Pirates' moves

[Crimson's Ghost]

Yeah, I would say no shot with Pedro. They already signed a replacement in Jaso.

Doesn't that say A LOT about the criticism the Pirates received for letting him walk? I mean, nobody is banging down the door to get him. Looks to be the right move for now.


voncap, I see what you are saying. Many think the Pirates may be aligning themselves to go for it in 2017-18 but it's not like they expect to be bad or anything this year, but they may invest more towards the 2017 and 2018 teams. I think they are going to integrate a lot of top prospects this season (much like the Cubs did last year) and just ride the youth movement as best they can. They won't spend like the Cubs next season, but they'll make a better effort than they did this season.

[Crimson's Ghost]

I half wonder if they hang on to Melancon, and if they aren't in position to make the playoffs by July then just trade him then.

[Manfred]

They won 98 games this past season. How're they gonna top that?

[Crimson's Ghost]

Unfortunately, dating back to 1882 The Pirates have only exceeded 98 wins twice and matched it 4 times. The 2015 Pirates are in rare company in that regard, so it will be hard to exceed 98 wins.


The goal to "top that" would be to finish 1 game ahead of both the Cardinals and Cub, whether it be 88 wins or 101 wins.

[peytonsaturday]

They won't shell out for Davis.

If no one is willing to give what he wants, you'd think he'd lower his asking price.  Call me crazy, but I'd rather work for X amount of money, than not work at all. 

[peytonsaturday]

They won 98 games this past season.  How're they gonna top that?

(smartass comment was too strong to ignore)
Easy, Manfred....win 99 or more games.

[peytonsaturday]

Forgot to mention this earlier, but my buddy tells me Alberto Callaspo's name is being tossed around.  Would be a bandaid / platoon option at 3B until Kang comes back.  It would make some sense.  With Rodriguez's ability to play OF, 1B, 3B and in a pinch 2B, Callaspo and Rodriguez could both be in the lineup to give multipule guys a day off.

[voncap]

Agreed Crimson, I expect to see at a minimum Glasnow, Bell, and likely Taillon on the 25 man roster by the end of the season.   Would not be surprised to see Hanson and Diaz also.  They both have a full year at AAA so another full year in Indy is not the ideal situation, if they are going to be contributors in 2017.

Manfred agree that they probably don't get to 98 wins this year.  Excluding last year, since 2010, only three teams in all of baseball matched or exceeded that win total.  So to expect the Pirates to do it in back to back years in asking allot.   It would be great to finally win the division and get out of the one and done wild card game, but they really only need 90 wins to get in the playoffs.   Since they implemented the wild card game 90 wins has at least made the playoffs each year.

[voncap]

Jason Rogers could see some playing time at 3B too.

[Manfred]

They won 98 games this past season.  How're they gonna top that?

(smartass comment was too strong to ignore)
Easy, Manfred....win 99 or more games.

That would be wishful thinking, my 'esteemed' colleague.