Official Game Thread - 5/12 - Bucs @ Orioles

[GreenWeenie]

496469787F6E79393A0B0 wrote: Our young, below-average players become experienced, below-average players until they're eventually replaced.  It's not like many become above average. 



With some exceptions.  Keller might be one.



Reynolds was good for the most part.  Cutch, way back when, was good for the most part.  Hayes is Hayes; not like there's significant "improvement."



I dont see many caterpillars turning to butterflies.  They've been what they've been.



I see the issue as the need to bring in more above-average talent rather than expecting below-average talent to become good.
I think you're right GW. Look at how the Orioles have improved. The prospects they developed or acquired have become productive players: Rutschman, Hays, Mountcastle, Mateo, Mullens, Santander, Bautista. Their SP looks weak and Henderson has disappointed. But the lineup has a lot of guys who are consistently productive.



For the Pirates, only Reynolds, Bednar and Keller are emerging as standout players. We don't yet know about Cruz. Hayes' good glove doesn't help him at the plate and his hitting is not improving. Maybe current prospects in AA and AAA will become above average players. But right now the MLB roster has too many average or below average players.


I have said- look at the Orioles.  The Pirates, to me, are the Orioles, just one year behind in the process.



Look at last year's O's.  That's us now, give or take.



The tough part?  Our brain trust could- could- face tough decisions.



For example, many of us appear to like Ke'Brian and see him as part of The Process.  Can the team afford a third baseman patty cake hitter?  Maybe.  Maybe not.  It depends on competition.



That's a good question to ask.  "Bad" teams don't ask them. 



I'm not singling Hayes out.  I'm just using that as an example of things I think they should consider as we hope to move forward.



First and foremost, I think we need to improve the pitching.  That's make or break, IMO.