Comments on: Pirates Bring Back Jeff Karstens on a One Year Deal

By: ATL_Bucco86

ATL_Bucco86 — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 18:20:52 +0000

I like the signing ti bring Karsten back to Pittsburgh, he will help out our rotation, but in all reality if we dont continue to pursue Lariano and/or Marcum our rotation wont be any better than it was last year. McPhearson and Locke have not proven themselves as of yet. So we will go into spring training with the same/or slightly worst rotation than we did last year.

By: Kevin Creagh

Kevin Creagh — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 14:00:12 +0000

In the past, management has responded by saying “You tell Cutch he has to move”, which is humorous to a point.

At the recent Piratefest, NH told us that due to PNC’s giant LF, they really need two CF’s and is excited to see Marte patrol it. He also commented about additional coaching for McCutchen.

Short answer — don’t hold your breath on that switch anytime soon.

By: jg941

jg941 — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 13:47:31 +0000

It is kind of an obvious move that has upside for the team – what do you guys think is really going to hold that up further? I’d be surprised if it was solely because of Cutch’s ego. He’s signed long-term so it doesn’t really impact his “market-value” for the next 5 years (a t which point he wouldn’t be ideal for CF anyway), and he’s smart enough (I think) to see the near-term team value in the move.

I could see where a move to, say, lead-off hitter, would cause someone like him to balk, but it seems like the Marte/Cutch outfield switch is a no-brainer at this point. Thoughts on the likelihood that we see that soon?

By: wkkortas

wkkortas — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 13:47:06 +0000

Exactly–the right guy at the right price.

By: Kevin Creagh

Kevin Creagh — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 12:54:34 +0000

You’re not breaking new ground on the Cutch-Marte angle. Pretty much all of us here at P2 have been pushing for that.

NH feels confident that the new coaches brought in can help Cutch with his positioning and throwing. I’m skeptical myself.

By: jlease717

jlease717 — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 12:34:04 +0000

This is good news. If it’s linked to Liriano not coming for the amount of money reported earlier, it’s better news.

By: totall

totall — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 11:56:30 +0000

I call them as I see them and I disagree with your opinion. I have watched him many times at PNC and on TV. Based on your opinion he should have already signed a 2-4 year deal at 6mil +.

I give you another one to bash me on. Cutch is not the best CFer on the the team but Marte is. He has a stronger and more accurate arm than Cutch and Cutch cannot handle balls hit straight over his head. Cutch has good speed and can go into the gap in leftcenter field but so can Marte. The Pirates do not want to upset Cutch so they won’t make the move. Before you start your bashing, watch Cutch with balls hit over his head and that is his only weakness.

By: pirate fan

pirate fan — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 03:55:56 +0000

Who would you rather they sign?

By: Rick Peluso

Rick Peluso — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 03:30:07 +0000

This is one of the worst comments I’ve seen on the site. How do you bash a pitcher who for the last two years took the ball whenever the Bucs needed him to and consistently got the job done? He ended losing streaks as a starter, took on opponents’ top pitchers and matched them, as well as selflessly moving to the pen to help the team when they needed relief help. Yes he has injury problems but when he’s out there he performs as evidenced by a sub 4 era over the last two years, a BB/9 under two, which is a stat other starters struggled with, and a 2.9 WAR which could have been better had he avoided injury last year. To throw around has been and never was is completely misguided, it is a blessing no other teams signed him and I for one am ecstatic to have JK back.

By: beatembuccos21

beatembuccos21 — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 02:50:42 +0000

Credit where it is due: kudos to NH on this move.