The Pirates - A New Beginning indeed!

[moore4807]

Ok folks I started a Pittsburgh Pirates dynasty using OOTP20. My season wasn't over before buying OOTP21, so I played the year out in OOTP20. I managed to have "some" discipline (and yes I did try to move the game over) but didn't like the differences in screens I was facing between the versions.

I just finished the 2019 season where the Los Angeles(N) Dodgers swept the New York(A) Yankees to claim their 7th World Series title.

The other news for past readers is I managed to sign an unhappy SS Jose Iglesias to a four year $10M deal with bonuses. SS Iglesias was a huge defensive upgrade for my team at SS, but slightly less offense than SS Kevin Newman.

I'm going to report and repost some of the closing stats and members of the Pirates family before I go on...

As usual, I like feedback and criticism (constructive). Feel free to comment and I will attempt to explain as much of my thinking/playing as GM only as I can. Ratings are 1-100 (+over) and scouting is normal, trades are hard and prefer prospects.

If I forgot anything - tell me!

[moore4807]

January Player Development Update

[moore4807]

Hello Pirates fans, its all coming together today in bright sunny Bradenton Fl. The Pittsburgh Pirates start the process of becoming World Champions! Well we're all undefeated just yet, and the team publicity people say that - gets the juices flowing, Ya know?

Anyway we will take a look at our 40 man roster today, 21 Pitchers and 19 position players are in camp all looking to make the trip north when spring training finishes.

New Pirates manager and last years AAA Manager of the Year, Brian Esposito takes the reins from retired manager Clint Hurdle, who we wish all the best with his retirement. Brian kept all of the coaches at the MLB level and said he will evaluate them as the season goes on. we will discuss off season changes, hiring's, and trades in our next posting.

[moore4807]

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.

[moore4807]

Players in CAPS are 25 y/o or less and are on Pirates shortlist to get regular updates on their progress. After they turn 26 they are only scouted at GM/manager discretion.

The core starters from last year are all back, as well as a couple of LTIR pitchers (Chad Kuhl, Edgar Santana) who missed all of last year.

#1 SP Chris Archer (14-7 3.42ERA) is our staff ace and pitched like it for most of the season, before falling off to merely normal at the end of last season, due to overwork, GM Moore believes.
#2 SP Jameson Taillon (13-13 4.07ERA) is our clear number two starter, and hopefully the improved defense behind him will help his numbers this year.
#3 Joey Lucchesi is here on promise, he had a good record when he was with San Diego Padres (8-5 3.05ERA) last year, then he muddled his way pitching once on the Pirates staff (3-4 4.69ERA).
#4 Joe Musgrove (5-14 4.84ERA) started last year on IL, and never seemed to pitch up to his talent level all season. Several other teams showed interest in him in the off-season, so its not his talent that is the question here.
#5 Jimmy Nelson (5-10 6.62ERA) Jimmy had a horrible season last year for both the Brewers and the Pirates. GM Moore thought a change of scenery would help Nelson, but that didn't turn out to be the case.

Swingmen
SP/RP Dario Agrazal (3-2 4.18ERA) was terrific in parts of the season last year and horrible in other parts. His flashes of good were enough to keep him around during his bad spells, but with more swingmen type pitchers around this season, he may just end up back in AAA where his numbers are more suited.
SP/RP Chad Kuhl (0-0 0.000ERA) on LTIR last year so his capability will likely out of the bullpen to start the season. Chad has the ability to start games and will definitely challenge Agrazal for the long man pitcher spot.
RP's Mitch Keller and J.T. Brubaker are both pitchers who saw some time with the parent club last year, but spent most of the season in AAA. They will get a shot to compete for the long man position here too.

Middle relief - This is a HUGE mixed bag for the Pirates to figure out this year.
RHP Rich Rodriguez (2-5, 3.31ERA, 73.1IP, 5SV, 15Hlds, 1.01WHIP) was the "steady Eddie" of the Pirates relievers last year and did a little bit of everything in the bullpen. There were many offers for him over the offseason, but GM Moore didn't even give them a thought before turning them all down.
RHP Ryan Brasier (4-3, 2.80ERA, 64.1IP, 2SV, 9Hlds, 1.21WHIP) the other leading reliever from last years bullpen. Ryan doesn't like losing, so last year coming over from the Boston Red Sox was a cultural shock to him, but he sucked it up and pitched his best for us.
LHP Framber Valdez (2-0, 3.07ERA, 29.1IP, 1Hld, 1.19WHIP) he was obtained last year in a trade with the Houston Astros, we briefly tried him at SP and he dominated in his first start, but he obviously needed more seasoning at AAA. He is back and loudly proclaiming to anyone who will listen that he intends to pitch his way into a SP position this year. Wiser heads see him as a left handed specialist out of the pen at best, maybe he will wind up at AAA again to hone his craft.
RHP Archie Bradley (1-9, 6.71ERA, 59IP, 11SV, 12Hlds, 1.69WHIP) was obtained in a trade with ARZ last year and he was NOT what we expected as a setup man or closer. Archie will likely setup again this year, but sliding down into middle relief is also possible, depending on his pitching.
RHP Wyatt Mills (1-0, 3.10ERA, 29IP, 1Hld, 1.28WHIP) sort of snuck onto the team last year, and didn't wildly impress, but his talent should likely keep him in the middle innings rotation this year, or as a right handed specialist.
LHP Thomas Burrows (0-1, 5.87ERA, 23IP, 4SV, 2Hlds, 1.57WHIP) pitched well in AAA, then got called up and couldn't replicate his efforts at MLB levels. Thomas bounced back and forth, even doing a short stint last year as the Pirates closer. Pitching Coach Hanrahan sees Burrows as a closer type, just his control is very worrisome to the coach.
CL Kyle Crick (2-1, 2.94ERA, 49IP, 7Hlds 1.04WHIP) was one of last years setup men, Coach Hanrahan has anointed Kyle to be this years closer. CL Cricks numbers are good and his talent seems suited for the position.

Most of the other relievers are merely cannon fodder for spring training, BUT as always there is a surprise or two going to occur, and we would welcome any improvement over last years bullpen.

[moore4807]

We went 1-3 in an abbreviated week. Not great but not too bad either coming out of the gate.

Pitching Report - LHP Framber Valdez (0-1, 1.1 IP, 5H, 7ER, 1BB, 2K's) got a surprise start this week but looking at the results the surprise was on Framber. He got rocked and was gone in only 1.1IP. The weeks only win goes to RP Nolan Blackwood (2 IP, 1H, 0R, 0BB, 1K).If you scan the report there are a LOT of pitchers who need to up their game to make the team.

Players Report - We resigned SS Jose Iglesias (4/4, 1Triple, 1HR, 3BB, 3R, 3RBI) for his defense, and we get a perfect week out of him in spring training. Backup SS Kevin Newman (4/9, 1Double, 1RBI, 1K) also hit well. 2B Stephen Alemais (3/8, 1Double, 1RBI, 3K's) was also brought up for his defense, and surprised at the plate.

There is not a lot of commentary at the coaches/managers meetings so far. New Skipper Brian Esposito says he is taking a wait n see approach.

[moore4807]

Scouting Director Phillip Humber signs a prospect from Australia.

In MLB news;
Detroit's CL Joe Jimenez is injured and out for approximately 3 months.

[moore4807]

Pirates CL Kyle Crick has been injured, but no report from team doctors yet. It has been a rough week on RP and CL in MLB, lets take a look

in MLB news;
Chicago(A) White Sox CL Dylan Cease is out 4 months with a torn meniscus.
San Francisco Giants RP Logan Webb is out with a torn UCL, his injury will take 14 months to repair.
Miami Marlins RP Ryan Feierabend is reportedly suffering from a torn flexor tendon. No timetable for his return is known.

[moore4807]

Pittsburgh's CL Kyle Crick diagnosis has been revealed and its not good.
Ulnar nerve entrapment is the cause and it will sideline Crick for approximately 4 months. The potential good news is Kyle would have a month to play in the regular season and would be eligible for the playoffs, should that scenario work out.

Player Development Report for February 2020. (Part 1 of 2)

[moore4807]

Development Report (Page 2 of 2)

[moore4807]

Apparently RP Rich Rodriguez hasn't earned Asst GM Neal Huntington's loyalty yet. But while it has some upside, I'm not sure Renfroe is what I think will help the Pirates in the short run. I'll also take a look at what else might be eligible for GM Preller's trade itch...

Spring Training batting info - Early leaders in RBI during Spring Training.

[moore4807]

This past week saw the Pirates (4-6) be perfectly average at 3-3. Spring Training is supposed to be the time to shake off the rust and get teamwork and comraderies' working for the regular season. To that end we did put together a 3 win streak but we also saw the team drop a pair twice dating from last week, then win three, then drop one. So there is still work to do here.

Pitching Report - Coach Hanrahan was mostly happy with his starters this week, SP Framber Valdez (4 IP, 5H,3R 2ER, 2BB, 5K's) who has been consistently telling everyone he is going to lock up one of the starting positions this spring, he did better this week but it's still not turning heads except to cover the ears from his yapping. Only one RP, Chad Kuhl (2 IP, 2ER, 0BB 4K's) has been having a bad spring so far. Chad is coming off a lost season on LTIR and is welcoming the extra side work the coaches have been offering him so far, it just hasn't translated into effectiveness just yet.

Player Report - C Reese McGuire is taking a firm hold of the starters spot at near the halfway point of Spring Training, both 3B's Bobby Dalbec and KeBryan Hayes are hitting well and locked in a battle evenly so far. SS Jose Iglesias is showing good batting and defensive skills too. Outfield? Whoa! This group is NOT carrying its weight so far, two players are so far underwater BA wise, they should be wearing SCUBA tanks! Myles Straw is the ONLY OF who is batting .250 or better this spring.

Note: I rejected San Diego's trade offer, then after looking at this outfield mess, wondered if I didn't make a mistake here.

[moore4807]

We got a trade offer from GM Rick Hahn of the Chicago(A) White Sox - again nothing to get excited over, a so-so RP for Joe Musgrove - which I'm going to decline after looking over the White Sox roster first.

I also wanted Scouting Director Phil Humber to double check the talent and numbers on CF Billy Hamilton. He is on a minor league deal (turns into free agency in 30 days from start of season if not called up) SD Humber reports Hamilton's numbers are VERY slightly lower than evaluated by OSA scouts.

I am seriously thinking about seeing if San Diego might swap both Renfroe and Hamilton as a package, I figure that Hamilton will seal a spot if Renfroe is traded, so I need to pry them both loose at once, and that will be expensive. Hamilton's popularity will also help to put butts in the seats, which will be needed this season.

Also SS Kevin Newman went down with a moderate sprained ankle, he was given a two week timeframe to recover, so he was added to 10 day injury list.

[moore4807]

Now its the Seattle Mariners come knockin, also wanting SP Joe Musgrove, here's the twist, they are offering a four star closer candidate that is under team control for another year... Suspicious? I am!

I looked over the Mariners outfield players and like CF/RF Kyle Lewis, they are willing to make the deal of including both the CL and OF, I just want S.D. Humber to confirm the OSA ratings before agreeing to this deal.

I am also going to revisit the San Diego Padres trade offer again.

Note* I rejected the White Sox trade request.

[moore4807]

GM Moore spent most of the morning in the improvised spring training "War Room" with Operations V.P. Penny Layne his former secretary, his current secretary Eleanor Rigby, the coaching staff and Manager, and Asst GM Neal Huntington.

After getting the go ahead from the owner and identifying our goals here;
1) Trade away as many players as we are receiving to maintain the 40 man roster.
2) keep the salary structure close to what it is pre-trade level.
3) Identify our weaknesses after trades are completed.

I start making calls to San Diego's GM A.J. Preller and Seattle GM Jerry DiPoto. San Diego's Preller seems relieved that I called him back. I told him that SP Joe Musgrove was off the table for this deal, he quickly jumped to a laundry list of options he must have been sitting on.

His choice of SP Framber Valdez made everyone sit up and notice, pitching coach Hanrahan immediately put his hand up in a thumbs up gesture (Joel has been taking the brunt of Valdes lobbying to be in the starting rotation.) there were no negative motions to that, but of course V.P. Penny Layne pointed to #1 priority of even exchanges - so I offered Nicky Delmonico (who is struggling mightily at the plate) to Preller as eveners. Preller accepts quickly and we are done except for the paperwork, which Eleanor Rigby is already sorting out to send to MLB offices.
I next call Jerry DiPoto and tell him we have a deal for SP Musgrove... IF I get both players we selected and he accepts one of my OF's in return. DiPoto either had microphones in our war room or is just a mind reader... "Sure, you want to keep it even and within the 40 man roster" DiPoto says, that makes everyone here look around at each other. DiPoto immediately picks LF Jason Martin... I put him on hold and poll the room, nobody objects outright - but Bench Coach Tom Prince says we are going to lose a steady player who helps keep the team together. After polling I put GM DiPoto back on the phone and agree to his trade. Eleanor Rigby is again moving the necessary piles of paperwork and V.P. Layne moves next to her to help her. I should be doing the helping but Penny Layne knows the business so much better than me AND they are already halfway done that I just keep my mouth shut.

V.P. Layne is done and she apparently phoned the P.R. folks who come knocking 10 minutes later to get our slant on the trades. This woman is awesome! The P.R. representative is sure we will get good reviews for the trades, and shoos his staff out of the room, Manager Brian Esposito seems happy with the changes and already has his new lineups and pitching rotation sorted out with his coaches. I will be keeping an eye on the Free Agent and waiver wires for SP to take the 5th spot, but he wants to give his guys a chance first.

We now break for lunch and the coaches head downstairs to get back to the fields for tonight's game.

[moore4807]

Scouting Director Phillip Humber has dropped off reports on C Jin-De Jhang and AAA OF Kyle Lewis. Both players have essentially the same reports as OSA (which is good to know as Phillip Humber is newer here and it speaks well of his scouting ability agreeing with the OSA)

In MLB news;

Chicago(A) White Sox lost CL Zach Burdi for the season to a torn flexor tendon. No reports as to who will inherit that role for the White Sox.

[moore4807]

ARZ has a trade offer I'm not really interested in right now.

In MLB news;

LA(A) CF Mike Trout is injured with a hamstring issue, Team officials say 4-5 weeks is the target recovery date.
LA(N) RP Hansel Robles is out for the year with a torn UCL.

[moore4807]

A four game losing streak ruins the feel good vibe after the trades, but we bounce back with a couple of weekend wins. the Pirates (6-10) went 2-4 on the week, but there are some bright spots here.

Pitching report - Coach Joel Hanrahan was less thrilled with his starters this week than last, but his bullpen did moderately better. New CL Brandon Brennan (0-1, 3.2 IP, 2H, 2ER, 2HR, 2SV, 1BB, 5K's) hit a rough patch but has been getting outs when we need them. RP Chad Kuhl (1-1, 4 IP, 6H, 1ER, 1HR, 2BB, 3K's) has gotten better, but a big WHIP number marks the question if SP is in his future here. All pitchers were told the cutdown date is the 15th of March. the regular season begins on Thursday March 26th.

Position players - Hitting Coach Rick Eckstein is kind of on a hot seat here, as most of the team is batting at the Mendoza line or lower. There are some exceptions but GM Moore wants to know HOW BC Eckstein is going to get this batting funk over and back to last years top 5 BA stats.
SS Jose Iglesias (.333BA, 7H 1R, 2RBI 0BB, 3K's) is one of the best from last week. LF Hunter Renfroe (.385BA, 5H, 1Dbl, 2HR's, 4R, 3RBI, 1BB, 5K's) had a nice line for last week, definitely nudges him ahead of the pack in OF. All batters are told the same, that next Sunday is cutdown day. Hopefully it will inspire some bats to wake up!

[moore4807]

The San Francisco Giants GM Farhan Zaidi is offering 29 y/o RP Derek Law for one of our farmhand SP. We will refuse it as we have enough RP to go around and why add salary we aren't going to need?

In Injury news, SS Kevin Newman isn't responding to treatment as expected, so the Team trainers are going to put him on rest, and see if that works.

[moore4807]

Minnesota GM Thad Levine has made an interesting offer. 25 y/o Fernando Romero a current RP with SP aspirations and stuff to match, for RP Thomas Burrows. I counteroffered by asking who else GM Levine wanted and a 20 y/o minor leaguer Braxton Ashcroft came up. he isn't expected to amount to much by either OSA or Phillip Humber's scouting reports. So I will pitch this trade to Minnesota. we are taking on Romero's $560K minimum salary in the deal which is acceptable.