Comments on: First Pitch: The Case Against Extending Neil Walker

By: emjayinTN

emjayinTN — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 09:12:00 +0000

Chase Headley did not throw a pitch this year and the primary reason for the downfall in 2012 was that the ERA went up by almost a full run after the All Star Break. And, Headley is still in SD because they raised the asking price to try to get another deal similar to the one they got from Cincy for Mat Latos. One hitter was not going to make that much of a difference – in a few years, maybe, but not in 2012.

By: Ian Rothermund

Ian Rothermund — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 15:55:00 +0000

The entire point to the argument was that it’s very possible they’d have better internal options by the time Walker is 31 and finally becomes a free agent. Tim didn’t make any mention of finding other options outside of the organization to replace him.

I agree though, why not Headly, I mean he’s not an outfielder, but I’m sure adding him at the cost of Cole or Taillon plus a few players would have sured up what was a terrible starting rotation. One player was really the difference between a .275 and .600 winning %.

By: James S

James S — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 21:10:00 +0000

I’d lock him up for the simple reason that the front office has no ability whatsoever to bring in good hitters from without. If a proven good hitter becomes available, they hem & haw until he is no longer available (Chase Headley) and instead throw their chips at unproven players like Travis Snider.

At least Walker is above average. They cannot aquire above average players otherwise.

By: emjayinTN

emjayinTN — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 17:07:00 +0000

Tim: No, disagree. The Bucs have to wrap up a solid core to build with and have them 5, 6, or 7 years into the future. I think Neil would sign a long term contract similar in years to the one ‘Cutch signed, but for less dollars overall. Some folks who inhabit 2B and what they will make in 2013 – Phillips $12 mil, Pedroia $10 mil, Uggla $13 mil, Weeks $10 mil, Kendrick $8.75 mil. Neil has been excellent on defense and, IMO, should have been the Gold Glove pick in 2011 instead of Phillips. His bat has been steady and I like him to increase the HR production to 15-20/year, and he seems to be very consistent with RBI’s. A good kid, a local kid, and probably a solid citizen and positive clubhouse influence. Something for 6 years + a year or two of Club Options in the vicinity of $33 to $38 mil.

By: maguro

maguro — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 15:40:00 +0000

Agreed on all counts. Tabata’s performance (or lack thereof) illustrates the downside of locking up arbitration-eligible players. Once you buy out a guy’s arbitration years, you have to pay him, whether he performs or not.

By: Richard Ya'Zhynka

Richard Ya'Zhynka — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 03:03:00 +0000

The fact that Walker is from Pittsburgh and is a fan favorite should have no impact on the Pirates evaluation of him. Any contract offer must be based entirely on the Pirates assessment of how well Walker will produce on the field. He is a little better than average at the plate and a little below average at second.

By: Tim Williams

Tim Williams — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 02:37:00 +0000

I think he’s slightly above average, but not one of the top guys in the league. Considering they have him for four more years, there’s not a big need to extend him.

By: Tim Williams

Tim Williams — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 02:36:00 +0000

I’ve covered that topic plenty. I think it’s possible to talk about other topics as well.

By: Tom

Tom — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 00:52:00 +0000

Walker is one of the better 2B in the game, local kid, fan favorite, switch hitter and more than a role player. Great writing but I don’t agree with your assessment of Walker. Whether we sign him or not, he is a big part of the team moving forward.

By: Jim C

Jim C — Sat, 06 Oct 2012 22:31:00 +0000

Right let’s worry about Walker’s possible contract (and one of the few REAL MLB players on the team) instead of writing about when the Pirates are actually going to put a winning product on the field. Good job, good effort Tim. Front Office probably can’t wait to figure out who will replace Walker, its all part of the “PROCESS”