Pirate fans: Bucs will still have many options

[griffy97]

With as slow as the free-agent market has been this off-season, the Pirates will still have some good options to sign some mid-level players. Plus, the non-tendered free agents are still going to be coming into the market. Dave Littlefield is taking a lot of heat in Pittsburgh this winter for the team's lack of moves, plus the players they lost in the Rule 5 draft. I've complied a list of free agents that the Bucs could not only pursue, but have a realistic shot at signing. The names aren't huge, but hey, these guys could sure help in 2004:

Pitchers - Jose Lima, Todd Ritchie, Rick Reed, Glendon Rusch, Graeme Lloyd

Infielders - Rich Aurilla (3B?), Fernando Tatis, Chris Stynes, Robert Fick, Travis Lee

Outfielders - Raul Mondesi, Juan Gonzalez, Ben Grieve, Chris Singleton, Eric Owens

Also, the Mariners are supposedly interested in Jason Kendall. What about a Kendall for Jeff Cirillo / Ben Davis swap?

Dave Littlefield has done a decent job with very little to work with. Look at the guys he signed in January and February last season? Just because the Bucs are quiet right now doesn't mean they won't get busy after the holidays. Hold out hope, Pirate fans!

[LetsGoPitt]

Re: Pirate fans: Bucs will still have many options

I'll hold out more hope once Littlefield starts getting players other than pitchers. If I see him trade another position player for a pitcher, I'll scream.

The Rule-5 debacle was nothing but embarassing. Not so much the players that were lost, but the fact that players like Mark Corey were kept on the 40-man while younger players were lost. And to lose Duaner Sanchez to waivers...come on! This is something that I would do on ASB because I hit the wrong button, it shouldn't happen in the big leagues.

My fear is that Littlefield got a little cocky as far as free-agents go because of the success he had last season. It was a mistake to lose Matt Stairs especially. In not re-signing Stairs or Sanders, you're basically saying that you're going to be leaning on JJ Davis, which could be a disaster. I'd have rather the Pirates kept a platoon at right field, while treating Davis like he were a Rule 5 guy (must keep him on the 25 man all season, which is essentially true).

The thought of Craig Wilson playing near full-time at first base scares me. Carlos Rivera had better learn to hit, and fast.

There's no way the Pirates can afford Juan Gonzalez.

Your trade idea with the M's sounds interesting, so I'm sure the Pirates won't go for it. He'll probably be traded for a pitcher or another middle infielder.

[LetsGoPitt]

Re: Pirate fans: Bucs will still have many options

I'll hold out more hope once Littlefield starts getting players other than pitchers. If I see him trade another position player for a pitcher, I'll scream.

The Rule-5 debacle was nothing but embarassing. Not so much the players that were lost, but the fact that players like Mark Corey were kept on the 40-man while younger players were lost. And to lose Duaner Sanchez to waivers...come on! This is something that I would do on ASB because I hit the wrong button, it shouldn't happen in the big leagues.

My fear is that Littlefield got a little cocky as far as free-agents go because of the success he had last season. It was a mistake to lose Matt Stairs especially. In not re-signing Stairs or Sanders, you're basically saying that you're going to be leaning on JJ Davis, which could be a disaster. I'd have rather the Pirates kept a platoon at right field, while treating Davis like he were a Rule 5 guy (must keep him on the 25 man all season, which is essentially true).

The thought of Craig Wilson playing near full-time at first base scares me. Carlos Rivera had better learn to hit, and fast.

There's no way the Pirates can afford Juan Gonzalez.

Your trade idea with the M's sounds interesting, so I'm sure the Pirates won't go for it. He'll probably be traded for a pitcher or another middle infielder.

[LetsGoPitt]

Re: Pirate fans: Bucs will still have many options

I'll hold out more hope once Littlefield starts getting players other than pitchers. If I see him trade another position player for a pitcher, I'll scream.

The Rule-5 debacle was nothing but embarassing. Not so much the players that were lost, but the fact that players like Mark Corey were kept on the 40-man while younger players were lost. And to lose Duaner Sanchez to waivers...come on! This is something that I would do on ASB because I hit the wrong button, it shouldn't happen in the big leagues.

My fear is that Littlefield got a little cocky as far as free-agents go because of the success he had last season. It was a mistake to lose Matt Stairs especially. In not re-signing Stairs or Sanders, you're basically saying that you're going to be leaning on JJ Davis, which could be a disaster. I'd have rather the Pirates kept a platoon at right field, while treating Davis like he were a Rule 5 guy (must keep him on the 25 man all season, which is essentially true).

The thought of Craig Wilson playing near full-time at first base scares me. Carlos Rivera had better learn to hit, and fast.

There's no way the Pirates can afford Juan Gonzalez.

Your trade idea with the M's sounds interesting, so I'm sure the Pirates won't go for it. He'll probably be traded for a pitcher or another middle infielder.

[Karlos05]

Re: Pirate fans: Bucs will still have many options

Whoo A Bucs thread


I this your exactly right Pitt, Littlefield may have gotten too cocky after his success picking up cheap free agents. Trying to copy that again will be tough for the Bucs. I think that one free-agent who could help would be Jeromy Burnitz. Sign him for a 1 year deal to a decent contract and let him hack-away, he provides power from the left side that the Pirates are definatly going to need. Also Burnitz can play in all 3 outfield spots so it wouldn't be to diffucult to have him and some younger kids in there at the same time. Plus Burnitz could also be a great trading card at the trade deadline next year if he has a good year.

As for the Rule 5 the Pirates got flat out raided. Littlefield better do some serious re-thinking if those are the players he left off of the 40 man roster.

Craig Wilson is intresting because the kid has the ability to play but sometimes he looks like he needs a map when he's at bat. If he can just cut down on his K's I think he could help put some pop in the Pirates, plus Rivera is never going to be anything great especially with the bat.

Jason Kendall I think there is a real possibility of him getting traded before the season starts. The M's is one possibility, or maybe the A's. They traded away Barett, and Hernandez and they could use a catcher. Maybe Kendall for Dye and a minor league pitcher or first-basemen, but the only downside is that the Pirates would have to eat a lot of contract to get this to go through. Also that deal with the Padres re-surfaced last week, maybe but I dont think so.

Well at least the kids are going to be playing this year lets hope they do well.

[Karlos05]

Re: Pirate fans: Bucs will still have many options

Whoo A Bucs thread


I this your exactly right Pitt, Littlefield may have gotten too cocky after his success picking up cheap free agents. Trying to copy that again will be tough for the Bucs. I think that one free-agent who could help would be Jeromy Burnitz. Sign him for a 1 year deal to a decent contract and let him hack-away, he provides power from the left side that the Pirates are definatly going to need. Also Burnitz can play in all 3 outfield spots so it wouldn't be to diffucult to have him and some younger kids in there at the same time. Plus Burnitz could also be a great trading card at the trade deadline next year if he has a good year.

As for the Rule 5 the Pirates got flat out raided. Littlefield better do some serious re-thinking if those are the players he left off of the 40 man roster.

Craig Wilson is intresting because the kid has the ability to play but sometimes he looks like he needs a map when he's at bat. If he can just cut down on his K's I think he could help put some pop in the Pirates, plus Rivera is never going to be anything great especially with the bat.

Jason Kendall I think there is a real possibility of him getting traded before the season starts. The M's is one possibility, or maybe the A's. They traded away Barett, and Hernandez and they could use a catcher. Maybe Kendall for Dye and a minor league pitcher or first-basemen, but the only downside is that the Pirates would have to eat a lot of contract to get this to go through. Also that deal with the Padres re-surfaced last week, maybe but I dont think so.

Well at least the kids are going to be playing this year lets hope they do well.

[Karlos05]

Re: Pirate fans: Bucs will still have many options

Whoo A Bucs thread


I this your exactly right Pitt, Littlefield may have gotten too cocky after his success picking up cheap free agents. Trying to copy that again will be tough for the Bucs. I think that one free-agent who could help would be Jeromy Burnitz. Sign him for a 1 year deal to a decent contract and let him hack-away, he provides power from the left side that the Pirates are definatly going to need. Also Burnitz can play in all 3 outfield spots so it wouldn't be to diffucult to have him and some younger kids in there at the same time. Plus Burnitz could also be a great trading card at the trade deadline next year if he has a good year.

As for the Rule 5 the Pirates got flat out raided. Littlefield better do some serious re-thinking if those are the players he left off of the 40 man roster.

Craig Wilson is intresting because the kid has the ability to play but sometimes he looks like he needs a map when he's at bat. If he can just cut down on his K's I think he could help put some pop in the Pirates, plus Rivera is never going to be anything great especially with the bat.

Jason Kendall I think there is a real possibility of him getting traded before the season starts. The M's is one possibility, or maybe the A's. They traded away Barett, and Hernandez and they could use a catcher. Maybe Kendall for Dye and a minor league pitcher or first-basemen, but the only downside is that the Pirates would have to eat a lot of contract to get this to go through. Also that deal with the Padres re-surfaced last week, maybe but I dont think so.

Well at least the kids are going to be playing this year lets hope they do well.

[griffy97]

Re: Pirate fans: Bucs will still have many options

I agree that the players left off the 40-man roster were a bit surprising. The fact that so many Pirates went so quickly in the draft also says that 1) other teams appreciate our talent more than we seem too and 2) Littlefield gambled on sliding guys like Jose Bautista through hoping teams would pass with his injuries last year.

Pitt, I agree that Juan Gone may be too expensive now. He is a name player with a big bat. Although, the longer these guys sit on the sideline, the price tends to come down.

The guys that really intrigue me are Raul Mondesi, his reputation aside he's still just 32 with a cannon arm and good bat, Rich Aurilla, even though the Jays may sign him to play short he's also capable of playing 3rd, Fernando Tatis, who should be very reasonably priced if the Bucs can't sign Aurilla, and Robert Fick, who has a good bat. Also, a fourth OF like Eric Owens or Chris Singleton coming off the bench should be guys to consider as well.

The Bucs are bound to get some of the Rule 5 guys offered back to them.

BTW, notice the Angels signed Jose Guillen to a 2 year, $6 million deal. You mean the Bucs couldn't made that deal??

[griffy97]

Re: Pirate fans: Bucs will still have many options

I agree that the players left off the 40-man roster were a bit surprising. The fact that so many Pirates went so quickly in the draft also says that 1) other teams appreciate our talent more than we seem too and 2) Littlefield gambled on sliding guys like Jose Bautista through hoping teams would pass with his injuries last year.

Pitt, I agree that Juan Gone may be too expensive now. He is a name player with a big bat. Although, the longer these guys sit on the sideline, the price tends to come down.

The guys that really intrigue me are Raul Mondesi, his reputation aside he's still just 32 with a cannon arm and good bat, Rich Aurilla, even though the Jays may sign him to play short he's also capable of playing 3rd, Fernando Tatis, who should be very reasonably priced if the Bucs can't sign Aurilla, and Robert Fick, who has a good bat. Also, a fourth OF like Eric Owens or Chris Singleton coming off the bench should be guys to consider as well.

The Bucs are bound to get some of the Rule 5 guys offered back to them.

BTW, notice the Angels signed Jose Guillen to a 2 year, $6 million deal. You mean the Bucs couldn't made that deal??

[griffy97]

Re: Pirate fans: Bucs will still have many options

I agree that the players left off the 40-man roster were a bit surprising. The fact that so many Pirates went so quickly in the draft also says that 1) other teams appreciate our talent more than we seem too and 2) Littlefield gambled on sliding guys like Jose Bautista through hoping teams would pass with his injuries last year.

Pitt, I agree that Juan Gone may be too expensive now. He is a name player with a big bat. Although, the longer these guys sit on the sideline, the price tends to come down.

The guys that really intrigue me are Raul Mondesi, his reputation aside he's still just 32 with a cannon arm and good bat, Rich Aurilla, even though the Jays may sign him to play short he's also capable of playing 3rd, Fernando Tatis, who should be very reasonably priced if the Bucs can't sign Aurilla, and Robert Fick, who has a good bat. Also, a fourth OF like Eric Owens or Chris Singleton coming off the bench should be guys to consider as well.

The Bucs are bound to get some of the Rule 5 guys offered back to them.

BTW, notice the Angels signed Jose Guillen to a 2 year, $6 million deal. You mean the Bucs couldn't made that deal??

[Karlos05]

Re: Pirate fans: Bucs will still have many options

I thought that Jose Guillen would be a great free agent signing. Bucs should have at least talked to him, maybe he would want to come back.

[Karlos05]

Re: Pirate fans: Bucs will still have many options

I thought that Jose Guillen would be a great free agent signing. Bucs should have at least talked to him, maybe he would want to come back.

[Karlos05]

Re: Pirate fans: Bucs will still have many options

I thought that Jose Guillen would be a great free agent signing. Bucs should have at least talked to him, maybe he would want to come back.

[rsox]

Re: Pirate fans: Bucs will still have many options

Okay, lets see what we've got,
we'll start with pitching:
the Pirates may not be too quick to try and sign a starting pitcher as they have Kris Benson,Kip Wells,Josh Fogg and Oliver Perez, in house candidates for the fifth starter spot include: Nelson Figueroa, Soloman Torres,Brian Meadows, Ryan Voglesong, Dave Williams and Matt Guerrier,
they do need help in the bullpen, especially the Closer spot, Mike Lincoln had 5 saves for the team last season but is better suited for middle relief, Juan Acevedo was a solid Closer for Detroit in 2002 but fell off the pace last season splitting the season between the Yankees and the Blue Jays,
if the team is going to sign a Closer it will be one of the lower priced, perhaps Antonio Alfonseca, Mike DeJean or Braden Looper,
on the field the Pirates have a few needs as well:1B 3B RF and the bench,at 1B Robert Fick's name has been mentioned before and would be a good signing, at 3B Tatis, Tony Batista and Todd Zeile are all possibilities, Tatis or Zeile can be had a lower price than Batista, in RF Jeromy Burnitz, Brian Jordan John Vander Wal and Troy O'Leary have been mentioned at one time or another, it could be possible for Pittsburgh to sign two of these players, one in Left and one in Right and allow Jason Bay to get more seasoning down in the minors, Tike Redman seems like a lock in Center, at least for now, the bench can be pieced together with minor league signings, as is Craig Wilson Rob Mackowiak and Daryl Ward should have spots on the bench,
it will also be interesting to see who will win the 2B job, will it be Bobby Hill or Freddy Sanchez, both were highly regarded prospects with there former teams, so it should be an interesting battle.

[rsox]

Re: Pirate fans: Bucs will still have many options

Okay, lets see what we've got,
we'll start with pitching:
the Pirates may not be too quick to try and sign a starting pitcher as they have Kris Benson,Kip Wells,Josh Fogg and Oliver Perez, in house candidates for the fifth starter spot include: Nelson Figueroa, Soloman Torres,Brian Meadows, Ryan Voglesong, Dave Williams and Matt Guerrier,
they do need help in the bullpen, especially the Closer spot, Mike Lincoln had 5 saves for the team last season but is better suited for middle relief, Juan Acevedo was a solid Closer for Detroit in 2002 but fell off the pace last season splitting the season between the Yankees and the Blue Jays,
if the team is going to sign a Closer it will be one of the lower priced, perhaps Antonio Alfonseca, Mike DeJean or Braden Looper,
on the field the Pirates have a few needs as well:1B 3B RF and the bench,at 1B Robert Fick's name has been mentioned before and would be a good signing, at 3B Tatis, Tony Batista and Todd Zeile are all possibilities, Tatis or Zeile can be had a lower price than Batista, in RF Jeromy Burnitz, Brian Jordan John Vander Wal and Troy O'Leary have been mentioned at one time or another, it could be possible for Pittsburgh to sign two of these players, one in Left and one in Right and allow Jason Bay to get more seasoning down in the minors, Tike Redman seems like a lock in Center, at least for now, the bench can be pieced together with minor league signings, as is Craig Wilson Rob Mackowiak and Daryl Ward should have spots on the bench,
it will also be interesting to see who will win the 2B job, will it be Bobby Hill or Freddy Sanchez, both were highly regarded prospects with there former teams, so it should be an interesting battle.