Bucs Trade Winds

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Sports Minute (Or So)
2008-02-17 21:50:00
  The National Lampoon Sports Minute (Or So) Written by Steve Hofstetter, Keith Alberstadt, Adam Hofstetter, Cody Marley, Ryan Murphy, Elliot Steingart, and Chris Strait Nolan Ryan has agreed to become the Texas Rangers' new president, making him the best pitcher in the organization. Brian McNamee promised he can prove that Roger Clemens took steroids because he has several old syringes and bloody gauze.  If true, the items will prove both Clemens' guilt and McNamee's creepiness. Thankfully, McNamee had saved them as a Valentine's Day gift for Amy Winehouse. Pirates right-hander Tony Armas has agreed to a minor league contract with the New York Mets, because the minor leagues are a step up. Memphis coach Marc Iavaroni defended trading Pau Gasol to the Lakers, saying it was best for the team. He's right, assuming that team is the Lakers. Isiah Thomas is reportedly trying to trade for badly injured forward Jermaine O'Neal. Thomas'...

Out Sick
2008-02-17 21:42:00
Sorry peeps, been sick as of late. Hopefully will rebound soon.Leave your opinion in the BTW Forum, win a bobblehead.Register for the forum here:http://forum.bucstradewinds.net/inde x.cgi?action=register
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2008 Sim, The Streak Ends BIG Time
2008-02-13 21:10:00
The Pittsburgh Pirates lose to the dreaded Yankees 4-1, not in interleague play, but in the 2008 World Series. According to MLBScoop.com's 2008 sims, using Out of the Park Baseball, the first run had the Pirates as NL Central and NL Champion. The Pirates won on the strength of pitching while compiling a 92-70 mark in the regular season. Fearing a fluke, MLBScoop reran the sim with a similar result. Our beloved Bucco's ran up another 92 win season, only to lose to Arizona in the Divisional Series. Now that I have downloaded the software used by MLBScoop, I will perform my own sims to see if I can figure out how 92 seems to be the destined win total. From a quick sim I ran, it looked as if the primary catalysts are Gorzy, Snell, Capps and LaRoche. In a quick sim to get familiar with the software LaRoche had 40+ homers and 100+ rbi's. After I run a few sims, I will post the results and hopefully have some clue into how this could happen for real in 2008. I...
More About: Time , Ends

Doug M Finally a Buc
2008-02-12 01:36:00
Today Pittsburgh Pirates GM Neal Huntington announced the free agent signing of Doug Mientkiewicz.BTW Take:After years of DM being rumored, he finally is a Bucco. There is only one reason I dislike this signing...SPELLING HIS NAME.This will add an experienced bat to the bench who has a very nice glove for late inning double switches and defensive substitutions. Overall, this is a low risk signing since it is a minor league deal. It also strengthens a very weak bench.
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Sports Minute (Or So)
2008-02-07 21:48:00
    The National Lampoon Sports Minute (Or So) Written by Steve Hofstetter, Keith Alberstadt, Adam Hofstetter, Cody Marley, Ryan Murphy, Elliot Steingart, and Chris Strait A judge ruled that jailed Michael Vick can keep nearly $20 million in bonus money he received from the Atlanta Falcons. Vick was relieved, as he's got a really big dogfight coming up. Chad Johnson is very upset at the Bengals, making him a true Cincinnati resident. NHL player Nik Antropov was suspended for 3 games for throwing his stick at officials.  Fortunately the stick landed in the stands, where there was no one to injure. Alyssa Milano has begun to blog for the NHL. Because she ran out of baseball players. World ice-dancing champion Maxim Staviski has received a 2 1/2-year prison sentence for a drunken driving accident. A guy in a spandex unitard in prison. Nothing could go wrong there. Former Olympic canoeing champion Frantisek Capek has died of ...

Sanchez Deal To Be Announced Tuesday
2008-02-05 07:01:00
Freddy Sanchez will be under contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates through the 2010 season pending a physical Tuesday morning.  Financial terms are speculated at this point but the deal is a two year contract with a third year option that can be guaranteed based on Sanchez's performance over the first two years of the contract.  The triggers are believed to be very attainable. Sanchez was to become a free agent after the 2009 season, this contract will go one year into his free agent years. BTW Take: Good for Freddy.  I don't believe he will finish the contract with the Pirates, he will be traded long before the contract ends.  Hopefully he won't be traded until he locks in the third season of the deal, that would keep his value high and the Pirates might get some good talent in return for him.   Visit the BTW Forum to discuss this post and possibly win a Bob Walk Bobble Head. Register for the forum here: http://forum.bucstradewinds.net/inde...
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Quick Hits - Bako, Sanchez, Olmedo and Links
2008-02-03 07:54:00
Bako Slap Yet another slap in the face to the Pittsburgh Pirates organization.  Paul Bako has agreed to a minor league deal with the Cincinnati Reds.  He did receive a spring training invite, but has no shot of going north with the Reds unless injury takes toll on the Reds catchers. BTW Take: This is a blessing in no disguise.  Bako would be as valuable to the Pirates as resigning Cota.    Three More Years A Freddy Sanchez 3 year deal could be announced as early as Tuesday according to the Post-Gazette. BTW Take: Freddy has the type of bat that will remain productive past his prime.  Health will still be an issue though.  The three year deal makes Freddy more tradable, especially if he is batting north of .300 come trade deadline(s).  I don't expect Freddy to be a Pirate for all three years of the deal.   Rainer Delay The Pirates signed Rainer Olmedo off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays.  Rainers stats don't look too...
More About: Links , Quick , Hits , Bako

Sports Minute (Or So)
2008-02-01 00:33:00
  The National Lampoon Sports Minute (Or So) Written by Steve Hofstetter, Keith Alberstadt, Adam Hofstetter, Cody Marley, Ryan Murphy, Elliot Steingart, and Chris Strait New York Knicks coach Isiah Thomas' 19-year-old son was arrested for underage drinking. His father immediately signed him to a six-year contract. The news is especially unfortunate because everything had been going so well for Isiah. Heat center Shaquille O'Neal has indicated that he will keep playing basketball for at least two more years. The rap world is thrilled. Nike's new Jordan 23s will cost $230 a pair. You may think that's extravagant but $115 of that goes directly to Michael Jordan's ex-wife. Wow, $230 for shoes. To afford that, you'd pretty much have to be a habitual gambler. An arbitrator ruled that Terrell Owens owes the Philadelphia Eagles $800,000 in signing bonus money. Owens can earn this simply by skipping his next overdose. Terrell Owens reportedly exchanged phone number...

Bedard Ramification
2008-01-28 20:43:00
The Erik Bedard to Seattle deal should signify the end of the Mariner-Pirates rumors. Right?  Probably yes... But wait! The rumors are not done yet. Let's look at some facts about the rumored deal: Adam "Don't Call Me Pacman" Jones was scheduled to be the starting right fielder for Seattle. The Pirates still have a wealth of corner outfielders they are looking to move.  Nady would likely be a good fit for the Mariners, but Bay may intrigue the M's if they have anything left in the cupboard.  Seattle is part of Canada right? Peter Angelos has yet to approve the deal that send Bedard to Seattle. In other words, Ian Snell is still in play for Seattle, Angelos is notorious for flexing his muscles by nixing deals such as this. Another thought concerning Snell. Plenty of teams are looking for a frontline starter. After a potential Bedard trade, and potentially a Santana to the Mets deal, a few higher profile teams will focus on the Snell availability.  Basically a...

DL or NH?
2008-01-25 23:48:00
Who made this quote? "It comes back to most of our guys are younger and, statistically, it is rational to expect them to be better. They should be getting better. We have a number of players -- and they'd be the first to admit this -- who underperformed. Look, we're not preaching that this team is going to contend. We can't do that. But we can say it will be better. How much better? It's going to be very, very interesting to see." Answer here.

Trade Winds - Snell and Nady
2008-01-25 21:14:00
Mariner Snell ? The Seattle Post Intelligencer is reporting Seattle Mariners GM Bill Bavasi has made another "final" offer to the Pittsburgh Pirates regarding Ian Snell.  Bavasi has also made "final" offers to Minnesota for Santana and Baltimore for Bedard.  He is quoted as saying, "I don't think the offers will be beaten. Either they come here, or (those teams) will keep their players." Bavasi was also quoted as saying, "We're talking about a real rare animal. For us, the most important thing is a top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher. Not a No. 2 or No. 3 or No. 4. But there is a limit to what we will move." There is no mention in the article who may have been offered. BTW Take: This is likely the best offer the Pirates will receive for Snell.  If nothing else, Snell should feel honored to be mentioned in the same breath as Santana.  If multiple top prospects are part of the deal, Huntington should seriously consider saying yes.  This could explain the ras...
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Wright Move, Fossum and Chacon
2008-01-25 00:16:00
The latest free agent signings of Jaret Wright and Casey Fossum are smart gambles on the side of the Pirates. Let me temper that by saying I was also a fan of the Armas and Duckworth signings the last couple years. The reasoning is the same, only the names have changed. Why am I a fan of these moves? Beyond an insanity plea, they are low risk gambles with potential future value. If Armas was handled correctly by the previous regime, the ties would have been cut early on when it was obvious to anyone watching the gamble would not pay dividends. Duckworth never had the chance to show his worth in Pittsburgh, we'll never know how that could have turned out. I have a feeling Fossum will play out in a similar manner. He doesn't excite me, really he never has. Jaret Wright is a different story, I had the chance to see him pitch quite a few times when he was with Cleveland. I have been very high on him for a long time, shoulder issues have been his downfall. Guess he'll fit in w...
More About: Move

Sports Minute (Or So)
2008-01-24 23:06:00
   The National Lampoon Sports Minute (Or So)Written by Steve Hofstetter, Keith Alberstadt, Adam Hofstetter, Cody Marley, Ryan Murphy, Elliot Steingart, and Chris StraitDan Marino's cell phone went off twice on a CBS' Sprint Halftime Report. Turns out it was Tom Brady and Eli Manning, calling to rub it in.The Super Bowl is set with the Giants and the Patriots. It's about time New York and Boston had some kind of rivalry.Muhammad Ali Enterprises is launching an official online store. Details are still shaky.The good news is that Justine Henin and Maria Sharapova battled at the Australian Open. The bad news is they were both fully clothed.NCAA Division II will expand to Canada, in a new division known as the N-C-Eh-Eh.Bobby Knight has become the first men's Division I coach to reach 900 victories. Knight thanked IKEA.The Lakers' injury list continues to grow. Pretty soon, Kobe Bryant will run out of people to not pass to.And Miami baller Alonzo Mourning announced he may...

Sports Minute (Or So)
2008-01-19 17:54:00
 The National Lampoon Sports Minute (Or So)Written by Steve Hofstetter, Keith Alberstadt, Adam Hofstetter, Cody Marley, Ryan Murphy, Elliot Steingart, and Chris StraitThe Bejing Olympic torch will make an appearance in Tiananmen Square, before being crushed by a tank.Knicks coach Isiah Thomas has said that all of his players are "untouchable." Much like plague victims and lepers. Despite this, Thomas believes that the women in the organization are plenty touchable.New Jersey Net Jason Kidd is having a child with his girlfriend. Kidd is excited to be credited with the assist.Congress called a special hearing to tell Major League Baseball to crack down on steroids. Because they've really got that whole war issue wrapped up.Sprinter Marion Jones has been sentenced to six months in prison. But with her speed, she'll be out in three.And double-amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius has said he will appeal his ban from competing in the Beijing Olympics. It's nice to hear he's still stu...

Contest Rules and Prize
2008-01-15 06:20:00
In a transparent attempt to jump start the BTW Forum, I am offering up possibly the ugliest bobble head ever. I am offering up The Bob Walk Bobble Head given out the same night as the 1st Pirates Fans For Change Green Shirt Protest.You may ask, "How could I win such a valuable prize?"I will answer, "Simply join the forum and post like crazy."I will set up a reader poll with the top posters and anyone who submits posts that are nominated by another user. Also, the creators of the most read and most replied to threads will be included as nominees.Voting will take place between April 1st and April 21st, 2008. The winner will be announced after the poll closes. I will contact the winner via email for shipping info. The winner will also earn the title "BTW Idol 2008".Register for the forum here:http://forum.bucstradewinds.net/inde x.cgi?action=register
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Merry Christmas
2007-12-26 04:18:00
I wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas before the day was over. I am on the road visiting family and just snuck out for quick post . I hope the day was outstanding for everyone.Leave your opinion in the BTW Forum.Register for the forum here:http://forum.bucstradewinds.net/inde x.cgi?action=register
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Pirates Sign 3 Minor Leaguers
2007-12-21 23:04:00
The Pirates signed three minor league players today, as well as juggled the scouting department a bit.   BTW Take: Don't get too excited from the article in the PG.  Mike Thompson - RP - 27 - Primarily a starter in the minors, spent some time in the pen in San Diego in 2007.  A career 4.73 ERA in the Minor s. Scouting report from sportsnet.ca: Assets: Uses good breaking stuff to induce plenty of groundball outs. Equally effective against hitters from both sides. Flaws: Needs to get ahead in the count early and gain stamina to remain effective beyond the fifth or sixth inning. Potential: Decent late-rotation righty.   Michel Hernandez - C - 29 - A career .260 hitter in the minors.  Not much more can be said.   Miguel Perez - C - 24 -  The PG points out a .322 average last season.  Don't be fooled.  He is a career .269 hitter in the minors.  It looks as if he was coming back from injury last season, he played in GCL, A and AA. ...
More About: Sign , Irate

In Case You Have Missed It...
2007-12-21 19:02:00
Pat at WHYGAVS has a great multi-part story up entitled "It's a Miserable Life".  Here is a link to PART 1 and PART 2.  Go check it out, it is definitely worth the read.  Great job Pat.   MLB Offices are closed next week, very little of interest will be happening, so posts may be few and far between over the next week.    Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays and Happy New Years to all.   One Post to expect is December 27th, celebrating 1 year of BTW.
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If You Don't Have the NFL Network
2007-12-21 04:49:00
Visit NFL.com, they have a live broadcast going for Steelers/Rams, look for the NFL.COM/LIVE Broadcast companion link.  This link might work.
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Link-O-Rama and What They Mean.
2007-12-20 22:10:00
Just Prove It Jerry Crasnick runs down position by position who has something to prove in 2008 in his article "Those who have a lot to prove in '08" BTW Notes: Two Pirates are mentioned.  Jason Bay is a topic for the outfield.  Zach Duke gets an honorable mention for pitchers.   He Ate What? Poor Jonathan Papelbon, his dog ate his ball.  BTW Notes: Sounds painful, but his dog, Boss, ate the ball from the final out of the 2007 World Series.   Phil the Jenkins Geoff Jenkins will be signing/has signed a 2 year deal with the Phillies.  Jenkins had been in discussions with San Diego to round out their outfield. BTW Take: Expect the Bay to San Diego rumors to start again.  This opens the door for one of the Pirates outfielders to be traded to the Padres.  Rumors have mentioned Nady, McLouth and Duffy in addition to Bay recently.  Considering the fact San Diego now has 2 starting outfielders who bat left handed, look for a right handed bat to ...
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Sports Minute (Or So)
2007-12-20 20:48:00
The National Lampoon Sports Minute (Or So)Written by Steve Hofstetter, Keith Alberstadt, Adam Hofstetter, Cody Marley, Ryan Murphy, Elliot Steingart, and Chris StraitThe New York Knicks paid Anucha Browne Sanders $11.5 million to settle her lawsuit. Makes sense - the Knicks paying millions to someone who can't play basketball.Wayne Huzienga says he'd be willing to sell the Dolphins, or trade them for a pro football team.The 2012 U.S. Olympic track and field trials will be held in Eugene. A somewhat frazzled Eugene could not be reached for comment.Alex Rodriguez said that he and agent Scott Boras are not speaking to each other. It may last the whole season, but A-Rod plans to cave in October.Roger Clemens has denied he used steroids and said he'd love to meet his accuser face to oversized face.In 2009, George Steinbrenner High School opens in Tampa and for the first time, Steinbrenner will be associated with the grossly underpaid. The school principal has already been fired four t...

Second Fiddle Again, Durbin to Phils
2007-12-20 03:09:00
After pursuing Durbin in a trade with Detroit, prior to Durbin being non-tendered by the Tigers, the Pirates have lost out a second time.  Durbin will be signing with the Phillies.  This will be the second time in a week the Pirates have come up short in the bidding for a free agent pitcher.  Last week the Pirates were outbid for the services of Luis Vizcaino by the Rockies. Other bits: The Pirates have come to terms with two pitchers signing minor league deals.  Adam Bernero, 31, a right handed starter.  Also, Kuwatamania reigns.  Masumi Kuwata agreed to terms on a minor league deal. In the same article... The Pirates are not one of a dozen teams interested in Prior.  Read the line a few times, since it is worded oddly. Chacon and Dotel are on the radar.  Which one will be strike three on the free agent front?

The Cubs Say, "Thanks"
2007-12-18 23:57:00
This must be a thank you from the Cubs for the Ramirez deal. Former Pirates general manager Dave Littlefield has resurfaced in Major League Baseball. Littlefield was hired today by the Chicago Cubs as a professional scout. If he landed on any other team, this would not be as interesting.  But the Cubs salvaging his carcass is an easy target. Let the shots begin in the comment section or in the forum!!!!

Some Fun at The Mother Ships Expense
2007-12-18 07:40:00
All apologies to Ms. Langosh on this, but I have to respond to the following questions quite differently that she did in the weekly Q&A at pirates.com.  I will post select questions she responded to, you can read her answers in the Q&A, I will post my answer here.   Why would the Pirates even consider trading Jason Bay? With four young pitchers ready to have a breakout year and as offensively challenged as this club is every year, why would we trade our biggest offensive threat?-- Jeff M., St. Clairsville, Pa.   Any chance the Pirates go after some of the players who were recently non-tendered by their former teams? Seems to me like Dallas McPherson, if healthy, is exactly what the Pirates need in a left-handed-hitting slugger to play third base.-- Noah K., Upper St. Clair, Pa.   Do you think there is any chance the Pirates will consider signing Kevin Mench? I think he would be a great addition to the outfield and has great clubhouse character. Watching...
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Random Madness
2007-12-16 17:23:00
Indians Deal? Once again in case anyone missed the post, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer: In the Bay negotiations, it's believed Lee and catcher Kelly Shoppach were never involved in the deal. Pirates GM Neal Huntington was more interested in acquiring three to five of the Tribe's top prospects. The funny thing about trades, no team completely fesses up to what might have happened.  Considering all the other moves Huntington has made so far, I would lean more towards what came from the Plain Dealer than the Post-Gazette.  Why?  Look at most of the acquisitions so far, they are mostly hard throwing minor league pitchers.  It looks as if Huntington is looking at building the farm with prospects and highly tradable commodities.  In other words, he is grabbing all the hard throwers he can find.  Overall, a smart move compared to DL's fascination with control pitchers.   San Diego Deal? The latest from the San Diego front?  Well, i...
More About: Random , Madness

More Mitchell Thoughts
2007-12-16 05:58:00
After reading through some of the report, only falling asleep 409 times. That was on the first page alone. I started searching on names, surprisingly there is not one mention of Sammy Sosa.Is it now unfair to include his name in the steroid conversation? He has never admitted to using, that I am aware of. His lone discretion was forgetting English during the steroid hearings.I am sure there are some other "missing" names. Exactly how complete is this report? As I said yesterday, just because a player is not mentioned, don't assume he is clean.Leave your opinion in the BTW Forum.Register for the forum here:http://forum.bucstradewinds.net/inde x.cgi?action=register
More About: Thoughts , Mitchell

Random Madness - Mitchell Report
2007-12-14 07:26:00
Grin and Barrett The San Diego Union-Tribune is still touting the interest in Bay, Nady and McLouth.  I find it interesting Duffy's name has not been involved in the discussions.  I'll have to make a call and see if his name is one of the minor leaguers rumored in the possible Barrett deal.   Mitchell Report My thought on the Mitchell Report? The important thing to remember is the names in the report are the ones Mitchell discovered by primarily talking to two sources.  Yes, Mitchell spoke to many clubhouse people, but the names came from two "dealers".  Just because your favorite players were not included, don't for one second think this clears their names.  The 87 names mentioned is a far cry from the entire list, just the ones who were outted.  The Mitchell investigation was far from a complete sweep of the league.  I would guarantee there are many more players who spent the last few nights waking in a cold sweat or having...
More About: Random , Madness

Sports Minute (Or So)
2007-12-14 01:21:00
The National Lampoon Sports Minute (Or So)Written by Steve Hofstetter, Keith Alberstadt, Adam Hofstetter, Cody Marley, Ryan Murphy, Elliot Steingart, and Chris StraitJob finding site Monster.com just bought a Super Bowl ad. Hopefully, Eric Mangini will be watching the game. Well, we know he won't be coaching in it.Injured Buffalo Bills tight end Kevin Everett is now walking on his own. Everett already has more mobility than half of his teammates. Everett first stood up during a Bills game - to change the channel.David Beckham was given the job of the official backstage photographer for the Spice Girls, only to miss the concert with an injury.Forbes named the New York Knicks the NBA's most valuable franchise. This thrilled the team's majority stock holder, Anucha Browne Sanders.Goodletsville, Tennessee's Brandon Coppinger is officially the best NASCAR video game player, winning the EA Sports Craftsman Challenge. He is truly the best at simulating left turns. Maybe next year he ca...

Happy Mitchell Report Day!
2007-12-13 17:09:00
Well, this will rule the news for the next couple days...enjoy.   I can only say, I hope he names golden boy Jeter and tarnishes the Yankee legacy.   Anyone care to guess how many of the 64 players named at Baseball Steroids Era will be named in the report?
More About: Report , Happy , Mitchell

Non-Tendered FA's
2007-12-13 08:05:00
I have red typed some interesting non-Tender s below.  Leave some comments in the forum or in the comments field.   From ESPN news wire: NEW YORK -- The 43 players who became free agents when their teams failed to offer 2008 contracts Wednesday:< ^AMERICAN LEAGUE= BALTIMORE (2) -- Cory Doyne, rhp; Roberto Novoa, rhp. BOSTON (1) -- Brendan Donnelly, rhp. CHICAGO (2) -- Andy Gonzalez, inf; Heath Phillips, lhp. DETROIT (1) -- Chad Durbin, rhp. KANSAS CITY (1) -- Emil Brown, of. LOS ANGELES (1) -- Dallas McPherson, inf. MINNESOTA (1) -- Jason Tyner, of NEW YORK (4) -- Bronson Sardinha, of; T.J. Beam, rhp; Matt DeSalvo, rhp; Darrell Rasner, rhp. OAKLAND (2) -- Kiko Calero, rhp; Jose Garcia, rhp. SEATTLE (1) -- John Parrish, lhp. TEXAS (2) -- Nick Gorneault, of; Akinori Otsuka, rhp. TORONTO (1) -- Josh Towers, rhp. ------= ^NATIONAL LEAGUE= ATLANTA (1) -- Willie Harris, of. CHICAGO (1) -- Mark Prior, rhp. CINCINNATI (2) -- Jerry Gil, ss; Brad Salmon, rhp. COLORADO (...