Moving Blog Site

Hey everyone! I want to thank you for coming by and reading my posts these last two months. I have had a great response to everything that I have done so far, and in two short months were able to get over 2,300 unique hits, while getting people from 10 different countries!


I have been somewhat restricted, as to what I would like to do with my blog site, so I have decided to move on to another. Everyone reading, through twitter and facebook, I will post new links and updates as I have before.


Once again, I want to thank everyone for stopping by!


Go see me @ MLBlogs.com

Frank Coonelly Chat: 2/2/11

**Updated with final questions @ 6:00 PM 2/2/2011
Here is the basic run down of today's chat, with Pirates President Frank Coonelly. **Please not that I am editing the questions and answers, but am not taking away from context.

Statement 1:
With the success in Bradenton and Altoona, in 2010, it looks like, for the first time in a long time, there is a winning atmosphere in the minor league system of the organization


Frank Coonelly:
 Development is always the our top priority in Minor League, it is important for us to develop a winning mentality as early as possible. We are excited that our players won a championship in Lynchburg in 2009, and many of the same players won a championship in Altoona in 2010. The talent level in our Minor League system is significantly above where we were just a few years ago, but as the additions of Jameson Taillon, Stetson Allie, and Luis Heredia last year demonstrate, we need to continue to add top talent every year.


Question 1: 
It was reported by the Tribune-Review, that a fan of the Boston Red Sox received a 'Thank You' email from the organization. Is that something new?


Frank Coonelly:
We appreciate fans who purchase Pirates tickets and have for some time thanked them for each online purchase.


Question 2: 

What types of offensive strategy changes will you fore see under Clint Hurdle's management

Frank Coonelly:

 ...can expect to see a more disciplined approach at the plate and more aggressive approach on the bases. Clint has very definitive theories as to an offensive plan and approach, and stresses to the players, the importance, of executing that plan during each at bat.

Question 3:

 Is there any chance the 2012 Winter Caravan will make its way to Buffalo New York?

Frank Coonelly: 

It could be difficult to schedule a stop in Buffalo, but will put it on our list to consider for next year. Now that a Penn State graduate owns the Sabres, perhaps there will be a greater opportunity for a Buffalo/Pittsburgh partnership.

Question 4: 

With the record attendance at Piratefest, do you see any chances that will show increase in attendance during the season?

Frank Coonelly: 

Our off season ticket sales are above last year's pace and I would expect that trend to continue into the season.

Question 5: 

What are the plans for Jameson Taillon? Will the injury to Stephen Strasburg have any impact on his movement through the minor leagues?

Frank Coonelly:

No final decision has been made, as to where Jameson will start, but I would expect him to start in Charleston (WV Power).

Question 6: 

If Rudy Owens is one of the top 2-3 starters in Spring Training, would you expect him to make the rotation for Opening Day?

Frank Coonelly: 

If Rudy is one of the top three starters, coming out of Spring Training, Rudy will break camp with the Pittsburgh Pirates... A jump from Double-A to the majors is unusual, but would not be unheard of and I wouldn't put it past Rudy Owens

Question 7: 

Is Pedro Alvarez's weight gain of concern?

Frank Coonelly: 

Weight figures reported last week by piratesreports.com were not accurate. We have continued to stress the importance of his condition. Pedro has gotten stronger through an extensive off season conditioning program.

Question 8: 

What approach was used with the pitchers, to help win Single-A and Double-A titles? Will they make an appearance at the end of the season, regardless how they perform?

Frank Coonelly: 

It will be determined where those pitchers will start out the year, during Spring Training. Likely, they will start out the year in Indianapolis. None of the men will earn a promotion to Pittsburgh, regardless of performance, their performance will dictate when they are ready to pitch in the majors.

Question 9: 

Chris Resop pitched well out of the bullpen, given his success in Triple-A as a starter, will he be given that chance to earn a shot at competing for the 5th spot in the rotation?

Frank Coonelly: 

Chris performed well for us last year. While there is some temptation to allow him to compete, we are counting on him to pitch in leverage situation and do not want to weaken the bullpen.

Full chat transcripts can be viewed here: click here

Only A Few More Weeks

If baseball was a movie, then this past week was the teaser trailer. The Winter Caravan and Pirate Fest pacified our need for baseball, showing fan favorites, returning veterans and new additions to the team.


The week long festivities ended Sunday, at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, with Pirate Fest, an indoor carnival type atmosphere, for people of all ages. Unfortunately, I was only able to attend Friday night, exclusive to season ticket holders and their guests. As guests climbed the escalator, they were welcomed with a festive balloon arrangement, cleverly done, featuring a pirates head, in the center.

Arriving early seemed to be a good plan, but isn't when everyone else had that same idea. The line increasingly  grew, as the crowd, of over a thousand, became anxious to meet their favorite players, and have them sign some autographs. There were varieties of items, and memorabilia, that could be seen by all fans; bats, balls, posters, hats and jerseys.

Once the doors were open, it was a mad dash to the autograph line, where Paul Maholm, Andrew McCutchen and Kevin Correia were signing. For those lucky enough, they were able to get through the line fast enough, as it was the main attraction for, better part of the night. Maholm, McCutchen and Correia's time ran short, and were replaced by Jeff Karstens and, a surprise in, Jose Tabata. Waiting in line for over an hour to get a few baseballs autographed, was well worth it.

After clearing the line, I immediately found myself checking out a lot of the, carnival type, games and if you won, you could choose from many different give aways. I was fortunate enough to win two items, a bobblehead and a fleece blanket, both of which I hadn't received in the past (score for me!).

This upcoming season, as a lot of you may know, there aren't as many promotional give aways. Not many people were aware of the display cases, showing us what we are looking forward to this season, with the items, for all to see. The Andrew McCutchen action figure, in my opinion, isn't as cool the Garrett Jones action figure, from last year. Neil Walker has to be ecstatic to have his own bobblehead, from the team he grew up loving, and we all will love getting it in May. T-Shirt Friday's will give us a few cool shirts again, only in sizes Small and XL though (HA). In early June, the celebration of the 1971 World Series Championship begins, and they will be giving away another ceramic stein (not pictured) and a photo wrap canvas, of the iconic celebration between Steve Blass and Manny Sanguillen.

All kids (14 and younger), will be excited to received a lot of items this year as well; a miniature bat, a glove, and the ever popular pierogies. The obvious highlight, for the kids, is the alternate Pedro Alvarez replica jersey. Overall, there are still quality promotions, including the Sky Blasts and fireworks night. Don't be discouraged by, the Pirates, having less promotions, a lot of teams only have one per home stand, if that.


Some other attractions included, playing Guitar Hero, Deal or No Deal, We Are Fam-A-Lee Feud with some of your favorite players. Also had an interactive sports broadcast booth, with the new ROOT Sports Pittsburgh, and a baseball clinic, with Manager Clint Hurdle. 


What seemed to be the biggest attraction, was the Q & A with players and management. All types of questions were asked, some ridiculing ownership and management, and some fun questions, asking Andrew McCutchen to do the "Dougie."


Quite an impressive weekend by Pirates fans, coming in masses for the three day event, drawing 16,839, a record number for the event. Having a week off from football and hockey, baseball made its winter return, and will be back in full swing in only a few weeks. 

Pirates Sign Joe Beimel

It was reported, late Thursday night, that the Pirates will announce the signing of LHP Joe Beimel. There have been no details disclosed as of yet, but he was expected to be signing a one year, worth nearly $1M.

Joe Beimel

Beimel, an 18th round pick, in the 1998 amateur draft, by the Pirates, made his debut in 2001. After spending three years in Pittsburgh, has played with five different teams.


Last year in Colorado, he posted a 3.40 ERA/15 BB/21 K/1.356 WHIP


With today being the first day of PirateFest, and Beimel being from the area, they may take the opportunity to re-introduce him to the fan base.


Update to come later in the day, as contract details are released. 


*** UPDATE ***


More details have come out, about the deal bring Joe Beimel back to Pittsburgh. It is said to be a minor league deal, with the invite to spring training, and a clause, that if he doesn't make the 25-man roster, he becomes a free agent. He is very much expected, to make the 25-man roster. There is still no financial numbers release about the deal.


He represents the need for a left handed pitcher out of the bullpen, that Clint Hurdle is pursuing.

Pirates Caravan Day 1: Group 2

Hey, whats up guys and gals? Today was the official kick off of the 2011 Pirates Caravan, leading up to Pirate Fest, this weekend. I met up with Group 2, consisting of Neil Walker, Jeff Karstens, James McDonald, Ray Searage and Tim Neverett, in Uniontown. 

Arriving, at the Uniontown Mall, 2 hours early, there were several people already in line, by the time the caravan arrived, there were roughly 300 people in line and still growing. There was a very simple set up, with a stage, a projection screen, and stadium music.


At starting time, Tim Neverett made his way to the stage and gave a nice little speech to hype up the crowd, while showing some highlights from the 2010 season. Immediately after, introduced the headliners of Group 2, Pitching Coach Ray Searage, James McDonald, Jeff Karstens, Neil Walker and surprise guest, the Pirate Parrot. Prior to the 3 players, making there way to the stage, they had a very nice video montage, of each of them.


Ray Searage seemed to be enjoying himself, quite a bit, signing a few of his cards, from his days with the Mets and Brewers. 

James McDonald's video montage

James McDonald was pleased to be signing a few of his rookie cards, from the Dodgers, and actually had a laugh at an 8x10 photo, a fan had, of him pitching. He knew exactly which game it was, by the glove he was wearing, saying "I hated that glove, that was the first and only time I wore that. I got rid of it after that game."

Jeff Karsten's video montage

Jeff Karstens, also in his first caravan, was enjoying signing autographs for the kids. Though there was a cute moment that happened, a little boy, maybe 3 years old, had a ball and Jeff had to reach over the table and stage, to get the ball. It's nice to see a new generation of Pirates fans, so young.

Neil Walker's video montage

Neil Walker, easily the most popular guy there tonight, was talking with everyone that walked by and got something signed, obviously very humbled to be there. He was signing bats, balls, programs and cards, though there was one card that he didn't even know was made, of him. He signed one of my Bowman Platinum rookie cards, of his, and made the comment, "I've never seen one of these before. Looks like they owe me a little 'cheese,' from this one," obviously, jokingly.


Tim Neverett was no where to be found, on or around the stage


On a more personal note, for those on Twitter (@daveplavi) and Facebook, who were aware of me having the Pirate Parrot at my sons birthday party, I found it to be very amicable that he was able to recognize myself, my nephew and friend. He obviously wasn't speaking, due to children being around, but for a member of the Pirates organization, who spends time with the fans, to remember someone, is doing a great job and is fully engulfed in the role.

As some of you may have known, FSN Pittsburgh will be changing designations, to ROOT Sports, in April. ROOT Sports is owned by DirecTV and on the way out, I passed the team bus and snapped this photo. It'll be an interesting first month or two, being accustomed FSN Pittsburgh for so long.


Tuesday, I will be attending the Group 2 appearance at the Galleria Mills, in Pittsburgh, featuring Andrew McCutchen, Evan Meek, Ross Ohlendorf, Bob Walk and John Wehner. Hope to see you all there!

All the autographs I got tonight. My son's room is going to be awesome!

VOTE FOR PEDRO T-Shirt Design

Spent the last 30 minutes putting together a little design of a t-shirt that I'd like to see get made. I know there were some rumblings of this when Pedro first came up, but  nothing was ever made! Check out the design and vote which one you would like to see be made!

BLACK

YELLOW

LEFT YELLOW OR BLACK

Remember to go to the left of the page and vote!

Pirates & Ohlendorf Going To Arbitration

The Pittsburgh Pirates will be making their first appearance in arbitration, meetings since 2004, with Ross Ohlendorf. Today he was offered $1.4M, by the Pirates, but was requesting $2.025M. The deadline, to file for arbitration, was this afternoon and even though an agreement hasn't been made, the two sides can still negotiate and come to an agreement before the meetings start, in February.

Ross Ohlendorf

Ohlendorf was sidelined with injuries for nearly 2 months, on and off, for the 2010 season, he posted a 1-11 record with a 4.07 ERA. Though his number may not show it, he started to show a turn around in late July and August, until he was sidelined for the remainder of the season with shoulder soreness.


It was well expected that he would be getting an increase, in salary, but I didn't expect the Pirates to accept a larger number than $1.5M, and after offering only the $1.4M to his requested $2.025, it's going to be a long month until the meetings. I don't expect him to get the full amount, he asked for, but do expect arbitration to set him somewhere near $1.8.

Pirates Sign Hanrahan For 1 Year

The Pittsburgh Pirates and reliever Joel Hanrahan, agreed to a 1 year deal worth $1.4M, to avoid arbitration. 

Joel Hanrahan

Hanrahan, acquired, in 2009, from the Washington Nationals, has been solid since coming to Pittsburgh. In 2010, he appeared in 72 games, finishing with a 4-1 record with 100 strikeouts, a 3.62 ERA and  1.206 WHIP. The increase in salary was well deserved, he, along side of Evan Meek, were the two more reliable arms coming out of the bullpen, and are the two candidates for the closer role, which Hanrahan held in Washington.


The Pirates are still in negotiations with Ross Ohlendorf, who became arbitration eligible with his Super-Two status. It isn't expected that he will receive as much of an increase, to his salary, as Hanrahan did, due to an injury prone season.

Pirates Still Pursuing Pavano

Carl Pavano

It has been reported be Jon Heyman, of Sports Illustrated, that the Pirates are still actively pursuing Carl Pavano, who prefers the Twins, and is in active negotiations with. Pavano, 35 years old, wants the chance to be a staff ace, on a competitive team. At 35 years of age, being a staff ace, seems to be a bit of a stretch, for the Twins, but with the Pirates starting rotation, he would clearly hold that distinction. 


Being a pivotal part of the 2003 World Series Champions Marlins, he successfully reached the goal of all baseball players. While he may want to play with a competitive team, he is using the open market to obtain one final contract, worth a large sum. After signing a $1.5M contract, in 2009, with the Indians, he was traded to the Twins, where he excelled and was rewarded with a $7M contract for 2010. It is a common practice to show interest in one team, in attempt to increase the offer from another.


Contract negotiations have, reportedly, been going on for nearly two weeks, between Pavano and the Twins. It has been known, for some time, that he is looking for 3 years, at nearly $10M a year. The Pirates have the room to add that much to the payroll, for the 2011 season, and very well may add, just not with one player though. 


The pursuit of Pavano will not end, until he is officially signed with the Twins.

Pirates Sign RHP Jose Veras

The Pirates and RHP Jose Veras have come to terms, on a Minor League contract and an invite to Spring Training. The contract could be worth $1M, plus incentives, if he makes the big league squad, and $15K a week, in the minors.

Jose Veras

Veras, a 5 year veteran, will be 30 years of age for the 2011 season, and has been a part of 3 teams; the Yankees, Indians and Marlins. He is known for his mid to high 90's fastball and his slider. Initially, he signed with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, in 1998, as an undrafted free agent, and spent time in the, Rays, Rangers and Yankees farm system, until he debuted with the Yankees in August of 2006. In his remaining years with the Yankees, he spent time on both, the big league squad and in the minors, until he was traded to the Indians. His 2010 season was spent within the Marlins organization, where he signed a minor league contract, made the major league squad and later designated for assignment to make room, for now Pirate, Chris Leroux.


These kind of signings are expected to happen, for the remainder of the off season. Huntington was able to build a good bullpen, through minor league signings. With the Pirates main focus, now, on pitching, there will be several more relievers signed, and quite possibly, a possible starter, to add a little competition for the 5th spot in the rotation. 


Career Stats: 11-6/4.25 ERA/150 K/3 SV/1.271 WHIP

Pirates Sign RHP Reliever Jorge Julio

Today, the Pirates signed RHP Jorge Julio (Jorge Dandys Julio Tapia), to a minor league contract, with an invite to spring training. Julio, 32 years old by opening day, is a 9 year veteran, in the major league, though, in 2010 he played for the independent Bridgeport Bluefish. He was also played winter ball, in Venezuela, with Tiburones de La Guaira, where he post 1.88 ERA, 22 SO and 12 BB in 28.2 IP. During his 9 year stint in the majors, he appeared with 8 different teams, and finished 3rd for American League Rookie of the Year, in 2001.

Jorge Julio 

Julio's release, in early 2010, was triggered by inconsistency and lack of control. He seems to have gotten the lack of control taken care of, by looks of his winter league stats, but it is not a large enough sample to judge on his inconsistency. The Pirates have said they are looking for more left hand pitching, but if this signing works out, for the better, it could end up being a great deal. If it appears, that he has still problems with inconsistency, the Pirate merely will have added organizational depth, where he would be able to attempt to regain his control. 


Career MLB Stats: 17-34/4.43 ERA/99 SV/233 BB/488 K/1.435 WHIP

2011 Starting Rotations: NL Central

There have been many acquisitions, this off season, of starting pitchers, in the NL Central. Milwaukee, acquiring Zack Greinke, and Chicago, acquiring Matt Garza, made two huge acquisitions. The Brewers, finishing in 3rd place, had struggled with pitching, early in the 2010 season, while the Cub's, finishing in 5th place, pitching struggles lasted throughout the year, primarily with Carlos Zambrano working out of the bullpen, for most part of the year.


The Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals, pitching, were solid throughout the entire year. Each of these two teams, starting rotation's, were backed by a bullpen, equally as good. The Reds and Cardinals, respectively, finished in 1st and 2nd places, as this should be the primary example, on why pitching wins games.
While the Houston Astros pitching struggled, throughout the year, they traded away their staff ace, Roy Oswalt, to Philadelphia. Our Pittsburgh Pirates, as we all know, finished last, and was plagued, throughout the year, with terrible starting pitching.


The Pirates, who saw four starting pitchers (Maholm, Duke, Ohlendorf, and Morton) with 10+ losses, had a strong bullpen. At the trade deadline, they traded several relief pitchers, in return for propects, and one, major league ready, starting pitcher, James McDonald. McDonald, who had struggled early in the year in Los Angeles, came to Pittsburgh and posted some very bright numbers; 4-5, 3.52 ERA, 1.297 WHIP.  The 2011 starting rotation, as listed by PIRATES.COM, appears to be; McDonald, Maholm, Correia, Ohlendorf and Morton, and is subject to change, due to performance in Spring Training and/or injuries. Correia, an off season, free agent signing, is just one of a few, the Pirates are hoping to still pull off this year.


The free agent market is slowly dwindling, and the Pirates are trying to be suitors for several different pitchers. The most recent rumors involve, starters, Jeff Francis and Carl Pavano, and reliever, Brian Fuentes. Francis or Pavano, would be a welcomed addition to the rotation, though Pavano is said to be in negotiations to re-join, the Twins. Fuentes, a closer by trade, would take that same role in Pittsburgh, still leaving Joel Hanrahan and Evan Meek as set up men, and once again giving them a strong bullpen. **As I have said in prior posts, these were just rumors, and can not be relied on.


As it stands, I see the rotation, for next season, to be a slight upgrade with McDonald and Correia. An addition of Franciso or Pavano, would, most likely, be the inevitable trade of Paul Maholm.


Below, I have put together the NL Central teams, by placement, and their newest starting rotation. The depth's were taken off of each teams website and stats are from BASEBALL-REFERENCE.COM. Teams with more than 5 players listed, will be totaled, with the top 5 players, according to the team's website. ITALIC = Division Leader

Cincinnati Reds: 

J. Cueto: 9-14, 21 G, 4.81 ERA, 178 H, 29 HR, 1.414 WHIP

E. Volquez: 4-3, 12 G, 4.31 ERA, 59 H, 6 HR, 1.5 WHIP

B. Arroyo: 17-10, 33, 3.88 ERA, 188 H, 29 HR, 1.145 WHIP

H. Bailey: 4-3, 19 G, 4.46 ERA, 109 H, 11 HR, 1.36 WHIP

T. Wood:  5-4, 17 G, 3.51 ERA, 85 H, 9 HR, 1.081 WHIP

M. Leake: 8-4, 24 Games 4.23 ERA, 158 H, 19 HR, 1.496 WHIP

-Totals: 39-34, 4.19 ERA, 1.3 WHIP

St. Louis Cardinals:

C. Carpenter: 16-9, 35 G, 3.22 ERA, 214 H, 21 HR, 1.179 WHIP

A. Wainwright: 20-11, 33 G, 2.42 ERA, 186 H, 15 HR, 1.051 WHIP

J. Garcia: 13-8, 28 G, 2.70 ERA, 151 H, 9 HR, 1.316 WHIP

J. Westbrook: 10-11, 33 G, 4.22 ERA, 203 H, 20 HR, 1.337 WHIP

K. Lohse: 4-8,  18 G, 6.55 ERA, 129 H, 9 HR, 1.783 WHIP

-Totals: 63-47, 3.82 ERA, 1.333 WHIP

Milwaukee Brewers:

Z. Greinke: 10-14, 33 G, 4.17 ERA, 219 H, 18 HR, 1.245 WHIP

Y. Gallardo: 14-7, 31 Gl 3.84 ERA, 178 H, 12 HR, 1.368 WHIP

S. Marcum: 9-7, 25 G, 3.39 ERA, 126 H, 21 HR, 1.163 WHIP

R. Wolf: 13-12, 34 G, 4.17 ERA, 213 H, 29 HR, 1.391 WHIP

C. Narveson: 12-9, 37 G, 4.99 ERA, 172 H, 21 HR, 1.378 WHIP

-Totals: 58-49, 4.11 ERA, 1.309 WHIP

Houston Astros:
W. Rodriguez: 11-12, 32 G, 4.78 ERA, 183 H, 16 HR, 1.287 WHIP
B. Myers: 14-8, 33 G, 3.14 ERA, 212 H, 20 HR, 1.243 WHIP
J. Happ:  6-4; 16 G, 3.40 ERA, 73 H, 8 HR, 1.374 WHIP
B. Norris: 9-10, 27 G, 4.92 ERA, 151 H, 18 HR, 1.484 WHIP
N. Figueroa: 7-4, 31 G, 3.29 ERA, 84 H, 10 HR, 1.269 WHIP
R. Rowland-Smith: 1-10, 27 G, 6.75 ERA, 141 H, 25 HR, 1.692 WHIP


-Totals: 47-38, 3.91 ERA, 1.331 WHIP

Chicago Cubs: 

M. Garza: 15-10, 33 G, 3.91 ERA, 193 H, 28 HR, 1.315 WHIP

R. Dempster: 15-12, 34 G, 3.85 ERA, 193 H, 25 HR, 1.319 WHIP

T. Gorzelanny: 7-9, 29 G, 4.09 ERA, 136 H, 11 HR, 1.496 WHIP

C. Zambrano: 11-6, 36 G, 3.33 ERA, 119 H, 7 HR, 1.45 WHIP

C. Silva: 10-6, 21 Games, 4.22 ERA, 120 H, 11 HR, 1.274 WHIP

C. Coleman: 4-2, 12 G, 4.11 ERA, 56 H, 3 HR, 1.421 WHIP

-Totals: 56-53, 3.89 ERA, 1.396 WHIP

Pittsburgh Pirates:

J. McDonald: 4-6, 15 G, 4.02 ERA, 70 H, 4 HR, 1.381 WHIP

P. Maholm: 9-15, 32 G, 5.10 ERA, 228 H, 15 HR, 1.565 WHIP

K. Correia: 10-10, 28 G, 5.40 ERA, 152 H, 20 HR, 1.490 WHIP

R. Ohlendorf: 1-11, 21 G, 4.07 ERA, 106 H, 12 HR, 1.385 WHIP

C. Morton: 2-12, 17 G, 7.57 ERA, 112 H, 15 HR, 1.732 WHIP

S. Olsen: 4-8, 17 G, 5.56 ERA, 93 H, 10 HR, 1.481 WHIP

-Totals: 26-54, 5.232 ERA, 1.511 WHIP 

My 2011 Starting Rotation Ranks:
1. St. Louis Cardinals
2. Cincinnati Reds
3. Milwaukee Brewers
4. Chicago Cubs
5. Pittsburgh Pirates
6. Houston Astros

Wil Ledezma Claimed By Toronto

Today, the Toronto Blue Jays claimed Wil Ledezma, off of waivers. Ledezma was designated for assignment, on December 23, by the Pirates. This will be the 7th team he has played for, in his, soon to be, 9th year in the majors, and by the start of the 2011 season, he will be 30 years old.

Wil Ledezma

The Pirates were hoping Ledezma would clear waivers, and accept the assignment in Indianapolis. New Pirates manager, Clint Hurdle, wanted more left handed relievers, while he was still with the team, will more than likely still be looking to add more left handed depth, with his departure. With the Pirates, rumored to be, interested, left handed starter, Jeff Francis, his acquisition would most certainly put Scott Olsen, in the bullpen.

Pirates Trade Martinez for Cash or PTBNL

It was just announced that the Pittsburgh Pirates sent RHP Joe Martinez, to the Cleveland Indians for cash considerations or a player to be name later. Martinez, acquired in the Javier Lopez trade, during the 2010 season. He appeared in 5 games with the Pirates, putting forth a 0 - 0 record with a 3.12 ERA. 

Joe Martinez

With this transaction today, John Bowker is the only player remaining, that was required from San Fransisco in the Javier Lopez deal. Though Martinez wasn't given much chance to show any possible upside, Bowker was, and will have more chance to show upside in the 2011 season.

Draft Spending Not A Victim Of Payroll Increase

As a fellow, long time, Pirates fan, we have endured an entire generation of losing, and have become speculative of all the teams moves, on and off of the field. In September, of last year, Frank Coonelly, Pirates team president, made it public that they were going to be adding around $15M, increasing the payroll to the low to mid $50M's, from 2010 to 2011. With the intention of adding solid starting pitching, and a solid bat, at right field or first base, the $15M increase was going to get be spoken for very quickly.

By now, we all know the Pirates have added; Lyle Overbay, Matt Diaz, Kevin Correia and Scott Olsen, but have yet to add a big impact pitcher, that they seek. According Pirates Prospects, the estimated payroll, at this time, for 2011 is $40.5M, giving around $10M to spend on a pitcher, or two. With there being only a few high impact pitchers remaining, I was curious as to what would happen, if they were to sign a Type A free agent pitcher.

The Type A free agent pitcher, performed within the top 20% at his position, the prior year. There were four big named, Type A pitchers this year; Cliff Lee, Ted Lilly, Jorge De LeRosa, and Carl Pavano. The Pirates were linked early to De LeRosa, who since has re-signed with the Colorado Rockies, and there have been some rumors of them having interest in, the only remaining Type A pitcher remaining, Carl Pavano.

If the Pirates were to sign a Type A free agent, that had been offered arbitration, by his previous team, and declined it, the signing team must forfeit a first or second round pick, depending on the previous years record. In the newest addition of Pirates Inbox, I submitted a question, and was answered:

Hypothetically, if the Pirates were to spend the money and acquire a Type A player, like Carl Pavano, and lose a second-round pick in the 2011 First-Year Player Draft, would they be using that money on the 2011 payroll, since they wouldn't be signing another above-slot Draft pick?
-- Dave P., Nemacolin, Pa.

When the Pirates have talked about Draft and payroll budgets, they have always done so distinguishing the two. In other words, the pool of money used in the Draft is entirely separate of the pool used for the Major League payroll. That said, no, money saved in one area would not be shuffled to address another need. Instead, that money could be used to sign other players in the 2011 Draft.

With the Pirates spending 'out of pocket,' it does show there is dedication to become a winning team, and with the increase, to the big league payroll, not affecting the amount being spent on the draft, as a long time fan, I'm excited to see what move they make next.