BleacherCoaches.com

Anybody excitedabout this happening in 8 days?

As Bart Scott would say. "CAN'T WAIT"

Will AJ Burnett be one of them? What do you guys think about Burnett possibly coming to Pittsburgh? I like it, as long as the Buccos aren't giving up any halfway decent prospects. He's always had the stuff, pitching in New York just got in his head. I think with a change of scenery he could be a 13-14 win guy.

He was an 11-11 guy with a 5.15 ERA in New York last year.

What do those numbers translate to if he's pitching in a League without a DH, and a pitcher hitting instead?
What do those number translate to if he's pitching in a division with bad offenses like CHicago and Houston, and a depleted Milwaukee and St. Louis lineup?

Cincinnati is the most feared lineup in the Central these days.

I say that ERA loses a run AT LEAST.


I like the move, I like keep Jones, too. Awesome move for the Bucs.


What is the starting rotation now if he comes over?


Erik Bedard
AJ Burnett
Charlie Morton
James McDonald
and...... The guys on Twitter are saying the #5 spot is between Correia and Karstens.

Agreed, s-cube. Even if the Bucs have to pick up 5-7 million of his salary each of the next two years, I like the deal.

I would rather see the money spent on a first baseman, but it doesn't appear that is going to happen so why not take the chance on Burnett. He may easily become the number # 1 starter.

I'm OK with Garrett Jones going out and playing 1B again. He's been serviceable the past three seasons also.

2009 in 314 AB's, He had 21 HR's, 44 RBI's, and 21 doubles in about a half of a season.
2010 he had 592 AB's 21 HR's 86 RBI's, 34 2B's.
Last year he had 16 HR 58 RBI's and 30 doubles.

Now those aren't great numbers, but on a major league roster you anticipate your First Basemen or 3rd Basemen driving in 85 plus runs, and last year the Bucs got absolutely nothing from Third Base. Its hard to imagine Pedro Alvarez will finally just turn it on overnight, but its not far fetched to see him have a respectable season, certainly better than last year. His 2010 campaign proved he has the ability to be a pretty reasonable power threat in the Majors, also being one of the highest rated college hitting prospects the past decade make you think something is there.

I think best case scenario for the Pirates to have a good season would entail Jones being able to put up similar production with a few more RBI's, also for Pedro Alvarez to return to his 2010 form, and don't forget about Casey McGehee who is not far removed from a 2010 season where he drove in 100 runs in 2010. McGehee should figure prominently into this year's plans. He plays 3B, and will be asked to play 1B a lot also. Jones and Alvarez are both Lefties, and McGehee is a Righty. When facing a lefty pitcher, McGehee should be playing regularly.

My hope is this.....
Garrett Jones hits about .250 with 18-20 HR's and drives in 70.
Pedro Alvarez hits about .240 with 20 HR's and also 70 RBI.
Casey McGehee hits .260 10-12 HR's 45 RBI.

Thats a hope, and we're not positive Jones is not a part of the Burnett deal, but I know the Bucs still want him around.


At this point, McCutchen will not be a leadoff hitter anymore with Tabata and Presley around, and Marte waiting in the wings. That should only help his average and production. He is the best player, and best hitter on the team. He is going into his 4th season, and 3rd as the opening day CF. I think its fair to say his average of .286 in his first two seasons should be closer to the norm, not his .258 output last season. McCutchen's lower average last season I feel was a by product of such a letdown down the stretch by the team, and the lack of protection around him....The Bucs were injury ridden last season, and lacked some bats around him as it was. His offensive production was up in terms of HR's and RBI, but as you recall he was bounced around from leadoff to 3 hole to cleanup even. This year, I think he will be the established 3 hitter from Day 1 up through September. A more consistent role should equate to more consistent production. McCutchen is an elite talent, and one of the top 20 position players in the NL. He is 25 and seems ready to flourish for a full campaign.



I think a fair McCutchen expectation is a .285 BA 25 HR 90 RBI 20 SB 35 2B

I like the move too. As far as spending money on a first baseman I don't see that happening I think Pedro will be there soon. If he gets his head straightened out.

Any opinions why the Bucco's have been so reluctant to move Pedro to first base already?

Moving him to First seemed to be the popular talk even two years ago when he was playing for the Curve, but they have yet to even try him there.

rumor they either gotta give better prospects for picking up less money or the more money they pick up the less qaulity of prospects.

crfball wrote:rumor they either gotta give better prospects for picking up less money or the more money they pick up the less qaulity of prospects.

That's exactly the sticking point right now. But to be honest ..this management team really impresses me. They ate a 9 mil loss on Morris a couple years ago, (Littlefield an co.) woulda sent him out every 5 days no matter how bad he was to get somethin 4 their $$) and still aren't afraid to take a chance on a guy in the same situation(Burnett is 35 and history of injuries) plus they've done everything they said......I hope for their sakes that the prospects they put their investments in pays off (Alvarez needs to pick it up soon) ..Honestly the Pirates biggest problem last year was Baseball IQ. Missing cutoffs in key situations, they had to lead the league in K's with runners on and less than 2 outs...little stuff like that lose you 30+ 1 run games in a year.