External Outfield Options for the Pirates?

Pirates general manager Neal Huntington has acknowledged that they are looking externally for an outfielder that can fill-in for Starling Marte after he was slapped with a 80-game PED suspension. This need got greater once the Pirates had to place IF/OF Adam Frazier on the DL with a hamstring strain. Currently, the Pirates are using a combo of Harrison, Osuna, and Jaso in the OF (Frazier too when healthy). Bell, Gosselin, and Hanson can also play in the outfield as far as technicalities are concerned. The issue present is that none of these guys are true outfielders. The 3rd outfielder option for the Pirates currently comprises of: Three 1st basemen, three middle infielders, and a few utility players that can barely play outfield. Combined all this, and it is easy to discern why Neal Huntington has been hunting for an external option to fill that spot. Now, there are many options out there, so just who would the Pirates be interested in getting? I look into a few options here.

1) Chris Marrero: Chris Marrero was just recently let go by the Giants as they shook up the roster by adding Christian Arroyo and Drew Stubbs to it. Marrero, 28, has never been good in the MLB and has been a minor leaguer much of his career. I cannot see the Pirates even considering him even though he'd come as a player making close to the league minimum with years of control attached. However, he would not represent any sort of upgrade over what the team already has.

2) Jeff Francoeur: It seems like Francouer has been around awhile, hasn't it? Well, this 33 year old just won't go away it appears. Yes, he is a free agent that is vying for a spot on an MLB roster and one may have opened up for him. Francoeur has not been great but was akin to a solid bench player the last few years and could certainly provide himself as a good fill-in option. His defense is still rock solid, and you have to imagine his arm is still outstanding.  His hitting isn't great at this point, but he can at least hold his own at the plate. Additionally, he'd bring another nice veteran presence to an otherwise young group. He can immediately fill-in to right field and bats right-handed, which is more likely the route the Pirates are going towards when looking for outfielders.

3) Leonys Martin: Martin was shockingly designated for assignment by the Mariners. The 29-year old broke into the bigs with the Rangers in 2011 and showed off fine defensive skills, which is still there. He had some good years with the bat early in his career, but much of his value has always been defense. His hitting ability has not been there since going to Seattle, but the astounding defense and base-running skills are still there, which make him an intriguing option for the Pirates. His defense and base running are things the Pirates would desire as that has been two of the weakest aspects of the team so far in 2017. However, you look at the Pirates roster, and you see so many lefty bats (Polanco, Frazier, Jaso, and switch hitters Bell and Hanson will bat mostly lefty as righty pitchers will be seen more). Another lefty bat may be a little much, especially when Marte gets back and Martin would get placed on a bench that is already unbalanced in that direction.

4) Kirk Nieuwenhuis: Nieuwenhuis was designated for assignment but quickly passed through waivers and ourighted by the Brewers to AAA. Nieuwenhuis has never really done anything with the bat and is known more for good defense. However, just like Martin, he is a lefty hitter that has really no bat and is great on defense and baserunning. What makes this unlikely, however, is that the Pirates could have had him on waivers for nothing. Pirates certainly wouldn't trade anything for him when they could have had him for free. This is another reason to figure that the Pirates don't want another left-handed hitter because they could have had one rather easily.

5) Angel Pagan: Pagan was looking for a contract for awhile and wanted a major league contract. No team was meeting his demands, so he quit with his ambitions and elected to stay at home with the family and take at least a year off. Maybe he quit too early though as a spot on the Pirates and an opportunity to start for a bit opened up right as he packed it up and went home (literally). The veteran switch hitter is most remembered here in Pittsburgh for not being able to hang on to an ball Erik Kratz hit last season that went for a homerun in a game where Locke outdueled Bumgarner and Kratz's homer stood up in a 1-0 Pirates win (what a legendary game). It would have been ironic if he would have come to the Pirates after that happened. But alas, he is temporarily retired, and it looks like it will remain that way unless the Pirates majorly overpay.

6) Coco Crisp: Coco Crisp is another outfielder that just could not find any love this offseason in the free agent market. The 37-year old switch hitter has been a very solid hitter his whole career, and has proven to be a good bench option the last few seasons, even starting a pretty good bit for the AL Champion Indians at the latter portion of last season. What Coco Crisp can provide you, besides possibly the coolest name in the MLB, is consistency. He isn't a great player either way, but he is solid enough to fill-in a spot in order to help a team stay afloat. In addition to that, you can never have enough switch hitters, especially veteran ones who have proven their ability to hit from both sides of the dish. Between that and the fact that he is still a good athlete in the outfield, I could certainly see the Pirates entertaining this idea.

It is difficult to figure out whether the Pirates even sign an outfielder externally, and if they would, which one they bring in. Would they want a consistent defender, an expert baserunner, a veteran outfielder with a cannon arm, or someone that does all these things at least decently. You also have to wonder whether they want a lefty batter, a righty batter, a switch hitter, or if it doesn't even matter. There are a lot of factors that come into play here as to what the Pirates will do in the outfield until Marte gets back. Now, there are no superstars or even star players hanging out there for the Pirates to nab and expect production similar to Marte. However, there are some players out there that make you cringe less watching them play outfield as opposed to the guys currently on the roster.

Pirates aren't even close to sunk yet

The Pirates are mired in an early season slump to the likes of which Pirates fans should be used to by now. They have recently accomplished the rare feat of getting swept twice in two days technically (swept by Reds, lost makeup game in Boston to complete that sweep). The only wins so far have come against the likely cellar-dwellers of the NL, the Braves, in still competitive games. 

I can see why people are angry after seeing last year's underachievement from the Pirates and expecting to see better this season. However, things don't always start the way you envision them to. Overall, this Pirates team has, admittedly, not looked at all how they should, but there are certainly things to point out that make it seem as if this team can still do just fine. 

1) It's (really) early: A baseball season is 162 games; the Pirates have played 9. Given in percentage form, they have only played roughly 5.5% of their games. In another perspective, the percentage of games the Pirates have played so far is a lesser percentage than 1 game in an NFL season (1 game = about 6.25% of the season). In comparison to the NFL, the Pirates have literally not played a full game yet. The MLB season is long and you have to let it simmer a bit. Wait until late-May or early-June to make judgement. 

2) Previous examples: Throughout history, poor starts have meant little. The biggest one in recent memory being Giants starting 4-10 and eventually winning it all. As for the Pirates, poor starts in 2014 and 2015 particularly didn't keep them from achieving postseason status and, in 2015, the second most wins in the league even. Every year, the standings in April and May look like garbage and nothing like they look in July, August, or September. 

3) Schedule gets easier: Its no secret the Pirates schedule was loaded in April. Started with the Red Sox in Fenway, facing the Yankees at home, and throw the Cubs in there twice as well. After April, the strength of schedule gets easier. They still have to go out and win the games, but there's no reason to think that they can't win 17 or 18 games in at least one of these months if they perform to their potential. 

4) Stats: Pirates have been the kings of bad BABIP so far (basically hitting the ball hard but right at people) and their RISP numbers have been well-below where any team can ever be. As for pitching, many of those numbers that aren't looking inspiring right now will eventually work itself out as usual as well. It's easy so see that these downward numbers will eventually rebound back to where it should be, and when that does occur, the Pirates could reel off a nice stretch of games with a good bit of wins being threaded together.

5) It's literally only 3-6: Yes, it's just what it sounds. It's literally only 3-6. Every team goes through stretches like this, some teams even get it worse than that. If this happens in July or August, there maybe some level of concern by some, but since it's at the outset of the season, it's majorly overblown. 

Let's get real here guys, it's 9 games. There really isn't too much to get worked up over quite yet. So, relax on the "fire everyone and sell the team" talk because it's just lost breath and probably an argument that won't be relevant in a month anyways. The best thing to do is just let the season actually get rolling and then make major judgements as we get around the 70 game mark. This MLB season will have so many twists and turns that it is best to not worked up too badly this early in the process. 

2017 MLB predictions

As we embark on what should be another intense, heart-threnching, and exciting MLB season, everyone is lining up to take their shot at predicting just which teams will make the playoffs and eventually win the World Series. Not surprisingly, I am going to take a shot at this too. 

Now, I will start in the AL then shift to the NL after that. I will go division by division and then at the end of all of that, go through the playoffs. 

AL East:

Red Sox

Blue Jays

Rays

Orioles

Yankees 

Synopsis: To nobody's surprise, I have the Red Sox winning this division. That rotation is top notch and the offense isn't bad either. Red Sox will run away with it, in my opinion. What might be more shocking to some is the Rays in 3rd and the Yankees in last. Firstly the Rays; I like that rotation led by Chris Archer and Jake Odorizzi. Alex Cobb could shape back into form and young Blake Snell and incoming Jose De Leon will be special. As for the Yankees, I just don't think 2017 is their year. Yankees are primed for big things in 2018 and beyond, but it will take some growing pains to get there. 

AL Central

Indians

Twins 

Royals

Tigers

White Sox

Synopsis: Again, to nobody's surprise, I have the Indians running away with this division. Like Boston, the rotation and offense will carry them. However, the Indians bullpen, led by Andrew Miller, is dominant too. More surprising is the Twins in second, I must say. The Twins were projected to be good last year but ended up being pretty awful. However, I think the Twins will have some bounce back players that'll help them. My bold prediction here is that Byung Ho Park breaks out a bit. Overall, Royals and Tigers will be average while the White Sox continue to tank, eventually leading to round two of unloading, including Quintana being shipped elsewhere. 

AL West

Astros

Rangers

Mariners

A's

Angels 

Synopsis: This is the division where I have three playoff teams. I believe the Astros added enough offense to help cover their pitching that I think exceeds most expectations and turns out okay (I also see them grabbing Quintana and a reliever or two in July to push them). As for the Rangers, they have pitching issues, and I think that kills them somewhat. They get through with their offense and a healthy Yu Darvish to go with Cole Hamels. Mariners may also have pitching troubles, but I think it's okay in the AL West. The key for them is to get Felix Hernandez right. But I like what Dipoto has done to get this group to a contending position. As for the A's and Angels, they'll be bad (Angels especially). 

NL East

Mets

Nationals

The 

Marlins

Braves

Phillies 

Synopsis: I love the Mets rotation. The problem with them is staying healthy. But any rotation led by Syndergaad and deGrom is in good shape no matter what. Getting a healthy Matz, a healthy Wheeler, and a bounce back from Harvey would be incredible for them. Even if it doesn't all pan out, Gsellman is a solid option for them. As for the Nats, I like a lot about them but that bullpen is a major question. Another concern will be Strasburg's health as they lost a lot of starting depth by trading away Giolito and Lopez. Marlins will be average at best while the Braves show some improvement, and the Phillies only show marginal improvement or decline. 

NL Central 

Cubs

Pirates

Cardinals

Reds

Brewers

Synopsis: Another no shocker as I have the Cubs winning this division with ease. I see this division overall being weaker than we are used to seeing. Pirates and Cards tread water for much of the year, finishing with identical records but missing the postseason. I think the Reds show some improvement but not much this season. Brewers have an awful year but it will pay off later as their minor leagues look really strong. 

NL West

Dodgers 

Giants

Rockies

Diamondbacks 

Padres 

Synopsis: Dodgers will, once again, win the NL West. I like their chances with the best of the best out there in Clayton Kershaw. The rest of the rotation could be an issue, but they have so many arms that I think they'll cover for whatever they need. Rich Hill continuing his re-emergence is key for them though. Another key for them will be Yasiel Puig. Puig getting back to being a very good player would help an inconsistent Dodgers' lineup. Giants will have a great team again led by a great rotation with Bumgarner and Cueto front lining it. Offensive inconsistencies keep the Giants out of a division title and into the wildcard again. Rockies show good improvement after a big offseason but miss out on the playoffs while the Diamondbacks and Padres have a rough go of it.   

Now for my playoff predictions. 

AL WC:

Rangers over Mariners

ALDS

Red Sox over Rangers in 3

Indians over Astros in 4

ALCS

Red Sox over Indians in 7

NL WC

Giants over Nationals

NLDS

Cubs over Giants in 5

Mets over Dodgers in 5

NLCS

Cubs over Mets in 6

World Series

Red Sox over Cubs in 6

Synopsis: Yes, I have the Red Sox winning it all this year. As I previously mentioned, that rotation is something else, and every facet of their team is elite. I think they have more than enough to win it all this season. 

Pirates Preview: Bench

The Pirates bench situation got interesting in light of the news that Jung Ho Kang was denied a work visa to come to the United States. This pushes David Freese into a situation where he will mainly man third base, giving the Pirates another spot on the bench. Here, I will look into who the 5 bench players will be and delve more into that player. Additionally, I will look at some bench snubs and why they didn't make it. 

1) Chris Stewart: Assuming Stewart is healthy, he will undoubtedly be the Pirates backup catcher. There's not much to say about Stewart; he's a backup catcher and a solid one at that. The one interesting thing people look into is whether he will catch for Gerrit Cole again because Cole's numbers are, in all technicalities, better with Stewart behind the dish. I personally don't support that, but do the Pirates support it is what matters, and it seems like they did for awhile in 2015. Do they go back to that? We'll see. 

2) John Jaso: John Jaso has, once again, increased his number of roles by learning how to play outfield. While he will be limited to a bench spot because of the emergence of Josh Bell, I get the sense Jaso will see playing time, either in the OF and/or as a defensive replacement at 1B late in games with the latter being more prevalent. Jaso, despite the negative opinions of how he played, actually put forth one of his better offensive seasons in 2016 as well as learning a new defensive position seemingly instantaneously (it wasn't instantaneous but it felt like it didn't it?). I expect Jaso will be a nice bench piece and defensive sub that starts occasionally, but that's all he needs to be. 

3) Adam Frazier: While I swear there is a group of fans that may picket in front of PNC Park if Frazier doesn't start at 2nd base, the reality is that he will likely be a utility player for the Pirates but will receive a lot of playing time anyway. He has that spark plug feel to him with his speed and his seemingly natural ability to hit when the team needs him in a pinch. I think he can succeed in his role, and him being successful would really benefit the Pirates. 

4) Phil Gosselin: Gosselin was acquired by the Pirates in the late portion of the offseason in exchange for Frank Duncan. Gosselin was acquired to fill a super utility role similar to what Sean Rodriguez did with the Pirates. He can play in the outfield and most of the infield spots, so he is most certainly a "super utility" player. The main places we will likely see him are 3B, SS, and OF, if I had to guess. He can backup to Freese or Mercer and can play OF if needed as well. While his defense is good, his bat can help out too. He was actually a productive bench player with the Diamondbacks the last few years. Gosselin won't be a world-beater by any stretch, but he will do what the Pirates ask of him and do it well, which is just what you want in a player like that. 

5) Alen Hanson: The Alen Hanson situation is difficult. He has no options left so he has to make the 25-man roster or be exposed to waivers where he'd stand a decent chance of being picked up. So it's basically "use him or lose him" regarding Hanson. However, the situation with him became easier with Jung Ho Kang's situation getting foggy. Since that opened up a bench spot, the Pirates do not need to make an immediate choice with him as they can have him on the roster easily now. Moreover, has had a good spring, which helps. 

Now, Alen Hanson can play some infield and some outfield but the defense leaves some to be desired wherever he plays. His good qualities are that he is very speedy and can hit some. He's been a slow-developing prospect based on inconsistencies, but he still has loads of talent that he will get a chance to put all together in 2017 when the pressure is really on him to perform well. 

The Pirates bench was very productive last year with unexpected strong performances by Joyce, Freese, and Rodriguez. Not many benches can match that, so let's not expect anything like that from this bench. However, this bench has a lot of flexibility and some potential to be very productive.