Email a copy of 'Offseason In Review: Pittsburgh Pirates' to a friend
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By Tim Dierkes | at
Email a copy of 'Offseason In Review: Pittsburgh Pirates' to a friend
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derekbellstutu
I liked the Pirates offseason too. Yeah, the Bucs screwed up on the Matt Capps affair, but I don’t think it will have long-term ramifications. I definitely think trading for Aki was a way for the Bucs to lure in future Japanese players. I don’t see the Pirates dealing Aki midseason unless two things happen: 1) Pedro Alvarez is ready for the big leagues and 2) Andy LaRoche is productive enough to justify a move to second base when Alvarez reaching the majors.
bjsguess
This is exactly how non-contenders should conduct an off-season. I’ll bet that the Pirates improve at approximately the same rate as the Nats and O’s but do it with only spending 1/3rd of the money those clubs did.
eedwards027
I love the Aki trade. He is a solid 2nd baseman and a good on base Guy who can fill our 2 hole. I hope to see him sign an extension because we have no 2nd base prospects, unless Chase D’Arnaud is moved there. This IS also to help them attract Japanese players. Since NH took over they have tried to sign players like ryota igarashi, junchi tazawa, and that lefty screwball Guy whose name I can’t remember.
eedwards027
hisanori takahashi was his name
GOwhitesoxNgiants
The pirates bolstered their pen with former stars that could revitalize their diminished skills. For instance, with Javier Lopez delivering a side arm ERA of about 2, and Dotel slated to save at least 20 games as their new closer, they could possibly make a short-lived run against other teams in their division. So, this season is not a lost season for the pirates, yet. There is hope.
cderry
I think Pedro Alvarez will be up in June…if not sooner if there is an injury to a 1B or 3B. The sooner they can get him into the big leagues, the sooner the Pirates will have one of the best-hitting young lefties in all of baseball.
lefty177
i think their outfielders should be fun to watch! Milledge (if he can get his head on straigh), McCutchen, & Garrett Jones, awesome!
Jacob J
John Raynor could end up being a real steal, and it shouldn’t be hard to keep him on the roster all year because he is useful with his speed and has good strike zone judgement for a AA player. He also has completely outplayed Brandon Moss, Ryan Church and every other outfielder on the team this spring save for maybe Delwyn Young, who was also a steal.
Iwamura’s hard nosed play, and excellent baseball instincts will be a help to all the youngsters on the team. They can learn a lot from this guy.
warrenlafleur
I agree on Raynor. He brings some tools to the table that this team could really benefit the club when/if used correctly throughout the year. Can play CF when McCutchen needs a rest or either corner spot (could be especially valuable if that deadbeat Milledge keeps going the way he does). Question (in reference to Milledge) at what point does one’s “prospect potential” vanish and the reality that he’s never going produce set in?
bucfan22
Like this becasue if at deadline were loosing badly, we can trade veteran bullpen guys to contenders