Monday, February 7, 2011

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

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

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