Needs

[Greymire]

What are the Pirates Biggest needs for next year? Do you all think that McClatchey will allow the needs to be addressed. It was stated in a local paper by a sports critic, that he feels the Pirates broke even last year before they played a game. Will they ever address the needs if fans keep turning out and the current owners keep making money?

[00_Agent]

I think that their biggest needs are a power hitter and a veteran starter - not a superstar pitcher, I think the young guys like Duke and Snell are going to be great, but a proven guy who will give us a chance to win consistently and eat up a lot of innings for the bullpen.

The power is an obvious need, not just for what it would mean in his own added production but for the protection it would offer other hitters. We just have too many singles hitters. Unlike the pitcher we would probably have to spend a good bit of money to get this kind of player, so, no I don't think we will get these things, and I would rather stand pat than bring in more rent-a-players (though it was nice to see Randa in a Pirates uniform again).

How you guys doing anyway?

[redsfan]

I would have to agree you need a veteran pitcher to help the young arms, but I think it should be a good veteran. Somebody with a winning attitude. Just some old pitcher may teach them how to lose.

I think the biggest need would be a couple more productive bats in the lineup. It doesnt have to be just a power hitter. He needs to be somebody that will make the opposing teams pitch to Bay. He has plenty of power and speed. He just needs to be pitched to.

[yagsy]

Agreed, one veteran starter who is smart about how to pitch and one willing to help teach the kids. There is so much talent in that pitching rotation and it just needs some guidance and a leader.

As far as the bat goes, redsfan is right, protection for Bay would be good. Nady will help but still the Pirates do need one more power hitter.

Would you guys want to see a lefty or a righty power hitter? What's better for the lineup and for PNC?

[3-2 Changeup]

If as reported, the Braves would take Sully and Jose Castillo for Adam LaRoche, then I don't understand why the deal isn't done alreay. I'd even go Gonzo straight up. If Littlefield doesn't land LaRoche or Texiera the off season will be another failure IMO. Forget Ryan Church, Trot Nixon, Geoff Jenkins, et al. A young PROVEN left handed thumper to play an above average 1B is what the Bucs need and they must trade some pitching to get it. I mean, they sucked with all those young pitchers last year, does Littlefield really think they will be markedly better without a major move? Be bold!!

[Greymire]

If as reported, the Braves would take Sully and Jose Castillo for Adam LaRoche, then I don't understand why the deal isn't done alreay. I'd even go Gonzo straight up. If Littlefield doesn't land LaRoche or Texiera the off season will be another failure IMO. Forget Ryan Church, Trot Nixon, Geoff Jenkins, et al. A young PROVEN left handed thumper to play an above average 1B is what the Bucs need and they must trade some pitching to get it. I mean, they sucked with all those young pitchers last year, does Littlefield really think they will be markedly better without a major move? Be bold!!


It is too bad that this deal seems done. Littlefield seemed furious by the Braves Reports after the winter meetings and uncharacteristically fired back. We do need a left handed bat. I have no idea what they will do, if anything.

[3-2 Changeup]

No improvement so far this off season. At least they didn't over spend on Jeff Suppan. I still don't get why they won't trade from their strength--young LH starters. The A's are reported to be searching for a young LH starter to balance our their rotation and both Dan Haren and Joe Blanton have been mentioned. Three LH starters are similar in styles, so why not offer Maholm for one of these RHP? I hope they don't sign Toma Ohka. Better to try Shane Youman or even Chacon again.

The Bucs also have young RH relievers to spare. Well, maybe not so young when you see some are nearly 26 and still in the minors. By the time the current crop of young pitchers starts to leave via free agency, the guys they have in the minors will be gone too--with nothing in return.