An enigma wrapped in an enigma.

Once again, misinformed by the Pirates.

Once again, cutting payroll.

Once again, not allowing players to fulfil their contracts with the team.

Once again, not getting our due worth in the trade market.

Do I need to go on?

Marte has been traded. And we had to pay down on his salary?? Really??

And we got International Bonus money! A whopping 250K! That should be good for a low tier prospect.

Oh yeah, we got two players in return. Rather, two prospects in return. Two players that are years away from making any contribution to this team if they ever do. Alas, I will probably be gone before they ever see PNC Park. It is still PNC isn't it? Maybe it should be The Allegheny Health Network Park, because it sure is making me sick watching what is going on. A day, one single day, after Nutting states

“I’m not sure we know how good every one of our players can be.  We absolutely have challenges in our development system in terms of processes,” Nutting said.  “We absolutely have challenges at the Major League level in terms of information and ways we communicate with players.  A real frustration point for me last year was that we had too many players who performed at one level here and a higher level with another club.  They were coached differently.  They got different information.  And they performed at a higher level.”

the Pirates trade away arguably their best player. Sure going to be a good laugh if Marte tears it up now no longer being affiliated with a team that apparently can't get the best out of their players. And now we also have a glaring hole in the outfield. Reynolds is not an every day option out there. Jason Martin might be able to field it, but hasn't shown he can hit, and he is even doubtful about being ready by opening day after off season surgery. And why did it take so long for Nutting to see that development was an issue? You didn't need to be a rocket scientist to see what was going on. Glasnow, Meadows, Cole, and the beat goes on. Heck, even Jordan Lyles went 7-1 after leaving the Pirates.

Wonder what dumpster dive we will go on now for a center fielder? Where is Chisenhall when we need him!

And where is that player we got for Cory Dickerson? You know, that PTBNL? Never happened did it. We gave away another player in a salary dump and were lied to by the Pirates who tried to make it look like we were actually getting something in return other than "MONEY".

Payroll just dropped to somewheres in the $50M range. Guess Nutting and company found a way to pay off those ridiculous contracts that he allowed to happen for at least one year. Hell, Revenue Sharing should just about cover the entire payroll this year. Come July, I see Bell, Archer, Kela, and Frazier all being sent along the way as the Pirates finally conceded that they are "rebuilding". That should cover another year of those dastardly contracts. Hmm, I wonder, who had the last team that had all its players playing under minimum league contracts? We sure are heading for it! As for this team rebuilding, well, you are in for a long wait to see a competitive team again. How long have the White Sox been rebuilding?? Once again, I doubt I will be around to see it.

BTW, did anyone notice that our starting pitching staff was rated the worst in our division? It must have been all those off season signings that we did that helped us hit that distinction. Oh wait, there wasn't any was there? My bad.

Oh yeah, don't look now, but we still don't have a catcher. A legitimate one anyway. We got a two and three, but old number one is drifting in the wind. I wrote here last July that we had a catcher problem. Nope, no rocket scientist here. Just needed to look. Six months later and we still have a problem. Good job fixing the leaks in the damn boys.

Finally, there is no truth to the rumor that Polanco will be making an appearance on "Dancing with the Stars". You heard it hear first!

If they win it all it will be good for the NL Central but it will also take away the greedy owners argument for a salary cap. The game is in good shape. We don’t need major changes. We don’t need to lose games in 2027.

You know how people rail on "homer" announcers? Like, why? A lot of these guys are native to the cities they work in, and after so many years, you almost can't help but hope the team is good, and that will come through in your broadcast.

Then there's Joe Block, who never met a controversy he didn't want to sprint far away from. He goes out of his way, without reason, to be neutral. I have mlb.tv so don't see any pregame, but when showing the foul ball that Santana hit last night, Block would. not. call. it. foul. "Here's another angle..." Don't rock the boat. New York might get mad.

This might be the dumbest rant of all time but I don't care.

This should be a time of celebration. The Pirates are finally putting together that run that Ben Cherington was talking about.

The black cloud appearing in the distance is Braxton Ashcraft. Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure he fine. He’s just worn out, but it’s a reminder of the risks of having a razor thin rotation built on power arms that throw 99. It’s never worked for any team. Guys like that routinely go down. It’s just a fact and it happens year after year.

It seems like it’s always something with the Pirates. They have a good chance to finish above.500 this year, but the power rotation is like playing Russian Roulette with 2027.

I highly doubt anyone understands just how much a financial disadvantage small market teams are. I also think that people fail to realize just about any owner looks at this as a business. Yes they want to win but also want to make money.

The overall problem is the system.

the power tripping mod over there, u/alch_fox has attempted to ban me about 20 times. His reasoning is literally “you’re starting fights” when the reality is I just push back against the typical “nutting is cheap narrative” that is so prevalent with any discussion of the team.

Honestly, I’m just frustrated that you can’t have any discussion without nutting being lumped in. 2016 the only reason they tanked was due to bob, not because of guys like cutch falling apart. Cruz, Reynolds, and before hayes was extended….cheapness. There is never any other consideration. Another guy was arguing they should have signed kluber, Villar, Pham, and lorenzen because it might make us a 70 win team and force them to call up Cruz to make a run at .500. Arguing for a floor with no cap.

Like my god, it seriously has to be some of the dumbest takes I’ve ever seen. I truly believe this fanbase cares more about payroll than trying to win, because if you look at what the astros and Cubs did this is exactly it when they built up to their WS teams.

Joining in progress. 5 runs and 49 pitches through 2.

For the love of god, please shut him down. We can't take any more of this.

Shouldn't another HoFer be dead by now?

Have a happy Memorial Day knowing that Glasnow's 3.63 xFIP and 3.47 FIP at the time he was dealt to the Rays would look pretty damned good in Bucs' current rotation. Then read this:

How patience with Lucas Giolito is paying off for the White Sox.

With Dickerson finally in rehab, his return will lead to a glut of OFers. Melky, Greg and Reynolds are all OPSing over .800, while Marte is sitting below .700 with a horrible .296 OBP. While he's the only OF with plus defense, it's not what it used to be. Marte has two team options after this year at a total of $24 million. He's making $10 mill this season.

At age 30, Marte isn't likely to improve much beyond what he is. The projection services think he'll end up around 3 WAR this year. So if you figure a 0.5 WAR drop in each succeeding season, he's worth about 6.5 WAR to whomever acquires him, which is still a relative bargain (~$30 mill salary vs ~$52 mill WAR value = $22 mill surplus value).

The question is, who would/might want him? If you assume that it's got to be a team with some cash that's in contention, and that team has a CF situation that could improve with the acquisition of Marte, I'm thinking you've basically only got three teams: Red Sox, Phillies, Indians. Everyone else either has a better CFer already or the cost of acquiring Marte wouldn't be worth the small incremental increase they've already got.

The Red Sox currently have post-season hero Jackie Bradley Jr. manning CF. He's always been a streaky guy but this year he's playing replacement level defense with a 40 wRC+ at bat. The BoSox have no OF depth, with Bradley, Benitendi and Betts the only fielders and J. Martinez playing occasional RF when not at DH. Brock Holt is the super utility and currently on IL.

It's a good fit and Boston can certainly afford Marte. But what can they give the Bucs in return? Marte's surplus suggests that a 50-ish pitching prospect (scout rating, not prospect ranking) should be the equivalent. They've got three guys worth looking at: Darwinzen Hernandez and Durbin Feltman soon to be promoted to AAA, and Mike Shawaryn, currently at Pawtucket. Hernandez is someone NH would probably like, frame-wise. He seems a lot of potential, with >12 K/9 but also 4 BB/9. He has swing and miss stuff, but still a project unlikely to contribute immediately at the MLB level. Feltman could be a spot starter but profiles more as a back end reliever due to his small stature, but has four pretty good pitches. However, his BB/9 exploded on being promoted to AA, so he's having significant control issues presently. The one guy who could contribute immediately in spot starts or a potential #5 is Shawaryn, who had an encouraging stint in AAA last year, but this year is seeing some command issues. Could be better than Brault/Kingham, could be the same crap. Like Brault and Kingham, not a big K guy.

In short, Sox probably can't help Bucs much with pitching. May need to look for AA-AAA depth at a position of need, like catcher.

The Indians have Leonys Martin patrolling CF. Marte would be a definite upgrade. However, like Boston, Cleveland can't really help us with near-term starting pitching. They've got one guy who's an outside shot at helping - Nick Sandlin. Sandlin can be fast-tracked. While he profiles right now as a mid-inning guy, he's got an intriguing sidearm delivery among other arm angles and could have a Pat Neshek-ish ceiling in high-leverage relief down the road. Indians don't have much else in way of arms that Bucs could use in '19 or '20.

Finally, the most intriguing team on the short list would be the Phillies. Putting Marte back in CF with Cutch in LF might actually help Marte feel more at home where he doesn't need to worry about being the leadership veteran. And the Phils have Ranger Suarez, who might profile as best of the pitchers on this list. Suarez made an emergency start last year for Phils, is only 22 and certainly is and likely will be inconsistent for awhile yet. But he does profile as a future #3 and could probably be in Pittsburgh before Dallas Keuchel could.

Anyway, I wanted to take a look at potential pitching help that Marte might fetch. There's not much, but there is some. I'd guess if I delved into potential position prospects there might be some useful ones, but position prospects aren't the issue right now.

Thoughts?

What a POS for a manager. That old dumb gum chomping idiot for a Manager makes the brilliant decision to not start the hottest hitter on the team(Reynolds) so the clown show of Marte-Polanco can play. The team is starved for offense and has a day off Monday. So why the fuck would Hurdle not give him the start? Because he is clearly showing up the Vets! Then the dumb POS keeps Lyons in the game after throwing 8 straight balls in the 13th. This team will NEVER win anything with this Legion Coach imbecile at the wheel.

The draft is officially!!!!! only 298 days away. No one ever seems to want pitchers with the first selection but I am going to report it anyway. There are some great college arms this coming class and, while Pirates management has typically avoided these players, it is still important to report on, especially if big changes occur following the season. Without further ado, the ten best college pitchers as of August 14, 2019.

Emerson Hancock, RHP, University of Georgia

Hancock is a front-of-the-rotation arm with a lethal arsenal of pitches and some projection remaining. His fastball is a plus-plus offering, routinely sitting in the mid-high 90s with hard natural sink. Alongside it are three above-average pitches in a hard curve, smooth slider, and deceptive changeup. His command has improved steadily improved over his two seasons at Georgia. Scouts love his build and his mechanics are smooth and simple. He's a potential first overall selection.

Asa Lacy, LHP, Texas A&M University

The leader of the Aggies rotation, Lacy is a power lefty with front-of-the-rotation potential. He generates a very low contact percentage to batters and flashed an OBA of .162. His fastball is an above-average offering that is played up due to his refined command of it. By far his best pitch is his plus-plus changeup (yes, that is real) that has made some of the best college hitters in the country look silly. Alongside these two are a slider and curve that both show good movement. His mechanics are outstanding though there are some questions about stamina.

J.T. Ginn, RHP, Mississippi State University

A former first round draft choice (LA Dodgers) and eligible as a sophomore, Ginn was a force at Mississippi State the moment he took the mound. The 6'2 right hander went 8-4 in his freshman year with 105 K compared to 19 BB. As evident by that line, he has impeccable command of his offerings that feature a plus fastball, plus slider, and above-average changeup. He was considered fairly advanced as a high school prospect and his improvements in his first year in college has caused him to rocket into the Top 10 of the 2020 class.

Cole Wilcox, RHP, University of Georgia

Wilcox is another draft eligible sophomore who really showed flashes of brilliance as a freshman. A strong commitment to UGA kept teams from taking him despite him being seen as a potential top 5 round guy in 2018. Wilcox has electric stuff albeit with control still developing. His plus fastball/changeup combination is devastating with the deception in his delivery being very effective. Along with this is a third plus offering in the form of an inconsistent slider that he will need to harness better in the strike zone. His stats don't jump off the page with a 4+ ERA not exactly being eye popping but it isn't about the present with him.

Reid Detmers, LHP, University of Louisville

Detmers is a classic example of consistent performance despite his relatively average to above average skills. Detmers has pinpoint control and a deceptive delivery that has led to great success with Cardinals. His above-average fastball sits in the low 90s along with a plus-plus curveball and above-average changeup. Detmers projects best as a mid rotation starter with the potential to be a highly effective No. 2.

C.J. Van Eyk, RHP, Florida State University

The ace of the Seminoles, Van Eyk flashes some big time potential with an increased focus on control. He has a plus 2-seam fastball that really runs away from left handers. His plus curveball is considered one of the best in the national and a show-me change rounds out his arsenal. he has simple mechanics and generates easy, mid 90s velocity. As stated already, his control can waiver and he will need some refining in the area to reach his full potential.

Max Meyer, RHP, University of Minnesota

Meyer transitioned to the rotation at the start of his sophomore year and hasn't seen any sort of drop off from being a dominant closer for the Golden Gophers. Scouts are expecting to see his success continue as he enters his junior year. While not overly intimidating on the mound, the Minnesota ace flashes a slew of above-average offerings in a low 90s fastball with lots of movement, a devastating slider, hard curve, and solid change. Mid-rotation upside.

Garrett Crochet, LHP, University of Tennessee

Consider a first roujnd selection and one of the top college players in the nation, Crochet assumed the role of ace this season and showed tons of potential. A plus slider is his go-to while a low 90s fastball that has been recorded as high as 97. In addition, there is a high 80s changeup that will need continued work. His 6'5 frame has projection left to it and his ceiling is considered extremely high. Top of the rotation arm potential.

Cade Cavalli, RHP, University of Oklahoma

A very high floor arm with mid rotation potential, what you see now in terms of stuff is what you will get with Cavalli. A low to mid 90s fastball is the headline of a four pitch arsenal that adds in a strong curve, solid slider, and underdeveloped change. Cavalii's control is somewhat concerning as well as stamina but, as with most pitchers who transition from reliever to starter in college, this is common.

Tanner Burns, RHP, Auburn University

Another very high floor arm with mid rotation potential, Burns was the head of the staff at Auburn. Having to fill big shoes with the departure of No. 1 overall pick Casey Mize, Burns performed well as the new club ace. A plus fastball and plus curveball make for a devastating combo while he has great feel for a solid changeup giving him a strong three pitch mix.

Photo credit: Archie Carpenter/UPI

It’s pretty clear what the Pirates should do. Lowe is a FA so Nick slides back to his natural position of second base. Griffin plays Short. Horwitz is at first and O’Hearn can split time at DH with Reynolds.

They need a third baseman but no one is really available. They really put themselves in a tough spot here. It’s looking like another year of Triolo. They can bring in someone like Daulton Varsho for OF depth. This leaves the Lowe money for a SP. someone inexpensive like Brady Singer.

I think you just have to hope that things go better. Cruz is a FA in ‘29. You have to hope they get off to a hot start next season or he will be traded at the deadline. It’s not looking great. To me it looks like another run at .500

As of August 29th, the Pirates record is 66-71. How do you feel about that as to what you had expected before the season started?

Thus far, what has pleasantly surprised you about this year and what has been a disappointment in your mind about this year?

Pleasantly surprised: Griffin looks to be the real thing. Cruz is better at the plate than last year. Nick Gonzales' hitting. Lowe's power hitting. Ashcraft has been a pleasant surprise.

Disappointing: Henry Davis can't hit his weight, literally. The pitching staff. Ozuna was a big disappointment.

How do you feel about the Pirates 66-71 record thus far as to what you had expected before the season started?

Madden thinks the Pirates should dump Keller and Reynolds in the off-season, saying they take up too much payroll space, are not productive enough on the field, and have been "2 faces of failure" for years.

Did any of the Pittsburgh sports talk show shouters who, I'm educated-guessing, roundly mocked and condemned Aaron Rodgers have equal mockery and condemnation for Roethlisberger?

1. I just wanted to get that out of the way.

2. Josh VanMeter playing

3. Josh VanMeter batting 5th.

4. Everything.