***Official Pittsburgh Pirates 2010 Thread*** (1 Viewer)

[ThaPenguin]

Damn I thought our buccos would be able to pull off a "stealth" move to get Cliff Lee................

Ownership called Huntington and said they were willing to overpay for a free agent. Unfortunately, the GMs cellphone reception was bad.

You serious, Clark?

 

[monessen]

An excerpt from today's Pgh Post-Gazette----

Adding Overbay took playing time away from Ryan Doumit, whom the Pirates are reportedly trying to trade.

"Our recent signings have impacted the quantity of available at-bats for Ryan, but there are still at-bats available when [catcher Chris] Snyder and others get days off," Huntington said.

Doumit, 29, batted .251 last season, mostly playing at catcher but occasionally in right field. He will earn $5.2 million in 2011, which, when combined with Snyder's $5.75 million 2011 salary, means nearly $11 million, or 28 percent of the Pirates' end-of-season payroll, will go toward two catchers next year.

"We will continue to explore opportunities to improve our club, but we are fully prepared to enter the season with Ryan as a role player," Huntington said regarding efforts to trade Doumit.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10349/11107...m#ixzz18CXghC3K

As to Lyle Overpay signing with the Pirates, my only reaction is Heath Miller has been cleared by doctors to play Sunday against the Jets.

 

[Balco]

Pirates sign first baseman Lyle OverbayTuesday, December 14, 2010Pittsburgh Post-GazetteThe Pirates have signed free agent first baseman Lyle Overbay to a contract for the 2011 season, General Manager Neal Huntington said today."Lyle Overbay is a solid major league player and we expect him to have a positive impact on our club offensively, defensively and in the clubhouse," Huntington said in a statement.Overbay, 33, a left-handed hitter, has increased his home run total each of the last four years of the five years he has been with the Toronto Blue Jays. He made 150 starts at first base in 2010 and ranked second among AL first baseman with a .996 fielding percentage. He also led AL first basemen in double plays (150) and assists (101).

I thought they wanted a righty?

The signing pushes Garrett Jones to a platoon role in the OF with Matt Diaz which I think is a good thing (Jones is atrocious v. Lefties and Diaz is very good).I think that is it for the Pirates O. Rumors are that they are shopping Doumit, but I can't see the market being to good for him. If he stays, he would be best served catching a couple days a week, and playing somewhere every time they are facing a righty.

 

[Eephus]

The biggest fantasy outcome of the Overbay signing is it likely ensures Pedro Alvarez' 3B eligibility for the next two years.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Nice write-up on Diaz. Maybe these are good signings afterall?

Diaz excited about new opportunity with BucsBy Jenifer Langosch / MLB.comPITTSBURGH -- Born in Oregon, raised in Florida and having made stops as a professional baseball player in Tampa Bay, Kansas City and Atlanta since, Matt Diaz is nonetheless convinced that he is a Pittsburgh type of guy.Former teammate Chipper Jones once approached Diaz and quipped, "You're not sexy, but you're solid." That descriptor is not only accurate, Diaz said in a phone interview on Wednesday, but it is what he believes will make him right at home among Pittsburghers."I can't wait to earn them as fans," Diaz said. "They've been looking for something to cheer for in the summers. They've had plenty to cheer for in the winters. I'm ready to be a part of changing things around."The Pirates announced a two-year agreement with Diaz on Tuesday that will pay the outfielder $4.25 million. He will split time with Garrett Jones in right field, playing primarily against left-handed starters.Diaz said that four teams, including the Pirates, were particularly aggressive in pursuing him after the Braves opted not to tender him a contract earlier this month. As soon as he became a free agent, Diaz began doing his research.One of the early frontrunners was Texas, which went aggressively after Diaz from the get-go. But in an ironic twist, as Diaz began talking with various Rangers players, his interest in Pittsburgh increased."The more I talked with Rangers players, they started singing [Pirates manager and former Rangers hitting coach] Clint Hurdle's praises," Diaz said. "Everyone was talking great about Clint."Diaz's decision was then sealed when he met with Hurdle and general manager Neal Huntington on the first day of the Winter Meetings. In that meeting, Diaz was struck by the organizational blueprint laid out by Huntington and Hurdle. He was familiar with a number of the Pirates' young players -- particularly Andrew McCutchen, who grew up near Diaz's home -- and came away convinced that the organization is about to turn things around.This, along with prayerful consideration with his wife, Leslee, made Diaz's decision. It helped, too, that Diaz had always heard Nate McLouth talk fondly about Pittsburgh and the Pirates organization."Originally I viewed Pittsburgh as a place to go get at-bats and prove that I'm healthy," Diaz said. "The more I talked to them, the more I realized that I could get at-bats and be a part of something really great. It was just a comfort thing, just a peace thing."His decision made, Diaz asked the Pirates to extend their offer to include a second year."I said, 'I would love to come in and help the young guys out as much as I can. But in 2012, I don't want to be doing this all over again while you are having the time of your life,'" Diaz said. "We can have some fun in 2011 and really surprise some people with the plan they have in place. But I think 2012 can be special."Diaz, 32, instantly becomes one of the oldest and most experienced players on the Pirates' roster. That's somewhat of a departure from Diaz's most recent experience in Atlanta, which featured a wide mix of ages and experience levels.He might not have been a star with the Braves, but Diaz stood out as a fan favorite during his five seasons with the organization. He won the admiration of fans and teammates with his work ethic, his ability to sting left-handed pitching, and his willingness to spend time signing autographs and giving back to the local community.Now, he's excited to seize a leadership role with the Pirates."I've been given so much in this game, and I was groomed by some pretty neat veterans in Kansas City and Tampa," Diaz said. "If I can have some impact there to where I'm remembered after I'm gone, that will be a wonderful thing."The key for this young group is to take ownership of this team. It is going to be imperative for the older guys to really help and aid the young guys taking ownership of this team. They have to show that they're willing to outwork other teams and leave it all on the field."Jenifer Langosch is a reporter for MLB.com. Read her blog, By Gosh, It's Langosch, and follow her on Twitter @LangoschMLB. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

 

[Eephus]

That's a workable offense. The Pirates biggest problems will be throwing the ball. Their defense won't do their pitchers many favors either.

 

[Captain Hook]

The biggest fantasy outcome of the Overbay signing is it likely ensures Pedro Alvarez' 3B eligibility for the next two years.

Assuming the Pirates take Anthony Rendon with the first pick in June it may be sooner they have to move Alvarez

 

[Eephus]

The biggest fantasy outcome of the Overbay signing is it likely ensures Pedro Alvarez' 3B eligibility for the next two years.

Assuming the Pirates take Anthony Rendon with the first pick in June it may be sooner they have to move Alvarez

Could be, but he'll get enough games in 2011 to qualify the following year

 

[Drunken Cowboy]

The biggest fantasy outcome of the Overbay signing is it likely ensures Pedro Alvarez' 3B eligibility for the next two years.

Assuming the Pirates take Anthony Rendon with the first pick in June it may be sooner they have to move Alvarez

There is no way Rendon is up before June 1 2012.

 

[monessen]

Heath Miller had a setback. And Polamalu won't play against the Jets this weekend, either.

What? Oh? The Pirates? Yeah, I see we are talking 2012.

Last in salary average per player the past 2 seasons, based on MLB data provided to the Associated Press. Very likely gave out some money to a few marginal free agent players in recent weeks to keep the Players Association off their backs about where the revenue is going. Will spend only as much as needed to avoid scrutiny. However, they may win 70 games next year, an improvement that would make Hurdle look like a genius.

Interestingly, the average MLB first baseman, based on the aforementioned data, earned 9 million dollars last season. Overpay is supposed to be the Bucs regular first-baseman next year and will be earning 5 million. Evidently, Toronto found someone else to play first.

With Walker, Alvarez, Overpay, and Garrett Jones in the middle of the lineup and all hitting from the left side, let's hope the team does not face a steady diet of portside pitching. If they do, maybe Diaz can actually stay healthy enough to make a difference.

 

[Balco]

With Walker, Alvarez, Overpay, and Garrett Jones in the middle of the lineup and all hitting from the left side, let's hope the team does not face a steady diet of portside pitching. If they do, maybe Diaz can actually stay healthy enough to make a difference.

I am sure Hurdle will break up all the lefties, and you are correct, that is a reason they signed Diaz, because he is very good against lefties.And McUtchen is a righty who is best batting 3rd (.302 average batting 3rd). Would think they would go:1. Jose Tabata ®2. Neil Walker (L)3. Andrew McUtchen ®4. Jose Alvarez (L)5. Matt Diaz ®Like someone said earlier, the Pirates O is definitely workable, especially if you include the expected growth of Tabata, Alvarez, McUtchen, and Walker.It's their pitching that will be the issue again.

 

[dparker713]

The biggest fantasy outcome of the Overbay signing is it likely ensures Pedro Alvarez' 3B eligibility for the next two years.

Assuming the Pirates take Anthony Rendon with the first pick in June it may be sooner they have to move Alvarez

There is no way Rendon is up before June 1 2012.

There is talk of modifying or removing the Super 2 system in the next CBA, so maybe.

 

[monessen]

Pirates sign Josh Fields.

In related news, Neal Huntington continues his Christmas shopping at Dollar General.

If Baltimore is willing to sign Adam LaRoche for upwards of 6 million a season here at the close of 2010, why again did old Neal give him away in the middle of 2009?

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Pirates sign Josh Fields.In related news, Neal Huntington continues his Christmas shopping at Dollar General.If Baltimore is willing to sign Adam LaRoche for upwards of 6 million a season here at the close of 2010, why again did old Neal give him away in the middle of 2009?

Adam Laroche isn't anything special. He underperformed here as did his brother. That move is one I won't complain about.What pitchers are even left out there now? Webb? Harden? Pavano?Where is Doumit going and for what?

 

[Captain Hook]

What pitchers are even left out there now? Webb? Harden? Pavano?Where is Doumit going and for what?

Harden resigned with Oakland.I think the Twins will resign Pavano and certainly Huntington won't offer him enoughWebb is an interesting case - there have been rumors about him with the Cubs or Astros but IF (capital I and capital F) Huntington were to give him the right contract I could actually see this - it would give Webb a low key place to (hopefully) restart his career and if the wins or even numbers weren't as good as he wanted he could blame the lack of supportDoumit? Hard to figure but my guess is that it will take some team having an injury/need before they knock on the door for Doumit (selfishly since I drafted him in November for the XFL as my second catcher I would like him to get a starting job)

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

What pitchers are even left out there now? Webb? Harden? Pavano?Where is Doumit going and for what?

Harden resigned with Oakland.I think the Twins will resign Pavano and certainly Huntington won't offer him enoughWebb is an interesting case - there have been rumors about him with the Cubs or Astros but IF (capital I and capital F) Huntington were to give him the right contract I could actually see this - it would give Webb a low key place to (hopefully) restart his career and if the wins or even numbers weren't as good as he wanted he could blame the lack of supportDoumit? Hard to figure but my guess is that it will take some team having an injury/need before they knock on the door for Doumit (selfishly since I drafted him in November for the XFL as my second catcher I would like him to get a starting job)

Let's trade Doumit and/or Maholm for Blanton and prospects and then let's throw some cash at Webb.Philly could use a lefty in the rotation, correct? And Doumit can play some RF for them now that they lost Werth.

 

[dparker713]

What pitchers are even left out there now? Webb? Harden? Pavano?Where is Doumit going and for what?

Harden resigned with Oakland.I think the Twins will resign Pavano and certainly Huntington won't offer him enoughWebb is an interesting case - there have been rumors about him with the Cubs or Astros but IF (capital I and capital F) Huntington were to give him the right contract I could actually see this - it would give Webb a low key place to (hopefully) restart his career and if the wins or even numbers weren't as good as he wanted he could blame the lack of supportDoumit? Hard to figure but my guess is that it will take some team having an injury/need before they knock on the door for Doumit (selfishly since I drafted him in November for the XFL as my second catcher I would like him to get a starting job)

Let's trade Doumit and/or Maholm for Blanton and prospects and then let's throw some cash at Webb.Philly could use a lefty in the rotation, correct? And Doumit can play some RF for them now that they lost Werth.

Webb is done. He was topping out at 82 in the fall.

 

[bweiser]

What pitchers are even left out there now? Webb? Harden? Pavano?

Where is Doumit going and for what?

Harden resigned with Oakland.I think the Twins will resign Pavano and certainly Huntington won't offer him enough

Webb is an interesting case - there have been rumors about him with the Cubs or Astros but IF (capital I and capital F) Huntington were to give him the right contract I could actually see this - it would give Webb a low key place to (hopefully) restart his career and if the wins or even numbers weren't as good as he wanted he could blame the lack of support

Doumit? Hard to figure but my guess is that it will take some team having an injury/need before they knock on the door for Doumit

(selfishly since I drafted him in November for the XFL as my second catcher I would like him to get a starting job)

Let's trade Doumit and/or Maholm for Blanton and prospects and then let's throw some cash at Webb.Philly could use a lefty in the rotation, correct? And Doumit can play some RF for them now that they lost Werth.

Yeah, because 2 out of 5 isn't enough (Lee and Hamels).

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

What pitchers are even left out there now? Webb? Harden? Pavano?

Where is Doumit going and for what?

Harden resigned with Oakland.I think the Twins will resign Pavano and certainly Huntington won't offer him enough

Webb is an interesting case - there have been rumors about him with the Cubs or Astros but IF (capital I and capital F) Huntington were to give him the right contract I could actually see this - it would give Webb a low key place to (hopefully) restart his career and if the wins or even numbers weren't as good as he wanted he could blame the lack of support

Doumit? Hard to figure but my guess is that it will take some team having an injury/need before they knock on the door for Doumit

(selfishly since I drafted him in November for the XFL as my second catcher I would like him to get a starting job)

Let's trade Doumit and/or Maholm for Blanton and prospects and then let's throw some cash at Webb.Philly could use a lefty in the rotation, correct? And Doumit can play some RF for them now that they lost Werth.

Yeah, because 2 out of 5 isn't enough (Lee and Hamels).

Should have said "another"I still don't get why Philly traded Lee last season prior to even getting Oswalt if they were willing to pay $120M for him now plus what they are paying Oswalt. Being that close another title last year, you have to hope it wasn't wasted now.

 

[monessen]

Know what? Neal Huntington will never have to make such decisions.

 

[monessen]

However, some of the decisions recently made include:

Releasing Argenis Diaz, the shortshop acquired in the Adam LaRoche deal making the entire transaction even more of a salary dumping than it appeared at the time. However, perhaps the other player in the trade, Hunter Strickland, will make it to Triple A in the next season or 2. Am so thrilled the Bucs gave a 25 homerun, 100 RBI guy away despite the statement on this thread he did very little for the Pirates.

Designating pitcher Joe Martinez (obtained in the Javier Lopez deal) for assignment. Joe, we hardly knew ye. And yet, you had one of the rarest of Pirate pitcher stats---an ERA under 5.

Finally, the Nuttings have to be panicking. Not about snow at the their WV ski resorts because they will have plenty. Only the Yanks and Red Sox will have to pay the luxury tax to MLB for "redistribution of wealth" this year and it is much less than 2009.

 

[Eephus]

Garrett Atkins? Really?

 

[dparker713]

Garrett Atkins? Really?

Its a minor league contract with a ST invite - definition of a no risk move.

 

[Eephus]

Garrett Atkins? Really?

Its a minor league contract with a ST invite - definition of a no risk move.

Granted, but he hasn't hit for three years. If the fountain of youth is in Pittsburgh, where does he play? He's not really a defensive option at 3B anymore and there's a logjam at 1B.

 

[monessen]

I guess this thread ought to be wrapped up and a 2011 version started.

Happy New Year to all, especially Pirate fans who dearly need to see this team improve in the upcoming season.

 

[Eephus]

I know it's only a minor league deal but c'mon, Jorge Julio? Seriously?

 

[monessen]

Yes. And the sad part is the seriously part.

Please join us in our 2011 thread. My advice to Pirate fans---plenty of Iron City and Rolling Rock.