Pirates 18, Phillies 4

Pirates
Mark Melancon (R

1. Josh Harrison (R) 3B
2. Gregory Polanco (L) RF
3. Starling Marte (R) CF
4. Neil Walker (S) 2B
5. Pedro Alvarez (L) 1B
6. Tony Sanchez (R) DH
7. Jordy Mercer (R) SS
8. Francisco Cervelli (R) C
9. Sean Rodriguez (R) LF

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srw3RdiIlrQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIcqUokPiTw

Here's what I wrote about Holdzkom's chances while I was in Bradenton: /2015/03/22/column-pirates-arent-sprung-free-yet/

And point #2 opens it up for point #3. Locke for Navarro. There, done.

Uh, DK. You weren't the one being referred to.

"However, the Pirates have decided not to get cute and instead will open the season with Holdzkom and Hughes joining left-hander Tony Watson as the primary setup relievers." Perrotto on the Scene, March 26.

2 out 3 three unnamed National League Execs confirmed that Perrotto has the best #sources around.

AW, I think sometimes reporters are giving "varied" information if that makes sense. The team might want to float the idea that a certain guy could make the team, or that there is significant outside interest in a player. Enhances trade value for a guy they would normally cut.

It's like the NFL draft. They send out so much information, some of it total BS, to hide their true intentions or pique trade interest. Smokescreens.

Just what I think. I don't think reporters manufacture information (usually). But they can get fed BS, or multiple angles.

No one is accusing anyone of "manufacturing" anything. Certainly I'm not.

If anybody wants to be PO'd about posting a Barry Manilow song, though, that I could understand. ANY Barry Manilow song. ;-)

Of course, if said pinch hitter just happens to be a switch hitter that really complicates things for opposing managers in the late innings. And what if he happens to be a catcher by trade ?

I know Spring numbers are open to interpretation, but Lunchbox has 1 HR and 1 RBI.

I still believe what you saw last year was him in the 2nd half was the outlier in his career. I really feel they sold high and have plenty of internal options.

Overall I'm pretty confident you're right. But I'm talking strictly as a pinch hitter and Snider was very good at that the last two years. I just think he filled a role. If they like what they got in return that's great but let's replace the guy.

I see a bench of Sanchez, Hart, Rodriguez, Kang and Lambo. How does Florimon figure into that?

Fwiw, Snider hit .239 with 4 xbh (2hrs) as a sub last year.

DK - Florimon would take Lambo's spot. As awful as Lambo has been again this spring that doesn't make any sense to me. Right now I still go with him unless or until they can upgrade.

And on cue Florimon hits a two run homer and stands and admires it a la Reggie Jackson. Phils aren't happy and let him know from the dugout.

Sure wish they could bring that McKechnie wind north.

Only when they're hitting.

Curly-haired boyfriend is butthurt.

That's just sheer brilliance from Shaughnessy.

Thanks, National Mart of Records. Great, Great read.

Ortiz has become a tool.

Thank you for that link! Well done.

Really on the Penn State comment?

Heck, you can probably find 10 more that have already been cut.

My fave fun fact right now is the Tigers owe 600 million in future salary obligations to Cabrera, Verlander, Kinsler and A. Sanchez.

trying to justify it in reverse, because I think Worley is the better pitcher: maybe management believe Worley is more flexible for doing long/middle relief? Maybe they would rather have Worley bail out Locke than the other way around? Maybe by naming Locke the 5th starter that he will have more trade value?

I think it's a good problem to have, considering what the rotation looked like 5 years ago. But I still think Worley should be the 5th starter.

I think a good problem to have would be neither in the rotation because they acquired another veteran starter over the winter when they were readily available.