He was also rated higher than Solometo, although they were close. Also had to buy him out of two sports, not just one.
Beginning 2016 I became the biggest critic of the FO that is possible. I was ticked that they did nothing to make the 2015 team just a little bit better and furious about the off-season. I believed the team had no intention to even try to be a WS team.
I was surprised when Ben and Williams were hired; why would they come here to ruin a career. Maybe, just maybe Nutting, gave them a promise. Still, I’ve been lukewarm until this draft - Ben impressed the heck out of me. And suddenly there is a darn good farm system. A few good players in Pittsburgh. And I can start to see a plan coming together.
I’m willing to treat next year as another throw away. But by 2023 the Pirates will begin to look like a good MLB TEAM. Wild card outside chance. But 2023 the plan will be coming together.
I too am pleased with the draft picks and believe there is a plan. Something I didn't see with NH the last several years of his tenure. Another good draft next year and we should be well on our way to competing. The concern I have right now is Shelton. He does not look to be a manager of a good team. Somehow he has to go or get a lot better real quick or we're not going to be a dominant team in the future.
I’m apparently in the minority, and I recognize he’s made some decisions that look bad, but I think he’s doing a pretty good job. He’s kept this team tight and playing together. He could easily have lost the club house, but we’re getting the most out of each player. That’s what’s important to me right now.
I agree Shelton's made some bad decisions. Way too many in fact. But I disagree that he's done a good job. As far as keeping them tight and playing together, what other choice do they have? And fundamentally, they are consistently poor. The majority of his players are castoffs from other teams or just up from the minors and all have the incentive to make something of this chance for the sake of their own careers. I don't think there should be the threat of losing the clubhouse when most of his players are just glad they are getting this opportunity. Clubhouse issues are more likely to occur when a team underperforms and players start pointing fingers. Shelton's got a roster of guys who realize the won't contend but want to prove they belong in MLB. So I'm not going to give him credit for not having clubhouse issues. At least none that we know of.
And I don't know that he's getting the most out of each player. His best players spend too much time resting on the bench instead of being able to do more to help the team try to win games. Newman is hitting 100 points less than he did 2 years ago. And it seems whenever Shelton has a starting pitcher having a strong outing, he pulls him after 75 or so pitchers to put in struggling relievers. I wish there were only 1 or 2 things I could say I think Shelton has been poor at but unfortunately I think he has been bad in all facets of his job.
;D