Monthly Archives: December, 2009

We are now in the second day of the Winter Meetings in Indianapolis, and the majority of Pirates-related news has been predictable. Managemetn is...

All those in town for the Winter Meetings got a taste of, well, WINTER, this morning in Indianapolis. The snow and ice were gone by mid-morning, though the temperatures didn't get very far above freezing.

INF/OF Luis Cruz is OUT -- the Pirates had just placed him on waivers, and the Brewers claimed him. Since Cruz has one option remaining, the Brewers think that he might fill in their organization's lack of a shortstop at the AAA (Nashville) and AA (Huntsville) levels. Cruz was on the Pirates' 40-man roster, so this opens up one spot on that roster.

Reliever Jeff Sues is OUT -- or at least, off the 40-man roster. He went through waivers unclaimed and was outrighted to AAA Indianapolis. The righty spent most of 2009 in Altoona, but appeared in 8 games for Indy at the end of the season. He was expected to be back in Indy for 2010 anyway, but now there are two spots open on the 40-man roster.

Reliever Vinnie Chulk is IN -- he has been signed to a minor league contract, so that doesn't change anything with the 40-man roster. Chulk is a Florida native who will turn 31 later this month. He was the Blue Jay's 12th round pick in the 2000 draft, and he pitched in their organization until 2006, making his major league debut in 2003. In July 2006, Chulk was traded to the Giants. He pitched at the major league level for the Giants for all of 2007, when he threw 53 innings in 57 appearances, with a 5-4 record and a 3.57 ERA, with 14 walks and 41 strikeouts. He split 2008 between the Giants and AAA Fresno, for a combined 56.1 innings in 49 appearances (all but 2 in relief). That season he earned a 0-4 record with a 4.13 ERA, with 21 walks and 37 strikeouts. Chulk signed with the Cleveland Indians' organization for 2009, and began the season in Cleveland, but made only 8 appearances there. He spent most of the season with AAA Columbus, where he did better -- a 1-0 record and a 2.08 ERA in 18 appearances. In 21.1 innings, he gave up 22 hits, 7 walks, and struck out 16 batters. Chulk has been invited to major league spring training, and will be given the chance to compete for a bullpen spot with the Pirates. If he doesn't make it, he'll be in Indianapolis.

Graphical Player 2010, published by Heater Magazine editor John Burnson, is now available through Acta Sports. It is a must-have for fantasy baseball...

Dejan produced the following quote from an MLB agent this morning: My info is that Huntington and Co. are very concerned about public perception...

In an attempt to dispute recent claims that teams like the Pirates are pocketing excessive profits, Frank Coonelly sat down with the Post-Gazette’s Dejan...

Sunday afternoon and evening's winter league games with the Pirates' farmhands and friends:

PUERTO RICAN LEAGUE / DOMINICAN LEAGUE

Toros del Este 3, Leones de Ponce 0

After 6 scoreless innings, Los Toros had posted only 2 singles and a walk, while Los Leones had managed one single and one walk. Ponce was only able to collect one more walk, and a double in the bottom of the 9th inning, and was held scoreless. Los Toros broke the scoreless tie with a run in the 7th on a single and three consecutive walks, then added a run in the 8th on two walks and an RBI single. In the top of the 9th, reliever RJ Rodriguez took the mound for Ponce, and with one out, he gave up two singles. A throwing error allowed one run to score, for Los Toros' third run of the game. The next batter bounced back to the mound, and Rodriguez tried for the fielder's choice, but was not in time, loading the bases. Rodriguez settled down at that point, and got a foul pop and a strikeout to end the inning.

Tigres del Licey 5, Criollos de Caguas 2

Caguas scored a run in each of the 7th and 8th innings, but could not catch up to Licey. SS Luis Figueroa singled to open the game, and then singled again after Caguas' run had scored in the 7th inning. Licey got onto the scoreboard in the 2nd inning with a solo homer by C Ronny Paulino and added another run in the 3rd. Three more runs came in during the 7th inning. Licey loaded the bases with two singles and an intentional walk. An unintentional walk forced in one run, then DH Wily Mo Pena's single plated two more runs. Indy native LF Jake Fox went 0-for-2 for Licey. Reliever Denny Bautista entered the game in the top of the 8th, with runners on first and second and one out. He threw a wild pitch that moved both base runners up 90 feet, then threw another wild pitch on strike three that allowed a run to score. A double play ended the inning.

VENEZUELAN LEAGUE

Navegantes del Magallanes 13, Leones del Caracas 4

Magallanes scored 6 runs in the 5th inning and 6 more runs over the last two innings to easily beat Caracas. LF Mike Ryan hit an RBI double to get the scoring started for Magallanes in the 2nd inning. He doubled again in the 5th inning, to plate 2 runs, and then scored when DH Edgardo Alfonzo followed him with a 2-run homer. Corey Hamman pitched the 9th inning for Magallanes and retired three batters in order.

Tigres de Aragua 10, Tiburones de La Guaira 3

Los Tigres bit Los Tiburones with a 7-run bottom of the 8th, which broke a 3-3 tie. SS Ronny Cedeno had the first of three consecutive singles in the bottom of the 1st inning, and came around to score. He hit the second of two doubles in the 3rd inning, picking up an RBI, and then scored on 1B Hector Gimenez's RBI single. Gimenez led off the 8th inning with a walk, and after a bunt, a throwing error, and a double, Cedeno singled to bring in one of the 7 runs. He stole second base, and scored on C Wilson Ramos' 3-run homer. Gimenez followed the homer with his second walk of the inning, but was left on base. Cedeno also walked in the 4th inning and dropped down a sacrifice bunt in the 7th.

MEXICAN PACIFIC LEAGUE

Venados de Mazatlan 6, Tomateros de Culiacan 1

Culiacan scored their run in the bottom of the 1st inning, but could not answer Mazatlan's 6 runs scattered over the rest of the game. 2B Luis Cruz singled in the 7th inning, but didn't score.

Algodoneros de Guasave 2, Caneros de Los Mochis 1

Pitching ruled in this game, with Los Caneros posting just 4 hits and Guasave posting 6. Los Caneros had 2 hits in the 3rd inning and a walk in the 7th, but went down in order in each of the other first 8 innings. A walk and two singles brought in their only run in the 9th. Guasave scored one run in the 3rd on a solo homer and another run in the 6th on two doubles. LF Yurendell de Caster walked in the bottom of the 1st inning, but was erased in a double play.

Yaquis de Obregon 6, Aguilas de Mexicali 5

Obregon's first three runs came on three consecutive solo homers to lead off the bottom of the 2nd inning. Chris Snelling, who was playing right field instead of first base in this game, had the middle homer. Snelling also walked to load the bases in the 3rd inning, and the next batter also walked, forcing in a run. A single, an RBI double, and an RBI single added 2 more runs in the 5th inning. Mexicali tried to come back with one run in the 7th and 2 more in the 8th, but couldn't catch up.

Baseball's Winter Meetings begin tomorrow, right here in Indianapolis. Nothing is open to the public... but wouldn't it be fun to be the fly on the wall? Or just happen to be hanging out at the nice restaurants downtown and watch who wanders in? (Nope, I won't be doing that -- I've got to go to work.) Chris Wright of the Indianapolis Star has provided us with an ABC Guide to the Winter Meetings.

The Pirates seem to be expecting to make a Rule 5 pick at the major league level, and that player will need to remain on the Pirates' 25-man roster all season (unless, like Donnie Veal, he has to go on the Disabled List for awhile). That means they will need to free up a spot on the 40-man roster. INF/OF Luis Cruz has been placed on waivers, which means he will be the man on the bubble. Cruz has been outrighted to AAA before, so, if the Pirates make a Rule 5 pick, and if Cruz is removed from the 40-man roster, and if he clears waivers... then he can be a free agent. Maybe he re-signs with the Pirates, and maybe he doesn't. The 26-year old has primarily played at second base or shortstop in the Pirates' organization, but when he plays winter ball, this season for Culiacan in his native Mexico, he often plays outfield as well. Cruz appeared in 27 games for the Pirates in 2009, and hit .214 with a double and 2 RBI. He also played in 66 games for AAA Indianapolis, where he hit better --.253 -- and had 15 doubles, 3 homers, and 23 RBI. He is currently hitting .312 in 35 games with Culiacan, and hit his first homer last night. He also has 10 doubles and 13 RBI.

Catcher Steve Lerud was removed from the Pirates' 40-man roster, and now has signed a minor league deal with the Kansas City Royals. Lerud was the Pirates' third round pick in the 2003 draft. He moved up through the system fairly slowly, though. He spent all of 2009 with the AA Altoona Curve, where he hit .240 with 17 doubles, 4 homers, and 26 RBI. May and July were his best months, as he hit .271 and .275 respectively. Behind the plate, he committed 6 errors and allowed 15 passed balls. He threw out only 27% of potential base stealers. Lerud was going to be soon overtaken by last year's #1 draft pick Tony Sanchez, so a new organization might give him more opportunity.

The Pirates have signed infielder Chris Garcia to a minor league contract. This 22-year old Brooklyn native spent the 2009 season playing for the Shreveport-Bossier Captains of the American Association. He moved around the infield, playing at all three bases, doing particularly well at first base, with one error in 24 games there. At the plate, Garcia finished second in the league with a .361 batting average, 5 home runs, and 52 RBI in 77 games. Garcia was chosen by the Angels in the 15th round of the 2007 draft, and played in their organization for the rest of the 2007 and all of the 2008 season. He split both seasons between the Arizona Rookie League and Orem of the Pioneer league, and hit a combined .332 for those two season, with 22 doubles, 3 triples, 4 homers, and 51 RBI. Garcia will join the Pirates' minor league camp for spring training... look for him to begin 2010 with West Virginia or State College.

A look at Pirates' players and friends in Saturday's winter league action:

VENEZUELAN LEAGUE

Leones de Caracas 6, Tigres de Aragua 2

Los Leones won the feline war by scoring all their runs in the last four innings. 2B Jose Castillo hit a 2-run homer in the 6th, and they added an unearned run in the 7th. Another error, two singles, and another homer gave Caracas 3 more runs in the 6th. Aragua scored twice but was held to just 4 hits, one by SS Ronny Cedeno. Cedeno's single opened the 4th inning, and he advanced to second and then to third on two errors. He scored on an RBI double. A walk, another error, and a single brought in a run in the 8th inning. Caracas committed a total of 4 errors, while Aragua made 3 errors. 1B Hector Gimenez was 0-for-3 with a walk, and C Raul Chavez went 0-for-4.

Cardenales de Lara 6, Aguilas de Zulia 4

Lara was leading 5-2 going into the bottom of the 7th inning. After Zulia scored 2 runs on a double and three singles, Romulo Sanchez entered the game with no outs and runners on the corners. No problem -- he just struck out three batters to get out of the inning. And for good measure, he came back out in the 7th inning and struck out three more.

Tiburones de La Guaira 7, Navegantes del Magallanes 4

Four runs in the 7th inning gave Los Tiburones the bite they needed. Magallanes scored 2 runs in the 3rd, and added 2 more in the 9th, but that rally fell short. Argenis Diaz entered the game as a pinch-runner in the 6th inning for Magallanes, but was left on base at the end of the inning. He remained in the game as the DH, but did not actually get a chance to bat. He was replaced by pinch hitter Mike Ryan in the 9th inning, and Ryan lined out. A single, an RBI double, and an RBI single followed, but that was all Los Navegantes could get.

Caribes de Anzoategui 7, Bravos de Margarita 4

Los Caribes scored 3 runs in the bottom of the 1st, then the teams matched one another with solo homers in the 2nd and then 3 runs each in the 8th. Margarita's runs in the 8th came on a 3-run homer. Los Caribes loaded the bases in the bottom of the frame with a double and two walks. Another walk forced in a run, and CF Gorkys Hernandez brought in a second run with an RBI single. An RBI ground out accounted for the third run.

DOMINICAN LEAGUE

Gigantes del Cibao 4, Tigres del Licey 1

Los Gigantes scored 2 runs in both the 5th and 6th innings, while Licey managed only one run in the 2nd inning and were limited to just 4 hits. DH Ronny Paulino and LF Jake Fox both went hitless in the game.

Estrellas de Oriente 12, Aguilas Cibaenas 6

Los Estrellas scored 9 runs in the bottom of the 4th inning, to run over Los Aguilas. C Robinzon Diaz led Los Estrellas' attack with three hits -- a triple and two singles, with one RBI. 1B Brian Myrow picked up an RBI with a sacrifice fly and also scored a run. C Erik Kratz had one RBI for Los Aguilas, also with a sacrifice fly.

MEXICAN PACIFIC LEAGUE

Tomateros de Culiacan 3, Venados de Mazatlan 2

Mazatlan scored two runs in the top of the 1st inning, and 2B Luis Cruz answered back on behalf of Culiacan with a 2-run homer in the bottom of the 2nd. The 2-2 tie lasted until the bottom of the 9th, 13 runners left on base later. The inning began with back-to-back singles, and Cruz dropped down a sacrifice bunt to move them both into scoring position. After an intentional walk, and unintentional walk forced in the winning run.

Algodoneros de Guasave 9, Caneros de Los Mochis 0

Over the first 8 innings, Los Caneros managed only three baserunners -- two singles and a hit batter -- and all three were erased in double plays. They worked two walks in the bottom of the 9th, and those two runners were their only LOB's for the game. Meanwhile, Guasave batters were having their way at the plate, scoring in 5 consecutive innings. In the 3rd, LF Yurendell de Caster and 1B Japhet Amador hit back-to-back homers, with de Caster's for 2 runs.

Pirates' players and friends in Friday night's winter league action:

DOMINICAN LEAGUE

Estrellas de Oriente 8, Tigres del Licey 1

After three quiet innings by both teams, Licey opened the scoring with one run. Indy-area native 1B Jake Fox, who was traded from the Cubs to the A's yesterday, singled, and scored on two more singles. Los Estrellas answered back with a run in the bottom of the inning. A single, a stolen base, and an RBI single by C Robinzon Diaz tied the game. Los Estrellas took off after that. They loaded the bases on three singles, then brought them all in with a triple in the 5th to take a 4-1 lead. Two walks and an RBI single by 2B Pedro Lopez brought in one run in the 7th. Diaz brought in another with a sacrifice fly, and 1B Bryan Myrow made it three runs in the inning with another RBI single. Los Estrellas added a final run in the 8th, when RF Maiko Loyola reached second base on an error, and scored on an RBI double. Jake Fox also singled in the 6th and the 8th innings, but did not score. DH Ronny Paulino went 0-for-3 with a walk for Licey. Roberto Giron earned his third win with 2.2 scoreless innings for Los Estrellas, including 3 strikeouts.

VENEZUELAN LEAGUE

Bravos de Margarita 7, Caribes de Anzoategui 2

A 4-run 7th inning put the game away for Margarita. Los Caribes scored one run in the bottom of the 1st on two walks and a double. They scored again in the 4th, on CF Gorkys Hernadez's RBI single.

Navegantes del Magallanes 10, Tigres de Aragua 6

LF Mike Ryan led Magallanes with a 4-for-4 night, including a solo homer and 2 RBI. Aragua had the early lead, on a 3-run homer in the 1st inning by CF Jason Pridie (Twins). SS Ronny Cedeno singled right before the homer. Cedeno also singled in the 2nd inning, when Aragua scored again to take a 4-0 lead. Magallanes returned fire with 5 runs in the bottom of the 3rd, including a 2-run homer, then a double and four singles, including an RBI single by Ryan. They scored again in the 4th, and added Ryan's solo homer in the 5th. Magallanes loaded the bases in the 7th inning on two singles, one by Ryan, and a hit batter. The next two batters each forced in a run with a walk and by being hit by another pitch. A double and two singles gave Los Navegantes their final run in the 8th. Los Tigres picked up a 2-run homer in the top of the 8th, but could not catch up. 1B Hector Gimenez went 0-for-4 for Aragua, and C Alex Delgado singled in 3 plate appearances. Reliever Jean Machi pitched the 9th inning for Magallanes and retired the side in order with one strikeout.

Tiburones de La Guaira 11, Leones del Caracas 9

A hit batter and two doubles gave La Guaira two runs in the top of the 11th inning to break a 9-9 tie, and Caracas struck out in order in the bottom of the inning. La Guaira's Former Pirate farmhand Ronald Belisario was charged with a Blown Save when he was charged with 3 runs in the bottom of the 9th -- a single, an RBI triple, a sacrifice fly, a walk, and an RBI double. Ronald Uviedo came on to pitch for Caracas in La Guaira's 5-run 3rd inning. Uviedo faced only one battter that inning, and got the inning-ending double play. He retired the side in order in the 4th inning, then got a ground out to begin the 5th before being relieved.

MEXICAN PACIFIC LEAGUE

Tomateros de Culiacan 5, Venados de Mazatlan 1

Mazatlan left 8 runners on the bases and managed to push only one run across the plate. They had the bases loaded in the 3rd inning, but left all three stranded, and they also fell victim to two double plays. Finally, in the 8th inning, a double and an RBI single gave them their only run. Culiacan wasn't having any better luck for the first five innings, also leaving runners on base and bouncing into double plays. They got going in the 6th inning, when a home run followed a walk and a single. A double, a throwing error by one pitcher, and a wild pitch by another pitcher gave Culiacan two more runs in the 7th. 2B Luis Cruz went 0-for-4 for Culiacan.

Caneros de Los Mochis 4, Algodoneros de Guasave 1

Not a lot of strong hitting in this game, either. Los Caneros scored their first run in the top of the first without benefit of a hit: a walk, a hit batter, a sacrifice bunt, and a sacrifice fly. Guasave tied it up in the 2nd in almost the same way: walk, single, sac bunt and sac fly. Los Caneros went on to add another run in the 5th on a solo homer and two more in the 7th on two singles, a sac bunt and a sac fly, plus the help of two errors by Guasave. 3B Yurendell de Caster was 0-for-4 for Guasave.

Yaquis de Obregon 2, Aguilas de Mexicali 0

The trend continued in this game too. Mexicali put runners on base with 6 hits, including a double and a triple, (no walks) and left them all on base. Obregon scored one run in the bottom of the 1st with three singles, and added one more in the 6th on a solo homer. 3B Chris Snelling was hit by a pitch to begin the 2nd inning for Obregon, and he got all the way to third on a single and a ground out, but was left there at the end of the inning. He was 0-for-2 in his other plate appearances.

This is several days old, but I wanted to highlight a quote from new MLB Player Union Chief Mike Weiner. One, we really do believe...

I was paying little attention to the internet the past few days, but apparently the Pirates contacted every middling free agent they could find....

A quick look at how Pirates' players and friends fared in Thursday night's winter league games...

VENZUELAN LEAGUE

Aguilas de Zulia 8, Tigres de Aragua 5

New Pirate hurler Wil Ledezma suffered his third straight loss as he made the start for Aragua. Both teams hit well -- 15 for Aragua and 16 for Zulia -- but Los Tigres also left 11 runners on base. Ledezma lasted 5 innings and allowed 5 runs on 10 hits. He gave up 2 runs in the 1st inning on four singles and a walk, and 3 more runs came in the 3rd inning, on four more singles and a double. Ledezma also gave up a single in the 4th, but picked the runner off base, and a single in the 5th was erased by a double play. CF Jason Pridie (Twins) led Aragua with 4 singles. SS Ronny Cedeno singled to lead off the 5th inning and came around to score after two more singles. He led off the 7th with another single, followed by one of Pridie's singles, and both of them scored on 1B Hector Gimenez's 2-RBI single. Cedeno also contributed a sacrifice bunt in the 1st inning. C Alex Delgado singled in the 2nd inning but did not score, and brought in the run in the 4th inning with a sacrifice fly. Reliever Chris Hernandez earned his 14th save for Zulia with a perfect 9th inning.

Tiburones de La Guaira 10, Caribes de Anzoategui 3

Los Caribes had an early lead when they scored 3 runs in the 2nd inning. A wild pitch on strike three and a single put runners on first and second bases, and a ground out combined with a throwing error brought in one run. CF Gorkys Hernandez walked, then a single scored another run and advanced Hernandez to third base. Hernandez stole home in a double-steal, and Los Caribes were ahead 3-0. But Los Tiburones bit back, and scored 3 runs in the 3rd to tie the game, then went on to score 4 in the 4th and 3 in the 6th, and Los Caribes could not answer back. Hernandez walked to lead off the 5th inning but was forced out at second base. He singled to begin the 7th, and was again out at second in a double play. Adenson Chourio, who had not appeared in a game for Los Caribes since Nov 21st, came in to play third base in the 9th inning, and grounded out in his only plate appearance.

Cardenales de Lara 14, Navegantes del Magallanes 1

It was all Cardenales, all night, as Lara had an 11-0 lead after 3 inning, and added single runs in each of the 5th, 6th, and 7th innings. Magallanes was held to just 4 hits, and their only run came on a solo homer in the 9th. LF Mike Ryan had one of the hits-- a double to lead off the 7th. Argenis Diaz entered the game in the 3rd inning to play shortstop, and he went 0-for-2 at the plate.

Bravos de Margarita 9, Leones del Caracas 6

Margarita began their scoring with a 5-run 3rd inning, and had the advantage of a 3-run homer by RF Rene Reyes and two solo homers by C Henry Blanco. Ronald Uviedo came in from the bullpen for Caracas in the top of the 9th, with two outs and runners on first and second bases. He gave up a single to Dennys Abreu, but the throw in from the outfield was in time to tag the lead runner out at the plate and prevent Margarita from adding to their score.

MEXICAN PACIFIC LEAGUE

Tomateros de Culiacan 9, Aguilas de Mexicali 6

2B Luis Cruz led Culiacan with 3 hits, including two doubles. He led off the 5-run 2nd inning with a single, and came around to score as his teammates added a double and three more singles, and also took advantage of a throwing error and a wild pitch. Cruz doubled to lead off the third inning, then doubled again to lead off the 9th, and also stole third base but didn't score in either of those innings.

Caneros de Los Mochis 4, Yaquis de Obregon 3

These two teams went into the top of the 9th with Los Caneros ahead 3-2. Los Caneros had scored one run in each of the 1st, 3rd, and 5th innings. Obregon got onto the scoreboard with one run in the 5th, when 1B Chris Snelling walked, went to second base on a fielding error by the pitcher, advanced to third when the pitcher was so flustered that he threw a wild pitch, and then scored on an RBI ground out. A solo homer gave Obregon a second run in the 8th. In the top of the 9th, a walk, a stolen base, and an RBI single by Los Yaquis tied the score at 3-3. Snelling also singled in that inning but was left on base. Los Caneros loaded the bases in the bottom of the 9th on a double, a throwing error and an intentional walk. Los Yaquis almost got out of the jam when a grounder to shortstop let them throw the lead runner out at the plate. But the next batter singled through the right side of the infield, and Los Caneros had the walk-off win.

Mayos de Navojoa 8, Algodoneros de Guasave 5

Five runs in the bottom of the 8th pushed Navojoa past Guasave. LF Yurendell de Caster blasted a 2-run homer for Guasave in the 7th inning, which gave them a temporary 4-3 lead. They scored again in the 8th, and were leading 5-3 before Navojoa exploded in the bottom of the inning.

PUERTO RICAN LEAGUE

Lobos de Arecibo 6, Criollos de Caguas 5

SS Luis Figueroa singled in Caguas' rally that scored one run in the top of the 6th inning. Los Criollos added 4 more runs in the 8th, when Caguas took advantage of 3 Aricebo errors plus four singles. Figueroa singled and came around to score in that rally. But Los Lobos rebounded to score one run in the bottom of that inning, and then scored 3 more on a bases-loaded double in the bottom of the 9th for the walk-off win.

DOMINICAN LEAGUE

Toros del Este 7, Aguilas Cibaenas 4

Los Aguilas had the early 4-0 lead, but Los Toros scored 7 unanswered runs in the late innings to take the win. C Erik Kratz brought in Los Aguilas' first run in the 2nd inning with a bases-loaded sacrifice fly. A home run, a double, and another homer to lead off the 3rd inning accounted for the rest of Los Aguilas' scoring. Kratz walked to begin the 4th inning, and when Los Toros tried to pick him off first base, the throwing error let him advance to third. But he was left stranded by three quick outs.