Pittsburgh Pirates Mailbag: January 16th, 2019
By Marty Leap
It is that time once again here at Rum Bunter, mailbag time!
When can the Pittsburgh Pirates expect Gregory Polanco to be ready? Does Tony Sipp make sense as a free agent target? And more in this week’s mailbag.
As always, thank you to everyone who submitted questions this week and participated. Now, let’s dive in!
The Pirates should have Polanco back well before the All-Star Break.
At last week’s mini camp he took swings off a tee for the first time since undergoing shoulder surgery in September, and he told reporters he is ahead of schedule. The original worst case prognosis on Polanco was potentially being out until mid-June. But, at this point, a return at some point in early to mid-May, if not sooner, looks more likely.
Tony Sipp is a pitcher that has appeared to be an intriguing left-handed bullpen option throughout the offseason. Sipp posted a 1.86 ERA, 2.41 FIP, and a 27.8% strikeout rate for the Astros last season. He also posted a career low 8.6% walk rate.
Sipp was also effective against both left and right-handed hitters last season. He held LHHs to a .188 average, .294 slugging percentage, .249 wOBA, and he posted a 22.4% strikeout rate. RHHs, while faring better than LHHs, still struggled to the tune of a .206 average, .328 slugging percentage, .267 wOBA, and a 33.3% strikeout rate.
The ability to be effective against both LHHs and RHHs is something that the Pirates value. Due to this, Sipp would appear to be a bullpen option that would intrigue the Pirates.
It’s not fair to say there is a lack of urgency by the Pirates. They have been working the starting pitching and shortstop market all offseason, but nothing has worked out yet.
Freddy Galvis is a guy they have been connected to in free agency. They’ve also had extensive trade talks with the Arizona Diamondbacks about Gold Glove winning shortstop Nick Ahmed. The team also like free agent Jose Iglesias, and were legitimate players for Troy Tulowitzki before he decided to sign with the Yankees.
The same goes for starting pitching. It’s not a lack of effort on their end, but, ultimately, they can not force another team to accept a trade or a free agent to accept a contract offer.
As for Wade Miley, if the Pirates do decide to go with a fifth starting pitcher instead of using an opener, which is what they should do, Miley could make sense. In 16 starts with the Brewers last season Miley posted a 2.57 ERA and a 3.59 FIP in 80 2/3 innings pitched. He would certainly be an upgrade over former number five starter Ivan Nova.
Speaking of Nova…
Trading Nova was not an issue. He is set to earn $9.5 million in 2019, which is much more than the 1.1 fWAR pitcher he was in 2018 or the 2.0 fWAR pitcher he was in 2017 is worth. To be honest, it is not unreasonable to think Jordan Lyles could be a better starting pitcher in 2019 than Nova. Simply put, the money Nova was due is better suited to be reallocated elsewhere.
As for shortstop, I still believe the team will add a shortstop before Opening Day. This is where the money saved on moving Nova, as well as the other money they have to work with, comes into play. The team has plenty of financial flexibility to add a shortstop between now and March 28th. And it is a move that needs to happen.
If you have a question for the mailbag at any point this offseason look for our Tweet asking for questions each week. Also, do not be afraid to ever ask a question on Twitter or Facebook.