The NL Central's two playoff representatives both play tonight. The Cardinals host the Phillies in St. Louis and the Brewers could eliminate the D'Backs in Phoenix. Here's the latest on the division's non-playoff teams as we await today's games…
- Prospective Astros owner Jim Crane hasn’t received a formal proposal from MLB regarding compensation for a possible move to the American League, according to Zachary Levine of the Houston Chronicle. However, Crane has had increased dialogue about a possible league change.
- The Pirates will make a run at re-signing Derrek Lee, according to MLB.com’s Jenifer Langosch. Lee didn’t reveal much about his 2012 plans during the season and has maintained that he’s keeping his options open, even retirement.
- The Pirates announced that their entire coaching staff will return in 2012.
- The Reds haven't discussed possible extensions with Francisco Cordero or Brandon Phillips since the season ended last week, GM Walt Jocketty told John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer. The GM hopes to resume talks next week with Cordero, who will likely agree to a two-year deal, and Phillips, who won't be giving the Reds a hometown discount.
- MLBTR’s Tim Dierkes previewed the Cubs’ class of arbitration eligible players this morning.
The Pirates should get a new hitting coach, they have too much potential and talent too be underperforming the way they have. The have mechanical flaws that I can see and wonder why nobody is fixing the issue
sounds like you should be the hitting coach lol
I agree. They fired the entire training staff and kept the entire coaching staff. I guess the second half collapse had everything to do with training and nothing to do with hitting flaws that went unnoticed or unfixed.
Pirates have a small handful of really good hitters, and a busted pitching staff. Tell me why I am wrong.
As a Cardinals fan, clearly the less competition the better, but at the same time, it’s refreshing to see the Pirates on an upswing. I know they finished really poorly and slid back behind the Reds, but the fact that they were in the race as long as they were was certainly a huge step forward.
When they’re not playing for the Cards, I’ll be happy to root for the Pirates next year (ya know, unless they end up 5 games up in the standings and my Cardinals need to make a comeback)
I guess it’s a longshot, but I hope the Pirates do re-sign Lee for 2012… and also lock up Andrew McCutchen on a long-term extension this offseason.