Comments on: Winter Meeting Notes: Big Moves, Grilli, Jones, McPherson

By: La Pirate

La Pirate — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 16:42:48 +0000

I am encouraged the Pirates might be looking for a shortstop as part of a package deal. Barmes could be moved or move to utility role. He simply doesnt hit enough to be a starter on most teams. However, I would be very careful about trading Jones and relying primarily on Sanchez. It would have to be a good deal. Jones had real solid year and PNC park is made for him.

By: Ecbucs

Ecbucs — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 16:32:23 +0000

I agree that closer is over valued on most teams.
However, not for contenders. That is where a blown save or two makes the difference between getting in the playoffs or not or once in the playoffs whether a team wins a short series and advances.

Teams will pay to reduce risk of losing in late innings. That is why the Yankees have had no problem paying Riveria and will pay him $10 million in 2013.

By: jalcorn

jalcorn — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 13:11:33 +0000

RE: McPherson, one more SP concern and NH says no big moves will be made. I sure hope he is bluffing. We really need a mid-rotation SP like EJax or BMac.

By: whiteAngus

whiteAngus — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 13:11:21 +0000

hanrahan was down from 97mph in 2011 to around 95+ last season. just thought i would throw that in for ya.

also, the fireman/closer role is one of the most overrated in baseball. the game last 9 innings, not just 1.

By: jalcorn

jalcorn — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 13:10:21 +0000

RE: Hanrahan’s value. It was certainly highest last offseason when he had two years of affordable control coming off a dominant 2011. That was the time to cash in for a Jed Lowrie or Josh Reddick.

By: Brian Bernard

Brian Bernard — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 10:37:44 +0000

I like Grilli, however he lost some zip on the fastball last year. He was 95-96 the last two years and dropped to 93-94 end of the year… just sayin.

I care nothing about trading Hanrahan. He’s a true fireman and I love him on the team. Pay him. If you don’t like the arb # then work out a longer term deal with the player, he’s been awesome.

Jones just can’t get any love, and that’s a shame because he’s been a really nice player. Let me ask it this way. Has he really lost playing time in RF to Presley, Tabata, or Snider? No, he has not. He should be the starting RF and occassionally spell 1b where he is by far a much worse defensive player. He’s earned the money and the starting nod.

By: emjayinTN

emjayinTN — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 02:25:15 +0000

Tim: Thanks for the update, and I am glad to hear that they are engaged with the Grilli camp to try to sign him. He has had nothing but top notch success since the Pirates took the chance on him in 2011. He seems like a stand-up guy who felt really at home at PNC and the fans took to him as a result. If you or part of your team is at at the meetings and looking for a nice, reasonably priced bar/restaurant, straight out of the Opryland and straight across and down that street is John A’s. John A. Hobbs is a personal friend of Tommy LaSorda and many of the MLB Umpires. Usually has young up and coming country entertainment also.