Bucco offseason

[Eaglealum]

Lets get the offseason scuttlebutt started here. Pirates have said they are looking to improve but all sources seem to expect no big splashes with Pirates focusing on locking up core guys to longer contracts.... That and a few other things tell me to expect a moderate "splash " anyway. Walker is arbitration eligible and didn't light up scoreboard this year so he's looking at a "put up or shut up" kind of contract season... They are looking into resigning Barmes at significantly lower backup type contract. And the Rangers again are making it known that they are willing to listen to offers on any of their 3 stud middle infielders... Although I don't expect anything to happen there. Bucs are attached to Walker, and with Alan Hanson tearing it up in fall leagues, bucs won't be ready to give up prospects or take on Andrus or profar long term contracts with Hanson close to seeing PNC park.. Depending on what happens with Burnett, I could see an out of the ordinary deal to keep Byrd or bring in Loney or Morales at 1st.

[voncap]

My two cents worth. I think there are two big questions that drive the off season decisions.

1. Is Burnett worth investing another 7 million in?
I think the Pirates resign him for a two year $ 30 mil deal. Apparently he has gone on record as stating it will be the Pirates or retire. I have heard that before from a pro athlete only to see them in a new uniform the next season when the big dollar signs are flashed in front of them, but I think the Pirates can keep Burtnett. The naysayers say he is too old and will cost too much. The guy threw over 190 innings the last two years. Doesn't appear to be done yet. He will only the cost an additional $ 7 mill above what the Buccos had to pay this year with the above contract. I don't think they can find a comparable starting pitcher for $ 7 million per year.

2. How close does the front office think Polanco is from being on the big league roster.
If they think he will be ready by mid-next season then the FO's focus turns to 1B. Loney (bats LH and fits the Pirates' needs the most) and Morales are two names being tossed around. If the FO thinks Polanco is not going to be ready next season then I can see them making a push to sign Byrd. Signing Byrd will difficult IMO. He is going to want a multiple year deal and probably more money than the Buc's can or should invest in him. With Polanco in the mix no later than 2015, a two year deal for Byrd does not seem like a good move the FO. If Polanco is not ready, at least they have some internal options with Tabata, Snider and Lambo.

SS is the other issue, but similar to RF they at least have an internal option with Mercer. Maybe not the ideal situation, but the market for SS's is really weak. I would not be surprised to see the team try to resign Barmes (based on Hurdle's love affair for the guy) to a 1 or 2 year deal in the 2-4 million range.

[Eaglealum]

Oh they are in talks with Barmes agent, it'll be way less than 4 mil if it gets done. If they are serious about signing AJ, they should've tendered an offer. They could've guaranteed his return for 14.1 mil... Seeing how lincecum just got 17.4 mil for being lousy the last 2 years.. It may cost more than 14 now... If they'd have at least tendered, and he changed his mind and signs with someone else. The bucs woulda got an extra 1st round pick... IMO they either think they can get him dirt cheap or plan on him retiring. Just read that Loney switched to same agency that represents Liriano..... Bye bye Garrett

[abpk2903]

Honest question, where does Burnett fit into the rotation?

1. Liriano
2. Cole
3. Morton
4. Wandy
5. Hopefully at some point next season Jamison Taillon
6. Jeff Locke (had a rough second half but was an all-star)


Do the Pirates really want to invest $7 million plus additional for a guy that will go to spring training to compete for a 4th or 5th spot in the rotation? Does this just slow the progession of minor league arms that are already major league ready? (Taillon, Cumpton, and more)

Burnett was great for the pirates the last 2 years but even with injuries is a bottom half of the rotation guy next year.

[Eaglealum]

I agree... The clubhouse thing is probably his biggest asset... But not worth 12/15 mil per yr. I'd like to see Cumpton at least in pen to start year in long role and extra starter like Cards did with Wacha and Kelly. That being said, you can never have enough pitching and I still see them signing a cheap vet starter for depth and competition in camp if nothing else... Always a lot of injuries in that position

[S Cube]

Depending on who you ask, AJ is either a great clubhouse guy or a cancer. I feel that the front office should walk away from the table with the good years they got out of him and would like to see them move on. Should they move on, they will probably give some veterans some looks in spring training and let them compete for back end of the rotation jobs.

As far as Cumpton goes, he doesn't have anywhere near the talent of Kelly or Wacha, not even close. The Pirates don't see him in there future plans or they wouldn't have burnt so many of his options last year. He wasn't very good in the minors and the Pirates were lucky to get a few good starts out of him.

I'd stick with a mix of Lambo/Snyder and Tabata in right field until one of them takes over the job or until Polanco is ready and pursue 1st base options.

[Eaglealum]

Here's a goofy thought... I know it won't happen... But what if they signed Choo?? Haha he'd get beaned in BP

Not so goofy, what about Johnny perralta at short? There's some pop and defensive upgrade... With the suspension... Could come cheaper, although the Mets already appear interested

[S Cube]

I would definitely take Peralta. That would allow Mercer to play 2nd against leftys and give Peralta a day or two off a week at short.

[voncap]

quote]Honest question, where does Burnett fit into the rotation?
[/quote]

I think he is your number three man. Is that worth $15 mill a year? I don't know. The concern without him in the mix is depth. How many guys started games for the Buccos in 2013? I don't know the exact number but I thought I heard somewhere around 12. That is an indication how much starting pitching depth you need for an entire season. Morton has yet to prove he can get through an entire season healthy. Rodriquez may or may not be able to go. I think Locke will regain some of his pre all-star game form, but who knows, and Taillon(barring injury) is not arriving any time before June. Burnett, based on past history, gives you a guy you can count on for 190- 200 innings. Can we say that about any of the other pitchers?

I won't be critical if they don't sign him because the arguement against signing him has some valid points. I just think that signing him for a reasonable amount for the next few years doesn't hurt their long range plan, but if you don't sign him the current team, as is, regresses.

Choo and/or Peralta would nice additions. Could Choo play 1B? Granted he played in Great American Home Run Park but his number were not far off that of the Pirates' 1B platoon from this season. How about a top of the order with Choo, Marte, Cutch? Cutch might drive in 120 runs with those two in front of him.

[abpk2903]

So is resigning Byrd off the table? Too me if the pirates were to invest in keeping any of their leaving free agents, this would be the guy to keep. Having Byrd takes pressure off of Alverez and allows an option other than having Pedro hit in the 4 spot. Polanco is a prospect but another year in the minors would not hurt.

I don't really see Burnett being a better 3rd starter option than Morton. Once Ground Chuck got back into game shape last year, I would argue he pitched better than anyone down the stretch run.