The Pirates played their first spring training game of 2009 yesterday, defeating the World Champion Phillies 8-2. Over the course of the next six weeks, their performance in the Grapefruit League will help determine the winners of a number of battles for roster spots. Starting left fielder Management seems poised to enter the season with [...]
Archive | February, 2009
Neal Huntington’s Transaction Ledger: April, May and June, 2008
This is the third in an ongoing series of posts looking back on the transactions that Neal Huntington has made as general manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Previously: October-December, 2007 and January-March, 2008. 4/6/08: Placed SS Jack Wilson on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 4; Recalled INF Brian Bixler from Triple-A Indianapolis. Wilson [...]
NL Central’s Future: Nine Houston Astros Questions with Lisa Gray
On Tuesday, Alan compared the rosters of the Houston Astros and Pirates entering 2009. Today, I’m pleased to present a Q&A with Lisa Gray of The Astros Dugout. She sheds some light on the Astros in 2009 and beyond. Multiple choice. Ed Wade is: A. Trying to win now B. Ready to rebuild C. Clueless [...]
Nate McLouth’s Contract Extension: Deserved, but Nearly Meaningless
Let me start by saying that I love Nate McLouth. I love him more than you do. I think he’s going to put up numbers similar to his “breakout” year in 2008, make his second All-Star team, and possibly earn a few more MVP votes in 2009. I don’t think he’s a one-year wonder. I [...]
Pirates Draft Hanley Ramirez, Eric Hosmer as Marlins, Royals are Contracted
What if, as the Pittsburgh Pirates were reporting to spring training in Bradenton, Florida one year from now, they had a legitimate chance at experiencing a competitive season? What if all 28 Major League Baseball teams had that opportunity? Contraction I’m calling for the contraction of two organizations, obviously. The Marlins and Royals were the [...]
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