Results tagged ‘ joel hanrhan ’
News and Notes: 1/6
- The Pirates are rumored to be interested in free agent veteran starter Carl Pavano. It is reported that he is seeking a three year/$30 million contract. The twins, Nationals and Royals are the other teams interested in the right-hander.
- The Pirates are still interested in signing a starter and several relievers which include a pair of left-handers.
Rob Biertempfel of the Trib points out that left-hander Brian Fuentes is still on the market. Although, he prefers to close games (the Pirates have not yet appointed Evan Meek and/or Joel Hanrahan for the job).
- General Manager Neal Huntington flies out to Bradenton, FL. On Thursday night to begin preparations for the mini camp that starts on Monday. Manager Clint Hurdle and players will report on Sunday.
Those invited to the mini-camp include:
Pitchers – Michael Crotta, Joel Hanrahan, Kevin Hart, Jeff Karstens, Brad Lincoln, Jeff Locke, Daniel McCutchen, James McDonald, Kyle McPherson, Evan Meek, Bryan Morris, Charlie Morton, Daniel Moskos, Ross Ohlendorf, Chris Resop, Aaron Thompson, Tony Watson
Catchers – Jason Jaramillo
Infielders – Pedro Ciriaco, Lyle Overbay, Steve Pearce, Josh Rodriguez, Neil Walker
Outfielders – Matt Diaz, Gorkys Hernandez, Garrett Jones, Andrew McCutchen, Alex Presley, Jose Tabata
Non Roster invites – Dusty Brown, Brian Burres, Josh Fields, Fernando Nieve, Justin Thomas, Cesar Valdez, Corey Wimberly
Note: Neither Paul Maholm or Ryan Doumit are participating.
- The Indians designated outfielder/first baseman Jordan Brown for assignment on Thursday.
Sports time Ohio is reporting the Pirates could be interested. General Manager Neal Huntington is familiar with Brown (He spent 10 seasons with the Indians organization from 1998-2007).
Brown, 27, is a career .306 hitter with an .840 OPS hitter through six minor league seasons.
Through 83 games at Triple-A Columbus during the 2010 season, he hit .298 with 28 doubles, eight homers and 67 RBI.
Bucs reported to sign Matt Diaz, other options
The Pirates have agreed to a two-year deal with outfielder Matt Diaz reported to be worth $4.2 million . The Bucs did not confirm the deal -which still needs to be finalized.
It has been reported that Diaz was offered several other two-year deals worth more money, but turned them down to play on the East Coast (close to his family).
Diaz has played most of his career in left field, but would play in right field for the Bucs. In his five year career with the Atlanta Braves he batted .305.
The Pirates were looking for a bat to crush lefties. Diaz in his career against left handed pitching: .335 AVG, .373 OBP, .533 SLG with a .907 OPS.
Despite the Diaz signing, Neal Huntington is not done.
“We’ll always look for upgrades and always look for ways to improve the club,” Huntington said. “We’ve got to be smart about it, but it may come at the cost of prospects. There may come a time where it may come at the cost of a lot of prospects. At this point we’re always looking for upgrades.”
The Bucs are interested in signing another starter or two. Huntington also said he would be willing to trade Evan Meek or Joel Hanrahan if the deal was right.
“Too many options are never a bad thing, and that’s where we’re trying to go,” Huntington said. “We’re trying to add depth. We’re trying to give ourselves choices to make. We love power with strikeouts, but short of that, sometimes a variety of looks and a variety of stuff can help give a manager options.”
“I think a lot of people are beating up our bullpen because of the unknown,” Huntington said. “There is some power there. There is also some risk. It makes us feel like we don’t have to go seek an upgrade. But if there is one there that makes sense for us, we’ll certainly look.”
Winter meetings updates/rumors/signings: Day one
I will continue to update this post throughout the day on any rumors and signings that happen during the Winter Meetings in Orlando, Florida.
*5:10 PM-
Ken Rosenthal tweeted this: Pirates looking at free-agent RHP Kevin Correia, among others.
Correia went 10-10 with a 5.40 ERA in 28 games (26 starts) with the San Diego Padres. In eight seasons (combined with the San Francisco Giants and Padres) he has a record of 36-43 with a 4.57 ERA. Correia,30, averages 6.6 strike outs per nine innings.
*4:30 PM-
Pirates General Manager Neal Huntington when asked about reports that teams have asked about Andrew McCutchen: “I wouldn’t always believe what you read.”
*4:22 PM-
General Manager Neal Huntington says Ryan Doumit is Pirates starting right fielder for 2011 “as we sit right now”. He also would do some catching.
*3:55 PM-
According to Dejan Kovcevic of the Pittsburgh-Post Gazette, the Pirates are “deeply interested” in right hand pitcher Jeremy Accardo.
Accardo, who turns 29 on December 18th, appeared in five games (6.2 innings) with the Toronto Blue Jays during April 2010. He allowed six runs on 12 hits with three strike outs and three walks. Accardo was non-tendered by the Jays on December 3rd and was due to make $1.08 million.
In 41 games with the Blue Jay’s Triple-A team, Accardo went 2-2 with a 3.64 ERA and had 24 saves. In 42 innings pitched he allowed just one home run, walked 14 and struck out two.
*3:08 PM-
According to Gordon Edes of ESPN Boston, A couple of teams have approached the Pirates about Andrew McCutchen (not the Red Sox) Bucs would have to be “overwhelmed” in order to trade the center fielder.
*2:01 PM-
Agent for Scott Olsen told MLB Trade Rumors that “nothing is done yet” on one-year deal with the Pirates.
*1:45 PM-
According to Jen Langosch of MLB.com, The Pirates have tentatively agreed to a one-year contract with Scott Olsen. The deal is pending a physical (which would happen later this week) and is incentive-laden.
Olsen, 26, became a free-agent in November after being out righted off the Washington Nationals roster.
In 17 games (15 starts) with the Nats in 2010, he went 4-8 with a 5.56 ERA.
Olsen is coming off two injury plagued seasons with Washington. In his previous three seasons with the Florida Marlins he had at least 31 starts and pitched at least 176.2 innings.
His career stats (six seasons) is 37-49 with a 4.85 ERA in 130 games (127 starts).
An official announcement could come by Friday.
*1:03 PM-
According to Jen Langosch of MLB.com, the Pirates have shown interest in Kenshin Kawakami. The Braves right hander is set to make $6.667 million in 2011, but Atlanta are interested in parting ways with the starter, covering most of the salary. It’s possible the Bucs could pay $1-2 million and not have to trade any player in the deal.
Kawakami, 35, went 1-10 with a 5.15 ERA in 18 games (16 starts) with the Braves in 2010.
The Pirates are also rumored to be eyeing shortstop (he can also play second and third base) Brendan Ryan of the Cardinals. Ryan hit .223 with two homers and 36 RBI in 139 games.
*12:17 PM-
The Pirates talks with starting pitcher Brandon Webb have gone cold according to sources. The Bucs have not contacted Webb since November 22nd. Justin Duchscherer, Jeff Francis and Scott Olsen are still on the Pirates radar.
The Pirates are willing to trade Evan Meek or Joel Hanrahan for a “significant offer” but they are not shopping them around.
*11:40 AM-
According to Dejan Kovacevic of the Pittsburgh-Post Gazette, an informed source told him the Pirates “would love” to trade Ryan Doumit.
Winter Meetings kick off, Pirates have a lot of work ahead
Monday kicks off the first day of the Winter Meetings held at the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort in Orlando, Florida.
The Pirates have several gaps to fill for the 2011 season: a starting pitcher (or two), a first baseman/right fielder, shortstop and bullpen help for Evan Meek and Joel Hanrahan.
The young Bucs can be penciled in for next season: Jose Tabata, Neil Walker, Pedro Alvarez, Andrew McCutchen, and James McDonald.
“We feel it’s important to provide this young group of players weapons that will help them experience success in 2011,” President Frank Coonelly said. “More help is coming quickly through the much improved minor league system, but there are needs that we’re trying to address now to enable us to win in 2011. If we can address these needs without giving up prospects who we believe will be a part of our long-term success and without impeding our ability to lock up the young players who we are developing to long-term agreements, we need to do that.”
“We are targeting players on the market who will address these needs without jeopardizing our longer-term goals,” Coonelly said. “We have the financial resources available to address these needs, and we are looking forward to adding more talent to the improving young talent that has joined the roster over the past two years.”
The Pirates reportably were interested in Jorge De La Rosa (who re-signed with the Rockies) and first baseman Lance Berkman (who signed with the Cardinals). But there are many other players the Bucs could peruse: first baseman Derek Lee and Carlos Pena, right fielders Jeff Francouer, Jack Cust and Matt Diaz, shortstops J.J. Hardy and Jason Bartlett.
Steve Pearce and Lastings Milledge (who was non-tendered) could also be filled from within the organization to play first base/right field.
We are comfortable with Steve Pearce filling a role on the major league club,” General Manager Neal Huntington said. “We continue to be open to Lastings Milledge returning, too, but we are also exploring other potential fits.”
Starting pitching is the most important for the Pirates to fill. Scott Olsen is rumored to be in serious talks with the Pirates. Other options include: Brandon Webb (reports that the talks have gone cold with the cy-young award winner), Justin Duchscherer and Jeff Francis.
Thursday marks the Rule 5 draft and the Pirates have the first pick. Starter Aneury Rodriguez is the favorite, The right-hander went 6-5 with a 3.80 ERA and 94 strikeouts in 113.2 innings in Triple-A (Tampa Bay Ray’s organization).
The 40-man roster currently has four spots open.
Pirates reach deadline by signing two, cutting four
The Pirates had until 11:59 on Thursday to decide whether to tender/non tender a contract for 2011 to Ross Ohlendorf, Joel Hanrahan, Jeff Karstens, Ronny Cedeno and Lastings Milledge.
Pittsburgh originally had nine players that were facing arbitration this offseason. Wil Ledezma was signed to a one-year deal, while Zach Duke (who has signed a one-year deal plus a mutual option for 2012 with the Arizona Diamondbacks), Andy LaRoche and Delwyn Young were designated for assignment and removed from the roster.
Jeff Karstens agreed to a one-year $1.1 million contract for 2011 (He made $457,000 last year). Karstens went 3-10 with a 4.92 ERA during 19 starts with the Pirates (26 appearances) through 122.1 innings. It is uncertain whether Karstens will remain a starter for 2011 or if he will be used out of the bullpen as long relief.
Ronny Cedeno agreed to a one-year deal which includes and club option for 2012. He batted .256 with eight home runs and 38 RBI with the Pirates in 2010. “We have identified upgrading our infield defense as a top priority and are working aggressively to accomplish that upgrade,’ Frank Coonelly said on Thursday afternoon. The Pirates are rumored to be interested in J.J Hardy and Jason Bartlett and will continue to explore options. Cedeno could be used in a trade or as a utility infielder if the right guy is found. “He has the ability to play the position,” Huntington said. “He shows flashes of the defense. He shows flashes of the offense. At some point in time, the consistency is either going to come or it’s not going to come. There are stretches of time where we feel like it’s just about there, and then we have some games that are less than ideal.”
Ross Ohlendorf was tendered a contract. He had a few stints on the disabled list and was considered a “very unlucky pitcher” in 2010 (referring to his 1-11 record and 4.07 ERA).
Joel Hanrahan was tendered a contract. He finished the 2010 season with a 3.62 ERA and six saves. Hanrahan also struck out 100 batters (a career high) in 69.2 innings.
Lastings Milledge was non-tendered by the Bucs, making him a free-agent. Milledge batted .277 with four home runs and 34 RBI (.320 AVG against lefties) His below average offense along with his lack of power were both concerns of the Pirates.
General Manager Neal Huntington: “We spent a lot of time analyzing Lastings Milledge as compared with the potential alternatives for the expected role and determined it was worth further exploration of the alternatives. We remain open to continuing dialogue with Lastings.”
Argenis Diaz, Donnie Veal and Brian Burres were also non-tendered by the Bucs, becoming free-agents.
Huntington on Donnie Veal: “Everything is on schedule with Donnie’s rehabilitation. We made a tough business decision, but we are optimistic we will be able to re-sign Donnie.”
Payroll increase and off-season plans, Coonelly answers fans questions
President Frank Coonelly took part in his monthly chat on Wednesday. Some of the topics were on the manager vacancy, payroll increase and off-season plans. You can read the entire chat here. These are a few of the questions I thought were interesting.
I support this rebuilding process and am excited for the team in 2012 and beyond. That said, without giving a canned answer, are you going to add enough payroll to support a better team in 2011? Can we hope for at least a $50M payroll?
Coonelly: “I appreciate your support of our plan to return the Pirates to a championship caliber club and your recognition that such a plan necessarily takes time.”
“Notwithstanding what was a very disappointing season in 2010, we have made meaningful progress in upgrading the talent in our organization and over the last two years have added several of the most exciting young players in the National League, including Andrew McCutchen, Jose Tabata, Neil Walker and Pedro Alvarez.”
“Speaking candidly, I have said that we have the capacity to add meaningfully to our 2011 payroll if we are able to secure players who will help us win in Pittsburgh. We have the capacity to have a payroll over $50 million and we’ll add those payroll dollars if we are able to bring in players that can help us win.”
What do you plan on doing to help the pitching situation for next year, as it was clearly our biggest weakness?
Coonelly: “There is no question that we need to improve our pitching in 2011, particularly our starting rotation. We have identified the starting rotation as a priority this off-season and we’ll aggressively pursue adding at least one starting pitcher during the off-season, either through a free-agent signing or a trade. Of course, the free-agent market for starting pitchers is rather thin this off-season and thus there is no guarantee that we will be able to add a free-agent starter who will be able to impact our roster.”
“Part of the solution, therefore, must be getting better performances from pitchers like Paul Maholm, Ross Ohlendorf, and, possibly, Charlie Morton and/or Brad Lincoln. James McDonald pitched well for us following his acquisition. Ohlendorf was pitching very well prior to being shut down with shoulder soreness and Charlie Morton, who is currently pitching in winter ball, looked like he was beginning to figure some things out as the season closed.”
“These pitchers and any offseason acquisitions should be pushed hard by the young arms (Rudy Owens, Bryan Morris, Justin Wilson and Jeff Locke) who helped the Altoona Curve win the Eastern League championship this year. In summary, we must pitch far better in 2011 and I am confident that we will.”
How confident is the organization with Hanrahan or Meek as the closer in 2011? Or will you shop for a veteran closer again (like 2010 with Dotel) until you feel one is ready?
Coonelly: ”Joel Hanrahan and Evan Meek both have shown that they have the tools necessary to be quality closers. As a result, we would be comfortable relying on Joel and/or Evan closing games for us in 2011. Having said that, we are looking to add to our bullpen and if we were able to add an experienced closer, we would certainly consider making such an addition to the back of our bullpen.”
Pirates arbitration eligible’s
It’s no surprise that the Pirates have a lot of work to do during the off-season. But first, I wanted to discuss the bucco’s who are arbitration eligible.
Ronny Cedeno, Wil Ledezma, Ross Ohlendorf, Joel Hanrahan, Lastings Milledge, Andy LaRoche, Delwyn Young and Jeff Kartstens are all arbitration eligible.
Cedeno –who was never consistent all season and had plenty of hot streaks and slumps– batted .256 with eight home runs and 38 RBI. He made $1.125 M for the 2010 season.
Ledezma made 27 appearances’ with the Pirates this season and was 0-3 with a 6.83 ERA. In 19.2 innings pitched he struck out 22. Ledezma made $400,000 in 2010.
Ohlendorf –who finished his season the disabled list– was 1-11 with a 4.07 ERA. Ross was referred to as the “unluckiest pitcher” due to receiving many losses and no-decisions after making quality starts. Ohlendorf made $439,000 in 2010.
Hanrahan was nasty for the Pirates during the 2010 season. He was 4-1 with a 3.62 ERA and had six saves. Hanrahan spent most of the season as the set-up man in the 8th inning and split closing duties with Evan Meek when Octavio Dotel was traded. Joel finished the season with a career high 100 strike outs. He made $453,000.
Milledge’s season ended early due to a strained oblique. The outfielder batted .277 with four home runs and 34 RBI. Milledge –who was a much better hitter with RISP– has yet to prove he has enough power to handle a corner outfield position. He made $452,000 in 2010.
LaRoche lost his starting job when the Pirates promoted Pedro Alvarez to the majors. The third baseman turned utility man paying second base and first base on occasion. He was also used a pinch-hitter, in 41 at-bats he had only three RBI and batted .146. LaRoche made $451,000 for the 2010 season.
Delwyn Young in 191 at-bats batted .236 with seven home runs and 36 RBI. He was used primarily as a pinch-hitter but did start in right field and second base on occasion. Young made $444,500.
Karstens was 3-10 with a 4.92 ERA during the 2010 season. He made only one start in September because of arm fatigue. Karstens made $401,500.
Pre-game Notes 10/3: Final game of season, Pirates vs Marlins
Notes:
· The Pirates game on Sunday against the Marlins is the final game for both clubs this season.
· The Bucs are 12-13 in the past 25 games, 9-6 in the last 15 and 4-4 in the past eight games.
· Jose Tabata (14), Pedro Alvarez (11) and Neil Walker (18) have all had double-digit hitting streaks this season. It is the first time since 1952 that the Pirates have had three rookies with double digit hitting streaks in the same season.
· Pedro Alvarez’s 16 home runs and 64 RBI and Neil Walker’s 12 homers and 66 RBI are the most in Pirates history. It’s also the first time that two rookies hit more than 10 home runs and 60 RBI.
· Joel Hanrahan struck out two fish in the eighth inning Saturday night giving up 100 K’s on the season. He is the first Pirates reliever to strike out 100 since Don Robinson in 1984 (101).
· The Pirates pitching staff have struck out 24 batters in the past two games and has posted 1022 strikeouts this season which is the highest since 2006 (1060) and just the 10th time the staff have struck out more than 1000.
· The Bucs season opener for the 2011 season is scheduled on April 1st in Chicago.
Links:
Neil Walker and his quest for .300
and
John Russell not expected back in 2011
Pitching Matchup:
LHP Brian Burres (4-4, 5.01 ERA)
Vs
RHP Anibal Sanchez (12-12, 3.62 ERA)
Burres is making his 13th start –20th appearance– of the season on Sunday against the Marlins. He picked up the W against the Cardinals his last start allowing two runs (one earned) through 5.2 innings. Burres is 2-1 with a 2.86 ERA in his last five starts.
Sanchez is making his 32nd start of the season and has lost three straight starts. Sanchez allowed three runs on seven hits with two walks and six strikeouts over 6.2 innings. He has faced the Pirates once in his career in which he allowed three runs on seven hits over seven innings and received the loss.
Pirates final lineup of 2010:
McCutchen 8
Tabata 7
Walker 4
Jones 3
Doumit 9
Cedeno 6
LaRoche 5
Jaramillo 2
Burres 1
Marlins final lineup of 2010:
Bonifacio 8
Martinez 6
Morrison 7
Uggla 4
Sanchez 3
Stanton 9
Helms 5
Davis 2
Sanchez 1
*** Pedro Alvarez was not in the lineup due to injured knee. Alvarez hyper extended his right knee during the eighth inning of Saturday’s game when he stepped awkwardly on first base.
Manager John Russell said he would be available to pinch-hit but would not be able to start for the Pirates.
“If it was the regular season, he might miss today only, but the last thing we want to do is let it flare up so that it’s sore for the next two weeks,” Russell said. “We don’t want his knee hampering him so he can’t get his [offseason] work.”
Hanrahan reaches 100 k’s
Joel Hanrahan hit a milestone on Saturday night in Miami. With the two strikeouts in the eighth inning, he reached his 100th K of the season –the most in his career. (His previous high was 93 in 2008)
Hanrhan’s 100 strikeouts are second-highest on the team only to Paul Maholm (102). With Maholm out the rest of the season and one game remaining, Hanrahan has the chance to finish the season with the most strikeouts on the staff. He also has the chance to surpass Don Robinson who struck out 101 in 1984 –the most in Pirates history in a single season by a reliever
“There are guys that have obviously had way more, but it’s a nice number to look at and save,” Hanrahan said. “Obviously, I wish our season was better. But on the individual side, it’s a good thing to look at.”
“That’s a phenomenal feat,” Russell said. “It was a good moment for him. Especially to do it the way he did to get out of a jam.”
Kristy Robinson
Recent Comments