Comments on: Clint Barmes Conference Call Notes

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 17:09:00 +0000

I also agree that even though FO might be overspending, it’s what we’ve all wanted. All I’ve read is the FO is tight with money, trhey won’t pay, and while I agree that these first 2 signings are “average” talented players maybe just past their prime, at least they are trying to do something. Picking up 2 players off the waiver wire (1 now DFA) some complained, “dumpster diving again”, but again, at least they are trying to do something. We cannot sign Fielder, Pujols, Rollins, but we can pick up average players who play hard and can help the development of younger players until we can back-fill when guys like Sanchez, Chase, and Jody are ready. Would lover to see Kotchman sure up 1st base defensively, would be happy with Loney or Pena. SP needs to be addressed and as Tom Guido pointed out, Jackson/Capuano would be be an upgrade for us. Keep the heads up and lets keep upgrading (even if slightly) and moving forward.

By: TOM GUIDO

TOM GUIDO — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 15:33:00 +0000

I am shocked to see the comments of these “fans”. Damned if I do damned if I don’t. People have complained yr over yr about the ownership not spending money. News flash, we will not attract high price talent right now. Simple won’t happen.
I am a big NH supporter (besides the JBay trade). Hitting is down all over the league, if we can pick up two above average defensively sound up the middle players, that can hit .240-.250 with a combined 25+ HRS 90RBI’s great! Takes the pressure away from Sanchez, Mercer, Chase which should help them develop properly.

Next two moves hopefully are a combination of Edwin Jackon/Chris Capuano and Kotchman/Pena/Loney

By: Jeremiah Ewing

Jeremiah Ewing — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:18:00 +0000

Not so sure.

I do get the fact he doesn’t want to play for Pit, but an overpay might change his mind… a 1yr. 12 mil season is awefully hard to turn down no matter the location.

Trade for Bumgarner… I know you like this… and done.

By: Steve Dimmick

Steve Dimmick — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 12:36:00 +0000

let me say it again….thank you Neal…argueably the 3rd best SS on the market, NH went out agressive and got him. I’ll miss Doumit, but Barajas if he can last all year, maybe an upgrade offensively and we know he is behind the plate. My all time favorite players were Van Slyke and Jack Wilson because of the hustle. Barmes is consistent and hustles, he a good ball player, im going to enjoy watching him this year.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:32:00 +0000

Playing ability obviously takes priority over personality in my book. Say what you want about the Manny Ramirez’s of the world, they hit HRs and help teams win, especially in a game like baseball, which is only a semi-team sport in which you take each at bat on your own. That’s why I’m excited about a defensive upgrade at both positions and an offensive upgrade at SS. Secondarily, however, personality should also be a deciding factor in the construction of a young team trying to establish itself like the Pirates. Given Doumit’s lackadaisical defense and Cedeno’s notorious lack of awareness/effort, I am thrilled to see the two of them depart, only to be replaced by similarly productive/priced professionals who take their jobs seriously. Maybe if Cedeno was putting up Tulowitzki numbers he could afford to bunt with the bases loaded, jog halfway to first on grounders, and double-clutch on throws that get there late, but in reality there’s nothing worse than a prima donna attitude coupled with mediocre results. Similarly, maybe if Doumit stayed healthy and put up his 2008 numbers on a yearly basis, we could overlook his phobia of getting his knees dirty, but that’s simply not the case. Glad to have these new guys on board. All indications point to them being upgrades in terms of both production and attitude.

By: michael

michael — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 23:09:00 +0000

In looking at Barmes offence at PNC, it’s not bad at all

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 22:31:00 +0000

I think this too, is what Tim meant by acting like adults. There are no histrionics nor freak outs. Such language adds nothing to the board.

By: James S

James S — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 22:20:00 +0000

I love the “We don’t need any jackasses” comment by Hurdle, and having followed the Bucs since 1969, I surely know what he means. Having good people and good fits between personalities, and players who want to be in Pittsburgh and play hard makes a much bigger difference to a team’s winning abilities than a lot of fans seem to give credence to. Hurdle in my opinion is not a jackass, so I’m confident he’ll do a good job (and has done a good job) of weeding them out and keeping them away.

You see it every year, especially since free agency began, teams loading up on superstars only to completely crash & burn during the season as all the oddball and nutcase personalities clash and fail to gel together as a team.

By: white angus

white angus — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 21:47:00 +0000

i agree completely about Snyder. If healthy, he would be so welcomed back in Pitt.

By: white angus

white angus — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 21:45:00 +0000

since Lee never wanted to come to Pitt in the first place, dont hold yer breath