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fjk090852-2
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« on: December 12, 2008, 03:50:51 PM » |
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According to the Post Gazette the Vasquez signing was made official this afternoon.
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JuniorOrtiz
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« Reply #1 on: December 12, 2008, 03:59:39 PM » |
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Happy days are here again.
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Babe Adams
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« Reply #2 on: December 12, 2008, 04:09:03 PM » |
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It wouldn't surprise that, if he can trade Jack Wilson, NH doesn't just put a Band-Aid on short and hope for the best instead of trying to come up with a decent young player. In the last six months, he's added at short four high draft picks, the kid from South Africa, and a couple of young kids from the Dominican and Colombia. It might be best just to show them the opportunity and see if any of them can fight their way to the majors by sometime in 2010.
It's a very stark contrast to the current situation, where we have two 30-year old middle infielders, both from other organizations.
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...from here on in, I rag no one.
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Dale Berras Stash
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« Reply #3 on: December 12, 2008, 04:14:57 PM » |
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I don't think any of the 2008 draftees or the international class can make it here by Opening Day 2010. That's an Alvarez type of timeline.
I think Brian Friday may be the 2010 SS and hold things down until 2011 at the earliest for the Jordy Mercer/Chase D'Arnaud/Jarek Cunningham sandwich to arrive.
Your point about Wilson and Sanchez being from other orgs is valid, but especially with Wilson, I've always considered him a Pirate even though we didn't draft him. We got him as a AA player and he's played all his pro games with us.
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Babe Adams
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« Reply #4 on: December 12, 2008, 04:47:39 PM » |
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One of the things an organization has to do (and this goes back to Branch Rickey) is to give guys a chance to bust the timeline.
Looking over the stats from last year, it looks like the only middle infielders the Pirate organization has produced recently are Keppinger, Castillo, Bixler, and Lillibridge?
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...from here on in, I rag no one.
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WTM
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« Reply #5 on: December 12, 2008, 05:12:11 PM » |
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I sure hope Vazquez doesn't end up starting anywhere. I don't mind him as a bench guy because he's really not bad for that role--way, way better than Rivas, and he can play 2B and SS, unlike Gomez. I also don't really care whether Cruz or Bixler is the UT guy because I don't view either as more than AAA depth, long term or short. After his Hawaii showing, I'm becoming skeptical whether Friday is anything more than that, either.
If we need a starter, though, I'd almost rather see them throw Bixler and/or Cruz in the pool than start Vazquez because it's too big an opportunity to waste on a guy who's a short-timer in Pgh. Sounds a little illogical on the surface, maybe, but to me it's a question of how you use opportunities. Plus, I could be wrong about Bixler or Cruz. Of course, best of all would be to replace Jack with a young guy (have to get one in trade) who has at least a bit more upside than Bixler and Cruz.
The biggest irony, though, is that the Pirates are actually pretty well set up with Jack staying. He's under control for two years and they can afford his salary. That buys time for Mercer and/or D'Arnaud and/or Cunningham to arrive, or at least get close. One of those guys has to turn out well, don't they???
Same thing is pretty much true with Freddy and Ford, except Ford is closer.
So the downside to not trading Jack is simply that they don't bring in some younger talent, not that they need to clear space or payroll. That's why, unless they get a good return, it makes no sense to trade him.
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"Bad things happen when you make mistakes."
-- Tom Gorzelanny
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Dale Berras Stash
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« Reply #6 on: December 12, 2008, 05:18:45 PM » |
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Wibur-
Would you have been good with Hu and Delwyn Young as the package (no 3rd player)?
That really didn't blow my hair back, especially Young, but that may have been the peak package for Jack.
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WillieBuc
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« Reply #7 on: December 12, 2008, 10:03:15 PM » |
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If we are rebuilding, it makes every bit of sense to trade Jack. His money could be used for draft picks or latin signings. His playing time could go to Bixler, or some other young guy. His return has a better chance than Jack of being part of a rebuild. Especially since Jacks chance of being part of a rebuild is zero.
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WillieBuc
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« Reply #8 on: December 12, 2008, 10:06:23 PM » |
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UPDATE 2:42 p.m.: Neal Huntington, on the signing: "Ramon Vazquez is a veteran major league player who provides us depth and protection at all positions in the infield. His ability, versatility and veteran presence is a quality addition to our organization."
Thee are Neals comments, apparently from a cut and paste of the annual Littlefield free agent signing.
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