Pittsburgh Pirates - A new beginning...

[moore4807]

We have another IF position where the best player is in the minors while the best offense is the starter. And once again there is a lot of talent down on the farm waiting for development to happen.

Pirates Top 5 at Shortstop;

1) Stephen Alemais - A 24 y/o middle IF who is starting SS for AA Altoona. He is defensively blessed and is actually a more instinctive and sharper 2B than SS, but clearly and loudly proclaims his preference for the SS position.
Where Alemais is NOT gifted is in his offense, and that is holding him back. (Contact 25/35 - Gap 48/59 - Power 3/3 - Eye 57/64 - Avoid K's 57/70)

2) Kevin Newman - A 25 y/o starting SS for the MLB club. His defense is exactly middle of the road, except he rarely if EVER makes errors. Newman's offense is why he's starting. good to very good contact and decent speed and baserunning make him a valuable contributor to the team. (Contact 55/60 - Gap 65/66 - Power 20/25 - Eye 31/38 - Avoid K's 78/79) OSA has his batting skills listed slightly higher, defense is virtually the same.

3) Erik Gonzalez - A 27 y/o reserve IF at MLB level. Gonzalez is a below average SS but his defensive metrics grade out as good. Good speed and baserunning skills and can swipe a bag or two if needed. Erik's offense should be keeping him back, but an early run of hits has him just coming back to earth at .317 BA (Contact 42/42 - Gap 53/53 - Power 36/36 - Eye12/13 - Avoid K's 44/44)

4) Cole Tucker - A 22 y/o Starter at SS for AAA Indianapolis. He is slightly above average defensively with his metrics good to very good. Tucker may just have the strongest IF arm in the organization. His offense needs some life though (Contact 34/45 - Gap 47/54 - Power 23/35 - Eye 37/54 - Avoid K's 40/47)

5) Ji-hwan Bae -A 19 y/o prospect in the NY-Penn league, Ji-hwan is already a good defensive SS, wih his defensive metrics being good to very good, what he lacks at this point is batting knowledge and practice. Ji-hwan will be a major league player someday soon, he just needs to figure out his batting issues. (Contact 18/54 - Gap 10/23 - Power 16/40 - Eye 44/86 - Avoid K's 39/55) OSA ratings lower his contact to 40, but raise his power to 60.

Again there are 3-4 prospects on the lower rungs of the organization. but definitely can use an upgrade for offensive help.

[moore4807]

Eight consecutive losses and counting...

"1B Josh Bell had a nice game and OF Melky Cabrera did a good job pinch hitting, other than that it was pretty pedestrian effort." "Wilmer Font got lit up like a Christmas tree on the White House Front lawn.." These were just two of the quotes by GM Jim Moore after the game which got some chuckles but no laughter. There is a tension in the room and with a few exceptions, the players make sure to clear out of sight before GM Moore enters an area.

[moore4807]

Just some interesting tidbits for your reading enjoyment while we suffer through the Pirates near annual collapse.

[moore4807]

5/22/19 GM Moore was cleaning up his desk when the phone rang and Penny Layne stuck her head in the door. The look on her face said "Pay Attention" She said to answer the phone but put them on hold... After Moore did so, she came in the room and said "Pay very close attention to what this caller says". Then she mysteriously walks out the door. Feeling like WTH??? GM Moore picks up the handset and connects the caller.

Roughly 20 minutes later, Moore comes out of his office and leans against Mrs. Layne's desk. "Wow" Moore says, mindful not to curse in front of the lady. "How did you find out?" he asks Mrs. Layne, she replies that she met the person in the stadium and she is good reading others demeanor, she knew something was troubling the young man.

Mrs. Layne asks GM Moore what he intends to do about the situation. Moore replies he is going to talk to the Manager, then the Coaches, before telling the Owner. Mrs. Layne shakes her head no slightly, and Moore says "I've got to at least try to confirm this before running off like a chicken with my head cut off". Penny says "True, but don't involve the Coaches, he couldn't have pulled this off without somebody's help.

GM Moore calls the Mgr. and schedules an emergency meeting at a local restaurant, after ensuring the restaurant has a private dining area. Mgr. Clint Hurdle hears out what GM Moore has to say and simply cannot believe it. "No WAY, he's not gonna sabotage the team for something as simple as that" Hurdle is red faced, "have you thought about it simply being clubhouse politics? This is just trying to get somebody fired or traded?" Moore explains that's why he's kept it quiet and only told Hurdle so far...

After around two hours of analysis, Hurdle can only say "If this is true, even just a little bit, you should be firing my ass too, I cant believe I missed all those signs." GM Moore tells Hurdle he isn't firing anyone yet, and if he does, it WON'T be the manager. The men shake hands outside the restaurant, and Moore goes home to explain why he wasn't home for dinner...

5/24/19 GM Moore comes out of the office and is watching batting practice when Mgr. Hurdle spots him and waves him over. As Moore approaches, Hurdle sends Bench Coach Tom Prince away on an errand. "Gotta hand it to you boss-man, it IS confirmed" Hurdle is looking out across the field with his sunglasses on. Moore is still slightly shocked to hear that said out load. He glances at the manager, Moore says "Guess the ball is in my court now?" "Uh-huh" replies Hurdle. "How about the help?" Moore asks. Hurdle shakes his head no and says " I can't confirm that without blowing this all up in the clubhouse", "But now I know what I'm looking for, it will come out eventually." Moore thanks him and heads back inside to call the owner.

[moore4807]

There was a sudden flurry of activity downstairs as players hurried over to TV sets on the wall and a lot of expletives and WTH?? comments flying around. GM Moore and Mgr. Hurdle were sitting in Hurdles office as the news broke.

One player threw his gear bag down and purposely walked to the managers office door and threw it open. "WHAT the hell is going on?? You TRADED me??? You can't trade me!!" He is yelling from the doorway when Hurdle tells him to come in and close the door, the player ignores him and Hurdles voice goes MUCH louder and coarser language not suitable for here was said... The player seemed taken aback by Hurdles demeanor and changes his tune as he closes the managers door, "C'mon Coach, did HE put you up to this?" with a dismissive nod toward GM Moore. Moore starts to say something and Hurdle holds his hand up, Moore pauses...

Hurdle GLARES at the player and says " I've been in this game for nearly my whole life, and I've only heard of, and NEVER seen, a player try to sabotage a team so they can get a new contract!!! The player retreats like hes been struck by the venom in Hurdle's words. "That's NOT true!" the player cries out, Hurdle just continues glaring at him...

The player once again tries to blame the GM for "causing" all this. Hurdle is having none of it, Hurdle goes on to explain that he was blind to the game played by this player - until the team started dropping game after game, then finding out AFTER, that the player went to the GM for a new contract and didn't get one immediately. Hurdle then tells him that when he directly asked the team individually, the story came out.

The player stands there speechless, then opens the door, and walks out, closing it softly behind him. the player picks up his gear bag and goes about cleaning out his locker with a few players coming up to him with well wishes...

The scene is surreal to GM Moore, Mgr. Hurdle drops back in his chair and apologizes for "usurping the powers of the GM" This makes Moore laugh out loud and the men relax and unwind after that tense encounter.

[moore4807]

The streak is DEAD! The new winning streak is one!

After the exhausting day and especially afternoon of getting all the players who were traded situated and in their new towns. GM Moore pours a drink (screwdriver) and collapses in one of the comfy chairs in the owners skybox as the teams get ready to play. Mrs. Layne knocks and comes in, says the Owner is taking a trip up here and will be in Pittsburgh shortly, Penny has arranged a car for him to get to the stadium. Mrs. Layne offers to leave me alone and I ask her to stay and have a drink... lol she too is a teetotaler! She does grab a bottled water from the fridge and settles down in a nearby chair.

I thank her for her help with this situation and she waves it away like she is shooing a fly. "It's my job to help the boss and the team where I can". Penny says. I admit I've never faced a situation like this before, and she says confidently "I think you will like what you see changing with this team, you made a statement to them with this."

The door opens and owner Robert Nutting steps in, He hugs Penny after I tell him how she found this out and convinced the player to talk to me about it. Nutting smiles and says " Doing good is not always rewarded, but in this case it will be" Mrs. Layne appears embarrassed by the compliment and again tries to deflect it as just doing her job, but Bob Nutting is not so easily dissuaded. We stop talking as the National Anthem is played, and turn our attention to the field...

[moore4807]

The "New" streak is at 2!

Our new look Pirates have knocked off the West Division leading Dodgers, and won our first series win of the month.

Team Owner Bob Nutting stayed for both games and GM Moore jokinly said to him, "You are our good luck charm. You have to stay!" Nutting laughed and begged off saying "It was a nice weekend getaway, but business will wait for no man, not even me!"

GM Moore did not sit in on the press conference these past two days and Mgr. Hurdle reported that some questions were asked to him on the side, but no official questions were made. Clint told me he just told them it was because the owner was in town.

[moore4807]

Another 2-4 week but at least 1 series win happened. After dropping the first four games this week, the team turned it on against one of the best teams in the MLB, the Los Angeles(N) Dodgers and won the last two games of the set.

The first news is from the Pirates minor leagues, where recently acquired P Justin Steele suffered a torn meniscus (knee) and will be out 4-5 months per team doctors.

MLB News is below.

[moore4807]

There is a different vibe coming from the clubhouse after those two wins over LA(N), The chatter is back up to a normal volume and GM Moore is taking pains to keep scarce and quiet. The club seems to be bonding - albeit a little late in the season, but better late than never.

Now, unless my eyes deceive me, we are the highest team batting average in the NL after last week. The pitching stats leave a lot to be desired, but Joel Hanrahan just got here...

The player to keep an eye on is 3B Anderson - batting below the Mendoza line is NOT how to keep a starting job in MLB!

The weekly power rankings show us dropping to 21st, Not what we a re looking for, but improved bats will correct that problem.

[moore4807]

As of 5/26/19:

[moore4807]

as of 5/26/19:

[moore4807]

SD Padres called and inquired if we are interested in RP Kirby Yates (3.5 stars) a potential set up man. They have a specific player in mind and asked for RP Geoff Hartlieb. In order to make room on the 40 man roster, I'm insisting they take OF Patrick Kivlehan, due to three younger OF are hot and need space in AAA to play, plus we have OF Lonnie Chisenhall still on a rehab stint down there too.

[moore4807]

With 5/27/19's rainout todays games are a day/night doubleheader.

The Pirates suffered a horrible pitching performance by SP Madison Bumgarner (3.1IP, 5H, 6R, 1W, 4K's) and were down 7-0 by the end of the sixth inning. When the Pirates rejuvenated lineup finished the top of the 7th however, it was a tie game 7-7! Huge comeback for the Bucco's, and they proceeded to outscore the Reds 3-2 over the next two frames for the win.

The middle of the Pirates lineup (#4 RF Polanco, #5 2B Kramer, #6 C Diaz) really helped apply the hammer (8-15, 4R, 5RBI) with RF Polanco hitting 2 HR and driving in 4.

[moore4807]

During the game GM Moore's phone rang and he sees its the San Diego GM, AJ Preller. Moore moves to the back of the Skybox where his work tablet and computer are set up. After niceties were finished Preller says we have a deal on P Kirby Yates . "Excellent" is GM Moore's reply.

Just then there is a commotion in the Skybox and a collective gasp. Moore spins around from the table and sees everyone in the Skybox looking down on the field "It's Votto, he got hit in the head.." one person says. Moore tells Preller to hold on and goes over to look for himself. Votto is indeed down on his knees and trainers are kneeling next to him, one is holding a towel to his face. "This looks bad" I tell Preller. The Pirates P Dario Agrazal is obviously upset and the Pirates trainers are out with he Reds trainers to offer assistance.

Votto is soon loaded up on a medical golf cart and taken down the RF line to the medical office, and fans and both teams clap and cheer for him, as is the right thing to do, Votto waves weakly and is soon gone from sight.

Soon after the opening game is finished, it is announced by Reds publicist that Votto has sustained a broken cheekbone and will be placed on the IL.

GM Moore called GM Preller back after the game and they got all the paperwork into the league office, but the trade cannot be finished today - league rules say all games must be played before a trade can be completed. So later tonight the approval will be in league hands and we expect P Yates to join the team later this week.

[moore4807]

The Streak is 4!

Once again the Pirates spot the Reds a multi run lead, only to overcome it in the later innings. This time it took extra frames to pull off the victory

The star for the Pirates was Trayvon Robinson (3-6 1R, 1RBI), CF Robinson scored a run in the 9th inning to help tie the game, then came to bat in the top of the 10th with a baserunner on and Trayvon knocked him in for the win.

One more game but the 2nd series win is assured for the month of May.

[moore4807]

The trade between San Diego and Pittsburgh has been approved by the league office, the players have been notified and are on their way to their new teams.

Mrs. Layne puts through a call from OF M Cabrera agent. I find out his agent is not in Cincinnati, so we cant meet face to face, but he wants to talk to me about Melky's role on the team. I tell him Melky has been a valuable contributor in OF Polanco's absence. RF Polanco is now back and productive, also Polanco cant lose his starting job due to injury.

I ask if Melky has spoken to Mgr. Hurdle, and the agent replies yes. I tell the agent I will speak to Mgr. Hurdle about his phone call and see if we can't work something out. The agent says he understands and Melky has indicated that if it doesn't work out, a trade to a contending team, at this stage of his career, would be welcome.

Later, while discussing Cabrera's request with Mgr. Hurdle over dinner, Hurdle jokingly says "I think you have made more trades since you got here, than the rest of the league combined..." Clint sees that that has struck a nerve and quickly tries to apologize, but GM Moore isn't angry with the comment, just he wonders if its actually true. They finish dinner and GM Moore is deep in thought and Hurdle notices again. GM Moore brushes off the concern by Hurdle, telling him if he is leading the league in trades it means he's serious about building a winning culture in Pittsburgh. They go back to the nearby hotel and sleep a happy contented sleep.

[moore4807]

The Streak is 5!

The Pirates had little trouble disposing of the hometown Reds team this afternoon. 1B Josh Bell was player of the game, but it was nice to see 3B Brian W Anderson (3-5, 1R, 2RBI) and 2B Kevin Kramer (3-4, 1HR, 3R, 3RBI) have dominant games also. The Pirates are playing the bottom feeders and they must prove themselves against better competition, but its a great start after last weeks 8 game losing streak.

RP Dario Agrazal was involved in another HBP with a player having to be removed from the game. Pitching coach Joel Hanrahan told Mgr. Hurdle that he was going to work with Dario on his control, to keep it from happening again.

[moore4807]

We open a 4 game weekend set at home against the Brewers. We are just ahead of the Brewers by 1.5 games and while we are on a 5 game win streak, the Brewers have dropped their last two games.

In MLB injury news Rockies RP Bryan Shaw was diagnosed with shoulder inflammation and will be put on the IL. No word on who will replace him on the roster.

[moore4807]

The Streak is over!

The Brewers won on a 2 out grand slam by 1B Jesus Aguilar in the top of the third. What has P Chris Archer still steaming after the game is that the two walks given up prior to the HR, which he feels both were K's that the umpire simply refused to call. "That ump calls either pitch a strike, which they both were, I'm out of that inning". Archer is quoted saying after the game. Reminded by a reporter that he could be fined for saying that, Archer replies "Print my statement, I've been fined before but those walks were horse (bleep)!!" The team manager and clubhouse attendants managed to get the reporters moved away before more damage was done...

[moore4807]

Despite an early 2-0 lead, the Pirates couldn't hold on. A foot injury to P Matt Shoemaker saw him leave the game with only 2.1 IP, the reliever corps couldn't make that lead stand up. and we are now going the wrong way in the standings again.