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Doumit still possible trade bait

Ryan Doumit’s role for the 2011 season is a significant down grade compared to the years past. If he remains a Pirate for opening day, he will be seeing limited plate appearances, as a back-up catcher and a pinch hit/bench guy. And dare I say it? First baseman and right fielder on occasion.

There is still a chance Doumit could be moved before the season starts, however, according to Colin Dunlap of the Pittsburgh-Post Gazette.

“There have been feelers, both ways. I remember Neal Huntington quoted (I think it was in a Hot Stove piece) about “the right fit” for Doumit. And Neal went on to say that “right fit” could be some different roles in Pittsburgh or, perhaps, in another city. Logic yields that Doumit is being shopped. I would say there is a good chance other teams want to see him in Spring Training; want to see him healthy and in-person and then might be a bit more aggressive with a play for him. I said it before, though: I really wonder how much the head-injury stuff is holding some teams back.”

Posted on February 12, 2011 at 11:46 am
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Tags: bench guy, catcher, colin dunlap, neal huntington, pirates, pittsburgh-post gazette, ryan doumit, spring training

Day one of Pirates mini camp

Some notes from day of of the Pirates mini camp:

Evan Meek is noticeably trimmer this year, according to Rob Biertempfel of the Trib.
Steve Pearce took grounders at first base on Monday and seems to have recovered fully after suffering a knee injury in August.
The Pirates players had three hour drills on Monday. It also marks the first time many of the players have had practice with new manger Clint Hurdle.

“It was a good day,” Hurdle said. “It was efficient. We were able to get on the field, move them around a little bit, work on some technique and play a little defense. There was some on-field hitting. It’s good to get back on the field and hear the crack of the bat and the smack of the ball in the mitt.”

Manager Clint Hurdle preached the basics during day one of the Pirates mini camp. He focused on: preparation, planning and execution.

“Many good men have gone before me,” Hurdle said at the Pirates’ weeklong voluntary minicamp at Pirate City. “And we are not going to be teaching a whole lot of revolutionary ideas. We just have to get better at the basic fundamentals of the game.”

Early morning work outs, followed by motivational messages by Hurdle –something that he believes is very important.

During batting practice, Hurdle was heard telling Second baseman Neil Walker, First baseman Lyle Overbay and Steve Pearce, “championship teams make good outs, make your at-bats count, every one of them.”

As I’ve discussed before, the Bucs currently do not have any left-handed relievers with any major league experience. Daniel Moskos, who is in attendance at the mini camp, has a chance to make the big league staff. The 24-year-old, and former first round pick in the 2007 draft, combined to go 3-6 with a 4.14 ERA with Double-A and Triple-A last season. Moskos picked up 22 saves in 58.2 innings pitched, striking out 61 while walking 36.

“Whether it is about left-handed pitching or right-handed pitching, you have to go out there and compete for a spot,” Moskos said. “You are always having to compete. You can either thrive on it or shy away from it. Yes, there are lefty spots open, but nothing is going to be handed to anyone. You have to earn it.”

Charlie Morton chatted with Colin Dunlap of the Post-Gazette on Monday.

On minicamp: “I think the whole idea is for everybody to come in and get accustomed to the new faces. Just really carry on what we’ve been doing the offseason; in terms of getting stronger and getting in shape. I think it’s good for team chemistry, especially when it changes.

On Clint Hurdle: “He’s been pretty outgoing, talking to us, making us feel comfortable.”

Jose Tabata at Pirates mini camp (via @BucsInsider)