Thanks to Charlie at Bucs Dugout for this one.
The Baseball Analysts attempt to quantify minor league defensive numbers from play-by-play data. Charlie notes the errors that could happen in a study like this, but, as he says, it's nice someone is giving it a try.
And take a look at the best defensive shortstops in the minor leagues. No. 7 and No. 8 are Pirate prospects, Brent Lillibridge and Brian Bixler, respectively.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Compensation
This is a day late, but check it out anyways. A New Pirates Generation has a solid post on compensation picks. It's a good read.
Bucs on Top Prospects list
Andrew McCutchen is receiving a little love from topprospectalert.com. The site released its Top 100 prospects list, which features three Buccos. McCutchen sits at No. 7, while Brad Lincoln and Neil Walker rate No. 71 and No. 78, respectively.
The site also has its list of Top 10 Pirates prospects. After the top three, a Pirates list becomes very interesting in the difference of opinions. Matt and I will post a Top 10 list in the near future. Be on the lookout for it.
The site also has its list of Top 10 Pirates prospects. After the top three, a Pirates list becomes very interesting in the difference of opinions. Matt and I will post a Top 10 list in the near future. Be on the lookout for it.
Bradenton eligible for money
Bradenton, Fla., the spring training home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, received word yesterday that it is eligible to receive special funding which would help keep the Pirates in town for a long time.
No Hawpe for Buccos, For Now
It appears as though Rockies outfielder Brad Hawpe is off the market and won't be heading to Pittsburgh. Of course nothing is final but it appears that Dave Littlefield is too reluctant to give up one of this four young starting pitchers and the Rockies are not interested in anything less than a starting pitcher.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Minor league managers named
Brian Graham, Pittsburgh's Director of Player Development, announced the minor league managerial and coaching assignments for the 2007 season today. There's plenty of familiar names, including Trent Jewett, who will be at the Triple-A level for his 10th season.
Also, managing the State College Spikes will be Turner Ward. I always liked his style of play when he was around, though it was only for a short ime.
Also, managing the State College Spikes will be Turner Ward. I always liked his style of play when he was around, though it was only for a short ime.
So you had a bad (13) days...
It saddens me to have to do this, but this video clip is just too great. This is what you get when you surf YouTube at 3 a.m., looking for clips of the Pirates. Remember when the Buccos set a new franchise record in 2006 by losing 13 games in a row? If you don't, let this video refresh your memory.
Props to Pirates55555 for the making and uploading of this onto YouTube. Enjoy!
Props to Pirates55555 for the making and uploading of this onto YouTube. Enjoy!
Blame Littlefield
Another five-year rebuilding plan for the Pirates is currently failing. Who is to blame? Well, many point to this man...
Dave Littlefield, the Pirates' General Manager. Larry Dobrow of CBS SportsLine tries to save the franchise, despite everything wrong Littlefield has done up to this point.
Dave Littlefield, the Pirates' General Manager. Larry Dobrow of CBS SportsLine tries to save the franchise, despite everything wrong Littlefield has done up to this point.
Pirates Interested in Tomo Ohka
The Pirates are among at least eight teams interested in right-handed starting pitcher Tomo Ohka, according to the Post-Gazette. Ohka is a free agent who made over 4 million dollars last year and could command as much as 7 or 8 million per year with his next contract.
Ohka, 30, went 4-5 with a 4.82 ERA in 18 starts for the Milwaukee Brewers last season, one in which he missed two months to a shoulder impingement. Over eight years, he has a 48-57 record and 4.04 ERA.
With the market for pitchers the way it is this off-season, it seems as though the money that Ohka will command will stun many for a guy who's career record is below .500. The Cubs have reportedly offered Jason Schmidt 44 mill over 3 years, that's almost 15 per. The Phillies have given Adam Eaton 8 mill a year for the next 3. If the Pirates are going to sign Ohka or Suppan, they will most likely have to cough up around 20 mill over the next 3 years. That's the business of baseball right now, like it or not and the Pirates most certainly do not like it. I have to imagine that Suppan will command a higher price and more suitors than Ohka, therefore you would think that Ohka would be more of a possibility for the Bucs. However, Suppan has publicly stated that he loved his time in Pittsburgh and that his affection for the city would play a part in his decision.
Ohka, 30, went 4-5 with a 4.82 ERA in 18 starts for the Milwaukee Brewers last season, one in which he missed two months to a shoulder impingement. Over eight years, he has a 48-57 record and 4.04 ERA.
With the market for pitchers the way it is this off-season, it seems as though the money that Ohka will command will stun many for a guy who's career record is below .500. The Cubs have reportedly offered Jason Schmidt 44 mill over 3 years, that's almost 15 per. The Phillies have given Adam Eaton 8 mill a year for the next 3. If the Pirates are going to sign Ohka or Suppan, they will most likely have to cough up around 20 mill over the next 3 years. That's the business of baseball right now, like it or not and the Pirates most certainly do not like it. I have to imagine that Suppan will command a higher price and more suitors than Ohka, therefore you would think that Ohka would be more of a possibility for the Bucs. However, Suppan has publicly stated that he loved his time in Pittsburgh and that his affection for the city would play a part in his decision.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Cards Sign Kennedy, ex-Pirate Wells
Adam Kennedy has signed a free agent deal with the defending World Champion St. Louis Cardinals. Kennedy will be re-united with David Eckstein, who played together for the Angels. Last year Kennedy hit .273 with 5 home runs, 55 RBI's and 50 runs scored. The deal is worth 10-million dollars over three years.
The Cardinals also have come to terms with starting pitcher Kip Wells, who spent parts of last year with the Pirates and Rangers. Wells is expected to take one of the vacant spots in the Cards rotation. Terms of the deal are not yet available.
The Cardinals also have come to terms with starting pitcher Kip Wells, who spent parts of last year with the Pirates and Rangers. Wells is expected to take one of the vacant spots in the Cards rotation. Terms of the deal are not yet available.
Pirates rumor mill
The rumor mill continues to churn involving the Pirates needs to add a left-handed power bat at first base or in right field and a right handed starter to compliment Ian Snell in the rotation.
The Florida Marlins have expressed a serious interest in Chris Duffy, a move that would fill their void in centerfield. A possible deal would most likely include left-handed first basemen Mike Jacobs, who hit 20 home runs in just 136 games in 2006.
The Colorado Rockies have also been mentioned as possible trading partners with the Pirates stemming from their interest in one of the Pirates' young coveted starters. The most recent rumor would have Paul Maholm heading to the Rockies for Brad Hawpe, who could play first base or right field.
The Florida Marlins have expressed a serious interest in Chris Duffy, a move that would fill their void in centerfield. A possible deal would most likely include left-handed first basemen Mike Jacobs, who hit 20 home runs in just 136 games in 2006.
The Colorado Rockies have also been mentioned as possible trading partners with the Pirates stemming from their interest in one of the Pirates' young coveted starters. The most recent rumor would have Paul Maholm heading to the Rockies for Brad Hawpe, who could play first base or right field.
Pirates interested in Suppan, Marte signs
The Pirates are pursuing free agent pitcher Jeff Suppan, according to the Post-Gazette. This past season in St. Louis, he went 12-7 with a 4.12 ERA, then had a marvelous playoff in which he allowed one run in two starts in the National League Championship Series. His salary was $4 million. In his 2003 stint with the Buccos, He went 10-7 with a 3.57 ERA in Pittsburgh, then was traded to the Boston Red Sox in the four-player deal that netted Freddy Sanchez and Mike Gonzalez.
...at the same time, the Buccos elected to keep left-handed reliever Damaso Marte. He signed a two-year contract worth $4.7 million.
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