What A Joke!

[3-2 Changeup]

It's not like the Mac Daddy can "juggle the lineup" to get a couple of guys going. The first thing he needs are guys who belong in the majors--so bye bye to Mackowiak, Osik, Benjamin. You can't make filet mignon out of chuck steak.

http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/columnists/20020529smizik0529p1.asp

[pmeares17]

he doesnt have a healthy aram or rios he put jack wilson and his weak bat out there how many games?? he keeps starting benjamin for some reason. he has an ageing ky. its no wonder they cant hit they are full of castoffs.

[GiveHyzduashot]

How does Mackowiak NOT deserve to be in the majors? He's second on the teams in homeruns, bats lefthanded for a decent average, and has played 4 positions this year, not including catching (the emergency catcher) or first base. Someone like that can make my team every day.

Oh yeah, he's young and cheap. Why should he be sent to Nashville?

[imgreat95]

Josh, since when is .215 a decent average??

Mackowiak plays hard... and he is able to play multiple positions... BUT, he is nothing more than a backup/part time player. Mackowiak has been playing every day, and that just is not acceptable. Since his last day off on May 14th, he has gone 5-35 (.143) and has struck out 16 times.With no homers 2 RBI, 5 runs scord, and only one double. Something needs to happen. I don't care how hard he is playing. Hard play doesn't win ballgames.

[GiveHyzduashot]

His average isn't good this year, no doubt about that. I had his .270 (thereabouts) batting average last year in mind when I said he has a decent average.

[imgreat95]

Fact is, though, that past accomplishments can only get you so far. Mackowiak is horrible at the plate over thepast several weeks, and something has to be done about it soon.

[GiveHyzduashot]

Well, the whole team has been horrible at the plate. Nobody, aside from Giles Kendall and ARAM, have hit with any consistency this season. Nobody is getting the job done, so I keep Mackowiak around until he really begins to struggle, or someone else takes his spot for him.

[imgreat95]

so you are saying that just because he isn't the worst hitter on the team yet, that we should keep just letting him suck?? That because there are other position which are worse that we shouldn't worry about it right now??

I don't have all of the exact numbers, but we are, once again, last in the league in first base and RF production. That being said, first base has been slightly more productive over the past several weeks. Right now, I think Mackowiak IS the worst hitter on the team. Something needs to be done. Somehow, someway.

[GiveHyzduashot]

I'm not saying continue letting him suck, I'm saying he's the only choice we have, as bad as it is. Do you prefer AB plays? Personally, I'd rather run Mackowiak out there.

I don't think Mackowiak is the worst hitter on the team. I think AB, Benji, J. Wilson, and Osik are worse than Mackowiak.

[imgreat95]

no.. I am saying that it is time to m,ove some of the pitching depth that we have to get someone else to play RF.

[GiveHyzduashot]

See, I think I disagree with you there.

Alvarez will probably make the team next season and should do well. He plays CF and Hermansen plays RF, or vice versa.

As for the pitching depth, sure there is depth. But that can really go away fast, just look at the Cardinals. Heck, Mike Timlin started for them this season. And I think there are only three pitchers at Nashville who could be effective right away.

If Alvarez flops (I really doubt it though), then you trade for a hitter. But right now, I think the Pirates should take their tough spots.

[imgreat95]

according to what you said, just last week, Alvarez won't be here next year... but even if he is... what I am talking about is acquiring someone who can play RF AND 1st base.... that way, if something happens next season where our OF IS set, then we simply move the new player to 1st base.

[GiveHyzduashot]

No, Shawn. When we talked about Alvarez, I said he probably wouldn't be called up in September of this season, not next. I don't remember saying he wouldn't play in Pittsburgh next season.

I think we have ourselves someone who can play first base and RF IF Craig Wilson can get straightened out.

[3-2 Changeup]

GHAS, maybe I was too harsh in saying that Mackowiak doesn't belong in the majors, but he certainly is not an everyday player as we have seen. Also, add Adrian Brown to that list of no-shows. Rios is a good fourth outfielder and we need to see what a healthy Rios can do in RF but I would not oppose getting a bat that can play D for 1B or RF. When I saw Alvarez last week he played LF. Maybe we go after the Reds Encarcion?

[GiveHyzduashot]

Alvarez does play LF, but he won't play left as long as Giles is around.

[imgreat95]

you didn't say it exatly like that, but you insisted that DL would let him spend a full season at each level. To me, that means you don't think he will be wioth the team next year. At least, that is how I take it.

I don't think that Craig Wilson is an answer anywhere on this team. I am tired of "waiting for people to develop" or get it going at this level. They should not BE here until they have gotten it going. The major league level is not the place to develop talent.

[00_Agent]

I would like to see them at least try and make a deal for a hitter. I know they want to keep their pitching, but what does it matter if we never score any runs?

And I know some people are saying, well, we are really trying to build for next season and beyond . . . who the heck is coming up to help us next year, we have no one!

Alvarez is a good player, but we NEED someone that is going to hit for power. We're talking about right field and first base here, two positions that you have to have production from.

00

[3-2 Changeup]

The trouble is that most of the corner outfielders and 1B who are available are having sub-par seasons. We don't need another .230-.240 bat in the lineup.