Nashville Update

[3-2 Changeup]

Not long ago there was concern that JJ Davis wasn't hitting any HR. Just checked the Sounds web site and Davis is hitting .269 11HR 30RBI in 170+ABs (30Ks). Alvarez is hitting .309.

Vogelsong is 6-3, 4.75 ERA, 60 IP, 64 K, 22 BB with a .237 BAA.

Wasdin is 4-2, 4.45 ERA, 58 IP, 69 K, 15 BB with a .268 BAA.

Geurrier is struggling. IMaybe Davis will get a call up if one of the OF is traded at the deadline. Or they may just leave him get a full season in.

[Rick]

I would reaqlly be surprised if Davis would come up before September. The Pirates would really like to see him put up a solid season at AAA. another guy that interests me is tike Redman. His numbers hive been excellent. I know that he failed miserably in the past but he could be one of those late bloomers (such as Guillen for example). He's no longer on the 40 man roster but the Pirates might be wise to consider giving him a chance next year (or later this year) if Lofton is traded or doesn't come back next season.

[Greymire]

I saw Tony Alvarez hitting well, but it also looked like he did not have many at bats compared to the others. How long did he get suspended for?

[Rick]

I believe his suspension was for 10 days but he had been on the dl prior to that. I don't see him as a great prospect. More as a #4 OF.

[3-2 Changeup]

The thing that bothers me about Redman are his adventures in the field when he has been called up. I don't expect a AAA guy to tear up ML pitching but I do expect him to catch the ball. Maybe like you say he's a late bloomer. He's the best they have at the moment or someone else would be getting his ABs.

[GiveHyzduashot]

I agree with you on Davis, Rick. Davis seems to be taking more walks now ... is that continuing?

And you can almost bet that Lofton won't be back next year .. if he keeps up with his current pace, he's really going to price himself out of the Pirates' range. If he keeps up this pace until the trading deadline, he could fetch a real solid prospect .. but based on what Lofton's done in the past, I think he'll struggle in June and July.

Redman really doesn't intrigue me one bit, but he is putting up a fine season at Nashville. He doesn't intrigue me because of his adventures in the field, like Chris said, and because he doesn't hit for any power and doesn't display any patience at the plate ... seems like a recipe for failure to me. I think he'll be someone that tears up AAA pitching but struggles against MLB pitching.

[Rick]

GHAS, I don't believe that Davis will ever be a real disciplined hitter but he has improved somewhat. He has 2K/BB but has cut down on his K's. He used to K 1 out of3 or 4 AB. Right now his pace is 1K every 5.5 AB. It's a big year for him and a big decision for DL on whether he believes this guy can compete in the majors. He is out of options after this season.:umm

[Greymire]

While I doubt Lofton will be back, my reasoning is more that he will try to latch on with a contender. I really do not think he will out price us. Despite his great showing, and if he can keep it up, I think baseball has wizened ever so slightly and age and past seasons will still keep his price down in a reasonable range (below 2 million in my opinion).

[00_Agent]

I think that he is probably going to be traded before too long anyway. As soon as Littlefield gets the deal he wants, he'll pull the trigger. I don't think he has any delusions of us contending this season, not seriously anyway, whether we keep Lofton or not.

00