I enjoyed doing this the first time around, so I've decided to do it again. These are fourteen questions posed by Bob Smizik on his blog on post-gazette.com. This column may become a regular if Mr. Smizik makes it a regular thing. Enjoy!
1. Let's start with a tough one because there's no middle ground on this question. The Pirates are six games over .500. What do they have a greater chance of doing this season: Winning their division? Finishing under .500?
A: This definitely is tough, but I'm going to go with winning their division. Right now they sit atop the NL Central even if only by percentage points. As players, such as Ryan Doumit and Jose Tabata, return from injury, this team really can only get better. So .500 is definitely happening if you ask me and that only leaves one other answer.
2. What record would you consider a success for the six remaining games with Atlanta and Philadelphia?
A: 3-3. Especially if it's one more win against Atlanta and two against Philadelphia. That would give them a series split and a series win. How could you possibly ask for more than that? 4-2 may make this team favorites to win the division though and wouldn't that be nice?
3. Which Pirates has been the biggest surprise this season?
A: Without a doubt it's Jeff Karstens. In my opinion, he's the front-runner for the NL Cy Young Award at the 100 game mark and nobody expected him to be more than a long reliever and spot starter at the beginning of the year. I truly always thought he was undervalued, but I never would have predicted this in a million years.
4. Which has been the biggest disappointment?
A: This one is very tough because so many players have stepped up and played so well. Evan Meek is an option, but his injury woes probably get him a pass. The same thing can be said about Ross Ohlendorf (although the arbitration money he got leaves much to be desired). My vote goes to Pedro Alvarez, though I do think he'll change that in the coming weeks/months. We all expected much more power from him, if not more in the batting average department and he needs to deliver now more than ever.
5. If they finish above .500, do you think the Pirates should raise ticket prices next season? By how much: $2, $3, $4, $5.
A: This may be my bias as a fan talking, but I say no. Let's wait and see how 2012 goes before we get ahead of ourselves. Even if this team beats all odds and does make the postseason, it is far from certain that they'll sustain that success past this year. If they raise ticket prices and the team falters, fans will cool on the team faster than they warmed up to them.
6. When Ryan Doumit is healthy, who should be the Pirates No. 1 catcher: Doumit or Michael McKenry.
A: This is extremely difficult, but I'll say McKenry. The pitching staff loves him and he's far more defensively sound than Doumit. His bat leaves much to be desired, but I think he fits the same mold as the Cardinals catchers of the Tony LaRussa era; great defense, mediocre offense at best. I still say Doumit should start at first base if he can outhit Lyle Overbay and Garrett Jones. I know a lot of people don't like that idea, but anyone can play a competent first base, as evidenced by my high school JV baseball team.
7. Which position do you think Neal Walker will play most in his MLB career?
A: Is this really a question? In my opinion he's the Gold Glove winner at second base this year, and his bat seems to fit the mold of a second baseman. Not really much reason to believe he'd move anywhere else.
8. Which two Pirates, other than Andrew McCutchen, do you consider the most untradeable?
A: Neil Walker and Jeff Karstens. People will probably scratch their heads at my Jeff Karstens choice especially with Joel Hanrahan and Pedro Alvarez on the team. With all due respect to Hanrahan, Evan Meek did a pretty nifty job in that spot a year ago. The "Hammer" can be replaced, even by a hot no-namer. Alvarez may be great, but if he doesn't find his stroke against lefties, he's just going to be an average to above-average major leaguer, but never a superstar. Now back to my actual choices. I believe Neil Walker will be one of the top 5 second basemen for at least the next decade, and I don't think too many people will argue that. As for Karstens, I've already said I thought he was undervalued, and now I think he still is. Most people expect him to fade soon, but I don't. I think he'll finish the year in the top 5 in Cy Young voting, and after that he'll stay a top-tier pitcher. I'm not sure he'll be the ace of any staff again, but I can't see him being below a number 2 guy on the Pirates ever. If he went to a bigger market, I still think he'll remain a top 3 guy.
9. Which team do you think will win the NL Central?
A: The Cardinals. They have the best pitching staff and they may actually get better as the year continues. Plus they have a brutal line-up with Albert Pujols, Matt Holliday, and Lance Berkman leading the charge. They also probably have the best chance of improving their team at the deadline and my guess is with either Mike Adams or Heath Bell, both of whom can become the best closer in the division. I think the Pirates will finish second for those who are asking.
10. If you could only choose one position, which do you think should be the Pirates off-season priority, either in trade or free agency.
A: First base through a trade this season. As I've mentioned, next year is a long way off and this team may regress to a 90 loss team for all we know. Right now they need some power and are in the midst of a division race that, contrary to popular belief, they can win. If not first base, then third base. Then they can move Pedro across the diamond.
11. Which of these free-agents to be would you prefer to see the Pirates acquire: Left-handed hitting first baseman Carlos Pena, .221, BA, .779 OPS, 20 homers, 51 RBIs? right-handed hitting outfielder Josh Willingham, .243 BA, .758 OPS, 13 homers, 50 RBIs?
A: Pena. His batting average is atrocious, but you can't argue with his power. He would be a considerable upgrade over Lyle Overbay. Willingham just wouldn't improve this team's outfield of Jose Tabata, Andrew McCutchen, and Alex Presley. If Willingham can play first base, then I'd still settle for him.
12. Eliminating Carlos Beltran and Hunter Pence, which player would you most like to see the Pirates acquire for the stretch drive?
A: Aramis Ramirez is the easy choice if we can get him to drop the no-trade clause. If we can't, then Carlos Pena works because at least he improves our options at first base. I think the Pirates will end up getting another reliever, but I don't see that as a need at all. I wouldn't mind seeing Koji Uehara at all, but he wouldn't vastly improve the team, especially with Joe Beimel, Jose Veras, and hopefully Evan Meek, all at the back end of the bullpen.
13. In the final 62 games, how many home runs will Pedro Alvarez hit.
A: 10. That's about the same as last year, and I think that's what we'll see from here on out.
14. Which reliever should be used as the eighth inning setup man: Jose Veras, Chris Resop, Daniel McCutchen, Joe Beimel.
-
No comments:
Post a Comment