OnlyBucs

Looking at some of the free agent outfielders and I wonder if the Bucs should attempt to sign Carlos Gonzalez on a one year contract. Since we are getting closer to spring training they could possibly sign him to a team friendly agreement. If he does well , and the Bucs are out of the race in July they could trade him for prospects. Not sure if Clint Hurdle managed him for a very long time while Clint was in Colorado. He could have some influence in getting him to sign here.

I did the same thing and had the same idea. Then I looked at his home/away splits. Playing in Denver has helped him a lot. His career OPS away is something like .730. No thanks. Frazier, Luplow, and Osuna should all be able to top that.

I would still take him if price is right.

So would I.

Gonzalez had only been with the Rockies 3 days before Hurdle was fired. I'd love to see the Bucs get him but I doubt Clint would have any influence. And while the FA market is down and a 1 year deal might be the best he could get, I doubt the Pirates would increase their payroll to what it would take. Gonzales made 20 million last year. He may have to take less now but I can't see him signing for substantially less. The Bucs shaved off 14.5 million by moving Cutch since he had only 1 more year of control. Would they sign someone else for the same amount of control but the same or more money?

It doesn't matter if we would take him or not, Nutting won't. He would command a salary over 2 million, so he is off limits for Pittsburgh. They would rather go with some random player in the outfield who has achieved little to nothing in MLB than to pay for a competent player.