Two guys Talkin’ Trades – Spare Parts

7-22-23 – By Justin Verno & Corey Shrader – @JV_PITT and @CoreyShrader on Twitter

Justin Verno- Ok, so Corey and I spent the first two episodes looking at a few spots we feel the Bucs might look to upgrade. In this edition, we change up gears. 

In the offseason the Bucs added some free agents to fill some holes. Thing is, only one of those free agents had any control. And ironically, he didn’t make it out of spring training as Jarlin Garcia hasn’t even gripped a ball since his injury.

Corey Shrader- This particular roster is in a tricky spot. There are a lot of players that need playing time to truly find out what they can do. Situations like this could very well mean that trading some of them would make sense if you can find a suitable partner that has either the playing time availability or a need for a specific skill-set.

JV-  And a lot has changed since we started doing these. We went from proposing to add some talent to the fact that Ben Cherington will likely be looking at selling off some spare parts. I don’t mean that as an insult, but the Pirates have a few rentals they will probably look at moving. They also may have a depth piece or two we could take a look at in this piece.

CS- You’re right – we could see them make moves very similar to last year’s deadline. Moving some “spare parts” to add either depth to the farm or shore up some thin MLB areas of need by finding a team that has “spare parts” of their own.

JV-  Corey, I think we might be touching on a few more names in this one that we normally do. Might this best be done rapid fire style? 

CS- Let’s fire away!

The Rentals

Carlos Santana–1B/DH SV $2M

Good glove. Got some bang in the bat. Good add to the locker room. I think he’ll be a name we hear.

CS- To the  Baltimore Orioles

Trace Bright – P – ETA: 2026 FV 35+ 

Bright was drafted in 2022. He is a big righty with a good fastball. Currently having success at A+, but as a Power 5 NCAA pitcher, his true measure of talent should come in the upper minors. It is a tricky fit to find a home for Santana, but Baltimore could use his profile for when/if O’Hearn’s hot streak ends.

JV- To the Houston Astros 

Spencer Arrighetti- SRIP– ETA:2025 FV 40($1M)

Decent FB. Decent slider. Decent CB. Good K rates. Decent flier taken. (rest needs a decent amount of work) Making quick work of AA and AAA so this is a hard get. But could Houston be in the “all in phase” as their system isn’t what it used to be?

Ji-Man Chio–1B/DH  SV 0

This is a wild card type ad. But he’s done it in the play-offs, a team could comme calling for that alone. 

CS- To the Philadelphia Phillies

Francisco Morales – P ETA: 2023/24 FV 35+

The Phils could use a 1B help & have been scrambling since the Hoskins. Choi could prove an attractive add. I think someone like Morales is worth a dart throw. He has absolutely nuclear stuff but very enigmatic control. Well worth trying to “fix” him, you could just land the next out of nowhere uber-reliever. 

JV-To the Houston Astros (why not?)

Forrest Whitely–MIRP- ETA:2023 FV 40($1M)

Former can’t miss starting pitching prospect. Who missed. TINSTAAPP. Time to let the kid get a fresh start.

Rich Hill-LHSP-SV $1.5M

We see a LHSP rental moved every deadline. As reliable as a Rolex. Rich isn’t rewriting the record books(aside from his age) but he’s a reliable starter that gives a team innings, a chance to win most of his outings  and know-how. One major consideration here? The Bucs need  guys to eat innings, so they will have to figure that out before accepting an offer on Hill. 

CS- To the Toronto Blue Jays

Lazaro Estrada – P ETA 2025 FV:35+

The Jays have a need for some pitching depth. While Hill isn’t the flashiest option, he would certainly provide them experienced depth at the position. Estrada is a little old for the level, but he is dominating the way you’d like to see. I can’t quite get a sense of how he fits into the Jays system, but feels like the kind of piece they would feel comfortable moving for some MLB level help.

JV- To the LA Dodgers-

LAD gets Austin Hedges-C and Rich HIll-LHSP

(you see where I’m going with this?)

Jake Pilarski-SIRP-ETA:2023 FV 45($4M)

If you buy into the rumors that David Bednar could be on the trade block (let’s save that for another day), this is a guy to have your eye on. A typical late inning “stuff” guy. Only two pitches and he doesn’t have the best control of those two pitches. But his FB and SL(both have a 70 grade) are the real deal when he finds the plate. 

Jose Ramos–RF- ETA:2025  FV 40+($4M)

The Bucs need to keep adding OF that can hit until one pans out. Ramos and his bat have developed. Kid has some pop for sure. Ramos has some major warts, including swing and miss issues, and I’m talking pitches in the zone. But the power is worth taking a gamble on. 

This is a hefty package for Hill and Hedges, but since both Ramos and Pilarski have some red flags and LHSP always gets an overpay at the deadline, the Dodgers just might take the bait. 

CS – I could definitely see a team be interested in adding a veteran defensive minded catcher. I’ve got a slightly different idea when it comes to finding a partner for Hedges in particular.

To the Guardian – Austin Hedges – C

Jonthan Rodriguez, OF ETA 2024+ FV 35+

Cleveland has a recent history with Hedges who was a big hit with their pitching staff in 2022. Perhaps Cleveland thinks Hedges could be beneficial fostering their young pitching staff down the stretch as they play in an ALC race.

Rodriguez is a toolsy corner OF with a good power profile, but a limited approach and hit tool. This might be too steep of an ask given the Guardians need for offense, but he doesn’t appear to be too highly regarded in the org. The profile is worth a look for the Bucs.

Wouldn’t shock me…

Connor Joe–OF/1B–SV $25-30M

With the emergence of Josh Palacios, could Joe be on the go? A good 4th OF and 1B Joe can give a team a quality spot start or a bat off the bench. The added control would be a bonus. But would the Bucs move a guy they traded for in the off-season? Let’s see if we can make sense of it.

CS- To the Minnesota Twins

Matt Canterino – P ETA:? FV: 40+

Jose Rodriguez – OF ETA: 2028 FV: 35+

Minnesota could use an offensive addition to the mix in their quest for the ALC. Joe can fit as an OF or 1b. 

The return for Pittsburgh here is risky – Canterino is out and recovering from Tommy John. He has absolute dynamite stuff though and well worth stashing for an org like Pittsburgh. Rodriguez is a pure youth stash. Rocked the DSL in 2022 & is not really carrying that over to stateside play, but he looks like a decent enough lotto ticket.

JV- To the Texas Rangers

Owen White–SP–ETA:2023-FV 45 ($6M)

To start the season, White would have been a no fly zone guy. But AAA and the MLB have been unkind. If the Rangers are willing to let him go, he still has a 5 pitch mix and reminds me, just a tad, of Joe Musgrove. (Mostly because of the pitch mix.)

Dustin Harris–1B/LF-ETA:2024  FV 40+($4M)

Dusin can play a few different spots, including 1B and that’s where I think the Bucs would look to play him. Dustin carries some good power coming in at 45 FV for game power and a 50 FV for raw.

Neither of these come close to  Joe’s SV. And while sticking to the SV is the idea of these articles, we also have to highlight the instances where the team just  won’t get that value back. Control is certainly the key, but control of a bench bat? Well, the Bucs will have to weigh the upside in deals like this.  After all, we both have an overpay on Hill, same thing applies there but in reverse.

Dealing from the depth-

JV- The Bucs have started to get some of the bigger names to PNC. Henry Davis, Nick Gonzales. Jared Triolo(kinda) and the latest, Quinn Priester, Endy Rodriguez and Liover Pegeuro.. With more names coming soon, Colin Selb and maybe even Jared Jones, it’s time to fill the holes. The best way to do that?  Deal from that area of strength. 

Corey, I think this could be fun. Pick a guy, any guy and let’s see if we can fill a hole. Anything goes here. Three teams? Bigger package? We aren’t “buying a big name” is the only rule. We aren’t fishing for a Luis Robert Jr or Jaun Soto. More seeing what we could get for some of the names that are blocked that we’ve stock piled? 

You feeling it?

CS- Great idea. There are some teams who are in a position to contend that have a similar backlog of players or significant lower minors depth, so this kind of deal could definitely be available. Who you got?

JV-My trade bait- Ji-hwan Bae- 2B/SS/OF/DH ETA–MLB

Bae certainly plateaued after a solid start to the season. And the fans  Corey, are restless when it comes to Bae. Despite some of the flaws we’ve seen there have also been splashes and moments that highlight his ability. I think Bae is a guy the Bucs can get good value for due to those attributes. His SV is not easy to lock down, If we look at the ZiPS projections for 24 and 25 they come in at 1.6 and 1.8 if we were to stretch that out the surplus value would be solid.  Likely in the 30 million range(Bae isn’t a free agent until 29). The Bucs won’t get that, but they could still get a solid return for Bae. 

To the Seattle Mariners along with Carlos Santana -1B/DH- SV $2M

The Mariners have a nice core and are still in the wild card race. With 2B and DH being needs this seems a good match. Adding Bae would give them a leadoff hitter and allow JP Crawford slide down in the order. Bae’s speed and base stealing ability should be attractive here as JP as one stolen base on the season. 

The Return

Emmerson Hancok–SP-ETA:2023- SV 45($4M)

A familiar name to these exercises. The former 1st rounder hasn’t gotten off the ground just yet, but you can never have too much pitching. The change up is his best pitch and anyone who has seen Luis Ortiz and Jared Jones this season knows the Bucs have actually done good work this year with moving that pitch along for a few guys. This is a good add with a lot of upside, but that floor is low. Still, pitching is something they should never stop adding,(TINSTAAPP)

Tyler Loclear-1B-ETA:2026–FV 40+($4M)

It looks like Ty’s game power is starting to catch up to his raw power scouting grades. 30/55 to 65/65 on the scale. His 11 HR and 14 doubles in 48 games on the year support that. (25 of his 56 hits went  for extra bases).  Ty has a short stroke, evidenced by his solid K rates(low 20%) and the fact he doesn’t pull enough. Could getting the kid pull unlock some of that raw power? 

I know this won’t seem sexy enough for some and perhaps the Buccos can get one more little piece here, but at the present Bae is still more projection than results, this feels right despite the disparity in perceived SV. Don’t get selfish Mr. Cherington, plugging a hole (1B) and adding yet another arm from a depth piece?  This is where the organization is. The kids are arriving by the bus load. Time for one more stop on the way to the park.

Take it away, Corey!

CS – Okay, so since you covered first base and it is a definite need, I will go with pitching too since you can never have enough. 

My trade bait is Liover Peguero. 


Miami Marlins get: Liover Peguero, MI/INF ETA: Now

Pittsburgh gets: Max Meyer, P ETA: 2024 or Trevor Rogers, P

Peguero could help right away to fill a 3B gap for the Fish. They have a few interesting INF options in Xavier Edwards and Jordan Groshans, so it might not be a clear fit depending on how the organization views those two. Peguero’s defensive skill set should fit the hot corner well.

Mayer and Rogers are both recovering from injury and the Marlins do have quite a bit of depth to deal from when it comes to pitching. It isn’t the cleanest fit, but it could certainly work if they view Peguero as an upgrade to the other AAA level guys mentioned above.

JV-There you have it! A little bit of everything. Check in next week as Corey and I take a look at the painful thought of selling a piece…or two. Could the Bucs listen on a centerpiece of the rotation? Could one of our own be on the move?

Minor League News and Brews: Pirates MLB Draft Recap And Future Prospect Rankings

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-h89kg-145ebbe

Craig attempts to explain the differences between the over slot discussion after the 2021 MLB Draft and the one that just took place; while explaining where the “extra money” could still go. He also takes a look at how the Pirates Prospect Rankings will change with the recent promotions and upcoming additions. 

Craig Toth covers the Pirates for Inside The Bucs Basement, and is a huge Pittsburgh Pirates Baseball Fan; especially when it comes to the Farm System. Listen. Subscribe. Share. We are “For Fans, By Fans & All Pirates Talk.” THE Pirates Fan Minor League Podcast found EVERYWHERE podcasts can be found and always at BucsInTheBasement.com!

Hump Day Pirates Q&A

7-19-23 – By Gary Morgan – @garymo2007 on Twitter

When you look at your team as currently constructed and pretend you just got back from Germany and are looking at the roster for the first time, you don’t know the record, you don’t know how inept they look at the plate, my guess is on paper, you’d think something like, finally, this looks like a better roster.

You might even think they should score some more runs.

Yeah, kids take time, yeah, some of the vets weren’t ever as impactful as we saw early on, but the talent level should not be producing the weak and dead man walking looking efforts we’re seeing.

Ask for a bunch of questions when the team stinks out loud and it’ll look something like this….

Question 1

Which guys do you think the Pirates will move at the deadline and which ones will they keep around? – PGH Commenter on Twitter

This is tough, for a couple reasons. First, I don’t think they have much left to call up in 2023. I mean, you could bring Bae, Castro, Andujar, CSN, Mitchell back but that won’t really be what you want to see at first base.

I don’t think they’ll move Cutch, and both sides of that have been so vocal about their wink and nod deal, it just doesn’t seem likely.

The other side of this, I’m not sure who would want what the Pirates have for sale. Hedges probably doesn’t have a market, Choi has barely played (which is a whole other question for this team since he appears to be one of the few swinging his bat), but I suppose there could be a buyer or two. He is a professional bat.

Santana could get some interest, but not to be a starter.

Rich Hill is probably the biggest chip, but honestly, I just don’t know if they can afford it with the regression of Ortiz and Contreras coupled with all the injuries. If he got you a return like Quintana did though, maybe you have to just do it.

If someone really wanted Connor Joe he could probably be available, but I doubt they’re shopping him aggressively especially with 1B in 2024 being murky at best.

I’ll be honest, I just don’t know. There aren’t any big ticket guys I think they’d move. Meaning, Keller isn’t getting moved, Bednar isn’t getting moved (I know this is a popular topic but zero chance, right or wrong).

We’ll just have to sit back and watch this one. I haven’t heard one solid rumor. Just wishful thinking from markets that think bottom teams owe them their talent and only like a week and a half out, that tells me the landscape is at the very least not focused on Pittsburgh.

I certainly don’t see any moves to bolster the 2023 club, that ship has sailed on the drifting sea Shelton is operating.

If they were smart (and, they haven’t shown us that) they’d move pieces to address holes they know they’ll have in 2024, but those opportunities take a whole lot of circumstantial things including want to from other teams.

Question 2

What do you make of Bryan Reynolds and his struggles this season? Should there be cause for concern? – JGOR492 on Twitter

Yes John, I think if you aren’t concerned you probably didn’t care in the first place. He flat out isn’t playing good baseball. At the plate, the really frustrating thing is seeing him do exactly what he did in 2020.

His stance is wide and it’s robbing him of power and plate coverage. He’s patient to a fault, exacerbated by a hitting coach who preaches patience as his primary weapon system. He’s trusting to a fault, meaning he trusts umpires to see the strike zone exactly as he does, which next to none of them do.

Look, there’s a good player in there, he’s shown us that, but I also think he’s a player who needs coaching to keep him from getting trapped in his own head.

This is just my opinion, I’m prefacing this because this is a player I’ve written on with some real sourcing and real inside knowledge before and I don’t want it confused that I’ve come up with this from those sources, but Bryan to me struggles to stay mentally checked in when things aren’t going well around him.

In other words, if the team is humming, I think he’ll be in the thick of it, when the team is down he tends to not be the guy that helps pull them up.

I don’t mean he sulks or whatever, I just mean he’s not a guy who is going to lead a charge, but you’d want him on your right hand side when you do get going.

More than anything, he needs to hear from new people, and to have the pressure taken off his every at bat because others are hitting.

I’d drop him in the order for a while and let him hit his way back up. Cutch has done that in the past, but I doubt Shelton has the courage to push that button.

Question 3

I live in Chicago why should I keep rooting for a team that treats their fans this way? – HercyJerky on Twitter

Well, it’s not my job, goal or intention to convince anyone to be a fan or keep rooting. My personal goal is to just try to have intelligent conversations about baseball.

I assume “treat their fans this way” is basically not winning, unless Ben Cherington was peeing on your lawn last night. If so, that’s entirely up to you.

Personally, I believe in some of the talent that just got here, and I like some of what’s coming. I’ve also openly accepted this journey (rebuild) and openly enjoy the team building process. It fascinates me, so much so I watch other teams and how they go about it too.

Maybe I’m just not the right person to ask here. I’d say be patient, but Pirates fans don’t in general want to hear that, and just because I still believe it’s headed in the right direction despite how poorly they’re playing currently, doesn’t mean anyone else should or has to.

Basically, if you aren’t enjoying it, step away, you won’t be alone coming back if/when they turn it around. That said, you’ve interacted with me enough about this team for me to expect you aren’t going anywhere, just pissed about a team full of kids looking like a horde of zombies.

Question 4

If they were to move on from current manager and/or staff, how much could it set back or help 2024? – FredFye on Twitter

There are two schools of thought. One, stay the course, believe in what you’re doing and who you have doing it. You know, “get better”, the mantra of the last 4 years.

The other is distinctly believing in your talent evaluators and that trust leads you to believe a new administrator could get more out of the horses you bought.

Personally, I don’t think there is much to be set back per se. It’s not like he’s led something that mattered yet.

Heading into an off season with all these kids who will absolutely return and at least get a shot in 2024 to make the club in Spring, each and every one of them will be given an off season plan. You asked what could be a “set back” and this is the best example I can think of. If Shelton and staff stink, and you plan to get rid of them, don’t let them form the offseason plans. Yet, there wouldn’t be time to get a new coach in here and have them evaluate/develop plans for guys.

Probably a bit of a stretch but in an effort to be fair, that’s the issue I see as most relevant.

That said, they hired a former hitting coach who has overseen the longest stretch of piss poor offense I’ve watched in my 45 years of existence. Feels like any set back could be overshadowed fairly easily.

Help? I mean, how much did Hurdle help? Right? Starter coach was replaced for experienced coach who had some success (which sometimes equals buy in) on his resume.

Question 5

Do the Pirates have the same scouting and development people from previous GM’s? Most teams have younger people in these roles. What do you think the reason for lack of very high end -top 5 ranked Dominican players signed each season. They spend to the budget but no top guys – LPBUCCO on Twitter

OK. Let’s start here, Ben Cherington didn’t come in and fire everyone, but he made changes everywhere. They brought in modern tech for development, they brought in development specialists. They also turned the development system over to John Baker, who was a mental skills coach with the Cubs, so it’s a first time gig for him.

As to lack of top ranked Dominican players I’d offer Shalin Polanco and Yordany De Los Santos in the last couple years. Both were top International gets, both are doing well. They’ve also expanded into Asia, and that’s led to guys like Jun-Seok Shim and Po-Yu Chen and even though he predates Cherington, Tsung-Che Cheng.

All of those were top rated international players. You’re 100% correct, this used to be under Huntington more of a quantity over quality endeavor but under Cherington it’s become a yearly event that the Pirates are in on and secure one or two of the top 10-15 guys on the board.

That said, in a market that often has you signing a 16 year old who isn’t even fully grown it’s hard to expect that 3 international drafts in to Cherington’s regime would have any impact as of yet.

For perspective, Oneil Cruz was signed in 2015 by the Dodgers and debuted in late 2021, came up and stuck in 2022. The international market is super important, but Juan Soto is a rarity timeline wise.

The major takeaway on this subject is, Huntington’s success here was almost entirely because of Rene Gayo who was let go in 2017 for receiving improper payments. Even then they were not going after the top of the board as much as nabbing as many as possible and trying to sift diamonds from a ton of sand. Cherington would rather sign 10 good shots. Time will tell which is working better but I like much of what he brought in so far.

Question 6

When Key comes back where does that leave Triolo? He hasn’t hit for a ton of power obviously but is hovering around .300 and is getting on base. I’d like to see him get a shot at 1st now to see if he can be the guy moving forward but I’d be surprised to see them do that – Hernleyt on Twitter

I see Jared as a guy who they can bounce everywhere, and honestly, I think they’ll need that, almost enough to call it a a position.

I’ll also say this, I don’t need to “see if he can be the guy” anywhere, because aside from 3rd, and even that’s close, I think he’s the best defender they’ll have at a given spot, I’m that high on his glove.

That said, this is the type of hitter he is, and while that has a place, if 3B is going to be Hayes, which it is despite silly radio hosts and their click bait, I feel you need power at 1B.

Bluntly though, I don’t know what they’ll do here. Triolo has done nothing to make it seem he can’t stick. When Hayes returns, I think Marcano will go and Jared will stay. Aside from that, hey, I’m here for the show too.

Question 7

Contreras – no bueno. Without pitching the team is going nowhere. Given your insight, what do we really have here and potentially in near future that may help the team really compete? – ZorroRican on Twitter

I love Jared Jones, I think Quinn Priester will eventually find his level, I’m not done with Ortiz or Contreras. Keller and Oviedo both have solidified being part of it at least next year. Even Max Kranick who’s rehabbing from TJ could factor in.

Anthony Solometo looks like a beast, and of course Paul Skenes, and yes, it’s not crazy to think he could be here in 2024.

There’s no denying though, they will absolutely have to sign at least 1 and probably 2 veteran starters.

This is where money really plays a role.

Question 8

Who in your opinion will be the next pitcher called up? – sdgkjsaj on Twitter

If we’re talking just flat out pitching, it could be anyone. Bullpen help is a crap shoot. Colin Selby, who knows. Starters, I think we could see Cam Aldred next, but my wish would be Jared Jones, his stuff will play even if he probably isn’t quite where you want him.

Question 9

Who do you think should be leading off for this team. I don’t think it should be Suwinski but not sure who should. Cutch? Triolo? – Don Jacobsen on FaceBook

What I, and probably you, see as a “lead off type” hitter, likely doesn’t align with what current MLB wisdom sees at this point. Jack with his .348 OBP and 47 walks is only behind Andrew McCutchen at .377 and 49 walks.

Remember that scene form Moneyball? “Because he gets on base!”

That’s the thinking at least.

Now, what would I want? From this mix I think I’d probably lean Triolo. I think he’d set the table well, and in his short sample has a .359 OBP.

People won’t like it, but if Davis keeps doing what he’s doing he’ll find his way up there too based on what this team seems to value in the leadoff spot.

Final answer for me, Triolo. For now.

Question 10

What’s keeping the Pirates from signing Skenes and adding him right to the bullpen or rotation? From all accounts, his stuff is ready right now. – Mike_Illinois on Twitter

Obviously Mike asked this before the signing so let’s just skip past that.

Simple answer, his stuff may very well be ready, but it’s safe to assume they and he don’t feel he has a whole bunch more pitching in his arm for this year. I expect him to do little more than on board this year, maybe throw a few games down the stretch in Bradenton or Greensboro then hit the offseason and get ready.

Paul’s comments at his presser yesterday seemed to reflect that being his expectation too.

If you want the cynical view, which knowing you, you absolutely do. Starting his clock on this dumpster fire so he can hand the ball to Bednar a couple times seems a little unimportant in the greater scheme of things. I’d also say, with the 40-man decisions they will face this Winter, I wouldn’t artificially add one who doesn’t’ need to be on it yet.

If they were somehow still in the playoff race, I still think they’d err on the side of thinking he’s pitched enough this year. If you think fans are worried about taking a pitcher 1:1, you can probably double that for the team execs.

Question 11

Are you still hearing from players that Haines is overloading them with information? That was something you mentioned last season. As a direct result, we are seeing the amount of indecision on pitches because players just aren’t comfortable in what they need to do? – KG_55VFTG on Twitter

Not in the same way, but yes, I’ve heard similar complaints. Even last year, some players really liked and appreciated it.

I can’t name names most of the time, but as he is no longer part of the organization I’ll just go ahead and say one of my best go to’s last year was Bligh Madris. He was an older prospect and raised in a system that at the time simply didn’t use all the tech and analytics so when he got there and started getting pounded with a bunch of stuff he wasn’t thinking about, he felt it was a bit much.

He wasn’t the only one by any stretch, but he’s the only one I can openly mention.

This year, I’ve heard much less of it and from a conversation I had with Jack Suwinski this year, he personally loves it, hell he’d love even more and asks for it. That kid is a studier.

As I see it, Andy Haines is trying to teach people to drive before they know which pedal is which.

For instance, Ji-Hwan Bae probably didn’t need to come up here and be met with launch angle info.

More than anything there simply can’t be one way to do everything, every prospect is a unique teaching experience and I’m not sure Haines has that skill set.

Question 12

Can anyone break down what happened with Roansy? Was there a change in mechanics? Possible injury? I refuse to believe he just sucks all the sudden. – Jeremy Ransom on Twitter

Really, No, including the team.

The only explanation the team has is that he is slow through his delivery. You’d like to think that’s mechanical because if it’s not he just isn’t executing at max speed.

There doesn’t seem to be a dead arm thing here. By all accounts there doesn’t seem to be an injury.

I think it’s fair to say he was trying to carry an innings load he never has, but we also aren’t to the point where you’d expect that to crop up yet.

Mystery, and good teams solve them. They sent him to the lab in the FCL not unlike what the Blue Jays had to do with Manoah. Here’s hoping.

Question 13

What do you make of this nasty rumor that Ke’Bran Hayes (and his old man) want Ke’ to take his talents elsewhere? If true should the organization oblige him? Which team could use him? – TeddyBagODonuts on Twitter

Flatly, nothing.

Spend 20 minutes on Twitter even lightly critiquing Ke’Bryan Hayes and if you’re a fan, writer, journalist, teammate, whatever, Charlie Hayes and Ke’s brother will be there, telling you how little you know about baseball, how lucky you are to have Ke’, how this wouldn’t be a problem if…

All of that supposes that Colin Dunlap is a journalist too, which I don’t feel. Do I believe he talked to Charlie and he said some stuff? Sure. Does it matter or reflect what Ke’Bryan thinks? No and probably no.

Way back in 2020 I wrote a piece about Hayes and expectations for when he got called up, not unlike what I do for most players. It was optimistic, but realistic. Essentially I said he could be very good, but stopped short of believing he would be a transformative bat. My DM’s were filled to the gills. An absolute nobody writer who was just getting started had a Major League player in my DM’s blasting me like I wrote for USA Today or something.

If I were a radio host, I think I could come up with a topic or two from it. Feel me?

As to which team could use him or should they move him, I truly doubt they’ll even consider it, yet, IF this was true. A team that is stacked offensively and just wants to sure up their infield and bet they can get more out of his bat would be the target. I’m not seeing anything obvious anyway.

Also…

Colin Dunlap is a joke. When I see stuff from him I assume it’s crap and work my way backwards.

Question 14

Why did the Pirates dfa Travis Swaggerty? Is there something behind the scenes that we don’t know? – Buddy Turney

Travis is almost 26 years old, drafted out of college in 2018 10th overall, it just hasn’t happened. He’s been injured, he’s had strange illnesses, his family has also had a litany of awful situations to deal with.

I don’t hate the kid, or even think he can’t ever care out a niche for himself at the MLB level, but the 40-man is a capped bucket, and when you get to this stage all 40 need to have a realistic chance to contribute either in the current year or bare minimum, early on next year.

The truth is, he’s never been impressive in his minor league career. Take all the injury stuff, the unfair stuff like COVID season, the family stuff that simply can’t be accounted for and flush it. He just hasn’t hit. Not enough.

Is there something you don’t know? Yes, and I’d assume it’s that the team simply doesn’t think he’s good enough to impact this club.

Further, look at the roster, he has no home. Even if you think his defense does, I’d rather have Bae.

Question 15

Can you see a Dauri Moreta trade by the deadline? And would YOU trade Bednar? – CaliBuccosFan

No I wouldn’t trade Bednar. I think they’ll need bullpen pieces next year and I’m not giving away one of the only ones I trust. Yeah, I know it’s a luxury bad teams don’t need. Yes, I know they don’t use him because of it. I just don’t think this team at this point should be creating questions out of answers.

Now, Dauri, I don’t think so. For one thing, people are dealing for “reliable” bullpen arms, not hit or miss relievers who have developed a strikeout pose and a persona. A team like the Pirates might be interested, but then, how often to two teams out of it find a match at trade time?

I think both of them are here, for now.

Question 16

The Pirates have been shut out 11 times. When veterans such as Cutch and Reynolds are struggling at the plate, is it really as simple as coaching? Or is it possible there’s something more intrinsic or complicated going on that’s not as obvious? – PGHPirateQueen

It’s never just one thing. I blame the hitting coach (more and more as time goes on) because he’s now had almost two seasons worth of roster choices to work with, and while I don’t expect any hitting coach to get through to everyone, I can count on one hand the number of guys who I feel he’s helped, and I’d have to be generous to use my pinky and thumb.

It’s also eerily similar to his time in Milwaukee. And it’s also very close to what Shelton did in Tampa.

All this evidence might be circumstantial, in fact, it is, but at some point it becomes enough to convict.

Even if it isn’t, this roster is right this second chalk full of guys this GM believes will be here for the winning. Lets just say, they aren’t firing all the players, and if they’re wrong about this many players, fold up the friggin’ tent.

It’s interesting you bring up Cutch, because he is one of the very few who are capable of executing Haines system. If you have 9 Cutch’s in a lineup (I know, just go with it), you could feasibly walk in 2-3 runs a game. But that’s the eye of a borderline HOF player, we’re asking Nick Gonzales to do the same.

It doesn’t work because kids by in large don’t have the experience or skill to do it. It can take a good player half a decade to learn how to hit with 2 strikes, this approach demands that proficiency from the jump.

Question 17

Would you consider locking Vince Valesquez up before he officially hits FA again? Sign him for two years to get him through rehab and tack on a team option. It really seems like something was unlocked with him before his injury. – Brian O’Donnell

It’s really rare to see a guy who starts the season on the IL sign a deal. Bluntly Brian, even if he would be willing, we really should have our sights set higher than that in 2024. They’ll enter next season with Keller and Oviedo as virtual locks if things hold true here. Then a host of maybes like Contreras, Ortiz, Jones, Priester, Solometo, Kranick, and even Skenes before too long.

I’d prefer they go get two vets and one of them on a longer (2-4 year deal) so we don’t have to play musical rotation every year.

Vince would be a fine addition to the bullpen or spot starting, but I certainly wouldn’t make it a priority. He’s the type and in the situation where he’ll be around even as the season is starting.

Again, I don’t hate the idea, I guess I just hope they’re past that sort of hope signing, honestly, they kinda need to be.

The Pirates Continuous Free Fall Frustrations

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-ipzc2-145b89d

Craig and Chris sit down to try to talk Pirates Fans through the obvious frustrations that they are feeling about the state of the team at this point in the season, as well as where they are in the rebuild. 

Brought to you by ShopYinzz.com! Craig Toth covers the Pirates for Inside The Bucs Basement, and joins his buddy Chris at a 9-foot homemade oak bar to talk Pittsburgh Pirates Baseball. Listen. Subscribe. Share. We are “For Fans, By Fans & All Pirates Talk.” THE Pirates Fan Podcast found EVERYWHERE podcasts can be found and always at BucsInTheBasement.com!

Priester, Endy Debuts Dampened By Rain Delay, Homer Brigade As Bucs Shutout 11-0 (41-53)

7/17/23- By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on Twitter

Following another series loss – a sweep, no less – Pirates decided to make some changes [maybe they DO read our post game recaps] as they called up previously announced Quinn Priester, but also Liover Pegeuro and Endy Rodriguez.

Hosting Cleveland Guardians to start the week, Priester waited a little extra to make his debut as rain delayed the start of the game by 45 minutes. Maybe it was a good thing, as Priester set down the first nine batters he faced – 8 groundouts and a lineout – but maybe not quite good enough as after that, things quickly fell apart.

Priester learned first-hand how different it can be between pitching in the minors and pitching in the bigs as he walked lead-off man Steven Kwan to start the 4th inning and hung a 1-1 slider to Amed Rosario, who deposited it quickly into the Pirates bullpen in center field. In the 5th inning, another walk ended up scoring after Bo Naylor hit a 2-out double to the notch but the real damage was yet to come.

Sixth inning of work, third time through the order, Guardians were all over Priester. Rosario opened with a single to center, Jose Ramirez doubled off the Clemente Wall to drive him in, Josh Naylor (brother to Bo) followed with a double of his own down the first base line before Andres Gimenez put the game well out of reach.

Priester would get a ground out and a single before he was lifted. Final line: 5.1 innings, 7 hits, 7 runs, 2 walks and 2 strikeouts. The first of those strikeouts came in the 5th inning as Priester K’d former Bucco Josh Bell.

Pirates continued to struggle hitting or even getting on base, finishing with just 4 hits and 3 walks. They had some bad luck early with some well-struck balls that found gloves but mostly weak ground balls and strikeouts. The Guardians opted for essentially a bullpen game. Xzavion Curry made his first start of the season after working exclusively out of the bullpen and went 3 shutout innings, allowing just a single to Andrew McCutchen and a walk to Carlos Santana. Michael Kelly relieved him, marking just his second outing for the Guardians this season and pitched 1.2 scoreless, followed by Sam Hentges, Nick Sandlin, Cody Morris and Emmanuel Clase.

Guardians continued to add-on in the 7th as Josh Naylor launched a 2-1 sinker from Yohan Ramirez into the bleachers in left-center.

Dauri Moreta took over for the 8th inning, hitting Bell, inducing foul outs by Will Brennan and Bo Naylor sandwiching a Myles Straw double, before Kwan singled to left center and drove in another one for Cleveland making it 10-0. Yerry de los Santos walked the bases loaded in the 9th before Straw hit a 2-out ground ball that Ji-man Choi was able to snag but, unfortunately, Yerry wasn’t able to cover first base in time and Cleveland scored their final run, marking the final score of 11-0. 

News & Notes

  • The Guardians entered the game dead last in baseball in home runs by a considerable margin and hit 3 against the Pirates.
  • Jared Triolo managed to bloop a 2-out single to shallow right in the 9th to extend his hitting streak to 10 games.
  • Pirates hitters struck out 12 times tonight – 6 swinging/6 looking – continuing a trend of poor offensive performances.
  • Endy Rodriguez struck out three times in his debut.
  • Over the past 30 days, Pirates are last in MLB in batting average (.211), slugging (.324) and OPS (.609) and tied for last in on-base percentage (.283 – tied with Kansas City Royals).
  • Another game tomorrow with Mitch Keller making his first post-All Star Game start. First pitch is at 7:05PM. Let’s Go Bucs!

Five Pirates Thoughts at Five – More Kids

7-17-23 – By Gary Morgan – @garymo2007 on Twitter

The Pirates have played poor baseball. They’ve been injured, they’ve underperformed, they’ve even just flat out kicked a baseball right at the wrong time.

One thing they haven’t done is completely bungle a rebuild.

Not yet.

Oh, don’t get me wrong, it’s not decided where this will go quite yet, it could fail, but the expectations for how quickly kids reach their “powers” is also insanely inflated. A guy like Henry Davis, at 1:1, should come up and look like a player. A guy like Ji-Hwan Bae or Rodolfo Castro, well, they take work but they’re no less important to the effort.

I’m going to ask today, do your best to open your mind, walk through this with me today and then let’s talk. If after reading this you just want to be mad, that’s completely your choice, they certainly aren’t blameless, they certainly didn’t have to go the route they did, but let’s at least be mad about actual controllables they made bad choices on.

1. Let’s Revisit the “Plan”

Before I delve in, let’s start here, you don’t have to like the plan, nor do I. You don’t have to trust the owner (I don’t), expressly why I’ve never said this plan would work, just that I believe it will provide a solid enough base to succeed if they support it properly.

Just because I knew this was what we’d see in a broad strokes way means nothing more than I have an ability to accept what is likely, and stop being surprised by it, even when the team starts off looking like they might just have found a magic formula earlier than anyone expected.

Way back in 2020, this is the map I laid out for all of you who have suffered along with us since then.

2020- Stink, and see if anyone was worth keeping. Turns out only a couple were.

2021- Stink, and hope some of the trades and general growth of the system drop another answer or two in the bucket.

2022-Stink, and just about repeat 2021’s plan. Setting the stage for a quickly melting wax plug that releases youth on the 2023 roster.

2023-Flirt with .500, have a team by the end of 2023 that you’d feel comfortable returning to Spring of 2024 with identified holes to fill.

2024-Compete for the division and wild card, on board even more kids.

2025-Your guess is as good as mine because this is where spending will probably tell the story of how far they get, along with how well they’ve developed.

Even how long it lasts is up for debate and execution. I never extended my “road map” beyond that, because after that, there were simply too many variables. Up to this point though, it was and to me at least is 100% what I expected.

I don’t revisit this for a pat on the back, I revisit it simply because it’s unfathomable to some that I’m not incensed over where they are. This is again, the only way I could see it playing out. Of course the 20-8 start had me thinking maybe they could find a way to make themselves relevant one year early.

In 2020, they didn’t have much talent in the system, at least not close to the league. They didn’t have much to trade of the kind of value you’d need to move to get top tier prospects in return, and honestly, they got less than they should have for some of them.

This season, they did something I didn’t expect, they went out and bought veterans. Oh, I thought they’d get a couple but I didn’t see them bringing in as many as they did. It helped them start hot, and then the energy left, and injuries piled. Kids played like kids, some took steps back, others settled back into what they are.

Maybe the development system just stinks. Personally, I’ll wait to see. It sure as hell did, but the first thing this regime did is clean house and invest in tech and new coaches. Seems fair to see what this group does before again, deciding they are who they were.

If developmental success is 90% of rookies called up kick ass all day every day, there are 29 other failures out there. If it’s never sending a rookie back down for fine tuning, again, 29 other teams are complete and utter failures.

I start in 2020 because I don’t believe Cherington should be crucified for the sins of his predecessor. They’ve sucked longer than he’s been here, and that very fact is why building internally in a year or 2 simply wasn’t smart to expect.

Again, disagree if you like, that’s certainly your right. But history is history, and this path is what we’ve seen.

2. Three More Kids…

Quinn Priester, Liover Peguero and Endy Rodriguez will all be called up officially today. Yay!

Quinn is the Pirates top pitching prospect, well, top pitching prospect who is on the doorstep ringing the bell anyway. Quinn also has work to do.

His 5 pitch mix is good, and honestly, he’s pretty polished. He knows what his pitches will do, he trusts his stuff, he largely hits his spots and almost more importantly than anything, he trusts his stuff to get outs in the strike zone.

Thing is, his stuff, isn’t a match for his mentality. This is a prospect who’s going to have to learn to pitch at this level. None of this is doom, instead, it’s just realistic expectations for how his entry to the league might look. Chances are he’ll at least find out MLB hitters not wearing Black and Gold anyway will punish fastballs in the zone that don’t move, whether you throw them 87 or 97. Velocity gives you some room for error, when you don’t have it you better get that pitch under the hands or up off the plate, feel me?

Endy is in the eyes of the organization more advanced behind the dish than Henry Davis, which you’d expect if you bothered to do more than bitch about it. Henry is obviously not a guy who has caught professionally nearly as much as Endy.

Endy is here because the bat finally showed it was ready for a shot this year. I say this year because 2023 was also the first year he struggled offensively at all. They and we, expected this to come earlier, in fact, they and we expected he’d come before Davis. But as I said months ago, Endy is getting the call when they are ready to hand over the catching reigns to kids, and he’ll start tonight showing you that.

Peguero has been crushing the baseball and he’s a natural short stop. An error generating short stop, but he has all the physical tools to be really good. We’ll see, but he’s not polished in the field.

I’m excited for each and every one of them.

But I don’t see any of them as some savior. My advice would be you don’t see them that way either.

It’s not fair to them, but more than that, it’s not fair to you. How can you appreciate improvement if you won’t crack a smile until you see and experience the destination?

Travel back in time to 2020, if Mitch Keller came up today, would he get 3 full seasons to become MITCH?

I doubt it honestly. That said, there are a whole lot more Keller stories out there than there are Spencer Strider’s.

Yet 90% of us expect Strider every call up.

3. Decisions Get Harder

Those three are coming up, great, grand, awesome, but who goes? We know Cody Bolton will be one, we can be reasonably assured Jason Delay will be one.

The other spot is a bit more murky. Marcano makes some sense, but that would mean Endy is seen as the backup 2B at least until Hayes returns. Sounds like they’ll go with Palacios according to Jason Mackey. Either way, it’s not quite as easy as it used to be, but yeah, same old Pirates. Look at the record, anyone could be cut!!! Angry face emoji!!!

That’s just not realistic. There are locks on this roster and if you don’t think that should be the case, please, at the very least don’t also be one of the people who panic about seeing a guy we used to have, experience a modicum of success somewhere else, because there is very much so talent here. Young, unseasoned talent.

Spring next year the Pirates will sign at least one starting pitcher, maybe 2. They’ll have Keller and a host of options beyond that, like Roansy, Ortiz, Priester, Jones, Oviedo, Solometo will be up there making noise, Nicolas, maybe even more, lets not forget how obscure Ortiz was. Look, someone you think is “a guy” won’t make this club out of Spring.

I’ll write when it happens that they signed veterans to push up the talent, and depth, but you’ll still think they screwed up and blocked someone you like.

This is life in MLB. They don’t have throwaway guys getting calls anymore, now they have guys who earned a shot.

Every time you send one of those down, it’s going to be hard to swallow. But that’s how this process works.

The progress you want to see from a team building perspective is there. It hasn’t effected the record positively, and that is the next step. It must start impacting the win loss column.

I do expect that, I just also expect that they’ll impact it negatively at times too.

If you go through the 13 position players after they make all this official tonight, there’ll be one name that’s an easy “cut” and that’s Hedges. Santana is old, but moving him with no internal 1B option not named Endy might be an issue. Choi is in the same boat. Hedges won’t play much moving forward and if he did, it’s not like he’s good at selling himself.

It’s hard now, and it’ll get harder as we move into next year.

Again, that’s the goal. Make it harder to make roster moves. Hope against hope that some prospects emerge and become redundant so you have even more trade capital to keep the farm healthy. Root for Triolo and Hayes to both produce, and ultimately, pick one.

Look, anything is on the table moving forward. Open your mind.

4. The Coaching is an Unavoidable Issue

Despite every factor involved, it’s clear to see Derek Shelton is out of answers, if you believe he ever had them.

Muttering that nobody executed this or didn’t make a pitch there while still professing from a coaching standpoint you did the right thing, well, it gets old, for everyone.

I personally believe in Oscar Marin, I know, I know, some of you don’t, but I can’t argue with some of what he’s overseen. I also can’t discount that he inherited Roansy Contreras almost ready made from the Yankees and all we’ve seen is his slow devolvement.

Haines I think I’ve documented plenty my disdain for his approach.

Let’s start here. Derek Shelton’s extension shouldn’t’ mean much. Even for a team like the Pirates, making moves from this area when they see it as necessary, well, they’ve proven to you they’ll do it already and eat whatever it costs.

Shelton has thrown backhanded comments out about his options in the bullpen, his options off the bench, his options in the field, and at the same time has openly defended players Helen Keller knew couldn’t play.

His lineups are analytics driven, so will the next coach’s. His bullpen usage well, it feels like most nights he’s trying to see if he can get lucky to get to the 9th as opposed to putting his best arms in when the game is on the line. When he’s not doing that, he’s asking Bednar to throw two innings then loses him for the next 2 games.

Player performance of course isn’t all on the head coach, but I can’t help but feel a seasoned coach wouldn’t accept 2 months of his team collectively filled with kids you hope matter, not hitting the baseball.

In fact, Haines is my biggest indictment of Shelton. At some point you can’t blame a guy for doing his job exactly as he’s praised for doing it. If my team hit like that for 2 months and my manager gave out quotes like “Andy works so hard every day”, I think I’d almost feel awful for accepting the praise but I certainly wouldn’t’ change anything. Coach clearly likes what I’m doing right?

Hey, maybe behind the scenes Derek is brow beating the dude every day, but I doubt it.

Much like the Penguins once had to fire a Stanley Cup winning Head Coach because he couldn’t get the kids to play his way, the Pirates might have to just admit they hired a nice babysitter for 3 years and move on to someone who knows how to do what’s next, you know, WIN.

More than anything, they simply aren’t improving anywhere.

The hitting is stagnant, and frustratingly so as they’ve done nothing but add talent slowly but surely for 3 years now. The pitching is better, but he just shows next to no feel for pushing the right buttons when he does have pieces. Give him a fully stocked bullpen and he’ll still find a way to see if he can get through the 6th with Underwood or Borucki.

The defense is sickening. Part of that is playing guys out of position, part of it is just being woefully unprepared for situational plays. Heck, even Bryan Reynolds chooses the wrong base to throw to on occasion and he’s had Shelton chirping in his ear for 4 years.

We were told by this entire management group that they would control what they could control and defense was the chief example. In 2020, they were excellent even with Josh Bell chunking balls at first base. After that, a carnival of errors and mental lapses.

Being well liked by your players is part of the gig, can’t discount that, but I’ve never been more productive in my work career when I worked for someone that would get in my face and say that’s not good enough.

Like, how many times would Gary Redus play for Jimmy Leyland if he time after time fielded a ball and threw to the wrong base? Yeah, you know how many.

I like Derek Shelton, and I don’t think the team is ready to speak in this way about him, but lets face it, people like you and I, journalists, whatever, we’re always ready before the team is.

I can’t shake that he’s a starter coach, and I also can’t shake we’re just about done with that need, time to win.

5. Cruz Returning in 2023 Doesn’t Feel Like a Lock

It’s July 17th.

Oneil hasn’t swung a bat. He hasn’t fielded standing up.

Before he can return, he’ll need to practice fielding, throwing, hitting, running and he’ll likely require a rehab assignment as well.

Just because most don’t really get this, each of those tick marks don’t come at the same time. Each has a progression.

In other words, the first time he swings a bat, it’ll be off a tee, not facing Mitch Keller.

I believe they want to get him back on the field before the season ends, but as I sit here, it feels more like we’ll get into September and I’ll be honest if it’s a risk at all, I’d just not.

His original timeline had him returning in mid August, but folks, no way, I’m sorry, that’s just not gonna happen. When you see him swing the first time, and trust me they’ll make sure you do, add 4-5 weeks on and you’ll be close, IF he has no setbacks, IF it comes right back to him, IF it’s for more than a game or two.

If you’re like me and have broken your ankle in your lifetime, it didn’t likely take you 5 months to get back up and going. But you likely aren’t 6′ 7″ tall, and didn’t likely make your living by having ankles made of rubber allowing you to gobble up ground balls from a dead run.

My guess would be because it is for every player, the legs provide the power. Without that, I’m not sure he’s the same player, in fact, I’m sure he isn’t.

Sorry if this is depressing, but as usual, I’m all about those unhealthy expectations.

Bullpen Struggles Continue As Bucs Swept, Lose 8-4 (41-52)

7/16/23- By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on Twitter

The old quote of “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results” really seems to hit home when a scuffling offense with clear areas of struggle sees no change after the All Star Break. Austin Hedges caught two games this weekend. Jack Suwinski led off two games despite performing poorly in the 1 spot this season (now with a .357 OPS over 20 plate appearances). We have seen prospects debut and find varying levels of success – Henry Davis hit a home run yesterday and a long double today after a slow first week of July – but when a season is going downhill as quickly as this one is, maybe it’s time to put even more reps on the prospects. Alright, ending rant now. Let’s talk about the game:

Both starting pitchers today had fairly abbreviated outings as Pirates starter Osvaldo Bido lasted just 2.2 innings, allowing 3 runs off 4 hits with 2 walks and 3 strikeouts. Giants southpaw Alex Wood only went a bit longer: 3.2 innings, 5 hits, 1 run, 3 walks and a single strikeout himself. 

Pirates got on the board first in the 2nd inning after a Jared Triolo single, Jason Delay 2-out double and a Connor Joe walk loaded the bases for Bryan Reynolds, who hit a dribbler up the middle that Giants shortstop wasn’t able to get to second baseman Brett Wisely in time to get Joe, leading to a run scoring.

Unfortunately, the next inning turned tides quickly. Wisely led off with a single to center, LaMonte Wade, Jr. followed with a full-count walk before a full-count hit by pitch to Joc Pederson loaded the bases for the Giants. JD Davis singled to right, scoring Wisely before Wade followed him in following a Henry Davis bobble. Rookie Luis Matos managed to drive in another run with a groundout to 2nd to give the Giants a 3 spot in the inning.

Davis rebounded in the 6th inning as he led off with a double, stole third and scored on a Jared Triolo groundout to shortstop. Triolo would drive in another run via a sac fly in the 8th after Cutch singled, and then Carlos Santana and Davis both walked before Triolo managed to drive a full-count sinker to right field and tied the game at 3.

But the real fireworks were in extras today as the 10th inning as the Giants plated 5 runs in the inning. With Clarke Schmitt starting the inning at 2nd base, Flores singled to right, Pederson hit sac fly to center, JD Davis walked and Michael Conforto hit a long double that scored two. Patrick Bailey doubled in two more later in the inning. Pirates managed to get one back as Davis singled to drive in a run but the rally fell well short, dropping their third straight.

The long-and-short of it is that this team needs to score more than 1 run in the first 5 innings. They need length from their starters but also runs from their offense. 

News & Notes

  • Davis’s error in right field was his 2nd in as many days as he still is learning to navigate the position.
  • Carlos Santana had a scary moment in the top of the 7th inning as his foot caught first base while he was moving to catch a foul ball. After making the catch, he was visibly limping off the field. He came back out for the 8th inning and then batted in the bottom of the frame, walking, before being pulled for pinch-runner Josh Palacios.
  • The team’s struggles to score runs continued today as they went 2-for-10 with runners in scoring position, stranding 11 runners on base over the 10 inning affair.
  • In his first game back from the injured list, Cutch went 1-for-5.
  • Triolo sliced a single to center in the 2nd inning to push his hit streak to 9 games.
  • Today is the last scheduled game for streaming services (AppleTV/Peacock) for this season.
  • Pirates look to bounce back tomorrow with #4 prospect Quinn Priester making his major league debut against the Cleveland Guardians at home. First pitch is at 7:05PM. Let’s Go Bucs!

Minor League News And Brews: Pirates Prospect Promotion Parade

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-m4bjx-14574cc

In this statistic heavy episode, Craig looks at the promotions that have been made throughout the Pirates Organization, as well as how each of the prospects have performed at their new levels. 

Craig Toth covers the Pirates for Inside The Bucs Basement, and is a huge Pittsburgh Pirates Baseball Fan; especially when it comes to the Farm System. Listen. Subscribe. Share. We are “For Fans, By Fans & All Pirates Talk.” THE Pirates Fan Minor League Podcast found EVERYWHERE podcasts can be found and always at BucsInTheBasement.com!

The Pirates Pick(s) And The Motivation Behind It

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-9ur3u-1453d98

Craig and Chris sit down to talk about the Pirates selection of Paul Skenes at 1:1, the reason he was the best choice and how he fits into the continuing build of a competitive ball club. 

Brought to you by ShopYinzz.com! Craig Toth covers the Pirates for Inside The Bucs Basement, and joins his buddy Chris at a 9-foot homemade oak bar to talk Pittsburgh Pirates Baseball. Listen. Subscribe. Share. We are “For Fans, By Fans & All Pirates Talk.” THE Pirates Fan Podcast found EVERYWHERE podcasts can be found and always at BucsInTheBasement.com!

Five Pirates Thoughts at Five – The All Star Break

7-10-23 – By Gary Morgan – @garymo2007 on Twitter

Even as the Pirates and every other team in the league for that matter, are selecting players they hope one day might represent their organizations in the All Star Game one day, every team is also suiting up their representatives and shipping them off to Seattle for this year’s festivities.

All stars come from all over, 1st round all the way to the last pick in the draft, or even draft snubs, but when you pick 1:1, You best not miss, and if you do, it better not be because you were smarter than anyone in the room who begged you to head in a direction you ignored.

1. The Mid-Summer Classic

I used to love the All Star game, I loved the old timer’s game the day before, you know, seeing what uniform Boog Powell would wear this year, or would he just look like a NASCAR and cover himself with the logos of all his stops? I loved seeing my team’s cap out there on the field and the honest to god league pride that used to exist between American and National League Players.

I understand why much of that has changed, and to some extent the genie is out of the bottle. We care more about a red carpet appearance show tomorrow than seeing a bunch of old geezers pretend to throw Vaseline balls and feign umpire dust ups ala Savannah Bananas style shenanigans.

But I have to say, I think there are a few things they could consider that could be fun or at least give me personally a bit more of what I’d like to see, both in the game and the festivities surrounding it.

I’d love to see them bring back the Old Timer’s game in some capacity. Maybe the rosters must be made up of guys who retired in the last say 10 years and they have to have played at least 5 seasons, and really celebrate these players, many of who will just be good players, not HOFers. The rosters would change every year based on eligibility, and the two captains pick the teams in alternating fashion. It’d be fun seeing guys like J-Hay or Melky Cabrera get some post career time in the sun.

Or, they could promote and broadcast widely some of what they actually already do.

Like, did you know there was a HBCU showcase game? I didn’t, turns out they played it on Friday.

The All Star Futures game got some love, that was on Saturday and was followed by a Celebrity solftball game. Just sayin’, might be cool to have these Futures players hang around and see the old timers and get to meet them.

The Home Run Derby still gets attention, that’ll be today, I think I liked it better in the past where balls in play that weren’t homeruns were “outs” and you got like 10 outs per round. It didn’t put as much stress on some of these guys to swing out of their shoes 50 times and I felt it spoke to bat control as well as just raw power.

The game itself, I’m not sure it’ll ever mean anything again. I’m happy for those who get selected, just like the Pro bowl guys in the NFL, but I probably won’t watch more than Keller and Bednar and aside from that it’ll just be kinda on.

2. Former All Star Bryan Reynolds Needs to Find it

Bryan Reynolds is having a fine season. He’s got a .265 batting average, his OPS is up around .785, homeruns are down a bit, RBI’s are up a bit, RISP is pretty awesome actually.

But it’s a “fine” season so far. His deal is still a DEAL, but he really isn’t at the height of his powers right now, and hasn’t been since the first 10 days of the season.

He’s been on the IL with a back issue so obviously coupled with the struggles makes you at least question his health.

He’s behind his 2022 pace which was behind his phenomenal 2021 pace that followed his awful 2020 and terrific Rookie season in 2019.

Good player, and let’s be real, in this league, he just got a “good player” contract extension, so let’s not blame him for it being the biggest in team history and expect him to be Clemente.

What I expect though, is a lot closer to 2021 than what he’s done since.

Not that it would matter if I did, but I don’t have any advice, I can’t even really see what he’s doing differently. I’ve seen him handle high fastballs, which used to be a real issue for him. I’ve watched him work hard to lay off that inside slider that breaks out of the zone at his ankles.

If anything, I honestly think his eye is too good, and more importantly he isn’t grasping that umpires by in large have bigger zones than he does in his head.

For Bryan it’s usually about timing, and sure, I see some of that especially after returning from the IL, but I really think this is more about that last point and stubbornness that what should be called a ball will be every time.

I think if he can just expand his zone even slightly, he’ll snap right back into form.

Right now, at the very least, you can’t say offensively he’s been as dynamic as you need him to be for this club to ultimately get where they want to, and I’m not even referring to this current season.

I hope this doesn’t read as “concern” as much as fairly saying, we really should expect a bit more from Reynolds, especially now that he’s going to be a central figure in how this whole thing shakes out.

3. The Mayor of New York? Sean Casey

First, if reports are true that Sean Casey will be named the new hitting coach of the New York Yankees, congrats!

Second, so you mean the Yankees didn’t think their offensive approach was working and they decided to make a change? Like, right in the middle of the season? Is that allowed?

Did they have to frame the last guy to get rid of him? Like are we going to find out it was his coke at the White House?

I was led to believe something like this would take an act of god.

There are things that can be done short of firing Andy Haines, I’ve mentioned them in this space before, you can basically minimize him in some aspects and repurpose him if you like, but what you can’t do is allow one guy, or one philosophy, regardless of who it came from to hold up what you’re doing.

I’m a firm believer, when you’re trying to overachieve with kids, the best thing to do is let them be their fully authentic selves, at least at first.

I feel like what this onboarding structure does to players is much like Lloyd McClendon changing Chad Hermansen’s batting stance upon his promotion to MLB. Even if it was good advice, you don’t take a kid who has experienced success doing his thing at every level and then set forth immediately tweaking it at the MLB level before he’s even seen his way fail.

If you make changes and that player struggles, they won’t learn as much as blame you for messing them up.

Prior to the rant…. no matter what the Pirates do here, look, just saying you can’t do anything mid season or whatever for continuity’s sake, well, it’s Bull.

4. Out of Sight, Out of Mind

There is a strange and awful, storage unit I’ll call it in MLB, and most teams have one.

Every year it seems teams lose pitchers to Tommy John, and every year someone is working their way back from it. It destroys timelines, and ETAs. It crushes prospect rankings and expectations are almost always lowered.

And still, we go on watching this play out, forgetting about the existence of guys who were looked to as really exciting just a short 2 years ago.

Max Kranick is working his way back to the hill after having Tommy John back in 2021. Who? Oh, that kid who had 5 no hit innings in his debut and then struggled a bit in his next several opportunities?

What made Max interesting was the explosiveness of his fastball and he had just harnessed it, exactly what he needed command wise.

If the surgery was successful and he works his way back, that’s a quality arm, someone you did have high hopes for, a guy who at the very least could play an important role in the bullpen, maybe that’s where he was headed anyway.

No longer a top prospect, now just a guy who’s a little too old to be in AAA for the folks who play couch scout by reading Baseball Reference.

I say this because in 2025, I’ll be reminding many of you about Michael Burrows, who’s working his way back from TJ, and I’ll be reminding you why we were excited, and you, and most of the prospect wonks will have forgotten what he was. He’ll no longer be that lock for the rotation of the future he was looking like, but he just might be needed, just a little later than planned.

It’s not ideal, but again, it happens every year, and just about every year, we welcome them back and pretend we missed them even as we try to struggle with understanding how they fit back into the picture.

Heck, we could be asking ourselves many of these questions about JT Brubaker in 2025 as well.

Whatever you see in 2024/2025, You’re likely wrong, me too, nobody can really know, and nobody knows how one of these returning players could factor in to the picture.

All you can do is make sure you feel you have a lot more than you need.

I mean, we don’t even need them to get injured to shuffle them off and out of our future plans. I can’t tell you how many I’ve seen write something like …. Skenes, Keller, Solometo, Jones, Priester in 2025.

Did Oviedo Die? Have we decided Roansy is a bullpen guy or all out bust? Is Ortiz suddenly just a circus freak who performed a 4 week trick in 2022?

That projection could of course be right, but man, don’t execute what you have here right now on the way to looking forward to younger talent. If it happens and they force their way in, great, but it could be a long and winding road for anyone.

I always encourage people to try not to do much more than dream about what could be. When you lock yourself in on what it “should be” you won’t be open to what the pitching situation as a whole becomes. A living breathing and ever changing body of arms that if you’ve done it right give you 1,500 quality innings.

5. We’re Closer

When the team is losing, just about everything Ben Cherington says is going to look and sound awful.

So when he said this season had been frustrating, but we’re closer, let’s just say, it wasn’t received well.

He of course means his overall trajectory, the team in his mind is closer to being a good team than they were say this time last year, which if you believe they will be good at some point is of course true.

Now, I said this after last year’s draft, I felt they had enough in the system to be a “good” meaning above .500 team in the system. Even if they went el cheapo, that’s the skeleton I think this is being built on at this point.

As I look to next year I see this to build on pre-addition of free agents. These players may not all be locks for the 26-man, but they’ll at least have some claim to a spot.

Reynolds, Cruz, Hayes, Triolo, Gonzales, Rodriguez, Bae, Davis, Suwinski, Joe, Peguero, Williams, Marcano, Castro, and I’m not even going to stretch it further. Probably could, but I won’t. that’s 14 currently internal and under team control position players. Again, to be added to, not anointed. I’d love to add Cutch but that’s against the spirit of this thing, call it an educated guess though.

Keller, Bednar, Oviedo, Ortiz, Contreras, De Los Santos, Holderman, Hernandez, Bido, Crowe, Moreta, Perdomo, Mlodzinski, Aldred, Priester, Jones, Kranick, Selby. I’m not even adding Skenes, I won’t even stretch it further into the Solometo’s and Nicolas’ of the world.

Once again, they’ll need to add veterans.

But those are much better bones than what they had to build on in say 2020.

They will have to spend, and your skepticism is well placed, I get it. The goal of rebuilding is to raise the talent level of the entire organization and ultimately bolt on hopefully affordable things when you get to the point it’s spilling over a bit.

Now the game is about making the right decisions. Is that prospect good enough to displace one of these “bones”? Need to be right more often than wrong. More than that, you need to get value when you move on.

Bottom line, he’s not wrong, it’s just not something you wanna hear when your team is losing and you’re tired of hearing “next year”.

6. Bonus Point – Bonus Episode

Last night Jim Stamm and I got together for a video only episode of the Pirates Fan Forum for Draft night. Check it out if you’re interested, lots of Paul Skenes reaction in there from us and a ton of fans.