Steel City Pirates Q&A – 30 Percent of the Season Questions

5-15-24 – By Gary Morgan – @garymo2007 on Twitter

All time low! They’re worse than ever! Blow it up!

Yeah, it’s time for a Q&A, it ain’t pretty, but it isn’t all that either. Let’s go.

Question 1

How long of a leash does Rowdy actually have? I want him to do well and he seems like the kind of guy you could have a beer with. I just don’t know how much longer this can go on. Of course he’s not the only one struggling. Do you think more changes are coming? Thanks Gary. – Don Jacobsen

For sure there are some more changes coming. As you said, they have quite a few struggling. They also only have a few answers and some decisions are more final than others. I know people want to blame the paycheck as to why he keeps getting chances, but it’s more than that. Whether they were stupid, ill informed or flat blind, they expected him to produce some power. And no, I don’t think they believed that 35 was going to make another appearance.

The thing is, they also don’t feel like they have a replacement for whatever the number they hoped for was. Connor Joe is at least early on here looking like he’ll at least pop double digits and play ok over there. Their patience isn’t an endless well.

Question 2

Gary, The Pirates aggressive promoting of Jones and Skenes seens incongruent with the passivity towards their hitting woes. They didn’t wait until mid April on Jones to gain a year of control and promoted Skenes a month before the estimated super 2 cutoff. Most fans (myself included) applauded this as putting winning over cost control. The lack of effort to bolster the offense pre season or in season seems out of sync with the more aggressive handling of 2 prized pitching prospects. How do you make sense of this? – Jim Maruca

Deep question, and I’d start with one point on Jones, they can’t have possibly thought they’d get this, or that he’d sustain it. Bluntly, he’s had sick stuff the whole time, he just walked a ton of guys and he’d be out by the 4th or 5th. So, it’s hard to say they “planned” on this happening this early. Skenes also never hit a speedbump of any kind. No injury, no tightness, no getting rocked, no control explosion, no pitch he didn’t have, he was pretty much done and didn’t need anything but a pat on the ass and a buildup plan. That too can’t have been really expected. It’s hard to think any team expects to get franchise records set with a rookie, let alone two.

I also think, they placed a few bets.

Davis as a starter was a bet, but one I as a fan thought they should take because of the bat. He got smacked in the face by the league. Triolo won second base from a host of candidates, all of which are starting to get their calls, Gonzales being the latest. Jack has hit more homers in an MLB season than a whole bunch of MLB players, and they asked him to cut back on striking out to the expense of his power it would seem on top of poor pitch selection.

Hell Joe was a bet that worked, like better than I’m sure they dreamt. Cruz missed a year, looks like a month was what he needed now. Reynolds is heating up like always, and Hayes is hurt, when he comes back with a healthy back again, guess what he’ll do until he reaggravates it? And of course Rowdy.

I think they’ll hit enough and certainly pitch enough to hang around .500 and then I think they’ll try to add something, maybe even for more than just this year.

Make sense of it? I mean, it’s messy, and hard to have everything time up, but if you ask me, I’ll always take the pitching first, even the best of the best aren’t usually going to be as good as a rookie as they are in year 2 or 3. The sooner the better on having them latch on. I think they have to trade for offense, and have guys like Gonzales, Davis, Bae, Triolo, Peguero types have to grow into the job. Gonzales has looked pretty good since his call. I guess it makes sense if you see some of their bets pay off. They don’t all have to, and they don’t have to be in the Series to start the clock.

Question 3

Gary, why are they giving the guys that aren’t producing longer looks. IMO 100 at bats tells you pretty much what you’re going to get. It’s time for some changes – Bobby Nacho

My head spins with the hundreds, probably thousands of examples anyone in the world is capable of finding in about 5 minutes to show how frequently that statement isn’t true. I think 100 at bats for a guy you have nothing invested in going forward, a track record that even if achieved isn’t all that impressive or worse a good spell that’s been just a bit too far away to matter. But for a rookie, or rookie like, you know, like not a guy who is riding on 20 games in his first season, those guys you have a lot to factor in. Are they a prospect you were really counting on? If so, maybe you need to be more patient. Are they a Bligh Madris type who has just been around and got super hot and maybe just maybe he’s found it? Maybe less patient there.

They’ve got 4 guys over 100 at bats that I’m sure you’re talking about. Tellez, Triolo, Suwinski and Taylor. Tellez, I kinda explained in question 2 and will hit again in 4, Triolo probably would have gone if Hayes hadn’t gotten hurt, Jack, much like Tellez is about counting on power, and having nobody else who’s going to give it if they don’t get what they need. Taylor, defense, and that’s always why he was here.

Want Taylor to take less, Jack better start hitting. Want Jack to take less, someone else better start in Center when Taylor doesn’t. Tellez we should see lose more to Joe, in fact we just saw that Tuesday. Triolo they either wait for Hayes or drag up Peggy or Bae but he’s seen about as much MLB as we need to see without a reset.

Question 4

I hear there are rumors that if Rowdy Tellez doesn’t start hitting the ball soon, they’re looking at DFAing him. Do you know how true they are or if it’s just a bunch of rumors or one of those wait and see? How are you feeling about this season so far as of now? – Neal Kokiko

I don’t know who’s rumors these are, or where they heard whatever they heard. So I can’t confirm it or whatever. I know that there will come a time, and I can’t imagine it’s much more. It’s not exactly wait and see though, think of the tear he’d have to go on to have this continue to be worth the while and can you honestly see him going on such a run? Truth is, they could DFA him and I’d bet nobody picks him up if only because he’s owed a couple million bucks. Who knows, he knows he’s playing like crap, maybe he accepts the assignment and goes to AAA where he can regale the Indians fans with the rules for booing.

They’re patience is running thin, I think that’s undeniable at this point.

Question 5

I think this is lowest point for the Bucs since the 2007 season. Your thoughts? – Jonathan Osborne

I’m not going to spend much time on this one, although I’d assume you were in a medically induced coma during 2020, 2021 and 2022.

Bro, they aren’t hitting well, but you have a starting rotation core 47 year old me would have killed for during any of those 47 years save maybe 1991. I am simply nowhere near feeling like you my friend, and I’m truly sorry you do.

Question 6

Who is the next AAA guy to get a call up and over/under is Tellez on roster June 1? – NC Pitt Guy

My next call would be Ji Hwan Bae. I think they need another lefty stick, he’s hitting in AAA and honestly this team is missing some kind of athleticism or difference making speed. I’m aware of what he’s done up here, but if you never believe he’s going to improve, move on.

Now, Tellez, I’d say 75% he’s not. I don’t believe he has the capability to get as hot as he’d need to in order to have passible numbers, unless he hits homeruns and in bunches, I can’t see him lasting into June. That said, it would take two more weeks of “trying to get him going”.

Question 7

Upper management have been citing 2024 as the year that they are going to start competing. How poor what the team have to finish for a big changes to be made? And can you see a scenario where either Shelton or Cherington are canned? Or do they come as a package deal? – Brandon Simon

There’s a part of this that always gets ignored, but almost every time they talked about “competing” or going for the playoffs, they’ve mentioned the Arizona Diamondbacks and their 84 wins that ultimately got them to the World Series.

Point being, they aren’t talking about 100 wins, they’re talking about competing, being in it, being above .500, even slightly in this league is very much so doing that.

That’s not everyone’s definition, hell Brandon, it’s not mine, but it is theirs. And I think they still believe that’s what they have here especially after some of what they counted on performs as such.

No, Shelton and Cherington aren’t a package deal. Shelton would fall on the sword before Cherington did.

I heard some nuggets that Shelton wasn’t happy with the 6 man rotation stuff and man, did it look like he tried to make it work all that hard? Cracks form over silly shit like this. If Cherington trusts his scouts and talent acquisition, it’s a lot easier to replace a coach than to admit the players are the issue.

Question 8

Even more than not properly improving this team during the offseason the regression of Hayes Suwinski, and Davis is probably the most disheartening thing. Really drags down hope for the future. Thoughts? – PITsportsfanXX

I’m not sure I’d say Hayes regressed. He hit well early on, back acts up, offense falls off. Seems to happen every year, and makes having him part of your team important you have a glove like Triolo or even Brannigan at some point. He’ll produce close to what he did last year by the time all is said and done.

Suwinski they changed his approach to cut the K’s, it’s messed with what made him so attractive in the first place. He’s already adjusting out of it, but needs to play more consistently, even though he’s not putting the numbers up in my opinion. Davis I kind thought might have too much on his plate and offensively, he’s completely out of sorts. If I were them I’d have him DH only in Indy, get the bat back and get him back up here. Right or wrong they counted on him producing offense.

No, honestly, I don’t see regression from rookies as much more than an expected experience for 90% of them. Hayes is Hayley’s Comet at this point with the back stuff, and Jack will come around, and if not ok they’ll have to try something else. Maybe it’s Bae taking his reps. There isn’t a replacement for 25 dingers. Just isn’t.

Question 9

If there are staff changes (manager, hitting coach, etc) do you see it happening in season or will they wait until season’s end? And I didn’t mention the GM because he’s not going anywhere, IMO. – Nick Cammuso

Shelton is safe unless he’s going rogue and it isn’t working. I don’t get the impression that’s true, the GM seems to back up most decisions that have been made. If they move on from Haines, I could see it being in season, but I’d argue it’ll just be a promotion from AAA, Munson. All the candidates you’d find attractive you’d have to wait til the offseason.

Sure though, they’ve already done it once, and I could see it again.

Question 10

Who would you change Tellez and Triolo for and should Davis just be brought back to catch? – Elliot

Davis needs to hit first. He was seriously broken, and he needs to find something at the AAA level, produce for a couple weeks, while catching, and then, it’s time again. Triolo should probably be sent down for Bae or Peguero. Tellez can just be let go, I’d let Grandal spell Joe at 1B and hope to deal at the deadline for better help. If you want to try Jake Lamb, fine, just don’t get your hopes up, and certainly don’t give him 2 months too.

Question 11

Do you think that if the Pirates don’t start showing life by the ASB we might actually see some big changes? This was supposed to be the season they were going to be at least a WC team, if not a division contender and they just haven’t been anything close to that. – Noah Wright

Your definition of big is going to be different than mine. If you mean Shelton or Cherington, hell no.

The single biggest move this team has on the table internally is Davis figuring it out and getting the call again. If that hasn’t happened by the All Star break I’d be a bit surprised.

The only other thing I can say is much like the team has referenced, a WC team can be like 2-3 games over .500, so if they want to believe that’s where they are, well, it’s not exactly crazy.

I dunno, I’m not in panic mode, they just put these three pitchers together, let’s see the kind of effect that has with a suddenly back to life Cruz, Reynolds, Cutch and Joe. That might be enough to look a lot closer to that “dream team”

Question 12

What is wrong with Bednar? – Mark Graham

His fastball isn’t as deceptive as it’s been, and his control is nowhere near what he’s been like. Bullpen arms are volatile, last time I checked that’s exactly what he was. He’ll be more good than bad when all the tick marks are added up.

Question 13

Is the 2024 team better than the 2023 one? – Michael – 412 Double Play Podcast

Big question. Yeah, I still think they are, and I still think their record will reflect that. I think for sure, health assumed, they’ll enter this offseason feeling like they have 4/5 of a rotation in pen, that just has to be better alone.

I also think they’ll hit, despite coaching. At least enough to help this staff take them to a better place than 2023 did.

Question 14

When exactly did they say 24 was the year they’re going to compete? No one can seem to source this. – Captain-Splenetic

Umm, they said it to each and every one of us at Pirates Fest, multiple times, on stage. Named names for why it would be the case. Shelton and Cherington both said it on MLB Network at the Winter Meetings. Bob Nutting said it in a sit down with Jason Mackey where he flatly said his GM had money to spend, and the next day they signed Chapman for a bunch of money. Hell, Travis Williams said it to me on a Southwest flight home from Spring Training, lol.

If you haven’t seen or heard it, you haven’t looked very hard. Plenty of videos out there of Pirates Fest, MLB Network has all those clips archived. And most of it is transcribed on the PG and DK Pittsburgh Sports, one of which is free.

There’s no ducking it, they said it, they meant it.

Question 15

How long until #FireShelton and #FireCherington are gone, – Panther Pride
Not this year. Honestly, I think they’d have to be relatively healthy and not finish .500+ to even have them consider a change. Cherington will be with you for a minute.

Question 16

Did you expect Aroldis Chapman to be as bad as he has been? I know I didn’t. – Zach Williams

Trick question. Because yes, at times I totally expected it, because he’s always been like this. I just didn’t expect it early and often, which of course could mean the Cuban Missile has finally run out of fuel. One thing for sure, for 10 mil, he’s gonna pitch.

My guess is he’ll get better, but any Yankees fan will tell you this is totally him, and they’ll do it with a skunk eating shit smile too.

Question 17

You get to be GM for one move; target and acquire 1 “blocked prospect” from any current logical “contender” in baseball. Who is that player you’d look to add to this Bucs roster & what are you parting with to get it done? – Corey Shrader

If I could pull it off, and I honestly don’t know if Cleveland would consider him blocked, I’d love to go after Kyle Manzardo the 1B prospect from the Guardians. Big power, pretty good swing and miss, bats from the left side and could solve this god forsaken position for years to come.

I don’t think he needs a ton of development either, just opportunity. It’s also totally not the type of trade Cleveland typically would engage in and Naylor only has one more year of arb to “block” him.

I’d say Coby Mayo but I don’t think he’ll be blocked for long, but Heston Kjerstad could be some fun. Not the best start to his career in his call ups, but there’s talent there, left handed power too and an outfielder, I mean that might be as big a need at a 1B.

That’s what I’d go for. I’m sure there are others I have never heard of or thought about.

Question 18

Is platooning lefty/righty a long term solution or the best that they have atm? I could see maybe at 1 position but probably should find full time starters at either 1B and/or CF. – David Wald

I don’t like it for long term success. When a roster gets too flexible, and you start this everyone gets to play stuff going on, I feel like almost nobody gets in a groove. I also hate declaring youngsters platoon players from the start, I never know how you expect to see them become complete players if they don’t play like them.

I think about how long the team avoided allowing Pedro Alvarez to face lefties and I wonder if he might have provided more if they’d allowed him to try it sooner. I could be way off, maybe they were right and the only way he got where he did was by being babied early on.

Honestly I think it’s a crutch designed to mask that they haven’t developed guys enough to be complete. For veterans like Taylor or whatever, well, he’s shown you for 12 years he has to be.