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moore4807 · 06-05-2020, 06:11 AM

positions checked first then pitchers

C) In a big move the Pirates decided not to keep Elias Diaz as starting catcher, it was not a popular move by the club and the fanbase let the club know it! C Diaz caught on with the Chicago(A) White Sox for a hefty raise (3 yr/$18.6M) Additions to the club are minor league signing last year and former minor league player of the Pirates who they brought back - C Jin De Jhang. The Pirates also signed C James McCann to bring some leadership and competition for the position. Lastly the backup to Diaz last year Reese McGuire returns as the presumptive starter.

1B) Josh Bell is entrenched in 1B and backup Ryon Healy seems like a lock to hold onto the backup position. 1B Josh Ockimey was traded for and will challenge for a bench position, but expect him to be playing mostly AAA ball this year.

2B) Several players held the second base job last year, Kevin Kramer impressed until he was the main piece in a trade for SP Joey Lucchesi, then 2B/SS/3B Erik Gonzalez held it for a bit, Jose Pirela then manned second until the end of the year. Well this year minor league defensive whiz Stephen Alamais is the starter, with Pirela and off season signing 2B/3B Eduardo Nunez battling for the position also.

3B) Last year Brian W Anderson was given every opportunity to win third base, and his hitting and defense let him down, Trades with Boston Red Sox brought over 3B Bobby Dalbec, who proved he wasn't ready just yet either. Minor league callup KeBryan Hayes was given an extended look with hopes for him this year assuming the third base crown for this year. Well Anderson was recently sent packing in a trade, Hayes, Dalbec, and now Nunez, all have an open shot to claim the spot this year according to the manager.

SS) last year Kevin Newman was he starter in the beginning, but his defense was not cutting it, despite his offensive prowess. We traded for SS Jose Iglesias who was statistically the best SS in Major Leagues defensively, but his OBP barely exceeded his .285 BA... SS Iglesias surprised everyone and signed a 4yr/$10M deal to keep him in Pittsburgh for a while. Newman is still here and will likely play backup 2B/SS with his valuable bat coming off the bench.

OF) All three starters from the end of last year are returning LF Jason Martin, CF Monte Harrison, and RF Myles Straw have some stiff competition with LA(N) CF/LF Andrew Toles coming over in a trade. LF/UI Nicky Delmonico and CF Charlie Tilson came over in a trade with the White Sox. Manager Brian Esposito has flatly stated that ALL OF positions are up for grabs to the best performers.

That is the offseason lowdown on your position players. next post will deal with the revamped staff and bullpen.

06-05-2020, 06:11 AM	#4
moore4807 All Star Starter Join Date: May 2002 Location: Punta Gorda FL. Posts: 1,389	2-20-20 Pirates roster changes by position positions checked first then pitchers C) In a big move the Pirates decided not to keep Elias Diaz as starting catcher, it was not a popular move by the club and the fanbase let the club know it! C Diaz caught on with the Chicago(A) White Sox for a hefty raise (3 yr/$18.6M) Additions to the club are minor league signing last year and former minor league player of the Pirates who they brought back - C Jin De Jhang. The Pirates also signed C James McCann to bring some leadership and competition for the position. Lastly the backup to Diaz last year Reese McGuire returns as the presumptive starter. 1B) Josh Bell is entrenched in 1B and backup Ryon Healy seems like a lock to hold onto the backup position. 1B Josh Ockimey was traded for and will challenge for a bench position, but expect him to be playing mostly AAA ball this year. 2B) Several players held the second base job last year, Kevin Kramer impressed until he was the main piece in a trade for SP Joey Lucchesi, then 2B/SS/3B Erik Gonzalez held it for a bit, Jose Pirela then manned second until the end of the year. Well this year minor league defensive whiz Stephen Alamais is the starter, with Pirela and off season signing 2B/3B Eduardo Nunez battling for the position also. 3B) Last year Brian W Anderson was given every opportunity to win third base, and his hitting and defense let him down, Trades with Boston Red Sox brought over 3B Bobby Dalbec, who proved he wasn't ready just yet either. Minor league callup KeBryan Hayes was given an extended look with hopes for him this year assuming the third base crown for this year. Well Anderson was recently sent packing in a trade, Hayes, Dalbec, and now Nunez, all have an open shot to claim the spot this year according to the manager. SS) last year Kevin Newman was he starter in the beginning, but his defense was not cutting it, despite his offensive prowess. We traded for SS Jose Iglesias who was statistically the best SS in Major Leagues defensively, but his OBP barely exceeded his .285 BA... SS Iglesias surprised everyone and signed a 4yr/$10M deal to keep him in Pittsburgh for a while. Newman is still here and will likely play backup 2B/SS with his valuable bat coming off the bench. OF) All three starters from the end of last year are returning LF Jason Martin, CF Monte Harrison, and RF Myles Straw have some stiff competition with LA(N) CF/LF Andrew Toles coming over in a trade. LF/UI Nicky Delmonico and CF Charlie Tilson came over in a trade with the White Sox. Manager Brian Esposito has flatly stated that ALL OF positions are up for grabs to the best performers. That is the offseason lowdown on your position players. next post will deal with the revamped staff and bullpen.