2016 Pirates

[element1286]

SRod is all about use, he should never see first base, but 2nd, 3rd, LF he can have value.

 

[ramburgh]

I like the Jason Rogers trade. It is a low risk move that could work out well for the Pirates. Broxton is a luxury that really wouldn't have a spot on the 25-man roster.

 

[Darkstone42]

I'll be curious to see how this trade fits into the plan. Will they use him as the starting 1B, or will he just be depth? Does he make Morse expendable? Are they still looking for a lefty?

 

[thedddd]

Well signing Vogelsong is another stopgap until Glasnow is ready. Really don't mind the deal gives them an arm that might be comparible to what Blanton or Worley did?

As for Rogers I don't mind the trade either, but like Darkstone, not sure what this ends up as. His splits seem to show he hits righties pretty good. If bench help he seems to be a good pinch hitter.

 

[element1286]

They must believe Rogers is a big leaguer, he's a pretty interesting player no matter.

 

[ramburgh]

With unloading Morton and making low cost moves for Rogers and Vogelsong, it seems that they must be saving money to spend on someone who they believe will make a big impact. At this point in time, they could say that they have added the necessary players and filled spots that needed to be filled, yet we keep hearing numbers around $105M for payroll being floated around while they continue adding low cost players. There has to be a large salary acquisition ($15M range) in the works because spots (23-24 roster spots) are getting filled.

Right now the 25-man looks like:
IF-Kang, Harrison, Mercer, Morse/Rogers, Cervelli, Stewart, Rodriguez, Hanson
OF-McCutchen, Marte, Polanco, (Snider or Pearce?)
SP-Cole, Liriano, Niese, Vogelsong, Locke
RP-Melancon, Watson, Nicasio, Hughes, Caminero, LaFromboise, Scahill

I could see the Pirates making a move to bring Steve Pearce back to be another versatile utility guy along with giving them flexibility if Kang isn't ready to start the year.

I believe there is a good chance that another SP is added for $9M-$15M/year and they will bump Locke to long relief which would move LaFromboise or Scahill off the 25-man.

There must be a big move coming for a SP as it appears the rest of the roster has taken shape (other than a 4th outfielder/utility player) and the payroll is significantly below (around $15M) the $105M projection.

 

[element1286]

I'd still like to see them get Jaso on a 2/10-14 deal to play 1B/RF, he's left handed so it is a perfect fit. And Fister is still interesting on a 2/20 deal. I think that would be a tremendously efficient use of funds they have left.

 

[Darkstone42]

I'd still like to see them get Jaso on a 2/10-14 deal to play 1B/RF, he's left handed so it is a perfect fit. And Fister is still interesting on a 2/20 deal. I think that would be a tremendously efficient use of funds they have left.

If they get Jaso, with Rogers already on the roster, Morse becomes expendable. Could be dealt to free up some extra money to get an even better starting pitcher if they wanted. Though, despite the lack of position versatility, Morse's bat could still be useful off the bench.

 

[element1286]

I don't think Morse has much value, and it's not like they don't need bench bats, I'd keep him. Jaso and Rogers can theoretically play other positions besides 1B.

 

[thedddd]

Pirates Acquire Kyle Lobstein

Might be a nice pickup as another lefty swingman out of the bullpen only if the stats are misleading per what his Tigers role was.

 

[stillmatic32]

Leake to the Cards. Was REALLY hoping he'd leave the division.

 

[thedddd]

Pirates Sign John Jaso

Nice deal to fill out the 1B situation.

 

[Darkstone42]

Hooray! I like that it's two years, too. A little insurance for Bell in case he isn't ready, but if Bell is ready, Jaso will be a nice 4th OF to have on the bench.

 

[element1286]

Love the deal, career 274/368/429 line against right handed pitching, he does have some health issues, which is probably what pushed his value down.

 

[element1286]

For comparison's sake Pedro's career line against RHP 246/320/473, so the Pirates are giving up strikeouts, hr's and bad defense for OBP and more injury risk.

 

[The Q]

I LOVE the Jaso move for you guys. I knew you guys had one more move in you.

Jaso also would be very moveable if Bell is truly ready.

A team like TB or SEA if they're in contention would love to have him back.

Hell there's a decent chance my Red Sox might need him.

And obviously if Bell isn't ready, you could do a lot worse for a guy to hold the fort.

 

[Darkstone42]

For comparison's sake Pedro's career line against RHP 246/320/473, so the Pirates are giving up strikeouts, hr's and bad defense for OBP and more injury risk.

For half the money, as well, or for an extra year, depending on how you look at it.

 

[element1286]

I don't think they would even need to move him if/when Bell is ready, 4 million is pretty cheap for a bench bat, and he can play OF.

 

[ramburgh]

Right now the 25-man looks like:
IF-Kang, Harrison, Mercer, Jaso/Morse/Rogers, Cervelli, Stewart, Rodriguez, Hanson
OF-McCutchen, Marte, Polanco,
SP-Cole, Liriano, Niese, Vogelsong, Locke
RP-Melancon, Watson, Nicasio, Hughes, Caminero, Medina, Scahill/Lobstein

There is still a chance that Kang isn't ready to start the year. Maybe the Pirates bring in another utility guy like Steve Pearce? Maybe Hanson doesn't start the year on the Pirates. Also, other injuries can still happen. Overall, I believe the position players are set.

However, I do think the Pirates will still add another SP. Incentive-laden contract for Latos to re-establish his value? Would be nice if the Pirates could get an option on a second year. Maybe $5M base this year with incentives on top and an option for $12M for 2017. That would still leave the 5th spot occupied by Vogelsong/Locke for Glasnow to take over this sumer. I think Taillon is going to need most of the year to get strong and get back into a rhythm with pitching.

Also, with signing Nicasio and Medina, I still believe there is a chance that Melancon gets traded and Watson becomes the closer.

 

[element1286]

I feel like Taillon is going to get the the first shot at the majors, feel like his pitching style is more ready right now, with health being the issue obviously. Glasnow with the high walk rates might need some more time in AAA.

If they get another starter, I think it would be in place of Locke, since they really don't need 6 starters with no options. I think they rotation is done for now. And I hope it means they think Taillon, Glasnow, and Kingham can make some contributions this year. Although I wouldn't be against another starter like Latos, and trading Locke.

I'm not sure what their plan is, but they need another lefty for the bullpen. Watson isn't enough.

Also, Cole Figueroa, picked up from the Yankees as a minor league free agent. Could be a good 25th man in the future, can play the MI spots, and the bat isn't terrible projected in the 650-690 OPS range this year, interesting player.