LabMan
Mentor
Steve Pearce is the player to watch,all media sources are very quiet about him,and that may be a sign that they are playing down his abilities to focus on other players.
Pittsburgh chases more diversity!
- Thread starter LabMan
- Start date
Skipperron
Guru
LabMan said:
The problem is Huntington is all but conceding that Pearce has NO way to make the roster and will be sent to AAA Indianapolis. Now I guess it is better for him to start than sit on the bench in the majors, but this guy is ready............now.
and on another "darkening" note, the Pirates designated Sean Burnett today and added one more hispanic, Ray Olmeda. Be still oh beating heart.
LabMan
Mentor
It is being reported that the Pirates have signed pitcher Byung-Hyun Kim
Van_Slyke_CF
Mentor
LabMan said:
LabMan: I don`t think much of this move, either, and I`m not just talking about on-field performance. Kim has been a cancer on more than a few teams, if previous reports are to be trusted. I thought the Piratesalready had plenty of candidates in campfor the remaining bullpen spots, including anumber of more qualified white ones. The new management talks aboutnew attitudes, accountability, and similar stuff, but I don`t see how this is a move in the right direction at all.
Skipperron
Guru
Kim signed a major league deal for 850,000 dollars. He has seen his fastball drop off to only 85 MPH and the only thing he has going for him is a odd pitching motion. I realize that the money is not much but since he signed a major league deal we now have to cut another player off of the 40 man roster.
The "new management" unfortunately is the same old management, the Nutting family. Kevin McClatchey was the face of the franchise for a number of years, and also the primary owner, but the ultra-reclusive Nuttings bought the majority position in the franchise a while back.
The Pirates rank among the worst pro sports franchises but the Nuttings have been pretty much shielded from scrutiny and criticism. The Pirates make a lot of money every year bybeing bad and earning enough from attendance, TV and radio rights, and the "taxes" extracted from the Yankees and Red Sox, to make a quite nifty annual profit. In fact, every MLB franchise is profitable and the small market teams now have little incentive to change the present set-up.
The Pirates rank among the worst pro sports franchises but the Nuttings have been pretty much shielded from scrutiny and criticism. The Pirates make a lot of money every year bybeing bad and earning enough from attendance, TV and radio rights, and the "taxes" extracted from the Yankees and Red Sox, to make a quite nifty annual profit. In fact, every MLB franchise is profitable and the small market teams now have little incentive to change the present set-up.
Lance Alworth
Mentor
Don Wassall said:
Which is why baseball will never get another dime from me until they fix their F'd up and extremely unfair economic system
Van_Slyke_CF
Mentor
Skipperron, LabMan etc.
Maybe some good news in the works:
http://post-gazette.com/pg/08054/859836-63.stm
Hopefully, management will give Ryan Doumita chance to unseat Ronny Paulino as the team`s starting catcher. Now, if we could also get them to see the futility of trying to make Nyjer Morgan the starting CF over Nate McClouth, we might be getting somewhere.
Maybe some good news in the works:
http://post-gazette.com/pg/08054/859836-63.stm
Hopefully, management will give Ryan Doumita chance to unseat Ronny Paulino as the team`s starting catcher. Now, if we could also get them to see the futility of trying to make Nyjer Morgan the starting CF over Nate McClouth, we might be getting somewhere.
LabMan
Mentor
A positive sign indeed VanSlyke,John Russell was a catcher,so he will not be fooled as to the mechanics of the position,and hopefully will have the authority to make a change if needed.
Now if we could get your guy Andy,over here from Detroit,maybe his opinion would have an impact on the center field starting job.Interesting that Ryan Doumit said that he realized Paulino was the starter because he "earned" it!,I am aware that the P/C code must be honored when these players speak,buy I watched Paulino play most of last year,and in my opinion,the only thing that he "earned",was a trip back to single A.
Now if we could get your guy Andy,over here from Detroit,maybe his opinion would have an impact on the center field starting job.Interesting that Ryan Doumit said that he realized Paulino was the starter because he "earned" it!,I am aware that the P/C code must be honored when these players speak,buy I watched Paulino play most of last year,and in my opinion,the only thing that he "earned",was a trip back to single A.
Skipperron
Guru
So frustrating seeing McLouth hit with power, drive in runs, run the bases properly and hit .359 this spring, yet Morgan is considered to be in a dead heat with him for the starting job. Why? I know they may be just blowing smoke but why? Morgan is hitting .207 and does not know the proper way to run routes on fly balls, instead just using his speed to make up for his mistakes. I don't even see why he has to be the 4th outfielder. Thompson has outperformed Morgan as well. Yet every time Huntington, Russell or the Pirates Media speak you hear that Morgan and McLouth are in a dead heat for the position.
LabMan
Mentor
Nate McLouth is one of the best players in the majors,and continues to improve,in my opinion,he should win the starting position in CF hands down.
Skipperron
Guru
Another thing. If a white player is 28 and still in the minors or just coming up to the majors he is no longer a prospect. No matter what the reason if he hits that age he is not a prospect. Yet Morgan is considered an impressive, still learning prospect even though he is 28 years old. I don't care if he wasted years playing hockey. This MAN cannot hit. Today he hit 2 weak groundouts to second like always and struck out. But his last at bat he hit a weak weak roller up the middle that the Yanks did not come up with. The runner at third was running on contact and scored. What do you want to bet Morgan and the front office will talk about his one hit and his rbi (just his second all spring) . He will probably be the star of the game. Mr. Excitement. The smiling Buddah. It is sickening
LabMan
Mentor
The double standard in this situation is glaring,Nate is the kind of classy young guy who will not challenge the "Caste" system because he knows that would be a career ending challenge.
Or,maybe like many White players in all sports,he has been brain washed into believing the "big lie"that non-whites can play these games at a higher level.It would be great if he could see this site!
Also,I have seen the Mclouth's interviewed,mom and dad,very well spoken folks,It strikes me that Nates dad knows exactly what is going on,what that must do to him!
Or,maybe like many White players in all sports,he has been brain washed into believing the "big lie"that non-whites can play these games at a higher level.It would be great if he could see this site!
Also,I have seen the Mclouth's interviewed,mom and dad,very well spoken folks,It strikes me that Nates dad knows exactly what is going on,what that must do to him!
Skipperron
Guru
I honestly feel that the new front office has looked at last years team, realized they were virtually all white, especially the star players and decided we needed a black player to be the face of the team. Now no matter what he does, Morgan is SOOOOOOOOO good why we just cant send him down. And yet, even though Steve Pearce was sent down 2 weeks ago, he still leads the team in homers and rbi's this spring. Why is he gone and Morgan and his low average still up if this is not so. I feel that they want to see Morgan succeed and Pearce not. If Nady cannot hit sit him and play Pearce. That was my take. But that story is over for now and it is on to Morgan and McLouth. I do believe that McLouth will start the season as the starter, but the first time he goes 0-4 he will be replaced by Morgan and that will be all she wrote.
LabMan
Mentor
Steve Pearce is another glaring example of the "society transformers" at work at the sporting level,we know what we see with our own eyes,but they are telling us not to believe what we see,and above all,do "not" stand up for our own!
Van_Slyke_CF
Mentor
LabMan/Skipperron: I agree withyou about Nyjer Morgan. We`ve already discussed this, but it`s o.k. to repeat the simple fact that he is not a good baseball player at all. I don`t think he`ll play much because I simply don`t think he`ll ever hit consistently, or play OF defense day in and day out the way it needs to be done. I believe that Chris Duffy will get things turned around for him after his shoulder is better and will be back in the majors in May, June at the latest. When healthy, it goes without saying that both McClouth and Duffy are better players than Morgan.
Idon`t completely agree with you all on Steve Pearce. I really believe managementis doing the best thing for his career by starting him in AAA. He needs to learn to play the OF properly before finding a permanent job in the bigs. He can hit, yes, but playing in the OF is still something relatively new for him.
See you guys in a few days when the final 25-man roster is announced.
Idon`t completely agree with you all on Steve Pearce. I really believe managementis doing the best thing for his career by starting him in AAA. He needs to learn to play the OF properly before finding a permanent job in the bigs. He can hit, yes, but playing in the OF is still something relatively new for him.
See you guys in a few days when the final 25-man roster is announced.
LabMan
Mentor
The Pirates played the Twins today in a televised spring training game,Nate McLouth started in center field,he made a sparkling catch in the right center field power alley,running a crisp route to the ball,and at full extension,made the catch.
The caste folks at Fox sports must have been afraid he would do something special,because they then showed replays of Nyger Morgan making two acrobatic catches from last year.It was clearly,in my opinion,an effort to trump what McLouth had just done,these guys have no shame!
The caste folks at Fox sports must have been afraid he would do something special,because they then showed replays of Nyger Morgan making two acrobatic catches from last year.It was clearly,in my opinion,an effort to trump what McLouth had just done,these guys have no shame!
Van_Slyke_CF
Mentor
LabMan, Skipperron etc.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08088/868725-63.stm
Not too bad for an Opening Day lineup, huh?
Now if we can just get Duffy healthy over the next month or so, and get Morgan off the roster, I would be pretty much satisfied.
We have a new bunch of people running the show this year who seem to have a much better grasp of how to run a professional baseball club. I`m willing to give them the benefit of the doubt in 2008 and see how things progress.
Our guys have to get the job done.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08088/868725-63.stm
Not too bad for an Opening Day lineup, huh?
Now if we can just get Duffy healthy over the next month or so, and get Morgan off the roster, I would be pretty much satisfied.
We have a new bunch of people running the show this year who seem to have a much better grasp of how to run a professional baseball club. I`m willing to give them the benefit of the doubt in 2008 and see how things progress.
Our guys have to get the job done.
LabMan
Mentor
VanSlyke,
There are a lot of lineups around MLB that are not as strong as the Pirates,the problem has always been getting players to perform up to their abilities,with perhaps two or three having career years,and some starters that can end a losing streak quickly.
These guys make money that we can only dream of,for playing a game,the MLB players union is one of the strongest in the world,and that maybe part of the problem,when these guys sign long term deals,do they then coast to some extent and not play as hard until they approach free agency?
In my mind,the answer is yes.I have been a member of quite a few unions,some strong,some weak,and I know that management does not want to take on a strong union,and many times will look the other way to keep labor peace,Donald Fehr holds most of the cards,and knows how to use them.
Just one or two players not giving their all can minimize on field performance,and change the chemistry in the clubhouse.Your solid posts show that you know the game,so please don't think that i'm preaching to you,just a rant that I needed to do,enjoy the season,and keep those comments coming!
LabMan
There are a lot of lineups around MLB that are not as strong as the Pirates,the problem has always been getting players to perform up to their abilities,with perhaps two or three having career years,and some starters that can end a losing streak quickly.
These guys make money that we can only dream of,for playing a game,the MLB players union is one of the strongest in the world,and that maybe part of the problem,when these guys sign long term deals,do they then coast to some extent and not play as hard until they approach free agency?
In my mind,the answer is yes.I have been a member of quite a few unions,some strong,some weak,and I know that management does not want to take on a strong union,and many times will look the other way to keep labor peace,Donald Fehr holds most of the cards,and knows how to use them.
Just one or two players not giving their all can minimize on field performance,and change the chemistry in the clubhouse.Your solid posts show that you know the game,so please don't think that i'm preaching to you,just a rant that I needed to do,enjoy the season,and keep those comments coming!
LabMan
Van_Slyke_CF
Mentor
LabMan: Once again, you make some good points. I think the Pirates greatly underachieved last season, and I think there was a lack of accountability throughout the organization as well. I expect better performances from key guys like Bay and LaRoche this year, and I believe the team will show improved play over the course of the long season. Will it be enough to actually have a winning record? I doubt it this year, but, as I said before, I`m willing to give the new guys a chance. We`ll see starting in a couple of days.
LabMan
Mentor
Yes,Bay and LaRoche are key,but don't forget that solid Nate McLouth in center!
LabMan
Mentor
The 08 baseball season is still very young,but as has been written here before,Nate McLouth,is showing what type of player he can be when not held back by the socially engineered,cultural marxist,plague of "diversity"!
Nate is batting .383,has a 13 game hitting streak,with 14 RBI's out of the lead off spot,has one or more hits in every game,and won last nights game with a three run homer,his play in the field has been solid also.
All major league teams would like to have players of color at the positions of catcher and center field,these are the showcase spots on a baseball team,how many other solid White American players wil be "caste" aside,their dreams never realized because of affirmative action in America's pastime?
John Russell seems to be the type of manager who will start players because of their abilities,not their racial make up,and that is the way to turn a team such as the Pirates,around!
Nate is batting .383,has a 13 game hitting streak,with 14 RBI's out of the lead off spot,has one or more hits in every game,and won last nights game with a three run homer,his play in the field has been solid also.
All major league teams would like to have players of color at the positions of catcher and center field,these are the showcase spots on a baseball team,how many other solid White American players wil be "caste" aside,their dreams never realized because of affirmative action in America's pastime?
John Russell seems to be the type of manager who will start players because of their abilities,not their racial make up,and that is the way to turn a team such as the Pirates,around!
LabMan
Mentor
Third baseman,Jose Bautista has looked very shaky in the field,he has 5 errors in 15 games,and generates little power from that corner power position,and Neil Walker waits.........!
Skipperron
Guru
Even though Neil Walker has struggled average wise he has continued to drive in runs, hit for power and improve defensively. And yet his chances of ever being a Pirate seem to be diminishing the closer we get to draft day. The Pirates are talking as if Pedro Alvarez will be their pick and they can then add some much needed color to the too-white Pirates. and it would be in Neil Walkers position.
Although lately they have been showing a lot of attention to the high school shortstop Tim Beckham. Hey, he would even be better as he is even darker.
And if you listen to the chatter on the Pirates blogs and talk shows they do not want anything to do with the white stars of College. Gordon Beckham, Buster Posey and Justin Smoak are awesome players, all of them as good if not better than Alvarez or the 5 tool athelete Tim Beckham, but they do not want them. It must be Alvarez or Tim Beckham. I have a feeling I am going to hate the Pirates draft this year.
Although lately they have been showing a lot of attention to the high school shortstop Tim Beckham. Hey, he would even be better as he is even darker.
And if you listen to the chatter on the Pirates blogs and talk shows they do not want anything to do with the white stars of College. Gordon Beckham, Buster Posey and Justin Smoak are awesome players, all of them as good if not better than Alvarez or the 5 tool athelete Tim Beckham, but they do not want them. It must be Alvarez or Tim Beckham. I have a feeling I am going to hate the Pirates draft this year.
Van_Slyke_CF
Mentor
I`d like them to take Buster Posey if Tampa passes on him. If Posey is off the board, I think Justin Smoak would be a great choice. Pedro Alvarez missed too much time with injuries this year, and is supposed to be limited athletically to first base in the near future. I also think he will be asking for at least $7 million as a signing bonus which is crazy.