One of the big knocks on this Pirate team this year is a 'lack of team identity'. We don't know what kind of team will they be come October. Considering what we just saw this homestand, would you say their identity has become a hard-nose, tough team that BATTLES their heart out at the plate, in the field, and on the mound in every inning of every game, no matter the score? Or have I succumbed to another case of Recency Bias?
Hey DK! I know it's all about the Bucs right now but have a Steelers question. It's about Bell. Did his leg heal completely and is there any word on if he is trying to reduce his suspension. Thank you!
Let's assume for the sake of this discussion that Kang continues his current stellar play in JHay's absence...where does JHay fit in upon his return? Super-utility man playing almost daily (my preference)? A great problem for Hurdle to have.
Do you see any similarities between the Pirates-Cardinals rivalry of now and Steelers-Ravens rivalry leading up to and around 2008-2009? I realize they are two very different sports, but with the Pirates past struggles against St. Louis and most recently this successful series, it reminded me of the trouble the Ravens used to have against the Steelers. They would always be right there but could never get over the hump until these last few years. The Cardinals are the class of the MLB, much like the Steelers were of the NFL. And the Pirates, like the Ravens were, are the up-and-comers trying to de-throne their division rivals. Do you personally see any similarities between the rivalries, and do you think the Pirates have the potential to become the class of the N.L. Central?
Dejan if the Penguins leave about 1 million in cap space for the injuries so they don't get stuck in the same boat as last year how much money does that leave to fill out the 4th line.
Many people want the Pirates to go after a right handed batter to come off the bench to platoon with Polonco. The early candidates are Marlon Byrd and Jeff Francoeur from the Phillies. As much as I would love Byrd, how do you think he would feel/fit into a platoon role? And do you you feel Francoeur would fit into that role better?
DK,
What is generally the mood of the press box before and during the Pirates games? Do the press members have conversations with each other during the game or is it generally quiet with everyone keeping to themselves?
Watching from home Saturday, I was stunned that people put that night's game in the same sentence as the blackout game, in terms of greatest in park history. Seeing the game in person Sunday, and a blackout game attendee, I can understand why. Can you give us your list of the top 5 games in PNC park history?
Dk, you get one and only one move to make to bolster the Buccos from August 1 onward. What is that move? Not asking for a hypotehetical trade, let alone a (gasp) *package deal*....just one place to improve what is in place
Dejan -- Regarding the current prospects in the Pirates system, I am very curious about who you think personally will have a (positive) impact on the team next season? It may be premature to think about something like this considering how well things are going now... But someone down the road in Indy or Altoona will be expected to step up if someone leaves Pittsburgh.
On the same note, any thoughts on if or when John Holdzkom will rejoin the team? Even if our current bullpen guys do well, I would think at some point adding his arm (and sub 3.50 ERA last I checked) could help keep the shark tank fresh.
DK
Considering in the MLB, the umpiring staff is the same for the entire series, what is the dynamic between clubs and the umpires the day after the ump has a couple of bad calls or flat out gaffs, or when a player really lets the umpire have it and or the skipper gets tossed? Is there still residual tension, or is it pretty quickly forgotten?
I'm not sure if the Pens are serious about getting Scuderi off the books any more, but I think they should be. What do you think it would take to get it done? A downgrade of picks? Part if a Sutter deal?
What happened to Nate Barnes? He was introduced to the staff and had some work, but I see no work lately and his name was removed from the staff. Will we be getting a replacement? This is not a complaint, but very curious what happened.
ziggy...no he didnt. post has his name by line has Dejans.
emoneypitt
7-14-2015, 12:21 am
Yeah, John Perrotto is gone and I think Brian Metzer's name was on there at one time too.
Dejan Kovacevic
7-14-2015, 2:11 am
Brian Metzer and Nate Barnes are both still with us as contributors, I'm happy to say. We just reduced that list in the top left corner to paid regular staffers. Hoping to add another very soon.
No other company would get into specifics, and I won't, either. I hope that's respected.
briangahagen
7-13-2015, 7:58 pm
The Pirates are all the rage and they should be but can two come from behind wins against Lex Luther..I mean the Cardinals really propel or give them momentum? I love baseball but if momentum in sports exists isn't the All-Star break essentially ruining it for them?
I know this is a long ways out, but who in your mind is best suited to win the Metropolitan division next year, and if it's not the Pens what do you think needs to happen for them to get there?
As we come closer to camp, and the defense still a question mark with infusion of youth, what is word on Scuderi? Using him as a 7th dman with hopes of mentoring or hoping to find someone needing a dman? Any hope #pens would consider second buy out period after arbitration or doesnt apply to scuderi?
What would you do with the Pirates rotation coming out of the break? Rolling Liriano, Burnett and Cole out of the chute seems the way to go, but imagine it depends on many pitches the latter 2 throw tonight?
With the influx of youth in the Steelers def, what in particular will coaches want to really see from the young CB's in the pre-season for them to have a chance at winning extensive playing time?
DK--I remember your "exit" (the last season) interview story with Jarvis Jones, in which he acknowledged some competitive shortcoming (strength and speed), btu said while he knew he had to improve, he didn't like working out. (This was a very similar scene at the end of his very first season.)
Can you or your colleagues confirm that JJones--injured wrist and all--indeed worked on his strength and conditioning in the months following last season??
If he did not or not enough, what's that say about his integrity and the Steelers, given how much they already have invested in Jones?.
I was taking a look at the Steelers schedule and much has been made about how tough it is. Maybe I am too optimistic but it sure seems like it might not be all that bad. Granted a lot can happen as far as the Steelers are concerned but,just from looking at opponents We'll get:
New England minus Tom Brady. I think San Francisco is going to fall off a cliff with all that the lost in the off-season. We have Arizona at home, Indy at home and we get Peyton Manning at home in December after almost a full season of NFL wear on his 39 year old body. No doubt finishing with two on the road and a trip to Seattle will test the Steelers. Overall a tough schedule but it seems to me that the schedule may not be as bad as originally thought. Do you agree?
I know from having read your work for many years that the sabermetrically-inclined insist that "there's no such thing as clutch." However, it seems Our Favorite Ballclub has developed a penchant for getting the key hit at the key time. Can timely hitting be taught? Is there a way a batter can adjust his approach to improve his ability to produce at just the right time and, if so, can he learn or practice doing so?
Taking away Kessel what's your thoughts on the rest of the Penguins acquisitions so far summer? Particularly the (deservedly admittedly) overshadowed Briggs and Erixon?
As the MLB trade deadline approaches, how important will preserving clubhouse chemistry be to Neal Huntington? Can you compare and contrast the Pirates approach to that of Jim Rutherford and the Penguins' acquisition of Phil Kessel? Thanks.
Pucks over Bucs with this one. The NFL has a competition committee that seems to produce something every year to tweak the game. I think the results are mixed but it's usually visible. Does the NHL have the same? Is that as public as the outcomes appear to be in the NFL? Do you think there is any chance they will adjust rules, referee emphasis to allow for player skills, speed and flow to trump the ability to clutch grab and interfere? You would think that the league should be targeting for a certain goals a game avg, preferably higher! in most cases a 4-3 game should be more exciting than a 2-1 contest so why not do it?
Hey DK! Great stuff this weekend covering the cardinals series. But what constitutes a rivalry? Context: spent a great 4th of July in St. Louis with my wife's family. They know baseball - True cardinal fans. (My father-in-law has some great memories of watching Gibson pitch.). My brother-in-law caught me off guard when he asked "so who are the Pirates rivals?"
DK - Don't want to look too far ahead with this great season going on, but the Pirates' management has to be thinking about the future. With Cole emerging into one of the top pitchers in the game, do you see them starting to save now to offer him a giant contract, or do you not see that happening at all with Pittsburgh being a small market team?
DK, I know their free agency eligibility is a ways away, but with both Olli Maatta and David Perron now able to begin negotiations and potentially re-sign with the Penguins, is there any indication that they've began contract talks with either player? Any chance either gets done before camp? It might actually be better to re-sign Perron now (after a slump) then to wait until next season/summer. Thanks!
Can you update us on the current thinking with Polanco's contract? Last we heard a year ago he turned down a deal for $25m for 7 years. Would the team still make him that kind of a deal?
It was > $60 mill if I recall correctly, with options.
Mark Torbic
7-13-2015, 8:42 pm
Dejan with JH out for 7 weeks I can't help but wonder what if we lose another position player to injury. I don't want to see Gorky, Ishy, or Lombardozzi and you wonder why neck lips isn't up. What are the chances the BMTIB will make a move for a guy like Byrd from Cincy? I'd love to see him back given how good he was for us in 2013.
At the end of the 2014 season Gerrit Cole made a point of pointing out that only one starting pitcher, Edinson Volquez, made his every start. This year it seems that Cole, Liriano and Burnett have, Morton has since he came back from the DL and I think possibly Locke has as well. Is there anything new in the approach taken by the training or coaching staff that has led to this?
What is your take on the rumors around Ben Revere? Not exactly a vote of confidence in Polanco if you go out an acquire a 27 year old left lead off hitter who plays everyday. Could it just be NH trying to light a fire under Polanco? Any bench position players you think would be a good fit down the stretch? Martin Prado and Zobrist come to mind and both the Marlins and A's look to be sellers.
Should the Pirates give any thought, as they approach the deadline, to the fact that they may face a lefty in a wild card scenario (Lester, MadBum, Kershaw, etc...) do they want Polanco and Pedro in the lineup in a do or die game like that?)
The first half of the MLB baseball season saw nearly 48% of all reviewed plays overturned. Considering what you have seen just in the last week, does the game have a serious problem with its umpires? Or has technology and replay review just exposed what was always beneath the surface?
During a press conference, how do you determine who gets to ask their questions first? Is it by seniority? Who shows up first? Bigger media outlets first? Is there ever any akward "he stole my question" kind of moments?
Curious to see if you think the Pirates took some steps over the weekend to become the hunted instead of the hunter. The past couple of seasons in a big series like this guys didn't step up and make clutch plays. So many players had huge moments in the cardinals series that it can't just be a fluke, can it?
What did you think of the new style of the home run derby? I think it was much more exciting. What about having other competitions like they do in hockey and basketball?
Despite the success that Melancon has had as a closer, he is a guy that pitches to contact. Do you think the Pirates need to add a relief pitcher at the deadline who is swing and miss type of guy in that role? Thinking specifically of Craig Kimbrel..
If you're the Bucs, are you looking at Machado/Taillon with drafter's remorse? Or are you still mentally positive considering the success of Cole with similar stuff and TJ survivors Burnett & Liriano?
Hiya Dejan! A change in the Pens that was a little under the radar was Mike Kadar leaving as strength and conditioning coach. We've had more than our share of injuries the last few seasons, but blood clots, cancer, and strokes can't be blamed on a coach. Any changes that are apparent from this change now?
I know this happens across all of professional sports, not just in Pittsburgh, but do you have any insight on why athletes or teams seek medical treatment outside of the team doctors? Example being Josh Harrison going to Cleveland Clinic to have thumb surgery 2 weeks ago, when the Pirates team physicians are part of Allegheny Health Network.
Not sure what pitches Kang hit off Rosenthal on Saturday and Sunday, but I haven't read anything lately about his ability to catch up with heat. Has that been out to rest or still too soon to tell?
DK - I was immediately incensed by Randy Choate (ESPN broadcast called him a "specialist in retiring left handed batters") referring to Polanco as a p---y after his bunt single. Is that typical for a pitcher to react that way after a bunt single (in this case, by a player who has been struggling a bit against a lefty,) or is that just heat of the moment stuff from a bitter man?
i would bet the latter? because he was jacked he didnt do his One job
PucknutZ
7-13-2015, 9:43 pm
DK,I was rather impressed with you take on Kang (DVE Podcast).
Partially because I have been thinking the same thing (great minds and all that) but you are the pro and much more better at putting those thoughts into words.
Would you care to expand on that subject?
ie: something to the point that the guy is very comfortable being a "star" and MLB just does not intimidate him.
Small sample yet and maybe recency bias but......
Outside Tabby playing spoiler in the next would-be perfect game, could you foresee anyone at AAA or AA making a meaningful contribution in the second half?
How important is it for the growth of Polanco to have him in the lineup against right & left handed pitchers? I understand the all the statistics and splits against righties and lefties but at some point isn't repetition the best way to maximize his true potential?
DK, first of all, awesome awesome coverage of the Pirates this past weekend. The articles from Saturday and Sunday alone were well worth the price of being a lunatic. My question for you is, with all this talk of the Pirates potentially meeting the Cardinals in the playoffs and looking toward the World Series, don't you think us as fans need to enjoy the ride a little more? We just beat the alleged "best team in baseball", and there's plenty of time to catch them for the division. Let the team and front office worry about what moves to make at the trade deadline, and how they'll catch those Cards. If there's a Sunday Night ESPN game against our rival, every seat should be filled.
This is a great time to be a baseball fan in Pittsburgh, and we need to savor and enjoy every moment of it
At one point this past weekend, the Pirates' radio broadcast crew referred to a series of umpiring calls as among the worst they'd ever seen. And it wasn't just one or two calls--it was systematic awfulness. We are constantly told that these guys (the umps) are the best at what they do. So was this buffoonery just an outlier? What, if anything, happens now? How seriously do Manfred and Torre take this?
Just watched a touching video of Johnny Depp, dressed in his Jack Sparrow outfit, visiting an Aussie children's hospital. It reminded me of a longtime wish to see him show up at a Pirate game (imagine the impact of him, unannounced, tossing out the first pitch in a playoff game). The crowd would go nuts. Have the Pirates ever tried to get him?
It's all star week. Let's talk baseball. I had a discussion with friends about who has been the most important PERSON (player, manager, front office) in the Pirates organization in the past 20 years. What's your opinion? I'm torn on my opinion.
How can I get involved with the site? Do you publish job or volunteer opportunities with your site? I noticed that you recently hired someone for social media and I would have liked to have had opportunity to apply for the position if I had known about it. What are the qualifications to join your team?
I know that you do not cover the NBA because Pittsburgh does not have a team but how come Pittsburgh is never talked about as an expansion city for the league? With a still relatively new arena in the CONSOL Energy Center, I believe that would be a top selling point to attract a team. I believe that Pittsburgh has shown during the NBA Finals that the population is interested in the NBA as it had hiring ratings during the NBA Finals than the NHL did during the Stanley Cup Finals. What is your take on the NBA in Pittsburgh?
With all the news behind Lemieux and Burkle trying to sell the penguins, what possible changes could you see new owners making? Could selling the team possibly set them back from winning a cup?
After watching the atrocious umpiring vs Cardinals, what if anything can the Pirates do to prevent this or at least get it looked at? Instant replay reveals how poor these umps actually are.
So after this weekend I wasn't sure if I was going to ask this question but how come certain players can't bat against certain pitchers? (like polanco or alvarez against lefties). Is it something that is fixed by playing through it, batting practice, coaching, or is it something some players just never overcome?
Hi Dejan...AJ Burnett returned to Pittsburgh for his last season. Rumor has it that Sergei Gonchar was interested in coming back for one more year. Either way, have you ever seen pro athletes play their last season in a city where they spent such a short time in their careers?
After seeing arguably the two greatest games in PNC Park history back to back, what is your top Pirates game at Three Rivers? What about best back to back?
DK: Why do we have to suffer through another Beau Bennett season? We all know there isn't any forward depth in the minors but haven't we seen enough of this guy yet?
Has there ever been a pro athlete that has made as big an impact or have a legacy as AJ in only 3 seasons of a long career? Trottier is one who comes to mind as someone who came over to Pens and contributed a championship mindset after a brilliant career but he never had the Batman mystique.
Hey DK. Do you see the Pirates bringing back Jose Tabata? Especially if Corey Hart's knee is a problem (since that has been threatening his career for the past 3 years?) and in doing so possibly keep them from making a trade for a bench player?
The Pittsbugh All Star Game Committee gives you the tremendous honor of filling out a 9-person lineup card for the Celebrity Softball Game. What Pittsburgh celebs/former athletes get pencilled in?
The Pirates have a really tough schedule over the next month - Brewers on the road (historically bad), Royals on road, Nationals, Reds and Cards on the road too. Has this been brought up at all?
On top of that, Cards have their next 23 of 30 at home.
akenna431
7-14-2015, 12:05 am
DK,
The Pens were extremely top heavy while they employed James Neal. Fixing this was one of Rutherford's first tasks upon joining the organization as he traded Neal for Hornqvist and Spalling. He also brought on a number of players to play in the bottom 6 and by the end of the season, the top 6 wasn't very effective, and neither was the 'new and improved' bottom 6. Fast forward to today and Phil Kessel is now a Penguin. I realize they aren't back to just employing a 'Neal' like player because they have Hornqvist AND Kessel, this top 6 should be like none they've employed in the Crosby/Malkin era, however what happened to balancing the roster? Is this possible at this point? Bearing in mind that there is no discernible 4th line at this point...it just seems like one year they concentrate on top 6 fire power, but when the top 6 is shut down, they concentrate on depth, but when that doesn't work because you can't build depth in 1 summer strictly through free agency, we're back to top 6 fire power...what am I missing is 'scoring threat on every line' possible for the Pens at this point? Thanks DK, keep up the great work.
3rd line of Dupuis-Sutter-Kunitz has the ability to put the puck in the net. A 4th line with Bennett kind of has the ability to put the puck int he net if the kid ever lives up to even half of his billing (long shot at this point).
Mark Torbic
7-14-2015, 12:10 am
Dejan what are the chances that the bucs will make an.offer for Byrd from cincy for some bench help? I worry that we're one position player injury away from having to rely on Gorky, Lombardozzi, or Ishy to carry us through that scenario.
I have an exclusivity agreement with iHeartMedia, which has infinitely bigger reach and is the flagship of the city's two most popular teams.
jimmy streich
7-14-2015, 12:14 am
Hear a lot about contract talks (or lack of) for Polanco and Walker but when do the Pirates start long term talks with Cole and do they consider talking soon to Cutch about ending his career as a Pirate.
With the Phillie's being sellers at the deadline, who do you see the Pirates going after? I have heard about Revere, but do you see them being interested in any other Phillie players? And what will it take to get certain players that could help for a playoff run?
July 13, 2015
Submit entries now for Tuesday 10 Qs
114by Dejan Kovacevic • Site stuff • Penguins, Pirates, Steelers
This is the place to submit entries for Tuesday 10 Qs, and tomorrow at 2 p.m. a new file will be posted with all the Qs, all the As, and all that.
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