Buc Notes: March 12, 2016

The David Freese signing has refreshed an otherwise stagnant Pittsburgh Pirates news cycle. A John Jaso/David Freese first base platoon is looking more and more like a reality after Jung Ho Kang returns and claims third base back from Freese. Freese today told multiple media outlets that he is content with “whatever my role is”.

Michael Morse as the fourth outfielder and additional depth at first base/pinch hitting also seems to a likely use case the Pirates are contemplating. Morse has played more games out in left field than at any other position. Morse acted the role of veteran when asked about Freese by Matt Gajtka of DKPittsburghSports, “I just do what I’m told to do.”

If any one cares about John Sickel’s prospect grades, he has released his 2016 “breakdown” of top Pirates Prospects.

If I sound skeptical, it’s because I am.  All of these prospect lists look awfully similar to me.  I’m also looking at a roster and a club that isn’t giving too much daylight to prospects to come and strut their stuff in the big leagues.  So while I may accept Sickels’ letter grades for these guys – a lot of it is hard to get too excited about by regular mortal fans.  Many of these guys will never play in Pittsburgh. Of course, that’s part of the game and player development. This is a long exegesis on a simple fact: the Pirates have a deep farm system out of necessity with no where for the talent to go at this current moment. Hence, someone like Jason Rogers can be obtained at the cost of a few top prospects and have no explainable role you could think of on the club. Anyways, when Jameson Taillon pitches his first big league game for the Pirates, I’m going to buy myself a steak dinner.

I do trust Pirates Prospects – I enjoy Tim Williams’ coverage of the team mostly because of his unconstrained pen. He’s got no real estate issue – being web only – and his stuff can run real long.  2,000 words on Josh Bell.  Thousands of words on where to eat and drink in Bradenton. And you know he’s out watching these players regularly. It’s also an exciting part of the new media world we inhabit. Pirates Prospects costs me $2.99 a month. DKPittsburghSports.com costs $4 a month. These outlets are the future of baseball coverage (both offer discounts for longer subscriptions).  Cord cutters like me are going to pay for what we want and not much else.