someone who will support his vision. Which is do just well enough, but not too well so the expectations aren’t too high to achieve.
"it takes consideration of the team’s won/loss record"
That's assuming he knows what it is.
In a way it does. He would end up eating some sum of money, which is toxic for him.
The larger problem, IMO, is how easy it would be to sell himself on the sunk cost fallacy. I don’t think it would be hard for him to sell himself on the idea that nothing is wrong. He’s a guy who doesn’t like change, and according to some reporting, conflict and confrontation. He can delude himself on the limited progress they’ve made, looking around the roster and seeing JJ and Skenes, and think I’ve got too much invested in this guy to change and start over.
It’s fallacious because, of course, you don’t have to start over. Hiring the right person (a big if) could mean a wildly reimagined roster, and possibly one that doesn’t mess with the Skenes induced competitive window.
It would take “stones”/ courage on Nutting’s part to do a COMPLETE housecleaning NOW. I’m no defender of Nutting, and feel he’s one of the worst owners in professional sports, but you don’t think it takes a bit of courage to abandon what you have believed in for 5 years? I think he’s cheap and prioritizes money over winning, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t care about winning at all. I’ve not read/heard any rumors about him completely doing a wholesale change, but that MAYBE, Sheltie will go. I think it would be surprising to most to see BC and his cronies go.
I don't know how as an owner you could continue to watch your gm and his staff fail each year and not think it's time for change. Unless he doesn't watch the games and just takes BC's excuses why the team is actually worse than last year even with Skenes and Jones adding unexpected performances.