TWB: The Pittsburgh Pirates

[Matt from TN]

Not sure if I had said so before, but your writeups are always a lot of fun to read.

[ifspuds]

I appreciate the kind words, Matt. Always nice to know someone's enjoying the read.

[canadiancreed]

i'll second that wish more GM's did this kind of writeup, it's a great way to see another prespective on the game

[ifspuds]

Lost in the Desert
by Jack McKinley
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Is there light at the end of the tunnel for this hapless franchise? After four seasons of the supposed new order in Pirates management, have any strides been made toward resurrecting the long-dead glory years of the Pittsburgh team? The Pirates languish in last place as we enter the month of September, not just nearly 40 games back of the first-place Phillies, but 4 games behind the 7th place Cubs. Frustration is starting to set in among Pirates fans -- those that still remain fans of this team that has given its faithful so little to cheer for over the years.

"Are they even trying to win?" asked Dave Morton, 67, of Pittsburgh. "You'd think finishing at the bottom of the standings all these years would've brought some more talent into the organization. I can still remember watching the greats of this team, Scott Podlasek, 'Ray of Light' Brown, Ed Brantsag, Dave Zike. Those guys could play. Now we're throwing guys out there on the mound like Caffee and Fleischmann, playing chuck and duck while the other team just keeps running the bases. We traded Bill Reed for John Caffee? I hope they see something in him that the rest of us don't."

The pitching has indeed been atrocious for the Pirates. Ron Fleischmann, expected to be an ace, has only gotten worse this season, and observers are saying that his stuff doesn't have the same bite it did at this time last year. It shows up in his numbers, a dismal 5-15 record with a 5.05 ERA. While he's still just 26 years old, if he doesn't figure out how to keep control of his pitches, he could be seeing the back end of the rotation or the bullpen...

...if the Pirates can ever come up with a pitcher that's any better. John Caffee came to the organization with talk of his above-average skills in all the aspects of pitching, but one has to wonder where they got their scouting report. His stuff has appeared merely average to most observers, although he has pitched very well in 3 of his last 4 starts, one of which was cut short by rain. James Bajofer was expected to be a capable #2 or #3 starter when the season opened, judging by his fine work in the offseason, but it looks more and more each start as though he's a good pitcher in March, but loses his command, composure and capability once he gets into the real season.

There is some hope for the team at the plate. Until a recent slump, the Pirates were 2nd only to the vaunted Phillies in runs scored, largely on the success of youngsters Ben Giordano (age 25), Herm Vardaman (who celebrated his 23rd birthday yesterday), Ike Walker (24), Ed Monchak (26), Albert Huschke (25), and Harold Perry (23). While familiar faces such as Rudy Young, Bud Breckenridge and Vic Ullom are fading into the twilight of their careers, the Baby Bucs are giving at least a few fans reason to hope that things might someday turn around.

[ifspuds]

The Pirates finished in last place at 62-92, an astounding 42 games behind the World Champion Phillies. It will bring the Pirates the first pick in the 1950 amateur draft, but this team needs more than one outstanding prospect to be competitive.

There were some bright spots: the offense ranked 7th overall in runs scored (2nd in the National League), doing so primarily on the bats of Ed "Monster" Monchak (.280/.378/.464, 22 HR), Ike Walker (.289/.344/.449, 16 HR) and "Samoan Ben" Giordano (.290/.335/.409, 13 HR). Herm Vardaman had a good season as well, with unexpected power (10 HR) and an astounding 96:11 walk:strikeout ratio. He also improved his batting average by 20 points, from .221 to .241, and would have been even better were it not for a dismal August in which he hit just .189. Elmer "The Jeweler" Menard came through with a quality season, hitting .310/.380/.411 before he went down for the remainder of the season with a bad elbow in August.

Some disappointing developments included a slight decline from Harold Perry, though it could be argued he had essentially the same overall numbers as 1948. His average declined from .275 to .258, but he improved his power numbers with 2 more doubles and 3 more homers. He also decreased his strikeouts from 60 to 41 and still drew 80 walks. Still, the Pirates were hoping for improvement out of Harold, rather than standing still. 1950 will prove to be interesting for the career arc of the 23-year old. The biggest disappointment, though, was Ron Fleischmann. Expected to come through with an ace-quality season, Fleischmann never could get fully healthy and collapsed to a 8-17, 5.05 season. Still just 26 years old, it's entirely possible that with the offseason to rest and rededicate himself, he could come back with the numbers the team has expected of him after his 16-15, 3.86 season in 1947. With the pitching cupboard practically bare, the Pirates will either need to pull off some shrewd trades to fill out the rotation, or get career seasons from a collection of journeymen and organizational soldiers if they expect to be competitive.

Still, if the offense continues to improve, and a few things break right, 1950 could be a surprise season from the doormats of Time Warp Baseball.

[ifspuds]

Pirates Announce First Draft Pick
by Jack McKinley
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Last place has one faint silver lining, and that is the reward of picking first in the annual amateur draft. To start the 1950 draft, the Pirates selected Dave Lemmings, a rangy third baseman from Edina, Minnesota. Just 17 years old, Pirates scouts rave about the kid's skills at the plate, and think he's got 3,000-hit potential, as well as a discerning eye at the plate and a healthy dose of pop in his bat. "He's a smart player. He's got an uncanny ability to know which pitches he can and can't handle, and he runs the bases very well for a guy that's got just average speed. He measures his leads and knows if he can go first to third on a single," said Joe Fenchick, Pittsburgh's director of scouting. "He's as close to a can't-miss prospect as there was in the draft this year. We don't make any secret of the fact that we were hoping to pick up an elite pitching prospect, but we're very happy indeed to sign Dave Lemmings to a contract."

It does beg the question of what the Pirates see in the future for Ike Walker, their All-Star third baseman. It's no secret that several teams have inquired about Walker's availability in trades. But with Lemmings still several years away from hitting the majors and the uncertainty of developing youngsters, it's unlikely the club will be anxious to move Walker without some assurance they'll have a third baseman for years down the road. However, both "Samoan Ben" Giordano and Herm Vardaman can play third base if necessary, so the possibility for a trade does exist. It's well-known around the league that the Pirates are desperately seeking pitching, despite the recent trade with the Dodgers that sent 4th outfielder Bob Ferry for 3 pitchers. "We always listen to offers," said GM Jeff Watson. "We're looking for someone to anchor our rotation and a talented catcher to help our pitching staff out, and there are very few players we would not consider trading if it will help our team become a contender in the next 2-3 years."

Rumor has it that the Pirates have their eye on Negro pitcher James Tillis in the second round of the draft, which would give Pittsburgh its first colored player. "We don't comment on our plans until they come to fruition," said Watson. "Mr. Tillis is a talented player and we certainly need more pitching, so it's not much of a stretch to expect us to take a look at him." Some organizations in the city have been pressuring the Pirates to join the other teams scattered throughout the league in signing colored players, and the pressure has been growing recently. Still others have applauded the team for holding firm to the team's history of playing only white players. It is not certain what direction the team will take, but whichever it is, someone in Pittsburgh is bound to be unhappy with the choice.

[canadiancreed]

Depends on if you want to stick with Walker or wait for Lemmings to mature.

With your luck with draft picks, I'd choose the latter

[Matt from TN]

Originally Posted by ifspuds

"We're looking for someone to anchor our rotation and a talented catcher to help our pitching staff out"....

There's a battery named Simson & Bowers in St. Louis. Hit up that new owner.

[Carlton]

^^^

I am complaining to the NL commision for that comment!

[canadiancreed]

Originally Posted by Carlton

^^^

I am complaining to the NL commision for that comment!

LOL same here

[ifspuds]

Hey, I need all the help I can get.

[ifspuds]

Opening Day approaches, but does anyone in Pittsburgh notice? The hometown team is predicted to finish 6th in the National League by experts, but cynical fans are quick to point out that it's not so much that the Pirates improving as the Reds and Dodgers declining. Optimists, those few that remain in Pittsburgh, point out that the core of the lineup is young and improved significantly from 1948 to 1949, and gave the Pirates one of their best offensive showings since the glory days of 1908-1912. With Ben Giordano, Herm Vardaman, Ike Walker, "Monster" Monchak and Harold Perry all under 27, there could be better days still to come.

But, as has been the case with the Pirates for nearly their entire history, everything hinges on how well the pitching staff does. The enigmatic Ron Fleischmann showed better control in spring training, but whether that translates to a return to his 1947 (16-15, 3.86) form or not remains to be seen. John Caffee would appear to be improved from a difficult rookie season and the team hopes the 26-year old can take the next step. Rounding out the rotation are two pitchers picked up from the Dodgers in an offseason trade: 31-year old Buck McGlathery (4-8, 4.14 in 1949) and 26-year old Carl Maloney (8-9, 4.28 in 1949). Maloney has good command of the pitches he has... he just doesn't have many pitches. Pitching coaches have been working with him on that. McGlathery is capable, if nothing special. He's considered a place holder until James Hering (7-3, 2.81 at AA in 1949) and Adam Abramowitz (6-7, 2.45 at A, 3-3, 3.06 at AA in 1949) are ready.

The future is looking up, though. The Pirates have one of the better minor-league systems in the league, and if one of their pitchers can take his game to the next level, there might be at least a winning season in a few years.

[canadiancreed]

Well all i've got to say is this:

I'll guarentee that you'll beat me this year

[ifspuds]

Welcome to 1950, and welcome to another dismal start for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Midway through the month of April, the Pirates are 4-7 and hanging back in 7th place. Notably, 3 of those 4 wins came in a sweep of the rival Chicago Cubs, who are the only team currently below the Pirates. So if nothing else, we stomped the Cubs. When you've been down this long, you look for silver linings in all sorts of odd places...

High Points

The whiz kids, Harold Perry and Herm Vardaman, got off to hot starts. Perry has hit in all but 2 of his games so far, sporting a .372 batting average in the early going. He has yet to hit a homer, but he's smacked 4 doubles and 2 triples and drawn 4 walks for a nifty line of .372/.429/.558. Vardaman will never be mistaken for a slugger, but that's not his game. So a .303 average with 6 walks (.410 OBP) and no strikeouts is music to the Pirates' ears. Albert Huschke did well in his first starting gig, hitting .340 with a double, 2 triples and a homer. If he can hit .300 for the Pirates, that'll be a huge bonus.

John Caffee tossed a 5-hit shutout against the Cubs, his former team. He allowed 4 earned runs in each of his other two starts, however, so there's plenty of room for improvement. On the subject of unpredictable starters, we can add Ron Fleischmann to the discussion. He allowed 4 earned runs in each of his first two starts, but walked none and struck out 8 in the second start, his lone win. The third start looked uncomfortably like the Ron Fleischmann of 1949, however: 8 innings, 7 runs, 6 walks, 2 strikeouts.

Low Points

The Pirate offense will go as far as Ike Walker and Ed Monchak, last year's most consistent threats, will take them. So far, they've taken the offense nowhere. Walker started the season hitting .184 with one homer, and Monchak wasn't much better, hitting .214 with 2 homers.

None of the pitchers, with the exception of Caffee, were very good at all. James Bajofer was absolutely bombed, giving up 7 runs without escaping the 1st inning against the Giants, and 7 more in 6 innings against St. Louis. Buck McGlathery will be taking his place in the rotation for the next couple of weeks.

On the Farm

19-year old shortstop of the future Kenneth Whitt got off to a blazing start at AA and appears to be progressing very nicely. After spending the spring working on his defense, Whitt showed that he hadn't forgotten about his bat, hitting .350/.490/.450 in 40 at-bats. Prize third base prospect Dave Lemmings adjusted nicely to life in Burlington (single-A), hitting .275/.431/.475 in his first two weeks of big-league life.

[ifspuds]

Two trades highlighted the end of April for the 16-21 Pirates, one big, one small. The first deal -- the small one -- sent pitchers Buck McGlathery and James Bajofer to Cincinnati for pitcher Russell Toledo and minor league pitcher Matt Heal and outfielder Ernest Baize. Toledo went into the rotation, where he turned in two good starts and one awful start in his first Pirates action. The awful start saw him dumped after just one completed inning in a 20-1 shellacking at the hands of the hated Chicago Cubs. The bright spot in that game was the fine work of Porter "Buzz" Helms, picked up in the rule 5 draft at the beginning of the season. Helms went 6 innings, allowing just 2 hits and 1 run.

The big trade sent the 1st overall pick in the 1950 draft, 3B Dave Lemmings, to the Cleveland Indians for star pitching prospect Martin Gwaltney. The motivation behind the deal was evident, as Cleveland boasted 3 top pitching prospects in their AAA rotation, while Pittsburgh has been searching for a front line starter for what seems like 30 seasons now. With John Caffee pitching well and Ron Fleischmann perhaps starting to turn it around, the 23-year old Gwaltney could give the Pirates a strong rotation in seasons to come. Gwaltney isn't expected to see action in the majors until at least September, but if he continues to post strong strikeout-to-walk numbers at AAA and can bring his ERA down a bit more, it's possible the Pirates may have no choice but to bring him up. Another bright spot is at AA, where 19-year old shortstop Kenneth Whitt is swinging a hot bat. In 128 at-bats, the Pirates' shortstop of the future is hitting .320/.466/.438. He struggled a bit after being challenged at AA in 1949, so his resurgence in 1950 is very welcome news to the organization.

So what about the major league team? The offense is hot, with Ben Giordano, Herm Vardaman, Elmer Menard, Ike Walker, Ed Monchak and Harold Perry all peppering the ball. Giordano is looking like the player the Pirates were expecting when they took him 3rd in the 1941 draft, now hitting .296 with improved plate discipline and power. Walker appears to be breaking out of an April slump, hitting .571 with 2 homers in his last 5 games. Herm Vardaman has his batting average up to .290, and with his batting eye, he's getting on base in front of the big boppers. Harold Perry is still hitting .292 and Ed Monchak's average and power numbers are rising after some early struggles. While the team still sits at 14th overall in runs scored, they're ranked 7th in both homers and walks, and with the team batting average rising with the springtime temperatures, we could see a return to last year's offensive fireworks. With the prospects of improved pitching on the horizon, could the Pirates be contenders soon? If past history has anything to say, probably not. But as the front office is fond of saying, this is a new era in Pirates baseball.

[canadiancreed]

I like that mine was the small trade

and looks like they're doing as well in Cincy as they did in Pittsburgh......blah!

[ifspuds]

Yours didn't involve swaps of 5-star prospects.

I'm not sure what else you could expect from the exceptionally frustrating Bajofer. Frankly, three starts all with 5 or fewer runs allowed is what passes for a hot streak where he's concerned. McGlathery? I didn't have him long enough to know what he's really good for, but 31-year old 2-star pitchers have never inspired confidence.

If it's any consolation, Matt Heal almost instantly went out for the season with a torn tricep. :P

[Matt from TN]

Originally Posted by ifspuds

I'm not sure what else you could expect from the exceptionally frustrating Bajofer. Frankly, three starts all with 5 or fewer runs allowed is what passes for a hot streak where he's concerned.

Weird, but I remember the Reds hating Bajofer in our 1946 season. Back then it looked like he'd be a solid #3 pitcher.

[ifspuds]

By his ratings (7/5/6) he should be a solid #3 starter. But he hasn't matched performance to ratings since... well, ever. 1948 wasn't bad, but he was a swingman and only pitched 80-some innings and started 11 games. I just got tired of hoping for more out of him and getting nothing.

I wish him well in Cincinnati.

[canadiancreed]

Originally Posted by Matt from TN

Weird, but I remember the Reds hating Bajofer in our 1946 season. Back then it looked like he'd be a solid #3 pitcher.

This is news. My predecessor maybe?

And we'll see what happens, Bajofer and in a sense my whole starting rotation is going to last only as long as my rookies take to develop.

If McMurray starts pitching great in triple A (he's at least not walking the park anymore), Bajofer will be the first or second to go.