MY Pirates Top 10 Prospects.

[Crimson's Ghost]

Couple of things.

1. Neil Walker is the best middle infielder in the organization. I'm not a huge Walker guy, but it is what it is. When healthy he's clearly better than any other option they have. I think the problem with Walker is simple, and its a perception problem. The Pirates market Walker as a star because he's marketable because hes a hometown guy. So that gives off the idea, he should be better than what he is. Walker isn't that great, but I'd say he's a better second basemen than a lot of people, just not as good as he is made to be by the organization.


2. Second of all, I think the catching scenario you say is way off base for a number of reasons. 1. Tony Sanchez is above and beyond a better Catcher than Michael McKenry is right now and he should be on the 25 man roster. Next season is Russell Martin's last year with the team, and potentially his last real productive one as a major leaguer, can he still start for years? Of course, but why overspend if you have an option from within. So what do you have between Martin and Reese McGuire, Tony Sanchez.

Also, Reese McGuire might have potential, or he might not be very good at all. The draft isn't a sure bet, nor is developing a player. Its hard to say "trade your 25 catching prospect because the 18 year old might have better potential" But that's how I see it. McGuire will not be in Pittsburgh before 2016. It just won't happen. Its no sure bet he will be the catcher of the future, Wyatt Mathisen or Jin-De Jhang are highly regarded guys still under 21 as well.


You certainly need options at every position, and its good to see the Pirates stockpiling in places like Outfield, Catcher, and Right Handed pitching. The tougher positions to stockpile are obviously power hitting positions, because you can't project power. I'd like to see more of an emphasis on middle infield. But in their defense, they typically draft college short stops that don't seem to work out.

[crfball]

Anybody know anything on the return of Wandy and Jeff?

[S Cube]

Locke is scheduled to start Sunday. I don't believe Wandy has started throwing yet, so it will be at least a month until he's back in the bigs. Probably longer.

[Crimson's Ghost]

Yeah Wandy could still be a while yet unfortunately. I wonder if a guy like Matt Garza intrigues the front office?

[YANKEESUCK]

wandy will be back in September sometime. Garza probably going to the rangers. Ghost Walker who may be the bucs best middle infielder can we agree that they need to make him bat lefty full time? look at the splits he sucks batting righty. still hope the team signs martin for 2 more years as I think he helps pitching staff w/ playcalling framing of pitches and leadership. the fort does need to go but hopefully they can find someone until McGuire arrives.polanco should b here next year and a outfield of cutch marte and polanco looks good for a long time

[Eaglealum]

Just an FYI- the Bucs have dropped to dead last in batting with runners in scoring position. And Alex Rios has. 8 RBI in last two days

[Crimson's Ghost]

If Garrett Jones can go on a run here, that would be better than any trade they will make. Not to mention having Walker back would be big.


I know everyone loves Jordy Mercer because he isn't Clint Barmes, but Mercer is batting .180 since June 30. So the Pirates have to be smart with that situation moving forward if they do not add a shortstop. Barmes is a better defender, and we've seen errors cost them runs and games on Friday and Saturday, and if both of them are going to bat horribly, Barmes is the better option.

[S Cube]

Rios also got pulled from a game this weekend for not running out a double play ball that was eventually bobbled and would have scored a run.

[Eaglealum]

I saw that, he hasn't had less than 2 hits in a game since. I think he's answering that well. I've seen pretty much every member of the Pirates do the same thing, or even worse... take off from 3rd with less than 2 outs on a ball hit to 3rd or ss(at least 4 times in last 3 weeks) I'll take "momentary pissy" over stupid.

[dadw/2sons]

I'll ask this again. Could Jimmy Rollins be the answer at short?? Would he come cheaper than anybody else??