Pirates Optimism Thread

[Jake]

I've written on each of the three previous spring trainings. I've started and stopped a couple fo times this year. In one sense, it's really hard to be optimistic this year. It's the same basic team that lost 94 games last year. If, in fact, everyone plays up to standards, and we gain 10 games, that's 84 losses. Still a losing season, to be sure.

 

Yet, there's something different this year. I've had a hard time trying to put it into words. Fortunately, for me, John Perrotto didn't. Here's how he puts it:

 

http://www.timesonline.com/articles/2008/03/04/sports/pirates/doc47cccfd0c6de6842322108.txt

 

Dave Littlefield's exploits have been enumerated in many a rant on many a board. But, one of his worst moves was hiring Jim Tracy. I believe Tracy & Staff permanently screwed up Zach Duke and Chris Duffy. And, I'm sure, some others.

 

So, why do I think we're get 14 more wins this year than last year with the same team?

1) Jason Bay is healthy today. He wasn't this time last year. One wonders if he was healthy at any point during the season last year.

2) Matt Morris. OK, stop laughing now. Say what you want about him, he's still better than Tony Armas.

3) Solomon Torres is gone. He'll probably have a great year in MIL. But, he was dreadful early last year.

3) Mclouth or Morgan will be better than Duffy was last year.

4) Freddy is ready to start the season. He wasn't last year.

5) Nady is healthier now than at this time last year.

6) Paulino was so bad last year he couldn't possibly be that bad again. And, if he is, Doumit will get opportunities to catch. Which he didn't get last year.

 

There's more I could write. What I wrote is reaching enough (Remember, Optimisim!)

 

But, really, it's just the intangibles that tell me we're going to be a better club this year.

[MADD_DOG_31]

optimistic would be 74 wins

[MADD_DOG_31]

although i do hope you finish ahead of the cardinals :lol:

[Vanilla Ice]

I could see you catching the reds and astros, maybe.

[CuseCubFan69]

I could see you catching the reds and astros, maybe.

 

If the Cubs lose ARam and a Z, Lilly or Hill, probably the Cubs as well.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

I like you, Jake. Your team makes me smile a lot.

[javy knows my name]

Can Nyger Morgan hit, or can he just make miraculous defensive plays that make me want to pull my hair out?

[BigbadB]

So, why do I think we're get 14 more wins this year than last year with the same team?

1) Jason Bay is healthy today. He wasn't this time last year. One wonders if he was healthy at any point during the season last year.

2) Matt Morris. OK, stop laughing now. Say what you want about him, he's still better than Tony Armas.

3) Solomon Torres is gone. He'll probably have a great year in MIL. But, he was dreadful early last year.

3) Mclouth or Morgan will be better than Duffy was last year.

4) Freddy is ready to start the season. He wasn't last year.

5) Nady is healthier now than at this time last year.

6) Paulino was so bad last year he couldn't possibly be that bad again. And, if he is, Doumit will get opportunities to catch. Which he didn't get last year.

 

Hey, who are all these guys you speak of? :D

[Jake]

Can Nyger Morgan hit, or can he just make miraculous defensive plays that make me want to pull my hair out?

 

It's a question we're all asking. I suspect he'll start the season in AAA, though.

[Derwood]

Can Nyger Morgan hit, or can he just make miraculous defensive plays that make me want to pull my hair out?

 

It's a question we're all asking. I suspect he'll start the season in AAA, though.

 

what's the latest on McCutchen?

[Jake]

Can Nyger Morgan hit, or can he just make miraculous defensive plays that make me want to pull my hair out?

 

It's a question we're all asking. I suspect he'll start the season in AAA, though.

 

what's the latest on McCutchen?

 

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08064/862245-63.stm

[CuseCubFan69]

This thread is 10 posts longer than I thought it would be!

 

Jake, are your boys ever going to spend some money to win?

[Jake]

Jake, are your boys ever going to spend some money to win?

 

That's what management says they're going to do. There was a Chat w/ Coonely today on MLB.com . One questioner asked him point blank if the Pirates are in the thick of things, will he have permission to spend money. He replied that ownership has given him the money.

 

To be sure, there is some proof that they'll spend. They offerd Durbin, who signed with the Phillies more than he got there, supposedly.

 

Really, we'll know something when the draft comes. If we're passing on a Matt Weiters type because of money, then we'll know. OTOH, if we draft him, and pay more than slot, that says something positive.

 

A lot will be figured out as the year progresses.

[carolinacubbie]

To Pirates fans:

 

I am a huge South Carolina fan, and I watched Steve Pearce in college, and the kid can hit. I don't care what any scouts or anyone else says, he can flat out hit.....where do yall see him fitting in this year??

[Jake]

To Pirates fans:

 

I am a huge South Carolina fan, and I watched Steve Pearce in college, and the kid can hit. I don't care what any scouts or anyone else says, he can flat out hit.....where do yall see him fitting in this year??

I see him as the every day Right fielder in Pittsburgh.

 

Neal Huntington, OTOH, sees him as the every day right fielder in Indy. I suspect he'll start the season there until we trade Nady.

[CuseCubFan69]

Jake, are your boys ever going to spend some money to win?

 

That's what management says they're going to do. There was a Chat w/ Coonely today on MLB.com . One questioner asked him point blank if the Pirates are in the thick of things, will he have permission to spend money. He replied that ownership has given him the money.

 

To be sure, there is some proof that they'll spend. They offerd Durbin, who signed with the Phillies more than he got there, supposedly.

 

Really, we'll know something when the draft comes. If we're passing on a Matt Weiters type because of money, then we'll know. OTOH, if we draft him, and pay more than slot, that says something positive.

 

A lot will be figured out as the year progresses.

 

Well good luck with that. I wonder if the Pirates just go the scouting route when it comes to spending money, does your team go down south or the Pacific at all? I just never see them looking at Asian players, or at least one of the major players for them.

 

How was attendance during the good times for the Pirates? I thought they struggled to get a lot of fans even though they were winning (Bonds + company), do you think that will change if they do start to do well? It just seems to me that the Steelers are the only ones that don't have any problems there.