Results tagged ‘ mini camp ’
Alvarez has gained 15 lbs this offseason
Update: I chatted with General Manager Neal Huntington on Friday.
On the reports of Pedro Alvarez’s 15 pound weight gain: “It’s not completely accurate. Pedro’s not where we need him to be but it’s not as desperate as maybe that article [PiratesReport.com] seemed it is.”
Huntington did not give an exact number on how over weight he is but did say, “He’s not where we have concerns. He’s not enough where we don’t think we can get him to where he needs to be.”
Update: I’m told by several people that Pirates Report is not a reliable source. I’m not familiar with the site. It is still uncertain whether Pedro Alvarez has gained 15 plus pounds this offseason.
Paul Ladewski at Pirates Report says Third Baseman Pedro Alvarez has gained at least 15 pounds this offseason according to Bucs Dugout.
Alvarez missed the Pirates minicamp held earlier this month due to prior commitments and was married recently.
Hurdle big reason Overbay signed with the Bucs
First baseman Lyle Overbay’s decision to come to Pittsburgh this season had a lot to do with Manager Clint Hurdle.
“I’ve got three boys,” Overbay said of his sons who are 7, 6 and 2. “And Clint Hurdle is a man who is, in a sense, raising boys here in this clubhouse. He is an inspirational person and I’d like to coach someday and that is the kind of man I want to surround myself with.”
“Things are changing here and I want to be part of something special,” Overbay said.
Overbay made his major league debut in 2001 with Arizona and spent three years with the Diamondbacks. He then spent two seasons with the Brewers and the last five with the Blue Jays.
“I was with Milwaukee when we lost just as much and my second year there [in 2005], we turned it around. It was like we had won the World Series [finishing 81-81]. That same kind of stepping stone can be done here, things are changing, confidence is here, people here are not accepting losing. It doesn’t take long around these guys to realize it.”
Overbay attended the Bucs mini camp held this week where one of the things that was discussed was trust.
“I want to know where I am and be part of the solution and help,” Overbay said. “One of the questions Clint asked me, and he asked everyone was, ‘Do you trust me?’
“You have to trust him because he’s honest. He tells you where you stand with him. I’m a grown man and if he says something that I might not like, he’s not out there to hurt me, he’s out there to make me better. I understand that and that’s a big part of what is going to be the atmosphere around here — you have to trust Clint.”
Fans were not happy that the Pirates didn’t sign a bigger name free-agent first baseman (like Derek Lee) but instead signed Overbay. Hurdle addressed which players the Pirates acquire:
“At this point in time, people need to realize something,” he said. “We need to identify players who are out there, but who also want to come here, and then we have to go recruit those guys.
“There are a lot of people who say, ‘Well, you should have gone out and tried to get this guy or that guy.’ Well, you know what, maybe that guy never even wanted to come to Pittsburgh. And it is not about another million dollars or another 3 million dollars, there are some guys who are never coming to Pittsburgh. That’s the reality of where we are right now. And the reality is we aren’t going to get them until we start winning.”
Closer role still undecided
The Pirates still have not decided who will close out games during the 2011 season: Joel Hanrahan or Evan Meek.
“They haven’t said anything,” said Meek, here at Pirate City for a weeklong voluntary minicamp. “In terms of [management officials] making their decision, they have haven’t said anything, but it isn’t something that should keep you up at night. Whether it is the eighth or ninth inning that I end up working, you still need to go out and get three outs. You know that as a person who does what I do.”
“If they’ve got their mind up already about who the closer is going to be, I don’t know,” Hanrahan said. ”I’m just trying to get ready for spring training. I’d be happy with doing either one, working the eighth or ninth. I know I’d be fine with whatever role it is, just as long as we are getting the opportunities. If we get the opportunities, that means we are winning games and, really, that’s the main concern around here.”
General Manager Neal Huntington has said they are discussing the role, and would name a closer before spring training starts (pitchers and catchers report February 13th, first workout for all players is on the 19th). It’s also not his main priority in mid-January.
“We have talked in generalities of choosing one or the other for those specific roles. We have talked in generalities of using both. Clint and I need to spend some more time, in the future, talking about this because I know both guys, Evan and Joel, are hungry to pitch.”
“This is not something that we have to answer right now, but this is something that we want to have an answer to before spring training,” Huntington said. We won’t have a competition for the closer … during spring training. Whoever is our closer, is our closer.”
After Octavio Dotel was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in July, both Hanrahan and Meek split closing duties; Joel picking up six, Evan four.
The guys in the pen, however, are used to routine and the uncertainty of who would pitch in the ninth did effect them.
“It was different,” Hanrahan said of last season. “Everyone likes to have a role and know when exactly the situations are that they Dere going to come into a game. Last year was different. We’d kind of sit there and look at each other, and then the phone rang [in the bullpen] and sometimes that is how we found out who was going to work. It was just different.”
Both have said they would they would be happy being the closer, but there is no adversarial between them.
“You just learn to control the things that you can control. That is all you can do,” Meek said. “And, after that, you let everything else just be. That is something you learn the more you play this game.”
Day two of Pirates mini camp
- Ross Ohlendorf took a break between conditioning and meetings to answer fans questions during an online chat (You can read the entire chat transcript here).
On if he is entering the new season healthy: “While the season didn’t get off to the best start for me, I was very happy with how I pitched those two months and feel I learned a lot from my early season struggles. My arm is feeling great right now, and I’m really looking forward to the upcoming season.”
On the impact of manager Clint Hurdle: “Clint has already been making a great impression on all of us down here at mini-camp this week. He has great energy and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the game. He has been to the World Series twice in the last five years and we are all working toward sending him back there again soon!”
Ross Ohlendorf tossing on the field.
Steve Pearce taking batting practice.
Catcher Tony Sanchez (far left) at minor league camp.
- Clint Hurdle on the difference between mini camp and spring training: “Today, it was more eyes-on. We’re not doing any heavy-duty coaching right now. If we see something that needs to be addressed, we’ll address it. We’re not grading anybody out right now; that will start in spring training. Now, it’s about getting our feet underneath us, getting familiarized with personnel.”
- Clint Hurdle on if he’s happy with the attendance at mini camp: “The one thing you can’t control in these camps, they’re voluntary. I had conversations with some of the guys. There will be some guys here part-time, some of them will be here full-time. I’ll work with the people who are here. It’s not going to be held against anybody who’s not here. There are different reasons some guys aren’t here. Some of the guys who aren’t here, they’ve been around a little bit longer, they know what’s at stake and they know what they need to do. I’m happy with the guys who are here. They guys that aren’t, we’ll get them tuned in and, not that they’re catching up, but we’ll get them on board and in place when they get here.”
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Tyler Yates and Kevin Hart threw bullpen sessions on Tuesday (both are rehabbing from surgeries). They each threw 25 pitches (only fastballs). Pitching coach Ray Searage said “I like what I saw.”
Hart, who had surgery to repair a torn labrum, said, “It was pretty good. I felt calm and relaxed and everything. It felt good to get on the mound.”
Yates had Tommy John Surgery in 2009 and suffered set backs during the 2010 season said, “Hopefully, I’ll be game-ready by the first day of spring training. If I’m a week behind, that won’t be too bad, either. Right now, I’m not worried about my velocity; it’ll come. My arm feels strong.”
Hurdle adresses media after day one of mini camp
Pirates manager Clint Hurdle sat down for a presser after day one of the mini camp:
On why he preaches an old-school message of preparation and routine: “It’s important from the first time we’re together to put some staples in place that we’ll revisit throughout the season. You don’t hear the term ‘new school’ very often; you hear ‘old school’ more frequently. In our situation, it’s very appropriate because we’re building upon scouting people, going out and finding players, player development. That’s the way we’re going to have to do things. We’ll add some extra parts, when appropriate, when we find good fits. I think the players need to hear a message from the manager that’s clean, clear and accurate.”
On if he worries about trying to do too much, too soon: “The one thing I want to do is get the men out on the field, watch and listen. I have to ask good questions. I have to rely upon my coaching staff to take care of their individual responsibilities with the players their in charge of Really good men have gone before me here. We’re not going to be teaching a whole lot of revolutionary ideas. We’ve just got to get better at the fundamentals of the game. I think that is in place. I also think that when you come in from the outside … I’m sure these guys have made their calls on me and the new coaches. They want to know what you’re about, where you’ve been and things like that. I’ve had enough experience that during a game there’s not too much that’s going to get thrown at me that I haven’t already experienced as a player, coach or manager. Hopefully, I can be a sounding board. Hopefully, I can be someone who can continue to push ‘em, encourage ‘em and guide ‘em towards playing the game at a championship level. It’s not going to happen overnight, but there are going to be some staples in place that we’re going to get down early and they’re going to know what I do want from them.”
On emphasizing the simple stuff when a franchise is trying to rebuild: “We’re not starting over. I think there’s some good things in place. I’m trying to build upon the positives that already were here. The men who came before me have done some good things. The group that’s been here the past three years, Frank [Coonelly] and Neal [Huntington] and some of the coaches who were brought over, have done hard work. It just hasn’t come across on the playing field like we want it to. So, from that standpoint, we’re going to be professional. We’re not going to fear anything. I’m going to share with them some of the staples that I’ve seen work. It’s not so much that the mentality is different. There’s no such thing as a small thing. Coach [John] Wooden said that, and he’s a pretty smart coach. I let them know from the first day that we’re going to hold ourselves to a championship level of execution. That’s one thing that is not negotiable.”
On the difference between being a coach and a manager: “You’re in a role of leadership, even as a coach. But as the manager, I’m accountable for a very large portion of all the things that go on, on the field. I don’t take that responsibility lightly. When you’re a coach, you’ve got an area of heightened importance. Now, I’ve got to make sure my coaches have the freedom to coach, know the players and get them to know me. I want them to know I’ve got their backs. We’re going to do this together. I need to carry myself in a managerial fashion. I’m not here to be their friend; I’m here to manage the ballclub, first and foremost. I have to get this club up and running in a much better fashion than what we’ve been able to do in the past.”
Maholm discusses absence from mini camp
Pirates veterans Paul Maholm and Ryan Doumit, along with Bucs primary catcher Chris Snyder were noticeably absent from the five-day mini camp that kicked off on Monday. Although the mini camp is not required, it is important for players to work with new Manager Clint Hurdle, meet the new faces on the staff/ball club and to build team chemistry.
I asked Maholm (on twitter) why he wasn’t attending the mini camp this week. Here is what he had to say:
“Have a personal trainer 4 times a week and throwing 4 times a week and spending time with fam. Sticking to the routine. Be down on feb 3rd.”
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)
Lyle Overbay brakes the first bat at the mini camp. “Aw, I got all of it, too” (Via @RobBiertempfel)
Manager Clint Hurdle, second baseman Neil Walker and first baseman Lyle Overbay during batting pratice (via @RobBiertempfel)
“You wear helmets during BP. Always. Every time. That’s non-negotiable. I’m old-school.” -Clint Hurdle
Pirates and Clint Hurdle at mini camp (Via @Colin_Dunlap)
Clint Hurdle chatting with Neil Walker, Matt Diaz and Lyle Overbay (Via @BucsInsider)
Hart set to throw during mini camp
The five-day mini camp taking place in Bradenton, FL., is focused on strength and conditioning this year. But for right-hand pitcher Kevin Hart, he is the exception to the “no throwing” this week.
Hart, who missed the entire 2010 season due to a torn labrum, will have his first bullpen session on Wednesday. Hart will throw no more than 20 fastballs to test his shoulder.
“You get anxious, especially after sitting here and watching games for all of last season,” Hart said Monday. “I want to make sure I’m healthy and 100 percent. As far as being ready to go mentally, I feel like I’m as ready as I can be.”
“If everything goes perfect, no setbacks or anything in the next few weeks, I should be ready to go at the start of spring training,” Hart said.
Hart is no longer a candidate for a starting role going into the 2011 season. He was informed, if healthy, he will become a reliever for the Bucs.
“You get anxious, especially after sitting here and watching games for all of last season,” Hart said Monday. “I want to make sure I’m healthy and 100 percent. As far as being ready to go mentally, I feel like I’m as ready as I can be.”
Details on Pirates mini-camp
Pirates’ management and players are arriving to Pirates City in Bradenton, Fl., on Sunday for a five day min-camp that begins on Monday.
This year, the mini-camp is focused more on strength and conditioning, rather than just pitching like years in the past.
“We want to begin the baseball thought process and the (team) thought process,” Huntington said. “We want the focus to be on that, moreso than, ‘I’ve got to go down there and throw a 20-pitch pen.’ When we get to spring training, then it’s time to flip the switch and be ready to compete from day one.”
It also marks the first time many of the players have worked with new manager Clint Hurdle.
The Players will train in the am, and their afternoons and evenings will be for meetings and other informational gatherings.
“We want it to be more of a conditioning and team-building type camp than a pitching camp,” general manager Neal Huntington said. “It’s a chance to get to know people and put names with faces. And it’s not just for the players; it’s for our staff, our trainers, our strength group, our front office.”
Those scheduled to attend 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, Tony Sanchez
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
* Pedro Alvarez and Chris Leroux opted out of attending the mini-camp due to prior commitments.
** Note: Both Paul Maholm, Chris Snyder and Ryan Doumit are not attending.
“In a perfect world, we’d have everybody (attend),” Huntington said. “That’s the goal. Short of that, no, I’m not happy with the turnout.”
“The players who choose not to come in, that’s their prerogative,” Huntington said. “The guys who are there, there’s no doubt in my mind it’s an advantage for them. We’re appreciative of their willingness to take five days during their offseason to come to Florida and show their commitment to us.”
Bucco news and notes: 1/9/11
- Players have started checking into Pirate City in Bradenton, Fl., on Sunday for the mini-camp that begins on Monday.
Pirates catching prospect Tony Sanchez was not on the list of those attended, but did check in Sunday morning according to Trib reporter Rob Biertempfel.
He reports: “c Tony Sanchez wasn’t on list of minicamp attendees I was given, but he’s en route to Bradenton.”
“Pirates C Tony Sanchez just checked into Pirate City. “You (media) guys here to get back in shape, too?”
- Former Pirates Double-A manager Matt Walbeck has taken a job to be next manager of the Single-A Rome Braves. Walbeck was fired after the 2010 season. He led the Curve to the Eastern League Championship title and was named Double-A Manager of the Year.
Walbeck said he was “surprised” by the move at the time, but Pirates issued a statement saying, “We appreciate Matt’s efforts and wish him the best in his future endeavors but felt that it was best that we allow him to pursue other opportunities.”
Walbeck had a .543 winning percentage, four manager of the year awards, and three championships in six seasons.
- The Pirates are no longer perusing lefty Brian Fuentes. Rob Biertempfel of the Trib reports: “FA lefty Brian Fuentes would have been good fit in Pirates ‘pen, perhaps even some closing opps, but team is no longer pursuing him. ($$)”
Kristy Robinson
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