I’ve written about how the Pittsburgh Pirates have eight relievers for seven bullpen spots. They have a little over one week remaining, and as long as everyone stays healthy, they’ll have a tough decision to make. Earlier this week, we heard that the Pirates were listening on Vin Mazzaro. Today there were two more rumors talking about relievers other than Mazzaro.
Ken Davidoff reports that two industry sources say that the Pirates would deal Bryan Morris or Jeanmar Gomez, although they’re more protective of Gomez due to his ability to start. Meanwhile, Chris Cotillo says that the Pirates really like Morris.
Heard the #Pirates really like Bryan Morris. Trade rumors swirling around their bullpen, but he may stay. Gomez, Mazzaro may be dealt.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) March 20, 2014
Stolmy Pimentel’s name hasn’t been mentioned by anyone, but that’s not a surprise. Everyone I’ve talked to in the organization seems really excited by Pimentel, and I think he’s got an inside track for a bullpen spot, with the possibility of being a starter if needed.
It seems like the decision is between Mazzaro and Gomez, and since the Pirates like Gomez’s ability to start, it seems that Mazzaro will be the odd man out. So what would you do? Which player would be the odd man out if you were calling the shots? Vote in the poll and leave your comments below.
[polldaddy poll=7899040]
Links and Notes
**The 2014 Prospect Guide is in stock on the products page of the site. The book features profiles, scouting reports, and grades on every player in the minor league system, including our top 50 prospects. The Prospect Guide has been mentioned as a resource several times on the Pirates’ broadcast, and has been purchased as a source of reference by opposing MLB front office members, opposing scouts, and media members. If it’s a good resource for them, it’s a good resource for you. You can order your Prospect Guide on the products page of the site.
**Could Tyler Glasnow Lead the Minors in Strikeouts? John Dreker looks at what Glasnow would have to do to achieve this. If he does post a big year with strikeouts, I could see him jumping up to the top 20 prospects next year, and maybe even the top ten. Being among the leaders in strikeouts means those strikeouts would come in the upper levels, with a good possibility of ending the season in Altoona, much like Jameson Taillon and Nick Kingham have done in previous two years.
**Wyatt Mathisen, Erich Weiss, and the Reese McGuire Domino Effect. Taking a look at the recent move to put Mathisen at third base, which moved Erich Weiss to second base.
**Pirate City Notes: Buddy Borden, Chad Kuhl, Erich Weiss, JaCoby Jones. A lot of looks at 2013 draft picks here.
**Francisco Liriano Leaves as a Precaution With Groin Tightness. Exhale.
**Three Pirates Among Top Young Talent in Baseball
**Pirates Release Four Minor League Pitchers
**Draft Prospect Watch: Matt Imhof is Worth Watching
