In my almost regular tradition now of posting once a month, your August 1-ish update that nobody needs to read because if you're reading this to catch up on the Pirates, you're certainly not #BUCN
Trade Deadline/Roster Recap/Grades: Now that the deadline has passed ....
Chad Qualls: trading Casey McGehee was probably necessary to open a spot for Sanchez. Qualls won't replace Lincoln, but I guess it's better than nothing. Grade D
Gaby Sanchez: meh. Losing Gorkys and a draft pick isn't much, but not sure Gaby is either. But is he an upgrade, marginal for sure. Grade B
Travis Snider: Well, eventually ONE of these "top prospects" has to pan out, right? Even though his inflated AAA stats were from the hitters-haven Las Vegas, if the price was our #7 starter, who is doing well in the bullpen for a young controllable OF, then kudos Neal. Grade A
Wandy Rodriguez: Good pick up for the stretch (and for 2013), which takes Kevin Correia out of the rotation. Adding Cain to Owens and Grossman probably was an overpay, but Houston was willing to pick up cash to increase the haul. I would have hoped to pay a bit more and keep Cain, but oh well. The Bucs are making a splash without mortgaging the future, so yay. Grade B
Starling Marte: Hopefully throwing the 23 year old into a pennant race doesn't stunt his growth. The Pirates certainly have a need for the future star, but supposedly promotions are based on merit, not need. While he's had a good season, let's temper our enthusiasm, and remember he's only had 388 at bats in AAA (286/347/500). In comparison to the player we all most hope he can morph into, Andrew McCutchen had 780 AAA at bats (291/367/424) as a 22 year old. Marte's stat line is comparable at a younger age, but he's had less upper level experience. The future looks bright, and by the time this post hits, we will have seen his debut in Houston which was FREAKING AWESOME!! Should I make a "ready for takeoff" joke? Grade C
Chad Qualls: trading Casey McGehee was probably necessary to open a spot for Sanchez. Qualls won't replace Lincoln, but I guess it's better than nothing. Grade D
Gaby Sanchez: meh. Losing Gorkys and a draft pick isn't much, but not sure Gaby is either. But is he an upgrade, marginal for sure. Grade B
Travis Snider: Well, eventually ONE of these "top prospects" has to pan out, right? Even though his inflated AAA stats were from the hitters-haven Las Vegas, if the price was our #7 starter, who is doing well in the bullpen for a young controllable OF, then kudos Neal. Grade A
Wandy Rodriguez: Good pick up for the stretch (and for 2013), which takes Kevin Correia out of the rotation. Adding Cain to Owens and Grossman probably was an overpay, but Houston was willing to pick up cash to increase the haul. I would have hoped to pay a bit more and keep Cain, but oh well. The Bucs are making a splash without mortgaging the future, so yay. Grade B
Starling Marte: Hopefully throwing the 23 year old into a pennant race doesn't stunt his growth. The Pirates certainly have a need for the future star, but supposedly promotions are based on merit, not need. While he's had a good season, let's temper our enthusiasm, and remember he's only had 388 at bats in AAA (286/347/500). In comparison to the player we all most hope he can morph into, Andrew McCutchen had 780 AAA at bats (291/367/424) as a 22 year old. Marte's stat line is comparable at a younger age, but he's had less upper level experience. The future looks bright, and by the time this post hits, we will have seen his debut in Houston which was FREAKING AWESOME!! Should I make a "ready for takeoff" joke? Grade C
Last month I predicted 15-10, 57-46, and first place. They actually finished 17-9 (why can't I count right?), 59-44 and 3 games back of the blistering hot Vottoless Reds
Looking Ahead: 17-10, 76-54, and a commanding wild card lead ....
1 @ Chicago (NL) W
3 @ Cincinnati L W L
4 vs Diamondbacks W W L W
3 vs Padres W L W
4 vs Dodgers L W W
3 @ St. Louis W L L
3 @ San Diego W W W
3 vs Brewers W L W
3 vs Cardinals W W L
1 @ Milwaukee L
Believe! Beat Em, Bucs! Raise the Jolly Roger 17 more times in August!
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