Jo-Jo Reyes to the Bucs

[Xiga]

I guess the report that the Pirates are interested in AJ Burnett also means that the roster is set except for non-roster invitees.  It may not be very likely that the Bucs trade for him, but it is means they are still looking to improve.

There were also reports that they've been talking to Maholm, and there has been reported interest in Taiwanese pitcher Chen. Plus some of the Cubans. I don't expect them to do anything else, but it doesn't seem like they're just sitting around doing nothing.

[RJReynolds]

Kicking the tires of a Rolls Royce while on a Mazda budget does not necessarily constitute "trying to improve".

RJR

[gusfan88]

     Maybe my opinion is mostly from a sense of frustration,but I think all Pirate fans have reason to be frustrated. I have been a Loyal Pirate fan for 50 years and I have learned the meaning of patience.
     When it comes to Pirate expectations, I have learned to keep them tempered. I have "some" confidence that this is the best Pirate management team in many years. (not saying much!)
     I do have reservations about "bad" teams coming together at the right time and contending. Typically it doesn't happen overnight. There is a learning curve on how to win. I was hoping that the Pirates could acquire two cornerstone players this off season,whether it be by free agency or trade. By cornerstone I mean young players close to their prime and the team could control for 3 or more years. (difficult task)Players statistically better than average.
     I know the off season is far from over but if they are comfortable going into spring training with this roster then we are again in for a lot frustration. They have again failed to obtain even one "cornerstone" player. Pitcher, firstbasemen or any starting postion....
      I just think that you still have way too many if, ands, or buts to even think they are closing in on contention. The "core" players are not yet dominant players and have yet to prove they will be.
      The team needs to add to the core and not dumpster dive to fill holes with below average support players. Its just so frustrating.....

[gamecckfn]

Kicking the tires of a Rolls Royce while on a Mazda budget does not necessarily constitute "trying to improve".

RJR

What are you complaining about then?  That they are not signing enough guys like Reyes?

[RJReynolds]

Kicking the tires of a Rolls Royce while on a Mazda budget does not necessarily constitute "trying to improve".

RJR

What are you complaining about then?  That they are not signing enough guys like Reyes?
[/quote

No. But people talking about the Pirates having discussions about Burnett or being in on the Cuban guys or the Taiwanese pitcher or whomever else...this does not mean that they are trying to improve. Unless they actually sign someone or make the deal, it only means that they are unwilling to meet the demands of the other party. Thus the analogy. You can kick the tires all you want, it doesn't mean you can afford the asking price.

Until they sign someone or make a trade for someone, they are not "improving" at all. This team desperately needs to be improved...and not on a small scale. If nothing major happens between now and the end of spring training, I'm afraid will will be looking at another very long year. Without the mirage that was the pre-all star break team last year.

RJR

[scrapiron]

Kicking the tires of a Rolls Royce while on a Mazda budget does not necessarily constitute "trying to improve".

RJR

What are you complaining about then?  That they are not signing enough guys like Reyes?
[/quote

No. But people talking about the Pirates having discussions about Burnett or being in on the Cuban guys or the Taiwanese pitcher or whomever else...this does not mean that they are trying to improve. Unless they actually sign someone or make the deal, it only means that they are unwilling to meet the demands of the other party. Thus the analogy. You can kick the tires all you want, it doesn't mean you can afford the asking price.

Until they sign someone or make a trade for someone, they are not "improving" at all. This team desperately needs to be improved...and not on a small scale. If nothing major happens between now and the end of spring training, I'm afraid will will be looking at another very long year. Without the mirage that was the pre-all star break team last year.

RJR

You seem okay with splitting hairs on what other people write, but not regarding your own posts.  You say the roster is "largely set" is if it is the same as saying no one of consequence will still be added.  That isn't what that phrase means.  They are looking at the Rolls Royce players as you put it and very well might be able to buy one.  If the Yankees pick up most of Burnett's contract he may very well be had for a Mazda price and couple prospects.  Chen could be had at a price that wouldn't kill the budget either.  It all depends on how the market is going to shake out in the next two weeks or so. 

[gamecckfn]

Kicking the tires of a Rolls Royce while on a Mazda budget does not necessarily constitute "trying to improve".

RJR

What are you complaining about then?  That they are not signing enough guys like Reyes?

No. But people talking about the Pirates having discussions about Burnett or being in on the Cuban guys or the Taiwanese pitcher or whomever else...this does not mean that they are trying to improve. Unless they actually sign someone or make the deal, it only means that they are unwilling to meet the demands of the other party. Thus the analogy. You can kick the tires all you want, it doesn't mean you can afford the asking price.

Until they sign someone or make a trade for someone, they are not "improving" at all. This team desperately needs to be improved...and not on a small scale. If nothing major happens between now and the end of spring training, I'm afraid will will be looking at another very long year. Without the mirage that was the pre-all star break team last year.

RJR

Well, you need to try to sign someone and show interest.  If they sign none of those guys, I would be disappointed as well.  And I agree, they still need to add something.  Especially a SP.  We saw last year that solid pitching can carry you for a while.  If Alvarez hits like a major leaguer, the lineup would be better.  I would still prefer someone else at 1B though.  That spot has been a wasteland for too long.