J.A. Happ will be a free agent for the first time this winter and the Pirates have indicated they will try to re-sign him. For his part, Happ says that he wouldn’t mind staying in Pittsburgh, as Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review writes.
“It’s a team I would definitely consider, absolutely,” Happ said. “Whatever happens, happens. I’m happy with where I’m at right now, and we’ll see what’s down the road.”
Happ pitched to a 4.64 ERA with 6.8 K/9 and 2.7 BB/9 in 21 starts for the Mariners. However, after being traded to the Pirates this summer, Happ turned things around, posting an eye-popping 1.85 ERA with 9.8 K/9 and 1.8 BB/9 across eleven starts.
Here’s more on the Bucs..
- Pirates GM Neal Huntington should move first baseman Pedro Alvarez to an American League team where the slugger can flourish as a DH, Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review opines. Alvarez regained his power in 2015 but his fielding woes continue and he’s not the right fit for Pittsburgh at first base, Rossi writes.
- Travis Sawchik of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review wonders if Alvarez, Neil Walker and Mark Melancon will be retained by the Pirates given their likely arbitration raises. MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz projects that Walker ($10.7MM), Melancon ($10MM), and Alvarez ($8.1MM) will all cost a pretty penny.
- We could see major changes in Pittsburgh this winter, MLB.com’s Tom Singer writes. The Bucs’ payroll will undoubtedly exceed $100MM in 2016, but there are still difficult decisions for Huntington to make.
Happ would be a great addition to the staff as a potential 3rd or 4th starter. Problem I see for Hurdle, both Alvarez and Walker represent their power from the left. Based upon his AA and AAA results, Bell probably won’t see Pittsburgh until Sept. Is Morse the answer?
I think there’s at least 8 million reasons why morse will be the answer. Also I think there’s definitely a possibility we see Bell up with the Pirates after the super 2 deadline
No
Wonderful post. Care to elaborate?
I fail to see how it is Neal Huntington’s job to give Alvarez a better career. It is Huntington’s job to put the best team on the field for Pittsburgh. He is not Alvarez’s agent. If he can get the best deal from an NL team, then he should take it regardless of whether it is better for Pedro Alvarez’s career.
Well yeah, but the problem is, I and I’m sure Huntington knows there aren’t too many NL teams lining up to acquire Pedro. He, unfortunately, is a DH quality player at best, and the majority of the league should recognize that. If not, they shouldn’t be in the position they are in with a ball club
A deal sending Alvarez to Baltimore could make sense if they let Davis go.
I think NH needs to work on an extension for Melancon and try to trade Alvarez and Walker. Melancon is the best closer the Pirates have had since (ever?). Melancon does alot of work in the Pittsburgh community, so he may be willing to take a lower salary for some security.