Pittsburgh Pirates In 2011: Flashback To A Year Of Improbability

By Chad Carlson

This past year was certainly a memorable one for Pirates’ fans.  We saw the birth of a new regime under first-year manager Clint Hurdle, and the continued emergence of young players in their first exposure to Major League Baseball.  Entering the 2011 season, no one knew what to expect from such a young team with a new manager, and there were certainly highs and lows during one of the most notable seasons in recent Pittsburgh baseball memory.

Upon announcement of his hiring, Hurdle was immediately effective in inspiring and motivating both players and fans.  Still entranced in a record-setting losing streak for North American sports, the Pittsburgh Pirates' community and supporters needed something to give them a reason to be relevant to fans again.  Clint Hurdle served that purpose from the onset.  His awareness of the team's (city's) situation immediately drew in everyone, from casual fans to daily followers of the club.  Of course, there were some who wondered if he would follow those managers before him, acting as no more than mindless puppets for the higher executives in the ownership hierarchy.

The fact is, Hurdle knew this was going to be a challenge…to bring a team and an organization from rags to riches, and it wasn't going to happen overnight.  Still, despite hearing these admittances by the manager, we, as fans, felt inspired that this team was FINALLY headed in the right direction on the field.

As is the case with prior offseasons in the mostr recent past, the Bucs didn't make a lot of moves prior to Spring Training in 2011, but those they did make grabbed Pittsburgh headlines. 

The acquisitions of Lyle Overbay and Matt Diaz seemed like a perfect fit for the club at the time.  After all, a number of the Pirates' projected starting position players, including Andrew McCutchen, Neil Walker, and Jose Tabata, were young and inexperienced at the Major League level, and could certainly have benefited from the expertise of seasoned veterans.  Insert Overbay and Diaz, two guys who have succeeded at the top level for years, and guide the younger players along, both on and off the field.  Overbay was announced as the team's starting first baseman, while Diaz was inserted to platoon right field along with Garrett Jones.

Prior to Spring Training, this was the projected 2011 starting lineup:

1.  CF Andrew McCutchen

2.  LF Jose Tabata

3.  2B Neil Walker

4. 3B Pedro Alvarez

5. 1B Lyle Overbay

6. RF Garrett Jones/Matt Diaz

7. C Chris Snyder

8. SS Ronny Cedeno

9. Pitcher's Spot

On paper, this looked like a fairly decent lineup, all things considered.  Still, though, there were many questions left to be answered.  Would McCutchen continue to bud as an emerging star? Would Tabata and Walker carry over from their 2010 campaigns? Would Alvarez be the power leader in the middle of the lineup?  Would Diaz and Overbay be the leaders they were brought on board to be? Was Snyder the right choice as starting catcher over Ryan Doumit?

The starting pitching was the major concern, though, for fans.  Kevin Correia was brought on board to lead the staff, while the team was expecting strong rebound years from Ross Ohlendorf and Paul Maholm.  Here was the 2011 projected starting pitching rotation:

Paul Maholm

Kevin Correia

Ross Ohlendorf

James McDonald

Charlie Morton

Wow, how things changed across the board.  As we know, Maholm had a terrible season, Ohlendorf was on the DL the majority of the season, replaced by Jeff Karstens, who had one of the more improbably productive seasons in recent memory.  James McDonald had his ups and downs, while Morton, after an incredible first half of the year, tapered off down the stretch and eventually landed on the DL to end the season.

The 2011 season was an extremely rare one…not in the fact that it resulted in yet another losing season, but that it had perhaps the most drama for a team with only 72 wins in the history of the baseball.  Looking at the season from a statistical standpoint, it apears as though 2011 was just another losing season for the Pirates, one that ended with a 72-90 record, extending their North American sport all-time leading losing record to 19 seasons. 

But for us fans that followed the team through his incredible roller coaster ride of a season, it proved that the flame of passion for baseball can still be ignited in Pittsburgh.  With young players like McCutchen, Tabata, and Walker, along with new acquisitions heading into this year, and as improbable as winning may seem, there will be a relatively brighter glimmer of hope shining on PNC Park when the Bucs take the field in April 2012

And…

As Always…

Let's Go Bucs!

Bucco Blurb: Pirates' Top Offseason Move

By Chad Carlson

Although they haven’t been breaking national headlines, the Pirates have been busy this offseason, making moves and changing the complexion of their eventual 2012 roster.

Among the new acquisitions of the past few months include Rod Barajas, Clint Barmes, Nate McLouth, Erik Bedard, and Casey McGehee.  While the team could make more moves over the next few weeks and beyond, the majority of the holes in the lineup, with the exception of first base, have been filled.

With that being said, who has been the best acquisition for the Pirates thus far?

Rod Barajas

Apparently at the top of the Pirates’ priority list was the situation at the catcher position.  It was one of the first matters they addressed this offseason, electing not to exercise the options on Ryan Doumit or Chris Snyder.  Instead, they signed Rod Barajas, formerly of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Barajas certainly doesn’t have a lot of power.  He’s a defensive upgrade to Doumit, without question.  The main issue with both Doumit and Synder is they have both proven to be extremely injury-prone.  When Doumit was hot, he can hit any pitch out of the ballpark, but that just hasn’t happened all that often.  With a hit-for-contact approach and a solid arm behind the plate, Barajas is a quality option for the Bucs in comparison to the current market as well as for someone who is financially available to them.

Nate McLouth

At first, the signing of Nate McLouth was a puzzling one.  After all, the Pirates seem to have their starting outfield set for 2012, with a number of other players waiting in the wings of the minor leagues for their shot at the big league level in the coming years.  Certainly, Andrew McCutchen and Jose Tabata are forgone conclusions for centerfield and right field respectively, and after his impressive run last season, Alex Presley seems to be the frontrunner for the left field slot. 

This is still a smart deal for the Bucs though.  In their short tenures with the team, both Presley and Tabata have proven to be subjectable to injuries, and the wear-and-tear of a 162-game season can be detrimental to a player's performance, especially someone like Presley, who's bulk experience has come in the minors. 

McLouth adds a quality bat and glove in the backup role, while he's certainly capable of stepping into a full-time role in the event of injury or roster move.  After a rough stint in Atlanta, he came at a low price…which is always a factor concerning the Pirates.

Clint Barmes

The Pirates' decline of Ronny Cedeno's option, followed by the signing of free agent Clint Barmes, was a moderate surprise for fans, from a financial standpoint.  After all, Cedeno's option was for $3 million for 2012.  Typically, when a team declines the option on a particular player, it implies that the team doesn't feel the player's performance on the field is worthy of the type of compensation he is owed the following year. 

By signing Barmes, the Bucs upgraded, but only slightly.  He has plenty more power than Cedeno, minus a few seasons, while the two players' batting averages are virtually identicle.  From a defensive standpoint, they are strikingly similar as well. 

So..yeah, a slight upgrade moving from Cedeno to Barmes. 

But the oddest aspect of the situation is Barmes' contract, which is good for 2 years, $10.5 million.  So the Bucs were not willing to pay Cedeno $3 million for one year, but they'll pay Barmes for 2 years at a little over $5 million per?  For a slight upgrade?  Now clearly, the Pirates' management have talent evaluators who are far more skilled than fans like me, but these two players are very similar from a talent standpoint, so for a historically stingy team like the Pirates to pour extra money in a situation like this, it's a little surprising.  As I've said before, I believe this deal had more to do with the relationship (or lack thereof) between Cedeno and Clint Hurdle.  Barmes, of course, played for Hurdle when both were with the Colorado Rockies' organization.

I think Barmes will be exactly what people expect.  He'll be a solid defensive shortstop, while hit around .250 but will take advantage of opposing pitchers' mistakes and knock a few over the wall.

Erik Bedard

The signing of Erik Bedard at the Winter Meetings is a move that has been approved and supported by fans and critics alike.  Pittsburgh decline the outrageous option on Paul Maholm earlier in the offseason, leaving a vacancy in the starting pitching rotation…until this signing. 

The downside on Bedard is certainly the injuries, and he's been the victim of many over the years.  However, he has solid stuff and a great baseball mind.  If he stays healthy, you'll be a huge upgrade to the Pirates' starting pitching rotation.  He's also a lefty, adding to the team's otherwise all right-handed rotation, including James McDonald, Kevin Correia, Charlie Morton, and Jeff Karstens. 

This is, of course, a risky move…but it's refreshing (and rather shocking) to see the Pirates take a risk.  The key to the quality of this move will be if Bedard can stay away from the injury bug.  If he can, the Bucs' pitching rotation just got a lot stronger.

Casey McGehee

The newest member of the Pirates' family was announced earlier this week, when the Jose Veras was traded to Milwaukee in exchange for Casey McGehee.  We, as fans, certainly didn't see this one coming, and there weren't any rumors regarding interest in the multi-positioned McGehee until the deal was already done.

The last two seasons for have been extremely different from one another for McGehee.  In 2010, he was a power-hitting third baseman contributing daily to his team's offense, while 2011 saw him as almost a liability in the Brewers' astounding power-hitting lineup.

It's not realistic for Pirates' fans to believe that McGehee will return to his 2010 form, but he should be better than last year.  The Bucs are in utter need for power in their lineup, and that's exactly what McGehee brings.  If he hits for power, he will play.  Whether it's at third base, first base, or even the outfield, that remains to be seen.

Stay with us right here at Fans From The Stands for all rants and discussions surrounding our Battlin’ Buccos!

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!

Bucco Blurb: Jose Veras Out; Jason Grilli & Casey McGehee In

By Chad Carlson

The Pirates’ busy offseason continued on Monday, with two more moves that show a ton of promise for the upcoming 2012 season. 

With a number of players nearing the arbitration deadline, the Bucs had some decisions to make, and they made a couple choices on Monday in regards to their bullpen, favoring Jason Grilli over Jose Veras.

Grilli was rewarded for his strong 2011 season with a one-year deal worth just over $1 million, while Veras was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers for third baseman Casey McGehee.

I like both of these moves.  Grilli had a solid year out of the bullpen for the Bucs, and Veras was horribly inconsistent.  With the players the team had on arbitration restrictions, decisions had to be made on who was worth keeping and who wasn’t, and I think they made the correct choice here.  Joel Hanrahan, Evan Meek, and Chris Resop, other pitchers in the bullpen, are still arbitration eligible.

By trading Veras, though, the Bucs also get McGehee…yes, the same player who hit .285 with 23 homeruns and 104 RBI’s in 2010, but had quite a setback this past season in 2011, hitting just .223 with 13 homeruns and 67 RBI’s.  When Milwaukee made the deal for Aramis Ramirez, it became evident that McGehee was expendable to the Brew Crew. 

The Bucs are rumored to have stated that they are not grooming Pedro Alvarez to make the transition over to first base.  So with Pedro occupying third base, or at least with the inside track to do so, that leaves McGehee as a backup…unless…

He is capable of playing first base, and also an outfield spot as well.  Granted, his most comfortable position is the hot corner, but with the Pirates’ current situation, if he’s producing at the plate, something the team needs drastically, they’ll need to find a spot for him on the field.

Maybe Pedro at third, McGehee at first?  Tabata, Walker, McCutchen, Pedro, McGehee?  Not bad.

This is obviously a gamble, considering McGehee’s 2011 season.  But still, this shows that the Bucs are willing to go after a notable bat to improve the offense.  This is an inspiring move, hopefully one that will turn out for the better for the Pirates and their fans.

We’ll continue to bring you our reactions and ask you for your thoughts surrounding the latest Pirates’ news and rumors.  Stay tuned.

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!

Penn State vs. Duquesne Pre and Post Game Shows

Fans From The Stands was in attendance Saturday night at the Consol Energy Center as the Duquesne Dukes hosted the Penn State Nittany Lions.

Pregame Show:  http://www.youtube.com/user/zahatc#p/a/u/1/Stw2QAFzLJw

After the game Chad and Zane gave their thoughts on the basketball matchup.

Postgame Show:  http://www.youtube.com/user/zahatc#p/a/u/0/hBRZkvbMqjo

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter to see where Fans From The Stands will be broadcasting next.

Bucco Blurb: Rating The Pirates' Offseason Activity Thus Far

By Chad Carlson

Among the stories surrounding the Steelers and Penguins, which dominate the Pittsburgh media, the Pirates have been relatively busy this week.  Of course, the Winter Meetings were held this week in Dallas, and even though heading into the week, the Bucs were expected to be relatively quiet from an acquisition standpoint, the club actually made a number of moves over the past couple days.

Let’s summarize the moves the team made this week.  The Pirates signed Nate McLouth, whom they traded to Atlanta in 2009.  They also inked a deal with Erik Bedard, and DFA’d Jason Jaramillo and Pedro Ciriaco.  Ross Ohlendorf, to no one’s surprise, was released this week as well, while the Pirates also acquired Yamaico Navarro from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for two minor leaguers, pitcher Brooks Pounders and infielder Diego Goris. 

Of course, these moves follow the team’s acquisitions of shortstop Clint Barmes and catcher Rod Barajas earlier in the offseason.  The team has cut ties with Ronny Cedeno, Chris Snyder, and Ryan Doumit, to name a few.

So while the Pirates may or may not be done making moves this offseason, they have reached the end of the Winter Meetings, so it’s realistic now to be able to gage how they’ve done from a team improvement standpoint.  Let’s take a look…how have the Pirates done this offseason thus far?

First of all, we have to look at this realistically.  In terms of free agents, the top tier of players was never available to the Pirates.  Albert Pujols, Prince Fielder, C.J. Wilson, etc. will never wear a Bucs’ uniform for reasons that don’t even need to be explained.  That being said, there were a number of free agents, granted a rather weak lower-tier class, who could certainly improve the Pirates team over their 2011 version. 

I have no issues with the team’s decisions to decline options on Paul Maholm, Chris Snyder, or Ryan Doumit.  Considering the production level from these players, as well as how much they would be owed in compensation, it simply isn’t worth it.  Relatively surprising was the club’s decision to pass on Ronny Cedeno’s option.  He would have been owed $3 million, but I still think that Clint Hurdle’s “lack of admiration” for Cedeno had a lot to do with the decision.  Similarly, Ross Ohlendorf’s release was expected and certainly justified.  The guy has done nothing but disappoint in a Pirates’ uniform.

Rod Barajas coming to Pittsburgh is a move that isn’t overwhelmingly exciting, but it’s something that had to be done.  The Bucs needed a catcher, and calls for Michael McKenry to be the starter are simply uneducated.  He, along with Jason Jaramillo, which was designated for assignment yesterday, as well as Eric Fryer, are not the answer behind the plate at this point.  A move had to be made, and, in terms of realistic signings and availability of players, Barajas is a decent pickup.  It remains to be seen how much he’ll be able to contribute with the bat, but given what the team got from the catcher position last year, just about anything would be an improvement.

The pitching rotation looks all but set after the team acquired Erik Bedard.  This is a risky move, given his injury problems, but I personally love it.  It shows the Bucs are willing to take a risk for immediate impact.  If Bedard is healthy, he’ll be a valuable upgrade to the pitching staff.  In addition to him, the rotation will include Charlie Morton, Jeff Karstens, Kevin Correia, and James McDonald.  Morton, of course, may or may not be ready to begin the season follow hip surgery.

With the acquisition of Nate McLouth earlier this week, the Pirates seem to have the pieces in place in the outfield.  Andrew McCutchen and Jose Tabata are locks in center field and right field respectively, and Alex Presley appears to have the inside track for the everyday starter in left field.  With McLouth, though, they have a reliable backup in the even of injuries, and his playing time will significantly increase depending on his production.  I like this move by the Pirates, getting McLouth for low cost.  He’s ecstatic to be back in Pittsburgh, and hopefully he’ll return to his 2008 form.

Clint Barmes is the biggest move in terms of the infield, and I think he’s a slight upgrade over Ronny Cedeno.  He has more power, but he’s also older, and the defense is certainly in his favor.  He has a good relationship with Clint Hurdle, having played for him in Colorado, so he seems to be happy to be reunited with him in Pittsburgh.  The Yamaico Navarro deal gives the Bucs another backup option, which is nice to have in the event of an injury or in the case of another Pedro Alvarez struggle. 

The main issue still revolves around first base, especially following the Derrek Lee rejection of the Bucs’ arbitration offer.  Though it was expected, Lee’s decision is still disappointing.  He will not be a Pirate next season, most people say, and that leaves the team in a little bit of a bind.  Garrett Jones, Nick Evans, and Jake Fox, or any combination of the three, are the options for first base at this point.  Not doubting the ability of these players, but the Pirates need an everyday first baseman.  It will be interesting to see how the team approaches this situation in the coming weeks.

Just because the Winter Meetings are over, that certainly doesn’t mean the Pirates are done making moves.  Stay tuned to Fans From The Stands for the latest reactions to Pirates’ news and rumors.

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!

Roster Moves Continue For Pirates As Winter Meetings Conclude

By Chad Carlson

Though not comparing to the activity of other teams in baseball, the Pirates made a flurry of moves yesterday in Dallas…most of which are relatively acceptable from a fan’s standpoint.

The Bucs released Ross Ohlendorf, a move that most could have predicted following two terrible seasons for the 29 year old right hander.  Between injuries and overall lack of effectiveness on the mound, it was time for “Ohlie” to go.  Reports are that the Pirates still think he is much better than he performed, but still, it was clear he didn’t fit into the club’s plans for 2012 and beyond.

In addition, as was reported yesterday, Jason Jaramillo and Pedro Ciriaco were both designated for assignment in response to the signings of Nate McLouth and Erik Bedard.  The Bucs will have to release both players if they cannot trade them by next Monday’s deadline to tender contracts to arbitration-eligible players. 

The Ciriaco move isn’t surprising, considering the backup role options the team has for infielders, including Josh Harrison and Chase d’Arnaud, as well as Matt Hague and Jordy Mercer.  Newly acquired Nick Evans, as well as Jake Fox, will also be a part of the discussion for valuable utility roles.  Despite his hustle and strong will, Ciriaco didn’t quite measure up to the other options the Bucs have available, so there’s really no issue with cutting ties with him at this point.

In other news, the Pirates acquired infielder Yamaico Navarro from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for two minor leaguers, pitcher Brooks Pounders and infielder Diego Goris.  The 24 year old Navarro hit .264 in 59 games last season in Triple-A.  At the Major League level, he had a homerun and nine RBI’s in 22 games with the Boston Red Sox and the Royals.  Navarro will more than likely be the leading candidate to back up shortstop Clint Barmes this season.

And then there’s the situation at first base.  As expected, Derrek Lee rejected the Pirates’ arbitration offer.  It was speculated and assumed that Lee was going to wait until first basemen Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder signed before he did.  Pujols, of course, signed just this morning with the Los Angeles Angels, and now, expect a flurry of offers to surround Fielder.  The Bucs continue to say that they’ll keep in contact with Lee if he’s interested in playing in Pittsburgh.  While it would be great for Lee to return in 2012, it doesn’t seem very likely that will happen. 

As per Bucs’ insider Jenifer Langosch has reported, the team is leaning towards a platoon situation at first base if no deal is done for Lee.  The position would be occupied by a combination of Garrett Jones, Nick Evans, or Jake Fox.  The attempt at this type of situation in right field backfired on the Bucs last year when both Jones and Matt Diaz struggled tremendously.  Still, with Lee declining their offer and the lack of affordable first basemen on the market this offseason, this appears to be on of the only remaining options the Pirates have at this point.

The Pirates’ 2012 lineup is beginning to take shape, and as the situation at first base evolves, stay tuned to Fans From The Stands for the latest reactions to all news and notes surrounding the Bucs.

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!

Follow us on Twitter @fftspittsburgh

Bucco Blurb: Pirates’ Starting Rotation Set After Signing Erik Bedard

By Chad Carlson

Photo Credit: USA Today

As has now been officially announced moments ago, the Pirates have signed left-hander Erik Bedard to a one-year, $4.5 million deal.  The 32-year old went 5-9 last season with a 3.62 ERA in Seattle and Boston.  He has a career 3.70 ERA in his eight MLB seasons.

The Bucs have been searching for a left-handed starter to complete their pitching rotation, after declining the option on Paul Maholm.  While Bedard’s potential is great, there is the worry about his health.  His injury history includes shoulder and elbow surgery, knee, hip, and MCL issues, among others.  As long as he’s healthy, he’ll aid the team.  A left-hander pitching in PNC Park?  Great numbers are possible.

That being said, regardless of how this works out, this is a rare offseason move that we, as fans, are not used to seeing from our Buccos.  This deal is a risk, no doubt about it.  The guy has great stuff, though, and has the capability of giving shutdown performances.  For once, I’m excited by an offseason move the Pirates have made.  It will be very interesting to see how this plays out, but either way, it’s a bold move by Pirates’ management to go after a quality player. 

Bedard will join Kevin Correia, James McDonald, Charlie Morton, and Jeff Karstens in the Pirates’ projected starting pitching rotation for 2012.

In other news, the Pirates just announced that Jason Jaramillo has been designated for assignment by the team to make room for Bedard.  Pedro Ciriaco has also been DFA’d to make space on the roster for Nate McLouth, whom the Pirates have now officially signed as well.

As rumors become confirmed and news breaks, stay tuned in to Fans From The Stands for all the reactions to the Winter Meetings’ transactions.

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!