Results tagged ‘ Rob Biertempfel ’
Bucco news and notes: 2/3
- MLB Trade rumors believes 2011 is a make or break year for catcher Ryan Doumit. The 29-year-old went from the Pirates everyday catcher in 2008 to a bench, backup catcher role that he is likely to see this season. The Bucs have publicly made it known they were shopping Doumit, but no trade has been made. Since putting up .318 during the 2008 season, Doumit’s has been struggling at both hitting (.250, .251 average’s in 2009 and 2010) and fielding (.987, .990 fielding percentage’s with nine past balls last season and only 12% caught stealing).
MLBTR believes Doumit is a “defensive liability” as an everyday catcher and thinks he is better suited in the American League where he can serve as a backup and occasion designated hitter role.
- During President Frank Coonelly’s live chat on Wednesday, he was asked ‘what is the plan for Jameson Taillon? Will the injury to Stephen Strasburg last year have any impact on his movement through the Minors?’
“No final decision has been made with respect to where Jameson will begin his professional career, but, given what we’ve seen to date, I would expect that Jameson will begin in Charleston, West Virginia, with the Power. The mayor of Charleston attended our caravan stop on Monday and encouraged a commitment that both Taillon and Allie begin their careers in Charleston, but I was only comfortable indicating that was the most likely scenario.”
- The fans are not the only ones itching for the season to begin. Pirates catching prospect Tony Sanchez (TSanchez26) had this to say on Wednesday: “cannot wait to start mashing fastballs again.”
- MLB Network will be airing their ‘Top 10 second baseman right now’ Thursday at 8 PM/ET and Pirates fans should be looking for the Pittsburgh Kid. Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune Review said, “Neil Walker is youngest player voted onto MLB Network’s list of Top 10 second basemen.’
When I asked Biertempfel if he had any idea where in the list he would be ranked, he told me, “Neil Walker is ranked somewhere 6-10, along with Kinsler, Weeks, Brian Roberts and Kelly Johnson.”
Pirates interested in Galarraga
Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune tweeted Saturday regarding the Pirates possible interest in right-hand pitcher Armando Galarragra.
“Pirates have some interest in rhp Armando Galarraga. Considering they made serious offer to [Carl] Pavano, I’d say they have the $$ for Galaragga.”
Then later, Biertempfel said:
“Regarding galarraga to Pirates, trusted source just told me, “I don’t see it happening”
Galarraga was designated for assignment by the Tigers earlier this week after the signing of Brad Penny. Known mostly for his, ‘almost perfect game’, Galarraga went 4-9 in 25 games (24 starts) with a 4.49 ERA. In 144.1 innings he walked 51 and struck out 74. The 29-year-old made $2.3 M last season.
Bucco news and notes: 1/9/11
- Players have started checking into Pirate City in Bradenton, Fl., on Sunday for the mini-camp that begins on Monday.
Pirates catching prospect Tony Sanchez was not on the list of those attended, but did check in Sunday morning according to Trib reporter Rob Biertempfel.
He reports: “c Tony Sanchez wasn’t on list of minicamp attendees I was given, but he’s en route to Bradenton.”
“Pirates C Tony Sanchez just checked into Pirate City. “You (media) guys here to get back in shape, too?”
- Former Pirates Double-A manager Matt Walbeck has taken a job to be next manager of the Single-A Rome Braves. Walbeck was fired after the 2010 season. He led the Curve to the Eastern League Championship title and was named Double-A Manager of the Year.
Walbeck said he was “surprised” by the move at the time, but Pirates issued a statement saying, “We appreciate Matt’s efforts and wish him the best in his future endeavors but felt that it was best that we allow him to pursue other opportunities.”
Walbeck had a .543 winning percentage, four manager of the year awards, and three championships in six seasons.
- The Pirates are no longer perusing lefty Brian Fuentes. Rob Biertempfel of the Trib reports: “FA lefty Brian Fuentes would have been good fit in Pirates ‘pen, perhaps even some closing opps, but team is no longer pursuing him. ($$)”
Kristy Robinson
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