Steel City Pirates – Bucco Questions on Super Bowl Weekend!

2-10-24 – By Gary Morgan – @garymo2007 on Twitter

Really solid and well thought out questions this week. Some of you are starting to know me well enough to tee me up purposefully (Nick), and some of you much like Trevor Bauer himself, just can’t stop yourselves. Unlike poor Jason Mackey who has answered the question enough times to completely change his stance, I’m taking the approach I did with my kids and instead of saying no, just an icy glare remains that shows my distain for the question.

At this point, everyone and their mother has been asked, opined, commented or otherwise. If you don’t know how someone feels, you missed it, head over to Google and handle getting your answer. Also, maybe grow up a bit. A more clear case of an MLB black ball has probably not been this apparent since the early days of desegregation. There’s more there than just a girl lying my friends, yes, still. You can Google that too. What you can’t do is say it 500 times and have it come true or change.

If this stance makes you ignore everything else I have to say, well, bye, I don’t base the truth on what makes you happy to hear.

Question 1

Gary, What’s your take on Bob Nutting saying the Pirates have money to spend still, and GMBC hasn’t spent it? Is Bob talking out his ear hole or did Ben just decide the right fits weren’t there? I’d love to see a CF and another starter, at the minimum. It’s about time for spring training and I realize there will be some tinkering, but maybe GMBC thinks we have enough with the kids. – Bobby Nacho

You know, what’s funny brother is I could ask my wife the same question. I told her we had some spare and usually, that means she goes out and spends a touch beyond whatever amount I told here was surplus.

I’m kidding, but just a little.

If anything, I felt like that was really more of a “hey, I said he could do what he needed to do, he just hasn’t” style of self defense, than a directive.

If there’s one thing Bob Nutting has refrained from, it’s involving himself in baseball decisions. When he does in a perceived way at least though is nudge. He nudged to get Reynolds done both times he signed a contract. He nudged both times Cutch signed, but even then, had Ben Cherington told him, sorry Bob, Cutch ain’t it, he’d let his GM make the call.

I truly believe that, I’ve truly heard that. I’ve also heard and known that Bob gives Ben a restrictive budget (85-90 this year) and what his statement did more than anything was make it feel like if Cherington needed a few million more to get something done, he probably can ask for and get it, just by using his statements as leverage.

I could also argue, Aroldis Chapman IS his answer to Bob’s statement.

There have been several plot points throughout this offseason that seem to indicate the team is open to spending more, but I reported that budget almost 2 full months ago at this point, and I don’t think we’ll see it go much higher than that in 2024. That still leaves room for more signings or a trade that adds salary, but there’s no blockbuster coming if I had to guess.

Does Ben think he has enough talent? Well, every single team official has preached from the same pulpit all off season about their expectations and goals, so if he enters with this roster, I have no choice but to assume, he thinks as currently constructed they can compete for those goals.

The alternatives are simple. Ben Cherington is dumb/bad at his job, or dead wrong and bad at his job. Both possible of course, but neither are a statement I feel I can make at this point.

Question 2

I heard Alex bring this up in regards to Henry in that Jordan Comadena does believe that he can be, if maybe not a Gold Glover, not really a concern at catcher. Does that give you any more confidence in the position for the season? – Tyler Hernley

Here’s the tweet from Alex Stumpf way back when talking about Jacob Stallings.

Back in ST 2020 — back when we had no idea how Stallings would do as a starter — bullpen C Jordan Comadena told me he thought Stallings could one day win a Gold Glove. Those two came up w/ the pitch framing program that elevated his game, and he knew even then this could happen

— Alex Stumpf (@AlexJStumpf) November 8, 2021

He recently referred to this himself and applied it to Henry.

Now, before I start here, Alex is far more qualified than I to comment on what a bullpen catcher does or doesn’t do for this team. That said, I’ve had conversations with Michael McHenry as well who has worked with Comadena and he too feels Henry Davis will not struggle to field the position.

Everyone seems to stop with saying he can be serviceable back there but it would be irresponsible for anyone to say anything bigger without seeing it in games.

Truthfully, the Pirates made this a thing with how they handled, and more importantly at least to me, how they messaged their handling of Henry in 2023. Had they been more direct in their messaging on why exactly Henry isn’t catching, or why they felt an inning was all he could take perhaps fans don’t have the feeling they do.

Oh, they’ve tried to correct the record since by noting they wanted to take care of his injury and that he was overwhelmed after being called up. Damage was done though, fans had already seen he wasn’t good enough, and even when Henry catching was the single most logical thing the team could do on the surface, they chose not to.

A couple years ago I was making a big deal about how much I hated shopping at Wal-Mart to my co-workers. It was a joke, I mean, I don’t like it, but I was intentionally over the top having fun with friends. A couple days later I ran into one of them at friggin’ Wal-Mart, and let’s just say, my actions outweighed my words.

That’s where we are with Henry. If he catches in Spring and it doesn’t look like he has a hard time remembering the chest protector goes on the front, it would probably shock some fans who the team convinced thoroughly he was almost dangerous to play back there.

I wrote this a couple weeks ago, but Henry is going to look fine. Side by side with Sanchez or Delay, he’s likely to look inferior, but he won’t look unplayable.

Another thing I’ll toss in here, Henry has already worked with most of the Pirates pitchers in Bradenton, even Paul Skenes, he’s gone to a couple catching mechanics specialists. He’s worked with former catchers in and outside the organization. He’s putting in the work, that’s all you can ask of a guy. He either has the skillset or doesn’t at this point.

In fact, and as you can probably imagine, I talked to a ton of people who have worked with him as recently as this offseason, and as far back as his days with Louisville. The next one who tells me to even expect he’ll be less than good as a catcher will be the first.

The Pirates took the first player in the draft and turned him into a bigger question mark than you’d ever want to allow to happen, and they waited far too long to address it publicly even when directly asked about it countless times in 2023. They created the questions that surround him, so it stands to reason they should ultimately be the ones to squash them.

Question 3

Hate asking questions then listening to the show and you already answered them lol. What’s your ideal in house bench as of today? – Adam Yarkovsky

Ideal? Meaning everything goes as I’d hope. I also think this question means I can’t hope for outside help when forming it, even if I’m wrong, that probably is more interesting.

Jason Delay C, Jared Triolo (INF), Ji Hwan Bae (OF/2B), Conner Joe (OF/IF). Part of me wanted to swap Rowdy and Joe, but I really can’t shake I feel they’ll use Joe a lot and all over the place.

I picked Bae over Palacios primarily. I just want to be done with Bae after this year if he doesn’t latch on, and to know he can’t or won’t, I need to see him play and I think AAA he’s just going to excel.

Question 4

Thoughts on the Bobby Witt extension? Do you see the Pirates ever doing something like this if they develop a player of his caliber? And is KC an apt comp to here? They’ve done a lot of things (win a title during their window, spend big on FA and now Witt, etc.) this org hasn’t. – Nick Cammuso

Ever is a long time, but so is never, and of course, I’ve never seen anything like it.

I think the Pirates have already developed a player “like” that. Cutch, Cole both fit the bill. One was extended, one was traded. One took a deal to stay, one was never going to even consider it.

Can they develop another? Sure, Termarr, Skenes, even Henry all could develop into a guy you have to think about it with, maybe even Cruz although he’s already a bit old for that.

KC is certainly a good comp for here, but this year in particular, they have a reason for most of what they’re doing, and it goes beyond winning.

They’re trying to get a new stadium deal done and as has become custom, asking tax payers to foot most of the bill. So signing a guy like this long term is a good business move toward that effort.

The structure of the deal is 2M in 2024, 7M in 2025, 13M in 2026, 19M in 2027, 30M in 2028 then goes to 35M per through 2034 with annual player opt outs from 2031 – 2034. Then the salary reduces in 2035 to 33M, 28M in 2036 and 2037 and club options for those last 3 years. A UFA at 38 years old for the first time unless he opts out or the team does.

Point is, the Royals aren’t likely to pay for the entirety of this 288.77 Million dollar deal but it will likely help them ensure they get the 1 billion they’re looking for to build their new stadium.

I don’t say any of that to disparage the Royals, regardless of any other factor, that’s a huge commitment, and if he isn’t good, they’re in for a lot of money for a very long time. Fans of the Royals probably aren’t thinking about 2031 either.

I will remind, the Pirates did the same thing (OK, adjust for inflation and the Pirates perpetual cheapness) back when they were trying to get PNC Park. Remember the Kendall signing?

Question 5

Wednesday will be a big day, and not just because pitchers and catchers reporting. The 60 day IL opens up. Got to be why free agency has stalled leaguewide. Will the Pirates have the upper hand with 3 potential spots opening up? – Shearod Learn

I’ll give you it could be why the Pirates have been shy Shearod, but league wide yeah, I can’t go there, otherwise it would probably be the case just about every year. I don’t however think it’s some rigid point where deals start flying around. Most teams would agree to terms and just make it official later.

This team though, more plausible than a lot of teams. The point they are in their build they have a 40-man a bit more full of players they don’t consider disposable and while no team is carrying around 15 spots they think are trash, OK, maybe the A’s are, most teams have 3-4 they know are at least borderline. The Pirates may truly feel they have 36 or so who legitimately could play in MLB this year, and another 2 or 3 who might not but are big enough talents to warrant the spot with an eye toward 2025.

I still think a trade or trades will clear up more space and I believe we’ll see them leave one or two spots open regardless.

Question 6

Do you think the rotation will be good enough this season to allow the bullpen to close out games? – Noodles

I think the bullpen is good enough that the starting rotation has to be average. The way this bullpen is setting up makes me feel a 5 inning outing with the lead could very well net you a win most nights. I think they have a lot of guys who could give them 5 innings, I also think if that’s all they get 4 out of 5 starts they’ll kill this bullpen and create a new issue.

Question 7

Flights now booked April 8th – 16th. Pirates tickets bought for 9th. Phillies series (in Philly) is on while I’m in Pittsburgh. Which bars would be good to watch any of those games? I’ve heard DK’s advert for North Shore Tavern which I’ll definitely visit at some point. – Edward Beckham

North Shore Tavern and Mike’s Beer Bar are sister establishments (meaning same owner) and at least for me near the ball park, they’re my favorites. McFadden’s is always fun, but if you happen to be Irish, um, listen, don’t judge us, we know it’s not authentic.

Voodoo Brewing Company is fun too. All that’s if you stay near the park. If you stay say across the Clemente Bridge in the Cultural District, Red Beards is probably my favorite. South Side is probably not a sports watching bar scene, unless it’s Piper’s for early morning Premier League matches.

Question 8

I’ve got a good question for you Gary instead of something stupid like “Bob Nutting or Trevor Bauer”, what do you feel is going to be the Pirates big strength heading into 2024 that can help them contend for the division and even head back to the playoffs for the first time since 2015? – Neal Kokito

The Bullpen.

It’s the only unit I look at and think it has potential to be elite, and by elite I mean if you aren’t beating the Pirates by the 6th, start packing the equipment bags.

Yes, yes, as I mentioned earlier in Question 6, they have to get there of course, but simply not missing on wins you had in your pocket can improve a record pretty significantly.

Last year, the Pirates lost 13 games after leading through 6 innings, I don’t think it’s prudent to assume that’s 13 more wins because you could just as easily assume they’d lose all 9 of the games they won after trailing through 6.

That said, there’s room there for improvement in the record just by improving on that metric.

Question 9

My question is, do you think the Pirates should sign a guy who can catch and play first base like a Yasmani Grandal or similar? My thought is the Pirates carry Davis as primary with Delay and a signee as backup. The guy like Grandal could mostly split time at first with Rowdy Tellez and if Davis turns out to not be a reliable option behind the plate, he can slide in back there. – Zach Zeigler

The first thing to say is, there really aren’t other “guys like” that left. He caught in 92 games last year, played 1B 11 times and was the DH 41 times. He’s played 1B for most of his career, but it’s always been more of a parlor trick than a position he is considered “help” at.

All that said, sure, if they want to fortify the position with a veteran, I have no issue with it, I just can’t shake that I’d prefer and more importantly I think they’d prefer to have the backup be defensively impressive. Defense is the biggest worry with Davis, so it stands to reason that’s what you’d be trying to fortify more so than the offense.

I’d also add in here, fans are a lot more sure Tellez needs minimized and hidden than the team. For what it’s worth, they felt the same about Santana last year and I have to say, they were very right.

Question 10

What will you be looking to see from Henry during ST to have some confidence he can be a legit #1 backstop? – Ed Fleming

I won’t see anything in Spring Training that makes me feel that honestly Ed. I have friends who caught in high school who could look like they can catch in that kind of setting, and game calling barely happens in camp.

The best thing Henry can do to convince me he’s on the right track is to hit like a 1:1 anything. If he hits, we’ll worry a lot less about the glove. The team might not, but fans, yeah, we saw what all defense and no offense looked like, and we didn’t accept it. The reverse, it almost always is perfectly fine save the one night it costs your team a victory.

What we can look for as signs he’s advanced from where he was though…

• Block balls in the dirt consistently
• Receive pitches in front of him instead of reaching to either side
• Nurse a pitcher who’s struggling back into the zone
• STAY HEALTHY

Question 11

Do you think “piggy backing” one the SP spots would work??? Of would it just be a mess for the roster as a whole?? – Rich Thompson

Oh sure, and I think it’ll be a miracle to get through a MLB season without seeing it on just about every team at some point.

But not for 2 spots. 1 you can handle, 2 and the domino effect is just too great. I think it might be the safest way to spare Contreras if he doesn’t look like he’s 100% where they want him to be, but for the most part, Falter would be the only other pitcher I could see them actively thinking it’s a plan. Maybe that’s how they wind up rostering both truthfully.

Question 12

Any guess on what kind of MLB numbers Contreras and Priester will put up in 2024? – Mark Graham

Not really. Plenty of guess sites out there will, but I wouldn’t want to base a projection on what Priester did last year, mostly because I can’t see them letting him suck out loud for long enough to achieve them at this level.

Contreras is a complete unknown. I can’t tell you he’ll make this club, so I’m not sure how I could suppose to know his numbers.

I think 15-20 starts for Priester might be an acceptable outcome, and if Roansy is ok, he should carry a full load, which for him sadly is likely in the 150 innings range.

If they both do that, WILD success this year.

Question 13

Do you think the Pirates have enough options for the OF? Does signing Michael Taylor make sense to you, at this point? – David Wald

Not fair, you know I think Michael Taylor is a GREAT idea! I’d like one more in all seriousness though. I’d prefer a center fielder if only to slide Jack over to Right, but if I can’t get that, grab me a Right fielder who can hit right handed and add some pop from that side. Soler would be really nice, and probably a bit more than they’d want to go. He’s also not a good defender so it would be solely for the bat.

Question 14

I know u love rumors:) any last second moves before Spring training? Thanks! – Mr. Walsh

I’m almost positive there will be, I’m equally sure we won’t hear about them until the minute they’re done.

The closest I can come to something I feel relatively sure is actually being discussed is a deal with San Francisco for Joey Bart that would send back Bae or Gonzales. He’d probably be an upgrade over Delay, but that’s about it, if you aren’t gonna use Gonzales or Bae, hey, why not? Might even be able to expand on this and get them to add in an arm like Ryan Walker but that would likely cost a top prospect presuming they’d even entertain it.

Question 15

Where is Roansy at in his pitch selections? Did he add a pitch? Will he pitch to contact? Four seam vs Two seam. – Grant

I’m quite sure someone knows. I’m equally sure nobody will talk about it.

I’ve asked, I know for a verifiable fact I’m not the only one to do so, and I’m equally sure we all were given the same answers.

Now, knowing what a concern he is, and you’d at least assume they feel the fans need some positive news, one would think if there were great news to share, they’d be all over the place telling us how great Roansy looks. To counter that, if they KNEW he looked like doo doo, chances are he’s not still on this roster.

Believe me, I wish I or anyone had more.

Question 16

Who will be the 7th inning pitcher? – Wayne Moody

We’ve already heard Shelton say he wouldn’t marry guys to a specific inning, but until proven otherwise through action, I don’t believe him. I think we’ll see Bednar close every time he’s available.

Below that though, I could honestly see being more about matchups than innings. Chapman, Holderman and Mlodzinski should all be in line for it, and if they have a week where they lean on the pen heavy, Moreta or Borucki could get a shot here and there. Borucki for the left handed matchup primarily.

I really feel we’ll see them used almost interchangeably to start the season and if all 4 of those guys perform, they may see no reason to settle them into roles that specific.

Just looking at the roster though, here’s how I’d go on a typical 6th inning lead night.

6 – Mlodzinski

7 – Holderman

8 – Chapman

9 – Bednar

And I’m on record saying Mlodzinski would be a better option as Closer by the end of the season, so clearly I think there will be movement.

Question 17

College baseball, in particular LSU, what would the level of competition be similar to in MLB. Would you AA, single A? Just curious on what kind of players Skenes was facing. I know the best hitter was on his own team but I don’t follow college closely to know the other guys. – Jason Dowling

I’ve heard it compared to AA, especially the SEC, but he’ll never face the consistent barrage of hitters at the college level. Once a college squad advances to the playoffs, the competition heats up and at the very least they’re facing a ton of draft picks usually. 9 out of 10 of those will go straight to Low A after the draft, so, maybe that’s really where the comp lies.

Before the draft last year, we had Caroline Fenton who covers LSU on the Pirates Fan Forum, and she felt the SEC was stronger last year than it had been in at least half a decade but again, AA is being kind, A is probably a bit rough.

For perspective, Players who come from the KBO and Japan are often compared to AA competition, and that’s probably more accurate than the college comp is when it comes down to cases.

I’d say this, short of being a professional, he faced the best of the best.