The Pirates’ 2016 international signing class (i.e., the one from the period starting on July 2, 2016) was the last one subject to the much lower bonus pool amounts under the previous collective bargaining. The sanctions for surpassing the pool amount were so weak that, over the course of the agreement, two-thirds of the teams in MLB chose to disregard it, some on multiple occasions. The Pirates, of course, chose to be good little troopers, much to their detriment. (Well, to the fans’ detriment, since they don’t benefit from the team saving money.) Under the new agreement, the Pirates’ bonus pool has more than doubled.
Just as a refresher, what you typically saw under the old agreement was maybe 5-10 players signing for six-figure amounts. The Pirates, since they wouldn’t compete for the more expensive players, would typically go over $200K for two or three players, always position players. The position players getting six figures almost always sign at age 16. Pitchers more often sign later and don’t generally get bonuses as large as the hitters. This apparently is an industry-wide tendency. In fact, given that the current practice is to reach agreement with the better prospects two years before they’re eligible to sign, it’s obviously common sense. Otherwise, you’re trying to project a 14-year-old pitcher.
Anyway, what follows is a status report on the Pirates’ top signings, as well as a few other of the more prominent signees. Age at signing, nationality and bonus amount where known are in parentheses.
Francisco Acuna, SS (16, CO, $70K): Acuna is very short (5’7″) and, prior to this year, never hit the ball with much authority, with an ISO of just .076. This year, though, he’s been Bristol’s best hitter, with a 311/374/462 line, including 13 doubles, which ranks third in the league. He’s still only 19.
Luis Arrieta, RHP (17, CO, $130K): Arrieta got the second-largest bonus of any of the pitchers in this class. He pitched well in the DSL in his first season, but struggled to throw strikes last year in the GCL. The Pirates moved him to the bullpen this year at Bristol and he’s walking over a batter an inning, with a WHIP of 2.03. He’s only throwing in the upper-80s, so there’s not much sign of progress right now.
Santiago Florez, RHP (16, CO, $150K): Florez got the biggest bonus of any pitcher in this class and, given his size (6’5″) and mid-90s velocity, he may have the most upside of the group. His command and secondary stuff are still works in progress, but he’s gotten solid results at age 19 in the rotation at Bristol, with a 3.86 ERA and 1.29 WHIP.
Pedro Castillo, OF (17, DR, $170K): Castillo got the second largest bonus in this class, that we know of, but was released after two seasons in the DSL.
Francis Del Orbe, RHP (18, DR, $75K): Del Orbe is tall (6’4″) and lean, which should make him projectable, but he doesn’t throw all that hard yet. The Pirates moved him up to Morgantown in just his second year, then sent him back there this year. He’s pitched mainly in relief so far and has improved only a little if you go by xFIP (4.08 to 3.82).
Julio Rosario, RHP (17, DR, $125K): After two years in the DSL, Rosario is now in the GCL bullpen. He throws about 90 mph, but may not have a lot of projection. He struggled badly with the strike zone in his first DSL season, made great strides in his second year, and is having trouble throwing strikes again this year, leading to a 1.64 WHIP.
Angel Suero, RHP (17, DR, $125K): After missing his first year due to an arm injury, Suero pitched as a starter in the DSL last year and is in the GCL bullpen this year. He’s another 6’4″ righty who offers some projection. He’s fanned over a batter an inning at both levels, but has had a lot of trouble throwing strikes, which has helped limit him to just 8.1 IP this year.
Noe Toribio, RHP (17, DR, $100K): Soon after the Pirates signed him, Toribio was reaching as high as 97 mph, but more recently he’s been sitting at 91-92. He struggled in the GCL last year, but the Pirates moved him up to Morgantown anyway and he put up a 2.40 ERA, with a 0.93 WHIP and a strikeout per inning. That got him a promotion to Greensboro and he’s in the rotation there now at age 19.
Samuel Reyes, RHP (20, DR, $45K): Pablo’s younger brother is only 5’11”, but throws 93-94 mph with a very good curve. Given his age upon signing, the Pirates moved him up to the GCL during his first year and he’s reached Bradenton very quickly. He hasn’t had as easy a time in the Florida State League as he did at lower levels, but he has a 3.35 ERA and 1.24 WHIP.
Jean Eusebio, OF (16, DR, $550K): Eusebio got the biggest bonus in this class by more than triple, but it hasn’t gone well. He struggled in his first two years, in the DSL and GCL, and has an OPS of only .649 at Bristol. With the legion of outfielders there, he’s been getting only sporadic playing time recently and is mostly playing left rather than center, his original position.
Osvaldo Bido, RHP (21, DR, unknown): One of the team’s more interesting low- to mid-level pitching prospects, Bido (pictured above) signed at a late age and saw a spike in his velocity to the 93-96 range. The Pirates have moved him very quickly, so that he’s now made two starts (allowing two earned runs in 14.1 IP) at Bradenton. His command was a significant issue his first year, but has improved rapidly. He still looks like he could have some projection left.
Hai-Cheng Gong, RHP (18, CH, unknown): Gong probably figured to be less of a prospect than an opportunity for the Pirates to have a look at mainland China. He relies on a variety of soft stuff and is getting decent results this year in his second go-round as a reliever in the GCL.
PLAYOFF PUSH
Indianapolis has 27 games left. They trail by eight games in the division and 7.5 games in the wild card.
Altoona has 27 games left. They trail by 12.5 in the division.
Bradenton has 27 games left. They trail by 4.5 games in the division.
Greensboro has 26 games left. They trail by four in the division and 1.5 for the second best record, which could possibly get them a playoff spot.
Morgantown has 27 games left. They trail by three games in the division and two games in the wild card spot.
Bristol has 22 games left. They trail by 3.5 in the division and they’re 1.5 out of the second playoff spot.
GCL Pirates have 22 games left. They trail by 10.5 in the division.
DSL Pirates1 have been eliminated from the playoffs.
DSL Pirates2 have clinched a playoff spot
TODAY’S SCHEDULE
Today’s Starter and Notes: The Pittsburgh Pirates lost 4-3 to the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday night. The Pirates will send out Trevor Williams for his 17th start. He faced the New York Mets in each of his last two contests, giving up a total of five runs over 13 innings. Williams did not face Milwaukee in any of the previous series this season. Unless plans change, the Brewers are countering with a bullpen game today. If there’s any update, we will have it in the live discussion tonight.
The minor league schedule includes three doubleheaders. Altoona had their game suspended with a 0-0 score in the bottom of the second last night. They will finish that game, then play a seven inning game afterwards, with Sean Brady on the mound. Cam Vieaux will get the start for Indianapolis. He has really picked up his strikeout rate, with 60 in 57.1 innings in Triple-A, after putting up 37 strikeouts in 50.1 innings with Altoona. It has not equaled results though, with a 5.49 ERA with Indianapolis, a 2.86 with the Curve. Bradenton has an early doubleheader, though they don’t have any starters listed. They will likely send out Gavin Wallace for one of the games. He struck out a career high 11 batters in his last outing.
Bristol is sending out Santiago Florez, who had the stats from his last start wiped out when lightning ended the game with one out in the fifth inning, right before it could go official. He gave up two runs over 4.1 innings, but the two teams won’t meet again this season, so the game won’t be finished. Morgantown was rained out yesterday, so they will try again to send out fifth round pick Grant Ford, who has allowed one run over his last 13 innings. He has struck out 15 batters in his last eight innings. The GCL Pirates have a doubleheader today. Greensboro has the day off.
MLB: Pittsburgh (48-65) vs Brewers (59-56) 7:05 PM
Probable starter: Trevor Williams (4.75 ERA, 77:23 SO/BB, 94.2 IP)
AAA: Indianapolis (56-57) @ Norfolk (45-68) 7:05 PM (season preview)
Probable starter: Cam Vieaux (5.49 ERA, 60:28 SO/BB, 57.1 IP)
AA: Altoona (56-57) vs Richmond (41-70) 4:30 PM DH (season preview)
Probable starter: Sean Brady (4.06 ERA, 57:27 SO/BB, 99.2 IP)
High-A: Bradenton (62-49) @ Charlotte (66-46) 12:00 PM DH (season preview)
Probable starter: Gavin Wallace (3.83 ERA, 63:18 SO/BB, 80.0 IP)
Low-A: Greensboro (68-45) vs Asheville (53-61) 7:00 PM 8/8(season preview)
Probable starter: Alex Manasa (3.67 ERA, 93:24 SO/BB, 112.2 IP)
Short-Season A: Morgantown (25-23) @ Mahoning Valley (22-28) 7:05 PM (season preview)
Probable starter: Grant Ford (3.05 ERA, 24:11 SO/BB, 20.2 IP)
Rookie: Bristol (21-24) @ Danville (19-28) 6:30 PM (season preview)
Probable starter: Santiago Florez (3.86 ERA, 17:11 SO/BB, 21.0 IP)
GCL: Pirates (12-22) vs Rays (16-16) 10:00 AM DH (season preview)
DSL: Pirates1 (26-30) vs Dodgers (27-27) 10:30 AM (season preview)
DSL: Pirates2 (45-11) vs Colorado (24-32) 10:30 AM (season preview)
HIGHLIGHTS
From Altoona on Monday, Oneil Cruz picks up his first two RBIs in Double-A
Clutch spot for Oneil Cruz to deliver his first 2⃣ Double-A RBIs! A single to left plates a pair and we're up a run #FullSteamAhead
Cody Ponce retired all six batters he faced for his first save since joining the Pirates. Here’s the final pitch.
FINAL: Curve 6, Richmond 5
Cody Ponce locks down the last six outs for his first Pirates org save #FullSteamAhead
Jared Oliva shows off the wheels, getting picked off, but still beating the throw to second base.
Another stolen base for @Jared_Oliva41 = $50 more going to help build adaptive bikes for #VarietyPgh kids in the @edgarsnyder #Bases4Bikes Campaign pic.twitter.com/otDfEKEzzi
— Altoona Curve (@AltoonaCurve) August 5, 2019
RECENT TRANSACTIONS
8/6: Steven Brault activated from injured list. Richard Rodriguez activated from paternity list. Dario Agrazal and Yefry Ramirez optioned to Indianapolis.
8/6: Tom Koehler assigned to GCL Pirates on rehab
8/6: Pirates release Joseivin Medina
8/5: Pirates sign Omar Alonzo and Juan Fuentes.
8/5: Yoyner Fajardo promoted to Bristol. Fernando Villegas promoted to Morgantown.
8/5: Clay Holmes assigned to Altoona on rehab.
8/4: Blake Weiman placed on Indianapolis injured list.
8/4: Pirates release Jung Ho Kang
8/3: Pirates claim Yacksel Rios.
8/3: Richard Rodriguez placed on paternity list. Pirates recall Parker Markel.
8/2: Pirates Designate Jung-Ho Kang for assignment. Recall Pablo Reyes. Activate Erik Gonzalez from injured list.
8/2: Nick Mears activated from Bradenton injured list. Ryan Valdes placed on Bradenton injured list.
8/1: Blake Weiman activated from Indianapolis injured list.
8/1: Austin Coley placed on Altoona injured list.
7/31: Pirates trade Corey Dickerson to Phillies for a player to be named later and international bonus slot money.
7/30: Oneil Cruz promoted to Altoona. Jerrick Suiter activated from injured list. Bralin Jackson placed on injured list. Gift Ngoepe released.
7/30: Pirates recall Geoff Hartlieb and Yefry Ramirez. Montana DuRapau and Alex McRae optioned to Indianapolis.
7/30: Elvis Escobar assigned to Morgantown on rehab.
7/30: Daniel Amaral activated from Bradenton injured list.
7/29: Jordan Lyles traded to Milwaukee Brewers for Cody Ponce. Montana DuRapau recalled from Indianapolis.
7/28: Darnell Sweeney assigned to Altoona. Alfredo Reyes assigned to Greensboro.
7/27: Pirates claim Parker Markel off waivers from Seattle Mariners.
7/27: Kyle Mottice placed on Greensboro injured list. Michael Gretler activated from injured list.
7/27: Angel German activated from suspended list.
7/27: Daniel Amaral sent to GCL Pirates on rehab.
7/27: Tyler Lyons returns to Indianapolis from paternity list.
7/26: Pirates sign Lewys Guzman, Jose Vasquez, Pedro Figuereo, Juan Santos
THIS DATE IN PIRATES HISTORY
Eight former Pittsburgh Pirates players born on this date, including one better know for his managerial career. We start with an important transaction that occurred on this date in 1958. The Pirates signed an 18-year-old kid out of high school named Willie Stargell. During his first season of pro ball in 1959, Stargell played D League ball, which is similar to Low-A now. He hit .274 with seven homers in 118 games. You can read more on Stargell here.
Players born on this date include:
Jim Gray, who played for the franchise in 1884, 1890 and 1893. He was a very good local player who filled in occasionally when needed. He also played for the Pittsburgh team in the Player’s League in 1890, but dressed for just six games total during his four stops in the majors.
Adonis Terry, 1892-94 pitcher. In a roundabout way, the Pirates acquired him for Hall of Fame pitcher Pud Galvin. They sent Galvin to St Louis for Cub Stricker, who never played for the Pirates. Instead, he was immediately dealt for Terry, who won 30 games between his first two seasons in Pittsburgh, but lasted just one game the next year.
Les Fleming, successful minor league hitter, who never saw that translate over to MLB success. Hit .258 in 24 games for the Pirates in 1949 as their first baseman.
Jerry McNertney, catcher for the 1973 team. Was the backup at the beginning of the year when Manny Sanguillen tried to replace Roberto Clemente in right field. When that didn’t work, Sanguillen went back to catching and McNertney lost his spot.
Jim Sadowski, pitcher for the 1974 Pirates. Spent eight season in the Pirates system, but his big league career lasted just nine innings.
Steve Kemp, 1985-86 left fielder. He was a slugger for the Tigers in the early 80’s, but his Pirates career was a disaster over two seasons.
Tyler Yates, 2008-09 pitcher. One of the first players the current front office trade for, which didn’t work out that well.
The Hall of Fame manager mentioned above is Bill McKechnie, which if you’ve ever been to Spring Training, you’ll recognize the last name from the Pirates home field….or at least you would have before the poor decision to change the name before Spring Training in 2017. McKechnie played six seasons for the Pirates and managed them for five years, including 1925 when the franchise won it’s second World Series title. An interesting note about his start with the Pirates as a manager. He tried out for the team as the backup middle infielder in 1921, then when that didn’t work out, he became a coach, which transformed into the managerial spot when George Gibson got fired. You can read more about McKechnie in the link above, which also includes some lesser transactions made on this date.
