Email a copy of 'NL Central Notes: Cubs, Nolin, Torres, Pirates' to a friend
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By Steve Adams | at
Email a copy of 'NL Central Notes: Cubs, Nolin, Torres, Pirates' to a friend
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Robertowannabe
This Pirates fan paid attention to the retention of Melancon, under the radar signings of Vogelsong, Feliz, Nicasio and now Polanco.. Picked up a very good bench guy and interim 3rd base starter in Freese. Yes they lost a few HR from Alvarez and Walker but with Harrison everyday at 2nd and what appears to be a better on base achieving LH hitting 1st base option to hold the fort until Bell is ready, the Pirates are much better defensively and will be able to compensate for the loss of runs from Walker and Alvarez by keeping the opposition’s run total down by not giving them near as many unearned runs and by getting guys on and moving them as opposed to giving the other teams outs when the ball fails to leave the park. Don’t get me wrong. I loved Walker when he was here but he was gone after this year anyway as some team will over pay for an aging 2nd baseman with a history of back issues. No way should the Pirates have signed him long term. Pedro may turn into the hitter I always thought he would be if he does not have to think about defense. His hitting was improving until he started having all of the major issues playing in the field. DH may be his calling and Baltimore may get lucky and have him finally break out this year.
Gogerty
A rebounded Julio Teheran sounds like what Epstein is referring to. I think his “in-season” comment leads to what could be a fun trade deadline. It will be interesting to see where the A’s, Rays, Os, and a couple other teams with good young controllable pitchers sit come July.
Robertowannabe
I think a lot too will be determined by how Hammel, Lackey and Lester pitch. If all pitch to past levels or close to it, Theo may not need to trade much if anything at all. Being a Pirates fan, hoping the age on these guys becomes a factor and this is the year they start to drop off. (I fear the same with Liriano) I am not counting on that though. How is Jake’s blister? Will be a fun year for the top 3 in the NL central.
rayrayner
Jake’s blister is ready to pop and drown the hopes of Bucs and Cards fans.
I agree it will be a fun year.
Robertowannabe
Just hadn’t heard anything since it was brought up about a week ago. Blisters can suck for a pitcher. Pirates had a couple of guys that had blister issues several years back. Just can’t remember who. If it was in the mid nineties through 2010, would guess I forgot who they were cause most of the arms that came through were pretty forgettable. Hope for Jake’s sake the issue does not get chronic. Would be a shame for him if it would considering how hard he worked to get to the top. Never want to wish an injury problem on anyone. Bad karma in that.
Philliesfan4life
I think they make a package for Tyson Ross or Sonny Gray
Gogerty
Agreed.
ASapsFables
Of all the young aces who may be potentially available, I’d bet on Sonny Gray being a Cub by the summer trade deadline. Other possibilities might include the Marlins Jose Fernandez and White Sox ace Chris Sale, but I view each of their teams as potential contenders in 2016, especially Chicago in a more balanced A.L. Central.
Imo, the A’s will be bottom feeders in the A.L. West in 2016 and likely have the worst record in the A.L. overall. Look for pending free agent RF Josh Reddick to be moved as well with no contract extension likely this season. If the White Sox contend, Reddick might be a mid-summer target for them. They could use a left-handed power bat in the middle of their batting order. The Rockies Carlos Gonzales should also be on their radar this summer with the Rockies unlikely to be contenders in the N.L. West.
themed
Cubs are the most overrated team in the history of baseball. Going to be so much fun to watch them tank this year more than all years.
cubsfan2489
You’re an idiot. Go away. Or stop being a troll.
thecoffinnail
How are they overrated? They are absolutely stacked and if your team had half that talent you would be saying a championship was in their very near future. As cubsfan2489 stated, stop being a troll.
cubsfan2489
Thanks coffin! Guess he didn’t realize they have the NL ROY, Manger of the year, and NL Cy Young winner! Who just happens to be putting the nail in the coffin to the Angels opener!
themed
Pitching staff will fall apart. Bullpen is awful and those awards were just a popularity contest. None of them deserved them. Getting blown away in the playoffs is exactly what they deserved. Losing is what that organization is all about.