Re: 2024 Off-Season Thread
Posted: Fri Feb 21, 2025 4:18 pm
With so many young arms I wouldn't mind seeing a six-man rotation to start the year. Heany does give them the flexibility to be a little more creative. I don't know how many starters we used last year, but with sore arms and IL visits from your starters in a typical year, everyone is going to get a chance at some point. A surprise signing, but I think a really helpful one.Dutton wrote: ↑Fri Feb 21, 2025 4:07 pmDoc, I know what you mean, but Heaney is a lefty, and so this move gets a thumbs up from me. I actually have more confidence in Heaney than Falter. Buccos haven't taken proper advantage of PNC'S layout for several years now. Now let's see if Shelton can manage his resources.Doc wrote: ↑Fri Feb 21, 2025 12:22 amWhile I admit a team never has enough major league pitching, this season is a perfect time to introduce the younger pitchers (Ashcraft, Chandler, Burrows, and/or Harrington) to the major leagues in preparation for the next several seasons, since management has pretty much already mailed it in on this one based on their offseason work. Is this a guy who was acquired just so he can be dealt at the Deadline for yet another Single A middle infielder?fjk090852-7 wrote: ↑Fri Feb 21, 2025 12:03 am The Pirates are signing Andrew Heaney on a Major League Contract of 5 million plus incentives.
I definitely agree that a 6 man rotation is the way to go. Help preserve Skenes and Jones. Maybe Keller would not wear down in the second half. Also I want to see Oviedo back in the rotation.UtahPirate2 wrote: ↑Fri Feb 21, 2025 4:29 pmWith so many young arms I wouldn't mind seeing a six-man rotation to start the year. Heany does give them the flexibility to be a little more creative. I don't know how many starters we used last year, but with sore arms and IL visits from your starters in a typical year, everyone is going to get a chance at some point. A surprise signing, but I think a really helpful one.Dutton wrote: ↑Fri Feb 21, 2025 4:07 pmDoc, I know what you mean, but Heaney is a lefty, and so this move gets a thumbs up from me. I actually have more confidence in Heaney than Falter. Buccos haven't taken proper advantage of PNC'S layout for several years now. Now let's see if Shelton can manage his resources.Doc wrote: ↑Fri Feb 21, 2025 12:22 am
While I admit a team never has enough major league pitching, this season is a perfect time to introduce the younger pitchers (Ashcraft, Chandler, Burrows, and/or Harrington) to the major leagues in preparation for the next several seasons, since management has pretty much already mailed it in on this one based on their offseason work. Is this a guy who was acquired just so he can be dealt at the Deadline for yet another Single A middle infielder?
I would not object to a 6 man rotation. It would take the toll off some of the young pitchers. With regards to Haney, I am thinking he might be similar to JA Happ which would be great if he was as good as him. When he arrived in 2015 he was unbeatable. I am hoping Haney has that same success.JollyRoger8 wrote: ↑Fri Feb 21, 2025 5:07 pmI definitely agree that a 6 man rotation is the way to go. Help preserve Skenes and Jones. Maybe Keller would not wear down in the second half. Also I want to see Oviedo back in the rotation.UtahPirate2 wrote: ↑Fri Feb 21, 2025 4:29 pmWith so many young arms I wouldn't mind seeing a six-man rotation to start the year. Heany does give them the flexibility to be a little more creative. I don't know how many starters we used last year, but with sore arms and IL visits from your starters in a typical year, everyone is going to get a chance at some point. A surprise signing, but I think a really helpful one.Dutton wrote: ↑Fri Feb 21, 2025 4:07 pm
Doc, I know what you mean, but Heaney is a lefty, and so this move gets a thumbs up from me. I actually have more confidence in Heaney than Falter. Buccos haven't taken proper advantage of PNC'S layout for several years now. Now let's see if Shelton can manage his resources.
Great article. I enjoyed the comments from Skenes and Keller. The article gave me some additional hope for the upcoming season. I like it when players say, that they like the signing of the veteran pitcher.
I am going to be more cynical about the article. If Heaney was bringing all this to the team and Ben C. was intentional, why did they not approach him earlier. Why wait until after Quintana says no? Or would have Quintana have brought even more to the team?fjk090852-7 wrote: ↑Fri Feb 21, 2025 7:44 pmGreat article. I enjoyed the comments from Skenes and Keller. The article gave me some additional hope for the upcoming season. I like it when players say, that they like the signing of the veteran pitcher.
I agree the Pirates have not built a pitching staff that would benefit them at home. I’m surprised that they haven’t sought out more lefties for the rotation and I’ve always felt having three more in the bullpen would help negate left handed power hitters in the late innings. But, when winning isn’t the priority, it’s easier to understand.Dutton wrote: ↑Fri Feb 21, 2025 4:07 pmDoc, I know what you mean, but Heaney is a lefty, and so this move gets a thumbs up from me. I actually have more confidence in Heaney than Falter. Buccos haven't taken proper advantage of PNC'S layout for several years now. Now let's see if Shelton can manage his resources.Doc wrote: ↑Fri Feb 21, 2025 12:22 amWhile I admit a team never has enough major league pitching, this season is a perfect time to introduce the younger pitchers (Ashcraft, Chandler, Burrows, and/or Harrington) to the major leagues in preparation for the next several seasons, since management has pretty much already mailed it in on this one based on their offseason work. Is this a guy who was acquired just so he can be dealt at the Deadline for yet another Single A middle infielder?fjk090852-7 wrote: ↑Fri Feb 21, 2025 12:03 am The Pirates are signing Andrew Heaney on a Major League Contract of 5 million plus incentives.
The starting pitching looks legit. The bullpen is questionable. It could be a strength or it could be a weakness. I think we can count on Reynolds and Cruz for reliable offense. Maybe Gonzales too. Bart was solid behind the plate and hit a little last year. But everyone else is very "iffy."fjk090852-7 wrote: ↑Sat Feb 22, 2025 2:50 am I know I am probably a more optimistic fan then many who post on OnlyBucs, but with the addition of Haney I like the starting rotation. Oviedo, and Chandler can join the rotation later in the season after a few starts at Indy. The bullpen could be solid, but Bednar and Holderman are key. With the offense there are many questions. When will Horowitz return, and will he be a solid hitter? Will Hayes have back issues? Has Davis corrected his hitting deficiencies? Will Endy be the hitter he was in the minors? Can IKF be the full time shortstop? If all these questions get positives responses, and Cruz and Reynolds have good seasons this could be an interesting season in Pittsburgh.