By the time the Pirates take the field on Tuesday against the Milwaukee Brewers we may be looking at a completely different roster.
We know some of what the Pirates will be looking to do, but once they are done, what should be done in the aftermath? I take a look at three things post deadline to watch.
Roster Purge
We know Jose Quintana has more than likely played his last game with the Pirates. After a rough Spring Training, expectations weren’t terribly high, but he’s succeeded maybe even the most optimistic predictions. The only thing left is to see what he can get into return.
At some point it would be ideal for the Pirates to lock up a veteran pitcher (or two) to ideally multi-year contracts to take some of the pressure off the younger players coming up, but Quintana isn’t likely to be the start of that. Ben Gamel is the other name that could get moved, but seeing as he’s a fourth outfielder on most teams looking to acquire players, I’m not sure what the return would look like.
This is where it gets tricky. There are other veterans on the roster, and while it isn’t a bad thing to keep a couple around, there hasn’t really been anyone that has really made a case to make it past the deadline. Some would even say there’s more of an issue that they’ve made it to the deadline.
If either of Yoshi Tsutsugo or Josh VanMeter had done more than they currently have, one would have ideally made for a platoon partner at first base with Michael Chavis. Even with the letters struggles against righties, neither Tsutsugo or VanMeter have done much to say they’d be a better option than Chavis playing full-time.
Time to move on.
Bring On (More) Of The Kids
We’ve seen our fair share of rookies make their way to Pittsburgh season and make their debuts. There are a few names still in the minors that haven’t made their debut yet that are building cases to see this year, this is more about getting those who got brief looks, extended looks.
The Pirates have another 40-man/Rule 5 roster crunch coming this off-season, and won’t be bailed out by the League canceling it. They have some stuff to figure out, and some names they need to really evaluate if they are a part of the bigger picture.
That includes getting Jack Suwinski, Tucupita Marcano, and even Travis Swaggerty back up here for another look.
It means getting Colin Holderman, the player acquired in exchange for Daniel Vogelbach, up here for a look. The Pirates didn’t bring in enough veterans to offset the rookies, so just bring in as many of the young guys as possible.
Kevin Newman Revenge Tour
Since returning from injury, it’s crazy to say, but Kevin Newman has been one of the team’s better hitters. That’s probably both good and bad. It’s good to see him playing well when everyone kept writing him off. Bad that with who is on the roster right now, this shouldn’t be the case.
In the month of July, Newman has slashed .315/.359/.452 with nine extra-base hits and six RBI.
The only issue is that a lot of the hitting metrics that have plagued Newman (weak contact, etc.) still aren’t working in his favor so you have to wonder how long he can keep this up.
If there is anyone who seems like a perfect candidate to fill that veteran role – how does a right-handed middle infielder that was a Gold Glove finalist sound?
Pirates Prospects Spotlight
Aaron Shackelford: Reverse Splits Key To Power Surge In Altoona
Pirates Links
Prospect Watch
Today: The DSL/FCL Pirates Own Monday’s Schedule
Yesterday: Po-Yu Chen Dominates; Jase Bowen and Dariel Lopez Each Homer Twice
Daily Video Rundown
Today: Roansy Contreras Pitches, Jase Bowen and Fabricio Macias Home Runs
Yesterday: Jared Triolo Web Gem, Colin Selby Strikeout, Jack Suwinski Double
Pirates Discussion
Today: Off Day and Looming Deadline
Yesterday: Sunday Funday; Hayes Scratched Late
Pirates Prospects Daily Articles
THIS WEEKEND ON PIRATES PROSPECTS
Williams: Five Pirates Who Could Be Trade Targets
Prospect Roundtable: Where Does Termarr Johnson Rank in the Pirates System?
Cal Mitchell’s Home Run Highlights a Problem This Season
Aaron Shackelford: Reverse Splits Key To Power Surge In Altoona
THIS WEEK ON PIRATES PROSPECTS
Williams: The Pirates Are Hitting For Power and Nothing Else
Prospect Roundtable: Which Pirates Prospect Are You Watching in the Second Half?
Teaching the MLB Mindset in Triple-A
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