Wednesday, January 03, 2007

D+? Well at Least It's Not an F!

Baseball America released it's organizational report cards for the 2006 season and the Bucco's passed, but not at all with flying colors. The Pirates received a D+ overall, after receiving grades in 5 different categories. The categories included Major Leaguers, Minor Leagues, Talent Level, Player Procurement, Organizational Direction. Here is how the Pirates Fared:

PITTSBURGH PIRATES
Major Leaugers-Bringing in mediocre veterans may have seemed like a good idea at the time, but it led to another losing season and second-worst record in NL.
D
Minor Leagues-Altoona was only affiliate to reach the playoffs; Pirates left Williamsport to establish NYP affiliation with nearby State College, Altoona's sister franchise.
C
Talent Level-Much of Pirates' hope for the future lies with young arms like Tom Gorzelanny, and system is thin on premium talent after Andrew McCutchen.
C
Player Procurement-Got a couple of useful pieces in trading Sean Casey and Oliver Perez; went for college pitching in draft, led off by Brad Lincoln at No. 4 overall.
C
Organizational Direction-Hosting All-Star Game showed off great PNC Park to the nation, leading everyone to wonder when the Pirates will put a decent team in it.
D
OVERALL GRADE
D+

Just for kicks, only three teams received an A-minus or better. The Twins and Tigers (A-) and the Dodgers received the only A.

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