Comments on: Internal Options For the 2012 Season

By: David B. Goldstein, CPA

David B. Goldstein, CPA — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 13:57:00 +0000

Injury free like the first half of 2011? You mean when Pedro Alvarez, Ryan Doumit, Ross Ohlendorf, Evan Meek, Joe Beimel and Steve Pearce got hurt?

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 13:35:00 +0000

One team that would be very interested in Tabata and a little less interested in Marte is the Nationals. They have no lead off hitter, unless they sign Reyes and no true centerfielder. Tabata fits both needs.

More importantly, they have a couple of front line starters in Peacock and AJ Cole and other pitchers who are blocked, who have performed well in the minors. I think the Nationals have enough that if the Pirates wanted to move Tabata or Marte, they could get better pitching than if they went the FA route.

By: Jack Mcelligott

Jack Mcelligott — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 21:29:00 +0000

I agree,its far too early to assess the team opening the season. Last year the Pirates were very aggressive but free agents passed on the Pirates. It may not be the same situation this year. I also see the Pirates perhaps trading a Sterling Marte, or Tabata along with a Lincoln type. There is no doubt the Pirates are going to dangle some trade bait in hopes of filling a hole or two. ITs also very possible that Cole will make his major league debut in 2012. Hes got major league stuff right now. If he looks good in spring training I see him moving quickly. I think we will be pleasantly surprised but not every hole will be filled from the outside and that is not a bad thing. Good insight.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 18:54:00 +0000

Man i hate to hear talk about trading our minor leaguers. I know it is a part of the business and not everybody is going to be able to fit on the 25 man roster but this system is just getting started and they need to add to the pospects not detract. A strong minor league system is the lifeblood to this team and trading our better prospects ( and that is what teams are going to ask for ) for some third rate player that will be here for a season and then disappear from the planet i’m not in favor of.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:45:00 +0000

I think you are right about the trade route being the way to go. I know they don’t seem as willing to move him now but I think the Rockie’s Iannetta is someone the Pirates should be looking at. They could also potentially try to get Wigginton as a right handed platoon option at 1st with Jones (he could also provide some insurance should Alvarez struggle). If they took on both salaries I wouldn’t expect the price to be too astronomically high.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:03:00 +0000

Tim, your post pretty much rules out trades and IMO that is the way to go to get what they need. I realize you are playing with the cards your are dealt at this time.
Releasing players and getting the same or close to what you released is not the way to go, they will have money to spend and they know they have to spend some, if for no other reason than to shut the detractors up. Other than Hernandez at catcher, there are not many other solid upgrades that you have mentioned. Trades still will involve spending money if they take a big contract off of someones hands, not to mention giving up something. As far as internally filling holes, I like it when it involves 1 or at the most 2 players, but with all the changes they are going to make, they have to get some veteran help.

By: Bob

Bob — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 13:09:00 +0000

“It would be unlikely that Tony Sanchez would arrive this year.”

I think what you meant to say was there in no chance in hell we see Sanchez this year.