2014 Pirates

[Darkstone42]

I don't know how trustworthy the numbers are, but the BB% is up, K% is down, his O-Swing% is down, his Z-Contact% is up, his LD% is up (that's definitely suspect, as LD% varies drastically in small samples), and his HR/FB% is up, which are all good things.

I'd like to see if the HR/FB% is noise, or if he's actually just hitting the ball harder in the air this year.

 

[element1286]

It could just be results, but his swing looks shorter this year, and he doesn't seem to be chasing as often, at least to me.

Agreed, and he's been on a tear recently, definitely making more contact in general.

 

[pixburgher66]

I tweeted this, but it's worthy of posting here too:

If the Cardinals having that damn competitive balance pick somehow lands them Lester instead of the Pirates, I'll go insane.

 

[element1286]

I tweeted this, but it's worthy of posting here too:

If the Cardinals having that damn competitive balance pick somehow lands them Lester instead of the Pirates, I'll go insane.

Yeah, agreed.

 

[Darkstone42]

I wonder how much of the Pirates' involvement in the Lester sweepstakes is an effort to drive up the price on the Cardinals. Getting in on Lester isn't just about getting the two wins he'll be worth down the stretch for the Bucs, it's about keeping them away from the Cards.

I'd consider offering a package starting with Hanson, throwing in a guy like Tabata or one of our fringe Major League starters (Worley or Volquez, preferably), a pitcher lower in the minors like Adrian Sampson or Blake Taylor, maybe Heredia, though I don't know what kind of value he'd carry anymore.

I'd probably see what the Sox thought of Hanson, Heredia, and one of Tabata or Worley as my first offer, and if that didn't work, look to just drive up the price on the Cardinals thereafter.

 

[element1286]

Honestly, not sure I buy it's not the other way around, with Stl driving up the prices for the rest of the NL. Cards usually don't make big deadline moves.

 

[Darkstone42]

Honestly, not sure I buy it's not the other way around, with Stl driving up the prices for the rest of the NL. Cards usually don't make big deadline moves.

That is true.

Apparently, Lackey is also available. If I understand his contract correctly, he has a vesting option for next season at the league minimum because he had Tommy John in 2011. He might be an interesting target, a solid pitcher who isn't just a rental who still might cost less than Lester.

 

[element1286]

That is true.

Apparently, Lackey is also available. If I understand his contract correctly, he has a vesting option for next season at the league minimum because he had Tommy John in 2011. He might be an interesting target, a solid pitcher who isn't just a rental who still might cost less than Lester.

Yeah, wouldn't be against it. Although Lackey being a huge d-bag, don't know if I want him around being only paid 500k. There are rumors he won't pitch next year without an extension.

 

[Darkstone42]

Yeah, wouldn't be against it. Although Lackey being a huge d-bag, don't know if I want him around being only paid 500k. There are rumors he won't pitch next year without an extension.

If his attitude proves to be an issue, he might be easy to flip for, well, anything before that could be a problem.

 

[Darkstone42]

The Cards acquired Masterson. We may need to keep pace with them.

 

[Darkstone42]

Although, this also means the Cards are out on Lester, which could let the price fall a little bit...

 

[Darkstone42]

Apparently, the Dodgers are also out on Lester. The field is thinning.

 

[thecrow124]

Red Sox are saying now that they want a major leaguer and a prospect for Lester. I am thinking Fat Pete and Alen Hanson. I know a lot of you think that we would be selling low on Alvarez, but my personal opinion is that his value is lower than last season, but it is also as high right now as it ever will be again in his career. This is not just me showing my detest for Pedro, I honestly believe that his career as a productive major league baseball player is over.

 

[steelparrot]

I wouldnt mind make Alvarez the big piece in that trade.

 

[thedddd]

I wouldnt mind make Alvarez the big piece in that trade.

Literally and figuratively speaking..

Seriously as I watched Harrison hit another HR I am wondering more and more if Alvarez will ever play 3B for the Pirates again.

 

[element1286]

A's just got Lester and Gomes for Cespedes (wtf?). No idea how trading your 2nd/3rd best hitter for a rental/bench bat is a good move.

 

[element1286]

Really sucks that Amaro ruined an asset in Lee by giving him that moronic 2016 vesting option. Type of guy the Pirates could be targeting without having to give up much, a la AJ a few years ago.

 

[Darkstone42]

Really sucks that Amaro ruined an asset in Lee by giving him that moronic 2016 vesting option. Type of guy the Pirates could be targeting without having to give up much, a la AJ a few years ago.

He still might be worth targeting. There's always a chance we could work something out in the trade with the Phillies taking on some of that money, or deal him to a higher budget team to replenish some of what we gave up to get him either this or next winter.

 

[Darkstone42]

In fact, I still heavily advocate trading for Cliff Lee. He's still the player I most want to add.

 

[Darkstone42]

I mean, it's Ruben Amaro, Jr. We should be able to get a deal for Lee which is very friendly for us.