Official Pittsburgh Pirates Thread

[Rocco]

Ugh, Brewers signed Lohse....it would have been nice for the pirates to commit some more money to the rotation.

The money wasn't the problem. Signing Lohse means losing a first round pick.

Wouldn't the pirates pick be protected?

Only top 10 picks are protected. Their compensation pick for not signing Appel would be fine but their regular pick would be lost.

[JS©]

Was there ever a reason given for Appel not signing?

[ulf]

Was there ever a reason given for Appel not signing?

Because the Pirates

[FreeCandy44]

Barajas released by Diamondbacks.
http://m.nbcsports.com/content/diamondb ... od-barajas

Bedard makes Astros rotation
http://m.nbcsports.com/content/erik-bed ... 9-rotation

[Rocco]

Was there ever a reason given for Appel not signing?

He wanted the Pirates to spend all of their draft money on him.

[Troy Loney]

Sanchez made the rotation. It's pretty disappointing that McPherson and Locke both sucked this spring. Better hope that McDonald is competent or this pitching staff could end up being a real disaster.

[Idoit40fans]

I think its likely that that happens.

[Troy Loney]

I think its likely that that happens.

What happens? McDonald anchors the rotation and leads them to the playoffs? Yeah, I think your right.

[Rocco]

This is all PGK's fault.

[Idoit40fans]

If McDonald has an ERA under 4.3 or pitches more than 180 innings, i'll be pleasantly surprised.

[jimreb]

Inge makes the team, too though he may start the season on the DL

[Troy Loney]

Inge makes the team, too though he may start the season on the DL

I don't mind that, he can spell el blimpo at third against tough lefties.

[pfim]

Ugh, Brewers signed Lohse....it would have been nice for the pirates to commit some more money to the rotation.

The money wasn't the problem. Signing Lohse means losing a first round pick.

And the draft $$ that comes with it.

[IanMoran]

I haven't been paying attention.. when are the 3 injured SP's expected back?

[Troy Loney]

I haven't been paying attention.. when are the 3 injured SP's expected back?

I wouldn't be surprised if we never see karstes again...he'll hurt something during rehab and never make it back. Morton probably not this year and Liriano...who knows, i guess it depends if he has to go on the 60 day.

[beerman]

I saw something the other day that said Liriano was hoping for early May. Earlier I saw that the Pirates are hoping to not put either Liriano or Morton on the 60 day DL which would put them back by June. Seems possible that could be the case with Liriano but pretty aggressive with Morton who I think would probably be more towards July before he'd be ready.. Karstens who knows at this point I'm unwilling to count on him for anything and I'm a fan of his and what he offers when healthy, just not convinced that's even possible.

If everybody could be healthy by June they could have a bunch of nice options to pair with AJ and Wandy (assuming they perform and stay healthy themselves). JMac, Liriano, Karstens, Sanchez, Morton and the possibility/likelihood of a Cole callup at that point. Plus McPherson and Locke to some extent. None of those outside of Cole offers a ton of excitement but collectively it's not a bad group. It's just relying on two of the Sanchez, McPherson, Locke group to start the season that scares the day lights out of me.

[Rocco]

I haven't been paying attention.. when are the 3 injured SP's expected back?

Morton will probably be back mid-to-late season. Liriano will probably miss the first month, which isn't the worst thing in the world since a) the schedule would only really require a 5th starter once in April, I think and b) it gets his required by law injury out of the way. Karstens is still having problems with his shoulder that he had problems with last year that he and Dejan swore was healthy and the Pirates were dirty lying liars when they said over the winter he had arm issues.

[beerman]

I haven't been paying attention.. when are the 3 injured SP's expected back?

Morton will probably be back mid-to-late season. Liriano will probably miss the first month, which isn't the worst thing in the world since a) the schedule would only really require a 5th starter once in April, I think and b) it gets his required by law injury out of the way. Karstens is still having problems with his shoulder that he had problems with last year that he and Dejan swore was healthy and the Pirates were dirty lying liars when they said over the winter he had arm issues.

They'll need a 5th starter several times, they only have one offday between April 3 and May 1 which includes 20 straight days with games.

[KennyTheKangaroo]

well if you ask johnny q yinzerfan, the easy solution to all these rotation problems is gerrit cole.

[Mr. Colby]

We'll need a 5th starter by the 6th game of the season and then every 5th game after that.

[Pitt87]

Barajas released by Diamondbacks.
http://m.nbcsports.com/content/diamondb ... od-barajas

Bedard makes Astros rotation
http://m.nbcsports.com/content/erik-bed ... 9-rotation

lol re: Bedard.

[CERV96]

Season ticket holder stub hub question. I removed some ticket listings on there yesterday, Does this mean my hard tickets I recieved in my season ticket book are now good again?

[beerman]

I believe so, if you look on the ticket manager website it should tell you for sure if they are active or not.

[schreibdog]

Looks like the Bucs have nailed down the roster. Down to 26 with Inge as one of those and expected to go to the DL.

Locke is named #5 starter.
Jeanmar Gomez gets a bullpen spot...Bullpen is finalized: Grilli, Melancon, Watson, Hughes, Justin Wilson, Leroux, Gomez
McPherson, Presley, Mercer optioned to Indy
Pie, Zagurski, Mazzaro, Reid, and the extra catchers were sent to minor league camp

http://plus.sites.post-gazette.com/inde ... o-rotation

[Letang Is The Truth]

was tony sanchez with the team in camp this year? how did he do?