Thursday, March 28, 2013
by Tom Singer / MLB.com
PITTSBURGH -- You will often hear the Pirates' generation-long plight put into this sobering context: Those born the day they last finished a season with a winning record will be able to (legally) drink at the end of this 2013 season.
The question becomes: Will they be raising their glasses in toast, or crying in their beers? As did their fathers through those kids' teeth-cutting, kindergarten, junior high prom, high school graduation, college orientation.
Never has mediocrity been as celebrated as it will be when the Pirates win an 82nd game to put an end to a string of losing unmatched in the annals of North American professional team sports, which stands at 20 consecutive seasons. That must be why no one around the team will speak of .500 being a target; who wants to obsess over mediocrity?
The Bucs aim higher, and they feel higher is within their reach. Pittsburgh is the classic finish-the-deal team, after two years of taunting. In 2011, the Pirates spent 45 days above .500. Last season, it was 100 days.
In his third season as their manager, Clint Hurdle guarantees that the Bucs will be even better. He can't guarantee they will be winners, because the 20 teams on their schedule will have a say in that -- chief among them the defending NL Central-champion Reds, who have moved the target.
"But we've improved across the board," Hurdle said. "Our internal people have another year of experience, and we'll have the two pitchers [A.J. Burnett and Wandy Rodriguez] for the full year. So we're in a much better position to contend. We have to prove we are a better team, but we have a much stronger club than we've had in the past."
The team that will take a bow Monday at 1:35 p.m. ET in PNC Park against the Chicago Cubs certainly is different. The Pirates' Opening Day roster has undergone a 48 percent turnover from last year's, and the 12 departed include pre-2012 acquisitions left-hander Erik Bedard and catcher Rod Barajas.
They have been replaced by Rodriguez, who came aboard late last July, and Russell Martin, the new catcher whose blood type is W.
The starting rotation, the calling card of any team, has undergone an even more complete transformation, with James McDonald the only holdover from the quintet that opened last season.
Of course, it did not take Burnett long to merge in. Once he recovered from the eye orbital bone fracture he sustained early in Spring Training, he set course for his 16-win season.
Burnett, a Pirate reincarnate if there ever was one, sets sail at the outset this time, with the first Opening Day assignment of his long career. He takes on the Cubs' Jeff Samardzija, meaning both clubs could be playing for one run from the initial cry of "Play Ball!"
Burnett tendered his best '12 start on July 31 against the Cubs, holding them hitless for 7 2/3 innings in Wrigley Field. Samardzija was repeatedly as tough on the Bucs, holding them to five hits and two earned runs across 17 innings in two starts.
The optimism fueled by this team is stronger than it was a year ago, which turned out to be quite a good year, anyway. So the potential ceiling has been raised. Also different is the blend sourcing the good vibes.
The Pirates entered last season with multiple uncertainties about their lineup and anchored by a strong, veteran pitching rotation. Now the statuses have been reversed.
The core of the lineup is firm, with center fielder Andrew McCutchen, third baseman Pedro Alvarez, second baseman Neil Walker and two-way Garrett Jones coming off definitive seasons. Gaby Sanchez seems primed for a huge comeback season, and Martin will swing a much heavier bat than did Barajas.
One of the centerpieces could be Starling Marte, who many see capable of a Mike Trout-like breakthrough. Marte does have same skill set and, as he sets out on his first full season, had a better opening act. Consider these sets of numbers:
• .220 average in 123 at-bats, with five homers and 16 RBIs and an OPS of .672.
• .257 average in 167 at-bats, with five homers and 17 RBIs and an OPS of .737.
The first set is Trout, in his 40-game introduction during the 2011 season. The second is Marte's introduction last season, after his late-July promotion from Triple-A.
"He's a game-changer," Hurdle said of Marte.
The rotation may not be as deep, but it is top heavy.
"We think it is versatile -- everyone gives you different looks -- and deep," said general manager Neal Huntington. "All the guys do different things, which will make it more difficult to advance [scout] us. They'll give us the innings to give us legitimate shots to win every day."
But it isn't even the front line that most encourages the Pirates, but what waits behind it. If one was to draw a simple analogy between the collapses of 2011 and last year, it was the lack of organizational depth to overcome the unavoidable fatigues and injuries of August and September.
The Bucs think they have that cured. Veteran utility men John McDonald and Brandon Inge will serve dual purposes: Hurdle will confidently play them to give regulars breaks, and being on the Major League bench will allow high-end prospects such as Jordy Mercer to play regularly in Indianapolis -- kept sharp in case they are needed.
As for the pitching staff, a genuine revolving door may be needed for the clubhouse. If the Bucs go through the entire season with the dozen pitchers they will start with, or even a baker's dozen, great, it will mean all the arms are healthy and dealing.
But that is unlikely, and when help is needed, the source will be bountiful. Waiting in the wings will be pitchers, both starters and relievers, caught in the Spring Training numbers crunch despite, in many cases, terrific exhibition showings.
Then, there are The Three Amigos in reserve: Charlie Morton and Jose Contreras, hitting the stretch of their rehabs from Tommy John surgeries, and Francisco Liriano, the left-hander with the fractured right arm. They are all on track and, barring setbacks, the Bucs expect them to be ready to check in about the time summer does.
And there is Jeff Karstens, whose prognosis for his biceps tendinitis is still unclear, and Gerrit Cole, who spent Spring Training knocking on a door he may be ready to kick down in mid-June.
If you don't see Cole in a Pirates uniform this season, it will be a very good thing, because it will mean the other pitchers are performing so well, he is not needed to come to the rescue.
And you could drink to that.
Catcher Russell Martin talks about signing with the Pirates as a free agent, his veteran leadership and working with the team's pitchers
Former Pirates infielder Jay Bell talks about taking over as the hitting coach and the huge future that lies ahead for Andrew McCutchen.
by Tim Williams / Piratesprospects.com
The Opening Day roster is all but set. The Pirates cut nine players this morning, leaving 26 active players in camp. The only question mark remaining is whether Brandon Inge will start the season on the disabled list, which would put Josh Harrison on the bench. At this point it looks likely that Inge will start on the DL.
Pirates General Manager Neal Huntington met with the media this morning to discuss some of the moves. Most of the moves today involved the bench, the bullpen, and the final spot in the rotation. Below is a deeper look at the makeup of the team.
No Lefties on the Bench
The bench really isn’t much of a surprise. For a few weeks it has looked like the Pirates would go with a bench like this, or similar to this one. Coming into camp we knew that Michael McKenry and Gaby Sanchez would be on the bench. We had a good idea that Jose Tabata and Travis Snider would be splitting time in right field, with the other player on the bench. That left a middle infield spot and a utility spot — and not many left-handed options to choose from.
I know the bench isn’t much of a surprise because the “no left-handers” complaint has been around for a few weeks. Huntington talked about that today.
“There will be days where we’ll have a left-hander on the bench, depending on who starts and depending on how the first base/right field situation works out,” Huntington said. “It’s going to be kind of an ever-evolving process there. We ultimately need a right-handed compliment for Garrett [Jones], and with [Jose] Tabata we wanted the right-handed compliment in the outfield as well.”
The team basically has two platoons. They’ve got a platoon at first base, and a platoon in right field. I don’t think right field will be a true platoon, but it all boils down to the team having a left-handed hitter in Travis Snider who won’t be getting all of the playing time.
There isn’t much of a need for a lefty on the bench. When a right-handed pitcher starts, Garrett Jones and Travis Snider will be in the lineup. Pedro Alvarez will also be there, and Neil Walker will be batting left-handed. You’re not pinch-hitting for Andrew McCutchen, Russell Martin, or Starling Marte. When left-handers are starting, you’ll have Jones and Snider available off the bench later in the game if a right-handed reliever comes in.
So really the only purpose for a lefty bat on the bench is if you’ve got a right-handed reliever coming in late in the game on a day where a right-hander started, and you need to pinch hit for Clint Barmes or the pitcher spot in a big moment. Even if that situation comes up, and you bring in the left-hander, what is to stop the other team from countering with a lefty reliever?
On a normal bench you’d want a left-handed hitter. But having two “platoon” situations doesn’t make this a normal bench. The need for a left-handed hitter off the bench on this team is very small.
Does the Bench Signify Depth?
The Pirates cut a few players today who were having good Spring numbers. Felix Pie was hitting for a .318 average and a .991 OPS in 44 at-bats. Alex Presley was batting .304 with a .791 OPS in 46 at-bats. Both were sent to Triple-A, where they will most likely serve as starting outfielders. Both players would have been good options off the bench, had they made the team.
“We told Felix today, he reminds us of Garrett Jones,” Huntington said. “A guy signed as a minor league free agent, had some opportunities earlier in his career. Came into camp with us and had a terrific Spring. In Garrett’s case, we challenged him to keep doing it and he did it. And we created a spot for him on the major league club.”
Huntington talked about some of the tough decisions today. He also mentioned several times that the Opening Day roster was only the Opening Day roster, and that a lot of the players who have been sent down will be options for the Pirates throughout the year.
“One sure sign of an organization that’s moving forward is that you have guys on your bench that can play on a regular basis, and you have guys in Triple-A that can be in the big leagues,” Huntington said. “We sent out a lot of guys today that could be in the big leagues, and will be in the big leagues. We’re not going to go with 25. Opening Day is Opening Day. The third day of the season we might need somebody new because of an injury or because of challenges at some point in April. I understand that everyone wants to look at a roster as if it’s set in stone, and it’s not. It’s an ever-evolving, fluid process. We sent some really good players out of camp today that are going to help us at some point this season.”
Early in camp I talked with an American League scout who started our conversation by saying he was about to jump on board the Pirates’ bandwagon. The reason? Depth. Before most of these players were cut, he talked about guys like Clint Robinson, Jared Goedert, Alex Presley, Ivan De Jesus Jr., and others who would most likely be pushed to Triple-A. He felt that all of those guys had futures as major league players, and could help this year.
There’s no denying that the Pirates have depth. If an outfielder goes down, they’re choosing from Presley, Pie, and Jerry Sands. If a middle infielder goes down, they’re choosing from Jordy Mercer, De Jesus, and Chase d’Arnaud when he returns. If a catcher goes down, they’ve got Tony Sanchez waiting in Triple-A, or Carlos Paulino if they want a strong defensive option. If a pitcher goes down, they’ve got plenty of bullpen options, plus guys like Kyle McPherson, Gerrit Cole, Phil Irwin, Charlie Morton, Francisco Liriano, and Jeff Karstens throughout the year.
As I look at a lot of the complaints about the bench, I don’t think the Pirates have an issue of depth, or finding major leaguers to put on the roster. It seems the main concern is that the Pirates aren’t making the right choices. They brought in John McDonald to be the backup middle infielder. McDonald is a good player, and provides strong defense. However, it’s a move that doesn’t make much sense, as they already had De Jesus and Mercer as options. Brandon Inge doesn’t hit for average, but he still has power. His .165 ISO last year would have ranked sixth on the team last year out of players with 200+ plate appearances. But that’s a case where Inge is older, currently hurt, and wasn’t performing as well as some of the other guys who have been cut in camp.
As it works out, Inge fits more in the “depth” category, rather than a member of the Opening Day roster. He will likely go on the disabled list, giving the Pirates an option later in the month of April, or whenever he returns. They will have to create a roster spot for him, and depending on that move it might not be worth keeping Inge around at $1 M. That’s especially true when Inge’s primary value is replicated by the existing depth. He hits for power, and can play multiple positions — though not very well. The Pirates already have power on their bench. They have utility players in the system. They even have some options who can do both, such as Jared Goedert.
My own concern with the choices made are that the Pirates seem to be going with the comfort of a veteran, rather than the unknown with younger players. That unknown can lead to worse production, but there’s also a chance it could lead to better production and bigger long-term value than McDonald or Inge could provide.
Jeff Locke Wins the Fifth Starting Job, McPherson Is Immediate Depth
As expected, Jeff Locke won the fifth starter spot, with Kyle McPherson getting optioned to Triple-A. Locke has had two shots in the majors, although both came at the end of the year. He probably wasn’t ready the first time around, and showed some positive signs the second time. Locke doesn’t have anything to prove in the minors. He’s now to the point where he needs to show what he can do in the majors.
“In Jeff’s case, the body of work, what he did at Triple-A last year, some of the success he had at the big league level in a small sample that doesn’t necessarily show up in ERA,” Huntington said. “His ability to attack hitters. We’re looking forward to Russ Martin helping him out. Using all three pitches, and we felt that he gave us the best chance to win his starts.”
McPherson doesn’t have a lot of experience above the Double-A level. He made three starts in Triple-A, and pitched 26.1 innings in the majors last year. Huntington said that even with the lack of upper level innings, the team would be comfortable turning to McPherson in the early part of the season if an extra pitcher was needed.
“We’re comfortable with what he did in Triple-A, comfortable with what he did in the big leagues, and comfortable with the person and how he goes about it with the professionalism and the confidence that he has, and the ability to have three quality major league pitches,” Huntington said. “So absolutely we’d be comfortable to have him in any role early in the season if needed.”
The right-hander didn’t have the consistency this Spring that Jeff Locke showed, which was one of the key reasons the Pirates went with Locke over McPherson at the start of the year.
“[McPherson] has major league caliber pitches,” Huntington said. “It’s just the consistency and the command. One of the toughest decisions we had, because not only could he help us as a starter, but he could help us out of the bullpen.”
At the start of Spring Training, the expected rotation was expected to have Francisco Liriano and Jeff Locke in the final two spots. The only difference now is that Jonathan Sanchez replaces Liriano. That’s not really a huge difference. They’re both left-handers who are still relatively young, had previous success in the majors, and are both coming off down years. They both have control issues, but both could benefit from PNC Park. Either way, the Pirates are going with a bounce back candidate for their fourth starter, and a young, inexperienced player as their fifth starter.
A Lot of Question Marks in the Bullpen
One thing that Neal Huntington has done well is take a lot of questionable pitchers and turn them into quality relievers. Whether that’s failed minor league starters (Jared Hughes, Tony Watson), waiver claims (Chris Resop), or low-key free agents (Jose Veras, D.J. Carrasco), the Pirates have had a lot of success stories. This year that strategy will be put to the test.
Most of the question marks in the back of the bullpen are really about comfort. Jason Grilli is a great reliever, but there are those who believe that it takes some special magic to close out games. Mark Melancon is a year removed from being one of the top relievers in the National League. He had a down year last year, although his advanced metrics suggest a comeback in a lot of the same ways that Joel Hanrahan looked like a bounce back candidate when he joined the Pirates in 2009. Hughes and Watson both have experience and success, and will be picking up a bigger role this year.
The guys who were added today are question marks as far as their ability in the majors goes. Chris Leroux was a waiver claim in 2010. Since then the Pirates have adjusted his arm slot and focused on his off-speed pitches. In his limited time with the team he’s posted great ratios. Through 41 innings he has an 8.8 K/9, a 2.6 BB/9, and an 0.2 HR/9. Last year the overall numbers were bad, and his velocity was down. That was due to a pectoral strain, which he’s now over. Those ratios are a good indicator that he can be an effective reliever, but now will be the time to show it.
Justin Wilson spent some time in the majors last year, but not a significant amount. He’s mostly been a starter in the minors, dealing with serious control problems. The control problems have been negated because he’s got great stuff, leading to a high strikeout rate and a low batting average against. Wilson is the same as a starter or a reliever. He’s either going to have great results, or his control will be way off one day and he’ll be a disaster. There shouldn’t be any expected improvements with his control by moving him to the bullpen. That doesn’t mean he can’t be an effective reliever. He just needs to carry that trend of a high strikeout rate and a low batting average against to the majors.
The final bullpen spot went to Jeanmar Gomez, which is a bit of a head scratcher. Gomez is a major league player. He’s a fifth starter and a ground ball machine. His time as a reliever in the majors has been limited to one run in seven innings. This is a situation where a guy could improve by moving to the bullpen. He’s basically the last reliever on the team, so it’s worth a shot to see if he can be this year’s sleeper option. However, the move isn’t really inspiring for two reasons. First, the Pirates have other sleeper candidates, and Gomez gives them a third. Second, you could argue that there were better options who were sent to the minors. At the least you could argue that there were options sent down who are the same, but looked better this Spring. Really what this boils down to is that Gomez is out of options. It looks like the Pirates went with the approach that would allow them to keep everyone.
All three of these pitchers can go multiple innings. Gomez is most likely to fill that long-relief role, although it might be hard for him to jump from the bullpen to the rotation.
“It’s a challenge to keep guys stretched out in the National League,” Huntington said. “So really as your long man you’re looking for a guy who can go two-plus or maybe three. One time through your offensive lineup.”
Wilson and Leroux can also go multiple innings, so expect all three pitchers to be used in more of a utility role, rather than defined middle relief and long relief roles.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
by Rob Biertempfel / Pittsburgh Tribune Review
A.J. Burnett is mulling whether to retire after the 2013 season. However, if the 36-year-old decides to keep playing, he might only consider an offer from the Pirates for next season.
“I enjoy it here and I enjoy these guys,” Burnett said. “If I was to keep playing, I wouldn't want it to be anywhere else but Pittsburgh. My wife and I talk about it now and then. But it's something I've got to put on the back burner. I'm just going to concentrate on this season, one start at a time.”
While Burnett is fond of Pittsburgh, he says that he is not currently talking with the club about a new deal. Last year, Burnett posted a 3.51 ERA with 8.0 K/9 and 2.8 BB/9 in 31 starts.
The right-hander is in the final year of a five-year, $82.5MM contract that he initally signed with the Yankees, so he won't be hurting for cash if he decides to walk away. For his career, Burnett owns a 4.05 ERA with 8.2 K/9 and 3.7 BB/9 across 14 seasons with the Marlins, Blue Jays, Yankees, and Bucs.
by Tom Singer / MLB.com
BRADENTON, Fla. -- On March 27, in the penultimate game of the Pirates' preseason, all concerned thought it would be a good idea for A.J. Burnett to finally get acquainted with his Opening Day catcher.
Thus, on Wednesday Burnett finally threw to Russell Martin. For the very first time in Spring Training.
The introductions went well. The re-introductions, that is, the two having regularly joined forces as teammates on the 2011 New York Yankees.
"But I'm not the same guy I was in New York, and he realizes I'm different," Burnett said after going the first three innings of the Pirates' 7-4 loss to Minnesota. "I'm not the four-seam, curveball, just-let-it-go guy. I've done a lot [of adjustments] since then."
In their seven weeks together in camp, Martin has caught one of Burnett's side sessions, but was limited to DH-ing during the pitcher's early Grapefruit League outings. Since March 9, Burnett had been doing his pitching in Minor League games at Pirate City.
"It was good to see his breaking ball working today," said Martin, alluding to the fact pitchers weren't yet in breaking-ball shape the last time he caught Burnett. "It gives me confidence going into the season, to have seen his breaking ball and know what it's doing."
Burnett allowed four hits and two runs in his three innings, all he was meant to pitch. That was the reason manager Clint Hurdle had a DH in his lineup, knowing Burnett's turn would come up once at most.
"It felt good to get out there in front of the fans and my guys," Burnett said. "Spring, for a guy my age and with what I've done, is just for getting ready. I've done that, and I feel great."
Posted on March 27, 2013 at 10:28 PM.
Alvarez Goes Deep, but Bucs Fall to Twins
| Minnesota Twins at Pittsburgh Pirates | ||||||||||||
| Mar 27, 2013 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E |
| Minnesota (16-14) | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 7 | 13 | 0 |
| Pittsburgh (12-18-1) | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 12 | 3 |
| W: Duensing (2-0, 4.50) L: Gomez, J (0-3, 5.94) | ||||||||||||
BRADENTON, Fla. -- Former Pirates farmhand Eric Fryer drove in three runs, including the tie-breaking run in the seventh inning, as the Twins went on to down the Pirates, 7-4, on Wednesday.
Fryer snapped a 2-2 tie with a single off reliever Chris Leroux with two outs in the seventh to score Byron Buxton, who had walked and moved into scoring position with a steal of second, his second stolen base of the game.
A crowd of 7,141 for the Pirates' home Grapefruit League finale at McKechnie Field swelled the spring total attendance for 15 dates to 93,433, a club record. The per-game average of 6,229 was also a record.
Vance Worley, expected soon to officially get the Twins' Opening Day assignment, allowed seven hits and two runs in five innings, with no walks and five strikeouts.
Pittsburgh Opening Day starter A.J. Burnett, who has been getting in his work at the Pirates' Minor League camp, made his first "A" game appearance since March 9 and allowed four hits and two runs in three innings, striking out two without a walk.
Buxton, the Twins' first-round selection in last year's First-Year Player Draft -- the second overall pick -- was called up from the team's Minor League camp for his first Grapefruit League appearance and had an immediate impact. Batting leadoff, he began the game with a single to center, stole second and continued to third on catcher Russell Martin's throwing error, and scored on Joe Mauer's infield grounder.
The Pirates tied it at 1 on a similar RBI grounder by Neil Walker in the bottom of the first. Minnesota regained the lead, 2-1, on Doug Bernier's RBI double in the second, with Pedro Alvarez's solo homer in the third making it 2-2.
Daniel Ortiz padded the Twins' lead with a wind-aided two-run homer off Leroux in the eighth, and Fryer added a two-run single later that inning.
Up next: The Bucs will break camp on Thursday, with a final Grapefruit League appearance in Tampa against the Yankees, at 1:05 p.m. ET. The game can be heard on an exclusive live webcast. Jeff Locke makes the start -- the lefty's first after being formally named the Pirates No. 5 starter. Next stop -- Pittsburgh.
Posted on March 27, 2013 at 10:07 PM.
by Tim Williams / Piratesprospects.com
Baseball America has released their organizational talent rankings today, measuring the talent in each team’s farm system. They release a top 30 list in their annual Prospect Handbook, although that usually sees some changes before the web edition comes around. The Pirates didn’t actually see a change between the two versions, ranking seventh in the book and seventh today.
Subscribers can read an in-depth capsule. BA has Vic Black listed as a sleeper, and Kyle McPherson and Gerrit Cole as options who can help the team in 2013.
by Tom Singer / MLB.com
BRADENTON, Fla. -- When the dust, and his 25-man roster, cleared, Pirates manager Clint Hurdle enthusiastically proclaimed the 2013 Pirates improved.
Make that, as they say on TV commercials, "new and improved," with a 48 percent turnover in Opening Day rosters from 2012 to 2013.
"No. 1, the rotation is the best since I've been here [since 2011]," Hurdle said. "And I gotta believe the best since [general manager Neal Huntington] has been here [since 2008]."
The last two pieces of that rotation were put in place only the last two days -- lefties Jonathan Sanchez and Jeff Locke, who survived his competition with right-hander Kyle McPherson.
"The Minor League pedigree speaks for itself," Hurdle said of Locke, somewhat preordained for the promotion by being named the organization's Minor League Pitcher of the Year last season after going 10-5, with a 2.48 ERA, at Triple-A Indianapolis. "And I like the growth -- the biggest from anyone I've seen from last year. The fastball's got more life than you think, the breaking ball can be sharp, and when his changeup arrives, this will be a guy with some weapons."
Hurdle also singled out a bullpen that welcomes newcomers Jeanmar Gomez, Chris Leroux and lefty Justin Wilson.
"The versatility of the bullpen has been ramped up. We got three guys able to [pitch long]," the manager said, adding "The bench is gonna be more valuable than the bench last season."
Those reserves include veteran infielders John McDonald and Brandon Inge (once he comes off his anticipated season-starting DL stint, with a sore shoulder bone), a born-again Jose Tabata and the ever-versatile Josh Harrison.
Posted on March 27, 2013 at 09:52 PM.
by Tim Williams / Piratesprospects.com
The Pittsburgh Pirates have added Jonathan Sanchez and Brandon Inge to the 40-man roster today. To make room, the team designated Hunter Strickland and Clint Robinson for assignment. Robinson was DFAd to make room for Inge, while Strickland was DFAd for Sanchez.
The Pirates added Strickland to the 40-man this off-season, protecting him from the Rule 5 draft. Robinson was added in an off-season trade after being DFAd by the Royals. The Pirates now have ten days to trade, waive, or release either player. It seems most likely that they’ll try to pass each player through waivers.
by Tom Singer / MLB.com
BRADENTON, Fla. -- Alex Presley, last season's Opening Day left fielder, and rotation hopeful Kyle McPherson were among nine players cut Wednesday morning as the Pirates got down to their 25-man roster.
Also optioned to Triple-A was infielder Jordy Mercer, with six others being reassigned to the team's Minor League camp: pitchers Mike Zagurski, Ryan Reid and Vin Mazzaro; catchers Lucas May and Carlos Paulino; and outfielder Felix Pie. All but Presley and McPherson had been non-roster invitees to the big league camp.
McPherson politely declined to discuss the club's move after exiting manager Clint Hurdle's office, but Presley expressed disappointment with the decisions following "the best spring I've ever had, working on all the things they wanted me to work on and that I knew I needed to improve at."
The moves confirmed Jeff Locke as the fifth starter in a rotation that thus will include three left-handers, with Wandy Rodriguez and Jonathan Sanchez. Right-handers A.J. Burnett and James McDonald complete the quintet.
Josh Harrison claimed the final seat on the bench, with the expectation that Brandon Inge will open the season on the disabled list with a sore right shoulder blade. Until the decision is made on Inge, the Bucs actually still have 26 active players in camp. Final rosters have to be submitted Sunday.
"This was going to be a great day, either way," said Locke, the Pirates' steadiest starter in exhibition play, with a 3.38 ERA in 21 1/3 innings. "I was going to find out where I'd open the season, and whether it was here or in Triple-A. Just knowing was going to help me get ready."
Presley, who wasn't able to reach base often enough last season to keep his job in left and in the leadoff spot, had an on-base percentage of .396 in 24 spring games, while batting .311.
With Wednesday's moves, which came with two games left on the Pirates' Grapefruit League schedule, here is how the 25-man roster will shake out:
• Pitchers (12): Burnett, Rodriguez, McDonald, Sanchez, Locke, Jason Grilli, Jared Hughes, Mark Melancon, Chris Leroux, Tony Watson, Justin Wilson, Jeanmar Gomez.
• Catchers (2): Russell Martin and Michael McKenry.
• Infielders (6): Gaby Sanchez, Neil Walker, Clint Barmes, Pedro Alvarez, John McDonald and Harrison (Inge likely on DL).
• Outfielders (5): Starling Marte, Andrew McCutchen, Travis Snider, Garrett Jones, Jose Tabata.
by Tim Williams / Piratesprospects.com
Yesterday was a camp day at Pirate City, which means intra squad games. Usually the Triple-A and Double-A teams go against each other on one field, with the A-ball teams squaring off on the opposite field.
The upper level game featured a matchup of the top two prospects in the system. Gerrit Cole and Jameson Taillon were opposing each other, with Cole throwing against the Triple-A hitters, and Taillon going up against the Double-A crew. It was a regular start for either of them, since it doesn’t matter to the pitcher who the opposing pitcher was. For those in attendance, it was a chance to watch the top two pitchers in the system make what will probably be their final starts before the season. For the first three innings, both pitchers faced Travis Snider once per inning, with Snider combining to go 2-for-4 with a walk, a double, and a sacrifice fly. Snider had the double and walk against Cole, and a single and sacrifice fly to the wall against Taillon.
Gerrit Cole
Cole pitched six shutout innings today. Cole wasn’t throwing with his usual velocity, sitting 92-94 MPH in the first three innings. He improved to 95-96 in the final innings. I thought this might have been due to the cold weather today, or because of a finger issue which had him getting medical tape between innings. It turned out that it was neither, and Cole has been dialing it back all Spring.
“It’s just Spring,” Cole said. “I’m not really trying to throw very hard. I probably got a little looser toward the end.”
As for the finger issue, Cole mentioned that it’s something that happens all the time. He cuts the side of his thumb because of the way that he pitches, although it doesn’t really impact his performance.
Cole made easy work of the Triple-A hitters. The one challenge he faced was when he gave up an opposite field double to Travis Snider. Cole threw an 88 MPH changeup, and Snider took it opposite field down the third base line for a double. The right-hander’s next stop will be Triple-A, where he made two starts last year. The second start, which came in the playoffs, didn’t go so well, with Cole being bounced early in the start. Cole won’t have to change much in his approach to adjust to the Triple-A hitters this year.
“You just take the same approach I had no matter who is in the box,” Cole said. “You’ve got to pitch a little more. Pitching a little more, I’ve been doing that since college, so that becomes more natural to me. So just sticking with what I do, creating angles, and locating the fastballs is pretty much how I attack, and I’m not going to change anything.”
Jameson Taillon
Today was the first time Taillon went five innings this Spring, after going four innings a few times in his previous starts. He threw 79 pitches, and had two innings rolled due to reaching his pitch count. Taillon was scheduled to throw around 75 pitches on the day.
“I was pretty happy I got to go five today,” Taillon said. “That has me ready for the year. All my pitches feel pretty good. Same thing as always, just got to get them consistent.”
He said that his two-seam and curveball were both working today. He was throwing his fastball in the 93-95 range, touching 96. The highlight of the day was when he struck out Snider on a curveball. Taillon threw it low in the zone, and got Snider swinging and missing when the bottom fell out of the pitch. Taillon also had some success with his changeup today.
One issue for the top prospect this Spring has been elevating the fastball. That’s been a constant issue in his career, and one where he’s made some good improvements. However, in his previous outings he’s elevated his pitches, getting hit hard but not always paying for it. Today he looked better in that department, keeping the ball down most of the time.
“It’s just something I’ve got to keep working on,” Taillon said. “It’s really a mentality deal now. Just got to drive, in my head, think power down. Power all my power stuff down. It was there at times today, and sometimes I was leaving it up, but it will be there for me.”
The right-hander will face a different challenge pitching in Altoona this year. The Texas native threw in Bradenton at the start of the 2012 season. He skipped the cold April in West Virginia in 2011. This year will be the first time he’s thrown in cold weather, with the April temperatures in Altoona sometimes dropping into the 30s.
“I put my order in yesterday with my agent for some long johns and a bunch of long sleeve under shirts,” Taillon said. And his approach for handling the cold weather during the game? “Stay close to the heater in the dugout. That’s my goal.”
Another difference this year is that it will be the first time Taillon has been unleashed to just pitch. In 2011 he was on a strict innings limit. In 2012 he was working on specific things like his changeup and his fastball command. This year he’ll be able to just pitch and go deep into games.
“That’s the way I’m looking at it. Just go out there and get outs, go as deep as I can in the ballgames,” Taillon said.
Reds Favorite, With Cards in Position to Challenge; Pirates, Brewers improved
by Matthew Leach / MLB.com
The National League Central has a reputation in some quarters, and that reputation isn't entirely good. It also isn't entirely fair.
Over the past 10 seasons, the Central produced the most playoff teams of the three NL divisions, as well as the most NL pennant winners. And once again in 2013, the odds are good that multiple playoff teams will come from the NL Central.
The clubs in best position to do that are the ones that did it last year. The reigning champion Reds made a nice upgrade to their lineup, bringing in Shin-Soo Choo to lead off, but otherwise bring back most of a club that won the division by nine games. The Cardinals lost two starting pitchers from their end-of-year starting five, but they're confident in what they have to replace Chris Carpenter and Kyle Lohse.
So it's no exaggeration to say the rest of the division is chasing the Redlegs and Redbirds. After all, one or both of those two teams has made the postseason in each of the past four seasons.
Each of the three challengers has reason to think it's closer to the top. The Pirates made a major upgrade at catcher, and they're counting on steps forward from some promising young players. The Brewers believe they fixed the bullpen that cost them so many wins last year. The Cubs overhauled their rotation, likewise fixing what was their biggest problem in 2012.
They're all still chasing the Reds and Cards, but they may be getting closer.
You may notice someone has been left out of this discussion, by the way. That's because there's a little more elbow room in the Central this year. Formerly baseball's most populous division, it's now down to five clubs thanks to the Astros' move to the American League West.
We polled our NL Central beat writers -- Brewers reporter Adam McCalvy, Cardinals reporter Jenifer Langosch, Cubs reporter Carrie Muskat, Pirates reporter Tom Singer and Reds reporter Mark Sheldon -- and asked them to rank the clubs in four major categories as well as to give some input as to the race as a whole.
BEST LINEUP
This was the closest call, and a true three-team race. Milwaukee led the NL in scoring last year, a mere 11 runs ahead of St. Louis. Cincinnati was well behind in ninth, but will have a full season of Joey Votto and new acquisition Choo. All three clubs have deep, dangerous lineups. In the end, it's the Cardinals by a nose, thanks to the combination of a superb heart of the order, significant contributors at seven of the eight everyday spots, and top prospect Oscar Taveras on the way. The Brewers will do without Corey Hart for the early part of the year, costing them a serious power threat from a lineup that's built on power. And while the Reds are improved, it's hard to believe that they've improved so much as to narrow what was a large gap. All three teams will score some runs, that much is for sure.
Our selection: Cardinals
BEST ROTATION
This was the one area where there was real consensus -- unanimity, in fact. When you're able to move a talent like Aroldis Chapman to the bullpen, it's a pretty good indication. The Reds have the two keys to a quality rotation: front-line quality and depth. Johnny Cueto has the second-best ERA of any NL starter over the past two seasons, and he's backed by four legitimate big leaguers in Bronson Arroyo, Mat Latos, Homer Bailey and Mike Leake. Latos and Bailey both have upside to be more than quality mid-rotation starters, to boot. If everything goes right, the Cardinals have a group that could match Cincinnati's, but St. Louis has many more questions in its starting five. Jaime Garcia in particular could be excellent, but must prove he's healthy. Milwaukee could have a sneaky-good rotation headed by Yovani Gallardo and Lohse, followed by some very talented youngsters, but with young talent comes unpredictability. The Pirates have reason for optimism, and the Cubs are improved, but the Reds and Cards have the two best rotations in the division.
Our selection: Reds
BEST BULLPEN
The Reds had the NL's best bullpen ERA last year, and they bring pretty much the entire group back -- headed by the amazing Chapman, he of the 100-mph heat and wicked slider. Jonathan Broxton returns for a full year in a setup role, and pitchers like Sam LeCure, Jose Arredondo and Alfredo Simon provide depth. This is an excellent group, and it should be helped by a rotation that ought to eat up lots of innings. The Cardinals were a close runner-up in our poll, thanks to their strong end-game sequence of Edward Mujica in the seventh, Mitchell Boggs in the eighth, and Jason Motte in the ninth -- plus emerging youngster Trevor Rosenthal. The Pirates, Brewers and Cubs each got a little consideration, but as with the rotations, this is basically a two-team race.
Our selection: Reds
BEST DEFENSE
The Reds may be a little weaker defensively than they were a year ago, but they still outpace the division, according to our panel. Gold Glovers at two infield positions is a very good start, with Brandon Phillips and Votto making up an airtight right side of the infield. Zack Cozart is a quality defender at short, and there's quality at the outfield corners. Drew Stubbs will be missed in center, but this is still a solid defensive team. The Pirates are strong up the middle with Russell Martin, Clint Barmes and Andrew McCutchen all plus defenders, and the Cards will likewise be strong at catcher, shortstop and center field. This is not a division laden with top-flight defensive teams, but they're nearly all pretty solid, and Cincinnati is at the top of the heap. Defense was the only category where all five teams were named on at least one ballot.
Our selection: Reds
FAVORITE
The Reds are deep and potent, one year after cruising to a division title and coming up just short of an NL Championship Series appearance. They pitch. They hit. They play defense. They addressed their primary weakness on offense. And they have the depth to withstand some injuries.
CHALLENGER
Last year's runner-up is in the best position to dethrone the champs. The Cardinals once again sport an extremely dangerous lineup and should have a deep bullpen. The uncertainty is in their rotation, which could be very good but has quite a few questions.
DARK HORSES
The Pirates and Brewers both had tastes of contention last year, and each returns a similar formula to what they used a season ago. The Bucs will try to ride their starting pitching and just enough offense to their first winning season since 1992. They're hoping that the addition of Martin, plus the maturing of some young hitters, will be enough to put them in the picture at year's end.
The Brewers bring a high-powered offense that will likely once again live by the home run, though they'll have to do without Hart for a while. Their rotation has promise, and added some quality and stability with Lohse, which should take pressure off some of the youngsters. Meanwhile they'll hope that a revamped bullpen is good enough after it struggled last year.
NEVER SAY NEVER
The Cubs should be better. The question is how much better. They upgraded their rotation, but health questions surround Matt Garza and Scott Baker, leaving it unclear just who will be in their starting five. The long-term prognosis here is good; the 2013 prospects are a bit fuzzy.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
GREG BROWN
Greg Brown is in his 20th season as a radio and television play-by-play announcer with the Pirates. Only three other broadcasters in club history have had more time behind the microphone than Brown.
Greg's association with the Pirates began in 1979, when he interned in the Promotions department while attending Point Park College. Following the World Series that year, Brown worked as the clubhouse manager during the Instructional League program in Bradenton, Florida. His 10-year stint in the Bucs front office included work in the Sales, Public Relations and Broadcasting departments. Greg also served as the team's public address announcer during the 1987 campaign. In 1988, he was a sports anchor on WFMJ-TV in Youngstown, OH.
Prior to joining Pittsburgh's broadcast team in 1994, Brown spent five seasons (1989-1993) doing play-by-play and color commentary for the Buffalo Bisons of the American Association (now International League) as well as hosting a sportstalk show on WGR Radio. He also worked as a color analyst and a pre- and post-game show host for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League for five seasons (1989-93). Also during his time in Buffalo, Greg served as a play-by-play announcer for University of Buffalo basketball on WGR Radio and as a broadcaster for the Empire TV Sports Network.
Brown's dedication and passion for the Pirates extends to his efforts away from the broadcast booth as well. In addition to various off-season appearances in the community and his work on the annual Pirates caravan and PirateFest events, Greg spearheaded the "Gloves for Kids" program, which raised money for much-needed equipment and gloves for youth baseball and softball organizations in underserved areas around the Pittsburgh area. During the course of the season, Brown teams up with broadcast partner Steve Blass and hosts several pre-game receptions for members of the 65 Roses Club, which is part of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Brown is a native of Washington, D.C. He currently resides in Leet Township with his wife Kim and son Ryan (14).
TIM NEVERETT
Tim Neverett joined the Pittsburgh broadcast team on December 18, 2008 and is in his fifth season as a radio and television play-by-play announcer with the club.
Prior to joining the Pirates, Neverett spent four years working for FSN Rocky Mountain, where he spent the 2008 campaign serving as both the pre-game and post-game studio host for Colorado Rockies games. During his tenure with FSN Rocky Mountain, Tim also served as a play-by-play announcer for Rockies games, college football, basketball, hockey and lacrosse, as well as arena football and track and field.
Neverett was also one of the original play-by-play and studio voices for the mtn, The Mountain West Conference Sports Network, where he called a number of football and basketball games along with hosting a weekly roundtable studio show. In addition, Tim worked as a weekend talk show host for the nationally syndicated Sporting News Radio Network, where his show was heard on over 160 stations nationwide. He also served as a Sports Talk Host for ESPN 560 in Denver, Colorado, where he was named the 2005 Best Radio Sports-Talk Host by Westword magazine in its annual "Best of Denver" issue.
Neverett also called baseball, softball, basketball and soccer during the 2004 Athens Olympics and 2008 Beijing Olympics. During the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics and 2006 Olympic Games in Torino he handled play-by-play duties for hockey and numerous skiing events. The multi-national feeds were seen in more than 100 countries.
Prior to his time in Denver, Neverett lived in Las Vegas, where he called games on radio and TV for the Padres and Dodgers Triple-A teams. He also served as the play-by-play voice for Las Vegas' International Hockey League team for five seasons, then added college baseball and football at UNLV to his duties.
Neverett began his baseball broadcasting career in 1985 with Pittsburgh's Double-A affiliate in the Eastern League. At the age of 19, he had the opportunity to fill in calling radio play-by-play of Nashua Pirates games, which led to more innings and ultimately a schedule of games that season.
Tim has three sons; Matthew (18), Kyle (16) and Drew (13). He is a graduate of Emerson College in Boston where he lettered in baseball for four seasons.
BOB WALK
Bob Walk is in his 20th season as a member of the Pirates broadcast crew. He joins Greg Brown as being one of only six men with at least 15 years of service behind the microphone for the Bucs on radio.
The former right-handed pitcher spent 10 of his 14 years pitching in the Major Leagues with Pittsburgh (1984-1993). He compiled a 105-81 lifetime record, which included an 82-61 mark with the Pirates.
Walk's professional career began with Spartanburg in 1977 after he was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 3rd round of the 1976 June draft. He made his big league debut with the Phillies in 1980 and was the starting pitcher in Game One of the World Series that October against Kansas City.
In the spring of 1981, Walk was dealt to the Atlanta Braves for outfielder Gary Matthews. He spent three seasons in the Atlanta organization before being acquired by Pittsburgh in 1984. Bob was a 1988 National League All-Star and he posted six straight winning seasons from 1987 to 1992. One of his finest moments in a Pirates uniform came in 1992 when he pitched a 7-1, complete-game victory over the Atlanta Braves in Game Five of the National League Championship Series.
Walk, a native of Newhall, CA, resides in Wexford with his wife Lorrie. They have three sons; Tommy (33), Johnny (30) and Ronny (23). Tommy and his wife, Dominique, are the proud parents of daughters Makayla (10) and Kylie (7). Johnny is scheduled to marry Nikki on May 11, 2013.
STEVE BLASS
The 2013 season marks Steve Blass' 54th year of involvement with the Pirates and his 28th behind the microphone as a color commentator. He has been associated with the club since signing his first professional contract on June 27, 1960.
For the ninth straight season, Steve will work only those games played at PNC Park. He will continue in his role as an analyst on both radio and TV. Only Lanny Frattare (33 years) and Bob Prince (28) have spent more years behind the microphone than Blass (27).
A right-handed pitcher, Blass made his professional debut with Kingsport in 1960 and his Major League debut with the Bucs on May 10, 1964. He joined the big league team permanently in 1966 and went on to pitch a total of 10 seasons in the Majors, compiling a 103-76 record, 57 complete games and 16 shutouts in 282 games (231 starts). Steve ranks seventh on the club's all-time list in strikeouts (896).
In his third full season in the Majors in 1968, Steve went 18-6, leading the league with a .750 winning percentage while posting a 2.12 ERA, 12 complete games and a career-high seven shutouts. His 2.12 ERA ranked fifth in the N.L. as St. Louis' Bob Gibson led the circuit with a 1.12 ERA.
During a five-year span from 1968 thru 1972, Blass was one of the best pitchers in the National League as he compiled a 78-44 record, 50 complete games and a 3.05 ERA. He won a career-high 19 games in 1972 and was named to the National League All-Star team that season.
In the 1971 World Series against the Baltimore Orioles, Blass recorded two complete game victories, allowing only seven hits and two runs in 18 innings of work. He finished second in the voting for World Series MVP behind teammate Roberto Clemente and remains the last National League pitcher to throw a complete game in Game Seven of a World Series.
After retiring following the 1974 season, Blass remained in the Pittsburgh area and worked in private business, while continuing to do community service for the ballclub.
In 1983, he worked with the legendary Hall of Fame broadcaster Bob Prince on Pirate cable telecasts and was also retained the following year when the cable rights were secured by Home Sports Entertainment. Blass officially joined the Pittsburgh Pirates radio broadcast crew in 1986.
A native of Canaan, CT, Steve and his wife Karen live in Upper St. Clair. They have two sons, David and Christopher, and five grandchildren. In 2002, Steve became the 13th recipient of the "Pride of the Pirates" award, a yearly honor (since 1990) which recognizes a member of the Pirates family who has demonstrated the qualities of sportsmanship, dedication and outstanding character during a lifetime of service.
On September 10, 2009, Steve defied the astronomical odds and recorded a pair of holes-in-one in the same round of golf. According to Golf Digest, the odds of a golfer making two aces in the same round are one in 67 million.
JOHN WEHNER
Pittsburgh native John Wehner joined the Pirates broadcast team prior to the 2005 season. He serves as an analyst on both radio and TV, working all road games and a handful of games played at PNC Park in Pittsburgh.
Entering the 2013 campaign, John has spent a total of 22 seasons in the Pittsburgh organization (1988-1996, 1999-2001 and 2003-2012). Prior to being named to the broadcast team, John spent time as a coach with the Double-A Altoona Curve (2002-2004) after serving the Pirates as a special instructor during spring training in 2002.
He saw his last action in the Major Leagues with the Pirates in 2001. He hit the last home run in the history of Three Rivers Stadium on October 1, 2000 off Chicago's Jon Lieber and also made the final out. In 11 seasons in the Major Leagues, John compiled a .249 batting average, hit four home runs and collected 54 RBI in 461 games. In addition, he shares the Major League record of playing 99 consecutive errorless games at third base (also Jeff Cirillo).
Wehner is a graduate of Pittsburgh's Carrick High School and attended the University of Indiana, where he played baseball for three years. He resides in Cranberry Township, PA, with his wife Brandie and has five children; sons Tyler (21) and Brandon (19) and daughters Hailey (14), Brooke (12)?and Hannah (10).
Pirates fans might not have any input in trades or free-agent signings, but they will have a say in choosing a new logo for the 2014 season.
Four focus groups — season ticket holders, corporate partners, suite holders and random fans — are meeting at PNC Park this week to help pick a new buccaneer symbol. The present model features a snarling pirate in a black and red bandana. It has been around since 1997.
“It's time to update it a little bit,” executive vice president and chief marketing director Lou DePaoli said.
DePaoli said the fans are being shown prior logos and asked to offer their ideas. A sketch artist will apply them on paper, on the spot.
“We don't have any preconceived notions,” he said. “We figured we'd go at it a little bit differently.”
Contrary to some reports, DePaoli emphasized that the traditional and popular gold “P,” which is worn on the hat and featured prominently in advertising and marketing, will not be touched.
“When people see the gold ‘P,' they know it stands for Pirates,” he said. “It's something you don't mess with.”
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