OnlyBucs

Just noticed that the Giants signed Drew Smyly. Another day has gone by, and there is no news regarding a player or players signed by the Pirates. I understand this is going to be a year in which the new staff becomes acquainted with the current roster, as well as the players in the minors. I don’t think it has to become a year in which Pittsburgh loses 100 games or more. This team in my opinion still needs another bench bat or two and some veteran pitchers either as starters, or long relief. I expect the team to end up in fifth place, but I would like to see improvement from last season, and not a season with less than 69 wins.

7E7273282128202D2A352F180 wrote: Just noticed that the Giants signed Drew Smyly. Another day has gone by, and there is no news regarding a player or players signed by the Pirates. I understand this is going to be a year in which the new staff becomes acquainted with the current roster, as well as the players in the minors. I don’t think it has to become a year in which Pittsburgh loses 100 games or more. This team in my opinion still needs another bench bat or two and some veteran pitchers either as starters, or long relief. I expect the team to end up in fifth place, but I would like to see improvement from last season, and not a season with less than 69 wins.
I remember that MLB Trade Rumors thought we'd sign Smyly. No offense to Brault, but we need a lefthanded starter. I wish someone would consider PNC's dimensions, our lack of organizational lefty talent, and the benefits of diversity in the rotation, and acquire what we need. The cupboard is nearly bare.

It seems that Cherington has fit into the Pirates system. It can be broken down into phases.

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Phase 1 - Off Season - Instead of improving the team, we have to see what we have and rebuild the farm system. This phase usually ends in February.



Phase 2 - Spring Training - We are excited to see what the guys we already have under contractual control can do. We have saved the financial flexibility to act at the trade deadline. This phase goes from February to July.



Phase 3 - Trade Deadline - We don't want to upset the team chemistry so we want see what the kids can do. This phase goes to the end of the season.



Phaze 4 - Off Seaason - Instead of improving the team, we have to see what we have and rebuild the farm system. This phase usually ends in February.

202C2D767F767E73746B71460 wrote: Just noticed that the Giants signed Drew Smyly. Another day has gone by, and there is no news regarding a player or players signed by the Pirates. I understand this is going to be a year in which the new staff becomes acquainted with the current roster, as well as the players in the minors. I don’t think it has to become a year in which Pittsburgh loses 100 games or more. This team in my opinion still needs another bench bat or two and some veteran pitchers either as starters, or long relief. I expect the team to end up in fifth place, but I would like to see improvement from last season, and not a season with less than 69 wins.


It looks like Cherington is going to be really patient before making any sort of move, bold or otherwise, that might help the team win more games this year.  I hope it's because he's going through a fairly rigorous evaluation of the organization from top to bottom and not because he doesn't know what he's doing. 



I think it's because he first wants the management side of the organization in place so that all of those guys, from his top assistants all the way down to the coaches and scouts, are the best he can hire and are all on the same page in identifying, signing, and developing players.



At least that's what I hope he's doing.

6D474C7C4B5D5D513E0 wrote: Just noticed that the Giants signed Drew Smyly. Another day has gone by, and there is no news regarding a player or players signed by the Pirates. I understand this is going to be a year in which the new staff becomes acquainted with the current roster, as well as the players in the minors. I don’t think it has to become a year in which Pittsburgh loses 100 games or more. This team in my opinion still needs another bench bat or two and some veteran pitchers either as starters, or long relief. I expect the team to end up in fifth place, but I would like to see improvement from last season, and not a season with less than 69 wins.
I remember that MLB Trade Rumors thought we'd sign Smyly. No offense to Brault, but we need a lefthanded starter. I wish someone would consider PNC's dimensions, our lack of organizational lefty talent, and the benefits of diversity in the rotation, and acquire what we need. The cupboard is nearly bare.


I am in agreement they need a left handed starting pitcher. Besides the PNC Park dimensions, some of the big hitters in the division are left handed. Votto, Carpenter, and Rizzo all hit left handed, and a pitcher who could possibly neutralize them would be perfect.

I am definitely glad they didn't sign Smyly.

564D404148444B250 wrote: It seems that Cherington has fit into the Pirates system.  It can be broken down into phases.

----

Phase 1 - Off Season - Instead of improving the team, we have to see what we have and rebuild the farm system.  This phase usually ends in February.



Phase 2 - Spring Training - We are excited to see what the guys we already have under contractual control can do.  We have saved the financial flexibility to act at the trade deadline.  This phase goes from February to July.



Phase 3 - Trade Deadline - We don't want to upset the team chemistry so we want see what the kids can do.  This phase goes to the end of the season.



Phaze 4 - Off Seaason - Instead of improving the team, we have to see what we have and rebuild the farm system.  This phase usually ends in February.
;D