Hurdle....gripes

[voncap]

Blame for the late season collaspe can be spread around to just about every aspect of the team. IMO the reason Barajas and Barmes get additional criticism is they are the poster childs for the what the FO continues to offer every off season as FA signing upgrades. Who was the last free agent the current front office has signed that has been even some what of a success?

Your expectations seem fair.

Also would like to see Sanchez be the answer behind the plate, but I think it is more likely that catcher will be the front office's top priority in the off season. Infield looks sets. I agree some level of consistency from Pedro will be important to the teams continued improvement. Sanchez platoon with Jones at first helps solidify 1B.

I am a little more skeptical about the outfield. Snider, as mentioned, appears to be injury prone, and Marte will still be going through the learning stage early in the season.

Your starting rotation looks good. Don't know if Cole will make the squad out of spring training, but he will be in the Buccos' starting rotation some time before the end of next season.

[S Cube]

I mean, at what point does NH come in to Hurdle's office and say, "Look, Clint, I know you like Rod. But he's statistically the worst catcher in baseball. By far. You need to let Michael get the bulk of the playing time." If Clint can't figure that out, someone up top needs to make it happen. That is just one of the many strange things he has done with this team on the field.

Scratch that. At what point does BARAJAS HIMSELF come into Clint's office and say, "Hey, Skip. This is getting embarrassing. Not only can I not hit, but I don't think I could throw myself out if I were trying to steal on me. It's ok, you don't have to play me 7 out of every 10 games anymore. Just let me catch when AJ pitches. I've had enough."

[Eaglealum]

I like what Searage has done, but how about an asst. Pitching coach that can teach a slide step, or how to mix up their delivery a bit. It's pretty obvious that everyone else does, Cutch and Tabata have been caught or picked off more than they have steals. And the Bucs are now 13 outta 151 in catching steals...as opposed to the Brewers who are 37 outta 79 and their starter was out most of the season...how pathetic is that? It's on the pitchers too not just our putrid catchers...although Barajas is down right awful.

[S Cube]

I agree that it's also on the pitchers, but I have yet to see Barajas put one on the bag. His throws sail high almost every time.

[Eaglealum]

Robi Cano called, he wants to rent the Bucs bullpen for next years home run Derby.

[S Cube]

Haha +1

Chad Qualls comes in for the 8th in a tight game. How funny is that?!?! I think the goal is to have a losing season.

[voncap]

And incredibly gets credit for a hold after giving up 3 runs in a third of an inning.

Mission accomplished. Don't see any way this team finishes with a winning season.