So many good points, Bobster. I was hoping with the change of regimes from Huntington to Cherington, we’d see marked improvement in identification of, and development of, young talent. While I don’t believe we can yet conclude for certain that BC has been no better, I’d sure like to see, as you alluded, some proof that this group of coaches and developers knows what its doing. For example, I find it alarming that guys like Nick Gonzales and Terrmar Johnson, both rated as the best pure hitters in their respective drafts, were, or have been, so pedestrian in the minor leagues. I was expecting those two to hit above .300 at each level. Not even close. A guy hitting .270 in the minor leagues doesn’t have me thinking he’s ever going to contend for batting titles in Pittsburgh.Bobster wrote: ↑Sun Aug 27, 2023 9:05 pmI feel the same way, Doc. We've been sold for several years on the idea that the organization had a strong system and we would begin to see signs of better times ahead with so many prospects making it to the MLB roster this year. Losing Cruz was a big blow. And then we find out they can't rust Davis to catch so they make him a butcher in RF and he hits .213. Nick Gonzales was optioned hitting .216. Castro washed out. Neither Bae, Rodriguez, Peguero nor Marcano have been able to reach .240. Then they trade for Williams to play SS and he can't even get to .230. Suwinski, who batted .202 last year is still hitting .202. Priester got a chance to pitch and it was a disaster. Ditto for Ortiz.Doc wrote: ↑Sun Aug 27, 2023 8:29 pm I’ve always loved baseball in September but this season has worn on me perhaps more than others. It’s going to be a struggle to pay attention next month. Maybe it was the fast start in April and then the migration of all the rookies to Pittsburgh that had me excited. But the months since, and then the mostly disappointing play of the youngsters, combined with the loss of Cruz so early, has crushed my spirit.
Something has to happen, some sort of miracle, to help turn this franchise around and set it on a path to winning. Maybe it’ll be Paul Skenes. But I’m losing faith that any player drafted or acquired by this organization can be a Ronald Acuna or Julio Rodriquez kind of talent. It seems like we’re doomed to inhabit the baseball depths for eternity.
We don't expect these young guys to begin their careers like gangbusters. But none of the young guys has even flashed signs of being average. Every single one of them seems mired in their struggles. So how much improvement in upcoming years should we realistically expect. Are any destined for stardom or should we be happy if they just stop sucking? The law of averages was in their favor that somebody would have been a standout in their first chance in MLB. I find it hard to put faith in the organization when they can't point to a single prospect who made it to the MLB roster as an example of the improved talent that's supposedly being developed. And when 100% have difficulty adjusting to MLB, maybe the problem runs deeper, like in how they're being developed in the minors and handled in the majors.
And whether it’s Cherington or Shelton deciding on the line-ups, it doesn’t look like there’s any sort of plan. It’s so bloody obvious that Alika Williams is not a major league player. Why he would get a single at bat, let alone be here in the first place, at Peguero’s expense is inexcusable. And maybe Endy is better behind the plate, but Davis has to be a better catcher than he is a right fielder while Endy is, sight unseen, better in RF than Davis. That switch makes the defense better immediately, and improves the offense as Davis would be far more relaxed.
I read an article this morning on the MLB website that the Pirates minor league system is rated #2 at this time. Is that more pie in the sky or will we see proof of that in a few years? I’m growing weary of the promises.
