2012 Thread O' The Pittsburgh Pirates: SS/DY

• Heretic

  

  After an off-season of...of...uh...yeah, the Pirates got some good news with four players ranked in a Top 100 prospect list.
  
  8. Jameson Taillon
  11. Gerrit Cole
  40. Starling Marte
  69. Josh Bell
  
  Their top two picks of last year, their top pick of 2010 and Marte, who really blossomed in AA last year, as he maintained his .310-.330 average, but started to add some power as the season went along. Maybe if those guys make it to the bigs before McCutchen and anyone else who's good leaves, they might have a one-year window of competing! YAY!
• killer_ewok

  

  I'll be thrilled if they can just finish .500 or higher.
• Heretic

  

  I'm not sure how to look at next season. On one hand, they had a lot of guys who were performing at a super-high level for over half the season who kinda reverted to expected form as the year went on. On the other hand...Pujois and Fielder aren't around any longer, so if they can channel that "super-high level" again, they could be in contention and even continue that later into the year until the end.
• GoPens

  

  The only team to really improve themselves in the Central was the Reds. Hopefully the Bucs can flirt with .500 in September and make it more interesting this year. ( I know,I set my sights high...)
• GoPens

  

  The team may still stink but at least there will be a new place to get drunk and drown our sorrows at PNC.
  
  http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12030/1207007-28.stm
• GoPens

  

  Pirates seal the deal with the Yankees and trade for AJ Burnett. Pirates said they weren't going to give up major prospects, but will send 2 to the Yankees who haven't yet been named, and the Yanks will pay 20 million of his remaining 33 million, 2 year contract. His numbers haven't been great the last 2 years, but then again, life should be easier pitching in the NL Central than the AL East.
  
  Burnett may be on the back side of his career, but he instantly helps the Pirates rotation.
  
  http://post-gazette.com/pg/12048/1210897-100-0.stm
• Heretic

  

  Guys they give up, according to what I've read are: Diego Moreno (once-promising pitcher who has good stuff, but has had attitude issues and the team has been reluctant to advance him through the minors) and Exicardo Cayones, who was a good young Latin prospect who did great at rookie ball, but completely flopped at low-A State College.
  
  In other words, two guys who might have potential, but who didn't seem to be in their plans.
• GoPens

  

  Listening to the 1st Spring Training game of the year. Even though we'll probably suck again this year it's still good to hear baseball again.
  
  BTW, Burnett out for 2-3 months. Is this team jinxed or what?
• killer_ewok

  

  GoPens;1103835 wrote:
  BTW, Burnett out for 2-3 months. Is this team jinxed or what?

  
  You have to wonder.
• karen lotz

  

  @BrinkPGSource: #Pirates, Andrew McCutchen agree to terms on six-year, $51.5 million contract w/club option for $14.75 million.
  
  
  Takes away some of the sting from the ball that Burnett bunted off his face.
• Heretic

  

  Yes it does. Good to know Cutch will be around for some time. Hopefully the team has one winning record during those six years.
• GoPens

  

  Great signing by the Bucs. Hopefully they can get Walker signed now as well.
• Gblock

  pirates are signing mcutcheon to a long term deal!
• killer_ewok

  

  GoPens;1106066 wrote:Great signing by the Bucs. Hopefully they can get Walker signed now as well.

  
  This.
• Heretic

  

  Regular season starts today.
  
  Tradition vs. Reality
  
  Tradition: Pittsburgh's won five straight opening day games.
  
  Reality: They're playing Philly, who is starting Roy Halliday. They counter with Eric Bedard. It will take a great day to make it six in a row. Hopefully, Alvarez doesn't strike out every time he comes up to the plate. And maybe even gets a hit or something crazy like that.
• Heretic

  

  Bedard through the top of the first. One harmless bunt single to Rollins and three outs.
  
  In other words. World Series; I'm calling it.
  
  lol
• Heretic

  

  They're now down 1-0 in the bottom of the seventh. Halliday gave up two singles to the first two batters he faced and then has only surrendered one hit batter since. Bedard finally gave up a sac fly in the seventh after many strong innings.
• Tiger2003

  

  Doc looks strong. Onto the 9th.
• Tiger2003

  

  Papelbon getting a chance for the save. Not sure if I like taking Doc out when he is only at 92 pitches.
• Tiger2003

  

  Well I guess it paid off. Papelbon goes 1-2-3. Doc with a great opening day start.
  
  Phillies 1-0!
• Tiger2003

  

  Get some free baseball in the 2nd game of the series. 3 total runs in 18 innings.
• Tiger2003

  

  Fucking Joe Blanton!
• Tiger2003

  

  Phillies lose on a walk off infield single. Don't know why Rollins was playing so damn deep with a guy that has great wheels. Damn this team is going to drive me nuts with the no offense.
• killer_ewok

  

  Awesome. Raise the Jolly Roger. Hopefully there's at least 80 more where that came from.
• GoPens

  

  That was a hard fought win. Personally can't wait till the Phils and that pitching staff get out of town. lol