Nutting's Second Chance - Will He Take It?

Everyone makes mistakes. Everyone fails to grab an opportunity now and then. Most of the time, we’re stuck with regret.  Rarely do we get a “do-over.”

HOWEVER, sometimes in life we do get a second chance.  And when that happens, you’ve got to take it.

Bob Nutting is lucky indeed. He had a chance to change the complexion of the Pirates organization. He didn’t take it. Now, he’s got a second chance.  Will he do the right thing?

A Chat With Frank!

Greetings, friends. It’s  been some time since I’ve posted, what with the ups and downs of the Pirates season pulling us in so many directions – or one direction unfortunately!  As we all know, this was the year that saw a monumental collapse by our Buccos – they became the only team in history to go from 16 games ABOVE .500 to their 20^th non-winning season in a row.

I wanted to get to the bottom of all this. How could this happen two times in a row? The Pirates’ owner, Bob Nutting, angrily assured us changes were coming and hinted strongly that no one’s job was safe. But then a week or so later, the Pirates’ president Frank Coonelly came out with his own statement. He was grim and determined to get to the bottom of the team’s troubles.

Well, color me impressed! Frank’s strong words and gritty determination made it clear that the team’s brass was going to address the team’s issues. No stone would be left unturned in their investigation! I had a chance to talk with Frank C (or “Grim_FrankC on Twitter) to talk about the situation.

Pirates 2012: A Periodic Assessment (4 of 8)

Well, we are just over the half-way point of the season with the All Star Game in just two days. In our first and second periodic assessments, we focused on the Pirates’ need for some offense and pretty much indicted the GM for failing to address obvious needs during the offseason. In our last assessment, we noted that a sea-change seemed to be underway, in that the Pirates were more than holding their own and just a few games out of first place.

Today our Buccos are eleven games over .500.  In the last week, they beat up on a poor team (the Astros) and won two of three from a good one (the Giants). They are in first place and playing solid baseball offensively and defensively, and in their last game before the break, they made a definitive statement that they are to be taken seriously – a 13-2 pummeling of the Giants.  Best of all, they appear here to stay - I don't think we'll see a collapse like last year.

Pirates 2012: A Periodic Assessment (Part 3 of 8)

In the last assessment at the quarter season mark, I noted that things seemed pretty steady state with the Bucs. They were still two games under .500, holding their own through solid pitching and McCutchen, but besides a few signs of life from the offense, not much else to report.

Well, times have changed.

The Pirates are now in first place. They are five games over .500. They are executing a more balanced offensive attack, though still heavily reliant on McCutchen - dangerously so. It remains a mystery to me why opposing teams aren't simply pitching around him but for whatever reason, they aren't.

What WOULD Syd do?

"Losers make excuses; Winners find a way.”  Syd Thrift, former GM, Pittsburgh Pirates

How can you not love this guy?

This post isn’t a backdoor “let’s bash Neal Huntington” entry.  The Pirates are three games out, the hitting is showing some life, and we’re in “wait and see” mode to see what Huntington does to keep the Pirates in contention, and maybe even put them over the top. 

This post is about Syd Thrift, the Pirates’ general manager from 1985-1988, who in three years turned a pathetic franchise into a contender that would go on to win three division titles in a row.  Thrift was a great baseball character, a long-time baseball man, and a man who knew – and spoke – his mind. There aren’t many like him.

It’s inevitable, though, that in looking at Syd’s accomplishments in three years, one can’t help but wonder if there are lessons for the current GM, particularly at this promising time. 

Pirates 2012: A Periodic Assessment (Part 2 of 8)

Well, not much to cover here because I summed up my views at the quarter mark in my last piece, focusing on the need for a new GM. I gave Neal Huntington credit for pitching, but noted that the inexplicable lack of effort seriously to address the offensive side of the equation, combined with his abysmal record in that regard over almost five years now, means it's time for a more proven leader.

I guess I can see the argument, though, for letting things play out a little longer. The team is exactly where it was when I wrote the first of these eight assessments - two games under .500. But no one should be satisfied with that. With the pitching we have, it IS fair to ask, why aren't we taking the bull by the horns and asserting ourselves in the Central dvision? The goal of the game isn't mediocrity; it's winning, right? And with the pitching we have, why aren't we?

Sorry Neal, But It's over

I am sure he is a good guy who means well

By nature I am not a negative guy. I wish no ill on anyone. While often extremely frustrated, and always upset that the Pirates perennially fail to invest meaningfully in their major league product, I nevertheless tried my hardest to stay with the program as articulated, designed, and implemented by Pirates GM Neal Huntington.  Didn’t accept that it was the only way to resuscitate the franchise; but I tried to believe.

But Huntington has been the GM for four and a half years now. The Pirates have not progressed.  The Neal Huntington era has gone on too long, and it’s time to move on. He probably wasn’t the right guy in the first place. But let’s deal with the here and now. It’s time to let Neal Huntington seek greener pastures.

Pirates 2012: A Periodic Assessment (1 of 8)

(note: I think it’d be interesting to do periodic assessments of the Bucco season at key benchmarks – say eight times during the year at quarterly, and semi-quarterly intervals. This is the first of the eight planned assessments. )

Let’s talk record.

Fact is, Pirates are two games under .500. At the end of the day, that’s the stat that counts in the record books, and it seems to me that if the Bucs find themselves two games under .500 in July or August, most fans will be pretty ecstatic with a wild card perhaps a possibility.

Where Should Pedro Start the Season?

This post addresses a simple question:  Should Pedro Alvarez start the season on the major league club, or in AAA? More to the point, is there even ONE argument in favor of him going north with the club and starting in Pittsburgh?

I don’t think so. I can’t think of a single argument to support the idea that he should start in Pittsburgh out of spring training.  Let’s look at the possible arguments, and respond to each of them:

Spring Training: Surprises On The Horizon?

Well, here we are a week into spring training games, and I think it's time to ask two age-old questions: Can some would-be rookies earn a spot on the team? And even more interesting: is it possible for an incumbent STARTER to be unseated?

In an age of options, waivers, major league service requirements, and the like, it’s not clear that a hot youngster will make the major league roster. There is also the question of whether such a player would be better served by getting more playing time in the minors. 

Case in point: Matt Hague. He has, as most of us know, torn it up every year in the minors. He is having a great camp and has seen action at AAA. There may still be things for him to learn at the AAA level, but if he continues to tear up the camp the rest of the spring, the Bucs brass will have a decision on its hands. 

All About Pedro? Maybe Not

Over and over your hear it, or read it: it’s all about Pedro. If Pedro turns it around, the Buccos have a chance. Without him, well, just forget about the season right now.

I would love to see Pedro succeed.   He has only one full year under his belt, he has shown signs, his potential is obvious, and he wants to be a well-paid young man for a very long time. So the incentive is there, the talent is there, and he may end up justifying his enormous signing bonus.  We’d all love to see it and it would make a huge difference for the Pirates this year, and well into the future.

However, I do not agree with the oft-expressed view that “for the Pirates to succeed, Pedro must succeed.”  I don’t think it’s true, and I don’t think the Pirates’ management thinks so either.  In fact, I think they are planning around the possibility that he is NOT a significant part of their present - or their future.

Pirates' Offseason - Good But Incomplete

As one who is perpetually frustrated by the Pirates’ front office  – exacerbated after its failure to really support the team at last year’s trading deadline – it’s a pleasure to feel a bit optimistic for this coming season. I remain skeptical; we’re still talking a pretty minuscule payroll in baseball terms, and there were a lot of things they could have happened this offseason which didn’t get done.  We all watched, for example, as one potential 1B after another was taken off the board. And I am not talking about the Pujols and the Fielder types; they were never realistic. But the Penas, the Kotchmans, even the Cuddyers or Willinghams, were all grabbed up by teams not called the Pirates.

But let’s focus on what did get done. I would put it this way. Generically speaking, the Pirates had three big needs – bring strength and consistency up the middle; bolster the SP staff; and improve the offense. I would give them credit on two of these.

Tribute to the Great Matty Alou!

Hello, friends! I want to take a moment to pay a tribute to my all time favorite Pittsburgh Pirate, one Matty Alou.

 Matty died last November but at the time I was taking a hiatus from blogging. The Pirates' front office's failure to make any significant moves at the trading deadline really got to me. Opportunities are so fleeting...but anyway, I've revamped the blog and now I'm writing the post I've wanted to write for quite a few months now, which is to pay tribute to the late, great, Matty Alou.

Bucco Optimist Exclusive: Interview with Pittsburgh Author Lee Skirboll!

Well, we all know our Buccos have hit a “rough patch,” for lack of a better term.  Seems like since Jerry Meals things have been “downward trending,” and are a “cause for possible concern.” 

Of course all loyal readers of the Bucco Optimist Blog – including the NINE people who took the time to actually sign up as followers (one of whom is me) know that we’re not prone to giving up easily.  We can always find those silver linings – just think how rested Hanrahan will be for the stretch run, and what a GREAT job Pedro is doing in preserving his At Bats for the final playoff push!  


And we DO know when a great opportunity falls into our hands! And I had JUST such an opportunity last week, when I was in Pittsburgh and got to spent some time with Lee Skirboll, renowned Pittsburgh author whose recent book, “Cage Days,” is burning up the charts!  I loved it, and I think it’ll strike a chord with lotsa loyal Pittsburghers! It’s got the BO Seal of Approval!  

If the Bucs DO become buyers

If the Bucs DO become buyers….

…Who would they buy? That’s the question.

Looking at comments Neal Huntington has made and considering the Pirates’ overall situation, I’d suggest the following:

1.       They can take on salary, and will likely look to do that, rather than shed elite prospects. Neal has said repeatedly that he is looking to build a long-term “championship caliber” team, and that for a market the size of Pittsburgh, the resources will come internally.  He is as excited as anyone about the Pirates’ resurgence this year and he wants to seize the opportunity, I am sure; but I don’t think he’s ready to mortgage the future quite yet. 

18 Haikus Inspired By Our Pirates!!

Good morning Gang! Like all of you, I am excited as can be about the improved play of our Pirates. And like everyone else I am sure, I was inspired to write 18 Haikus in their honor! Why 18? Well, I explain it below, but when I was about 8, Matty Alou was in a batting race with Pete Rose. From the near empty stands at Forbes Field on a rainy, dreary night, I called out, "Come on, Matty, you can beat Rose!" and he turned around and gave me the most humble, and appreciative of smiles. That's all it took - hero for life! Even named my daughter Madeleine Lucille - or Maddie Lou for short. Maddie Lou - Matty Alou - you get the idea! So to help cheer on our boys, here's 18 Haikus!

All-Star Ballot Suggestions!

Hey Gang!

Happened to be at the Orioles – Nats game yesterday and FINALLY got a chance to get in my all-star ballot. The game was ok.  It’s always great to see Adam LaRoche, an old Pirates alum doing his June .174 batting average thing, out on the field.  Good times, just like the old days!  Anyhoo, thought I’d share my all-star selections with you guys, in case anyone was looking for guidance.

My only rule for myself was simple: be as impartial as possible. There are a lot of deserving players in the majors, and there’s a lot on the line. Given that our Buccos will probably be representing the NL in the World Series, I wanted to do EVERYTHING I could to help secure home-field advantage for the National League!

The Word - Straight From Bucco' PR Whiz Frank!

Hey gang!

Wow, what a few weeks it’s been! Being at or over .500 for two whole days…Ronny Cedeno asserting himself as our best hitter, just as I predicted a few weeks ago…and with the amateur draft coming up, there’s nothing but excitement with our favorite team! But I have to admit, after attending a recent game, I was a tiny bit worried.  Sure they lost, but their hearts were really in it so I wasn’t too upset about that.  But I did notice a few mental lapses – a couple fundamental breakdowns, so to speak – and yep, I was a bit concerned. We’re in a TOUGH division, and if we’re going to win the Division and not just settle for the wild card, we just can’t afford those kinds of mistakes!

So I did the logical thing and I contacted the Pirates’ Public Relations office. Well, believe me, when I identified myself – a MAJOR blogger with EIGHT followers - they were a bit intimidated and told me that their BEST PR guy would be getting back to me. And sure enough, soon after that an affable fellow named Frank called me back! He was FULL of new insights and observations, giving me SO MUCH NEW PERSPECTIVE on some of the players and issues! Here’s our conversation verbatim:

Frank, from the Pirates’ PR Office: Hello, I would like to speak with the Bucco Optimist please. My name is Frank and I am ready to answer any and all questions!

Me: Well hello Frank! You know you have a very familiar voice!

Frank: Oh no, you wouldn’t know me. I just toil away in the basement here on Federal Street, a completely unknown, nameless fella who just happens to be the guy they bring out for SPECIAL PR duties! I am a PR specialist – a master of the genre. Now, how can I help you?

Me: Okay, well here you go, Frank, let me get right to it. I was at a few games recently and I noticed some breakdowns in executing some fundamentals, like say, pitchers bunting foul with two strikes; players running to third with no outs and thrown out by a mile, and repeatedly failing to bring in guys in scoring position. So my question is: What gives? This isn’t what the world expects from our Buccos!

Frank: I am so glad you asked that. One second (shuffling of papers).

Me:  Do I hear some shuffling of papers?

Frank: Ah, yes, just trying to make sure I have the right answer to your GREAT question!

Me:  You mean, you have a script?

Frank: Oh no, of course not! DON’T get the idea that I’m some guy that’s been muzzled, or should be, and that I am reading prepared answers that sound good on the surface but in fact say nothing! Not the case! Now, as to your question (more shuffling of papers).  Ok, here we go, here’s the answer regarding the lapses in fundamental play. Ready?

Me: You bet I am!

Frank: OK, here goes. “We have a young and enthusiastic team and there are bound to be mistakes along the way as they get used to playing at the major league level.”

Me: That’s it?

Frank: Oh, no! Here’s more: “Clint Hurdle has brought a new attitude to the team. As everyone knows, Clint is a teacher first and foremost. We are confident that under Clint and his hand-picked staff, we’ll see nothing but improvement in how the team plays the game.”

Me: Wow, I hadn’t heard any of that before. You are really good!

Frank: I’m considered a master of PR. Or did I mention that?

Me: That’s ok! Keep saying it, it’s OK with me! Well, now that we’ve put that issue to rest, let’s discuss some other issues cropping up lately.  Here’s a good one:  Are the Pirates making an effort to sign Andrew McCutcheon to a long-term contract?

Frank: GREAT question again! Ok, here goes (more shuffling of papers): “Andrew McCutcheon is an integral part of the Pirates future. We’d like to see him in a Pirates uniform for a long time. Of course, it takes two to make a deal (HINT, HINT), but we will do what we can to keep Andrew in a Pirates uniform for years to come.”

Me:  So you are saying…it takes TWO to make a deal between TWO parties?

Frank: Yes, exactly.

Me: I don’t think a lot of people realize that.

Frank: I am glad to help out.

Me: What did you mean when you said, “HINT HINT?”

Frank: Did I say that? I don’t think I did.

Me: No really, you did.

Frank: No, don’t think so. That would have been an extemporaneous comment, and I don’t make such comments.

Me:  Oh, okay. My mistake. Well thank you for ANOTHER great answer. Now, please give me your thoughts on a couple players. Some feel – now sit down because this is crazy – that even though the Pirates are clearly in the hunt for the division title, and kind of have the wild card locked up, some of our players could somehow be EVEN BETTER than they are now! Can we discuss a few of the guys?

Frank: Sure.

Me: Ok. Let me throw out a name or two and you can tell me what you think. Charlie Morton?

Frank:  “As we just saw in Cincinnatti, Charlie has electric stuff and is a big part of our future going forward. We are pleased with his progress this year. He has clearly learned to control his sinker and we see only good things for Charlie going forward.”

Me: Wow…that’s great. Ok, ready? Pedro Alvarez?

Frank:  “Pedro has always been a slow starter and this year is no different. We believe Pedro will be a big part of the Pirates’ future and we are confident that he will soon turn it around and make great contributions to our team.”

Me: AMAZING! Chris Snyder and Ryan Doumit: Do we need to be spending $10 million on two catchers?

Frank: Both Chris and Ryan have distinguished themselves this year with their timely hitting and gritty style of play. Having both playing so well is “a nice dilemma to have.”

Me:  RIGHT AGAIN! Lyle Overbay?

Frank: “Lyle is a proven major leaguer with a track record of success.  He has brought great defense to our team. He is an accomplished hitter and it is only a matter of time before his bat comes around.”

Me: Matt Diaz?

Frank: “Matt has a history of terrorizing left handed pitchers. We believe it’s only a matter of time before Matt comes around and starts giving us that bat we need against left handed pitchers.”

Me: Scott Olsen?

Frank: It was important to give Scott the opportunity to succeed with another team. We would have loved to keep Scott on board – he has proven to be an individual of impeccable character – but we put the players’ needs first.

Me: Yes, you do! And speaking of that: Jose Bautista?

Frank: “With Andy LaRoche and other premier players on the team, we felt that there wasn’t really a place for Jose on the Pirates. We are glad to see him showing signs of coming around.” 

Me: Not to contradict, but he’s actually doing a good deal better than “showing signs.”

Frank: One second (shuffles papers). Ok: “they made some adjustments to Jose’s swing at Toronto and it clearly has paid off. We wish Jose only the best and regret that he is no longer a part of the Pirates family.” Better?

Me: MUCH! Well, you’ve been so open, and generous with your time. Let me just run a couple more questions by you. One: Who will the Pirates draft?

Frank: I have – I mean Pirates’ president Frank Coonelly – has “full confidence that Neal and his team will draft the best player who can help us build an elite franchise for the long term.”

Me: And that would be?

Frank: It goddamn better be someone that can get their freaking ass up here FAST and win some frigging games, kapeesh?? Maybe Neal can get it right just once before we’re both cleaning Bob’s toilets!

Me: Come again??

Frank: Oops. Strike that. Try this: “Under Neal and Kyle, I am certain that the draft will once again bring in a group of high-character individuals that will be welcome, productive members of the Pirates family.”

Me: It would be GREAT to have those kinds of people!  Hey, speaking of Neal, is he under consideration for a two or three year extension, or is it a lifetime one?

Frank: “We are confident in the direction that Neal has taken this team and I can assure you that everyone in this organization has one objective: a championship caliber team for years to come.”

Me: Okay, one last question:  Can we be reassured that Bob Nutting is committed to building a winner in baseball, and not just turning a profit?

Frank:  “No one is more committed to winning than Bob Nutting. I can assure you that “when the time is right” resources will be available to field a championship-caliber team not just for a season, but for years to come.  Fortunately, we have sufficient financial flexibility on this and we are ready to bring a championship team to Pittsburgh – as soon as “the time is right.”

Me: Well, I think that wraps it up. And let me just say, thank you for those GREAT insights that will surely put to rest any concerns of Pirates fans! I know I’m good!

Frank: Call on me anytime.

Me: Bye!

Frank: Bye!

Interview: Fake Josh Rodriguez - Rule V Pick Extraordinaire!

Bucco Optimist Exclusive! A Sit down with (fake) Josh Rodriguez! NOT the real one – don’t be deceived!

GANG – I’m sure you’ve all been following the amazing career of Josh Rodriguez (J-Rod) as closely as your intrepid blogger, the Bucco Optimist! Plucked from obscurity in the Rule V draft, this youngster tore up spring training and earned a coveted spot on the roster of the Pittsburgh Pirates! In fact, the Buccos put together quite the assemblage of underachieving infield acquisitions (UIAs), and J-Rod beat ‘em all!

Now, it’s true that he’s not actually starting – a certain elite SS named Ronny Cedeno is blocking his way, and well, if you’re goal is displacing Ronny Cedeno, then mister, you better set another goal! We talked to Josh about his relationship with his mentor Mr. Cedeno and a host of other issues. We learned more than we expected! Read on!

Bucco Optimist (BO) Congratulations, you made the team! What are your personal objectives for this year, besides miraculously staying on the roster the entire season?

Fake JRod (FJR) Obviously there's a lot of incredible love among the fan base for Ronny Cedeno, and the Pirates organization for his stellar talents.  As a Rule 5 guy I'm targeting 2012 for my first All-Star game start @ SS, although obviously the biggest hurdle will be unseating Ronny and his #9 spot hitting talents.

BO: Did you and Pedro Ciriaco, who was your final conquest in earning the spot on the major league roster, bond at all during Spring Training? He talked about being "stabbed in the back" but do you think he meant "slapped" on the back but it just got lost in translation?

FJR: I feel like Pedro had to have been misquoted with that stabbed in the back comment.  Obviously when you run up huge numbers, you can see why he'd expect to compete for that 2012 All-Star start, so I could understand why the writer would infer some frustration, but I think mostly he was just so set on having access to the nachos.

BO: Can you tell us why your three at bats are proving so essential to the team’s early success? Some folks may not “get it”right away.

FJR: I finally got the chance to apply all the batting notes I'd taken from Ronny against the Cardinals.  I don't think there's anyone that expected learning from the master to result in anything other than my stat line: 0-3 0BB 2K.  Ronny says he would've gone for the 3K, but being the Rule 5 guy, I figured 2 was enough.

BO: It’s WONDERFUL that you didn’t want to show Ronny up with a third strikeout! Seems you are a character guy too!  And speaking of character guys: I understand that Ryan D was Snyder's biggest booster, constantly urging him on, to "ignore those back spasms! Give it all you got! Don't listen to the doctors! Harder! Harder!" True? 

FJR: Ryan is such a warrior.  Some thought he was pushing Chris too hard, as if he were setting up Chris for an injury. I think anyone who knows Ryan would know that he’d never do such a thing!  He always tells everyone how he's never been on the DL a day in his life.  Just play through the pain, that’s what he’s all about!   

BO: For reasons I don't quite fathom, some were critical of the decision to keep you over Ciriaco, ranting to the full extent that 140 characters will allow. Is there anything you'd like to say to those people? How will you treat them when you see them at the ballpark?

FJR: I think the Florida Sun may have gotten to Dejan.  I'm sure the 10 to 12 spring training hits Ciriaco got were truly amazing, but I think he forgot the Pirates recent years of bringing in amazing talent via Rule 5 draft. It's fairly easy to get wowed by all the Pirates UIA talent in spring training after all!

BO: Are there any rumors you'd like to spread about Ciriaco or Fields or Marte or any of the other UIAs? Were any a "cancer in the clubhouse" or "not a team first kind of guy" or anything to that affect?

FJR: I feel like the spring training UIA competition was a reprise of the old Prince song:  "All 7 we will watch them fall, stand in the way of the Rule 5 UIA, and we will watch them fall (to Indy or be traded/sold)"

BO: That is so deep, so meaningful. I have no idea what you’re saying but I am truly moved!  Well, next question: I've noticed that an old friend, Andy LaRoche, has caught on with the As. Have you had any contact with Andy? Is there any truth to the rumor that even though he is alive, you can "channel" him?

FJR: All the numbers I crunch still say Andy's 4 homers & 16 RBI last year were essential to our development as a club, and I think everyone will always remember that epic chase of 15 RBI for good old number 15.  If the A's think he’s possibly expendable, I think that tells us everything we need to know why Texas, and Anaheim are favorites to win the East, right?  What a class act that guy is!

BO: If you are about to go on a date and she wants to see a Hugh Grant movie, do you a) agree, b) stand firm in favor of an action flick, c) run screaming as fast as you can in the opposite direction, or d) call off the date?

FJR: Just having a Pirates uniform makes dating so much different.  That was the kinds of dates Brewers players go on.  Everytime I go out, women are just begging me to come back to their place and watch the Pirates replay on Root Sports!

BO: I can understand that. You are after all kind of a “human highlight reel,” sitting in the dugout, watching the game so intensely, getting outs when at bat.  Great, great stuff. Now tell me, can you provide any insight into why Wimberly got cut, but McCutheon somehow made the team? McCutcheon has potential, but I don't like scholarships and Wimberly had such a GREAT spring!

FJR: I let 'Cutch use my MacBook one night, next thing I knew, Wimberly was an afterthought.  I'm not sure why Dejan somehow missed the true injustice coming out of Bradenton.  Esp since he's so in love with amazing spring training hitting numbers.  Wimberly = Wowberly theoretically in Dejan's scouting world.

BO: Looking ahead to the World Series, how do you assess our roster to say, the Yanks or the Red Sox?  I’m a little concerned that given the talent on those teams, pulling off a Series sweep might be a challenge.

FJR: When you compare every day lineups between the Pirates & either of those 2 teams, it's really hard to see how they would be able to compete with us.  I would say, and don’t get the wrong idea, that our bench players are better than their everyday regulars!  I'm not sure if Neal Huntington needs to be officially retired to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, but I think he'd be a lock based on the roster full of future Hall of Famers that he's assembled.  Also any lineup that you can't find room to keep Andy LaRoche on I think speaks for itself.

BO: Has Hurdle been like a father to you? Or a Big Daddy? You tell me.

FJR: Here’s the thing about Hurdle: he’s ALL IN when it comes to late night runs to Primanti’s! I’m told that with Russell, the gang would say, “hey John, we’re doing a late night run to Primanti’s, are you ALL IN?” And Russell would say, “well, I’m kind of in,” or   “gee, maybe tomorrow I’ll be all in,” or sometimes he wouldn’t say anything at all! Now what kind of leadership is that? But Clint? Mineo’s, Primanti’s, doesn’t matter – he’s ALL IN! And that has profoundly impacted ALL of us!

BO: Any final words for my THOUSANDS of fans and eight followers, one of whom is me, and which is the same number of followers I’ve had for about a month now despite my constant efforts at self promotion??

FJR: Just get ready to start raising Josh's Jolly Roger, early & often!  Let's go Bucs!

And that’s the way it went folks! What a terrific young man – and so happy to be sitting on the bench, helping the batboy, and occasionally even getting an at bat. That, my friends, is what the spirit of Bucco Baseball is all about!

REMINDER: THIS IS NOT AN INTERVIEW WITH THE REAL JOSH RODRIGUEZ,, THOUGH @FAKEJRODRIGUEZ IS REAL, ON TWITTER, A GREAT GUY, AND WORTH FOLLOWING!

Fantasy Baseball Advice for 2011!

All: I have played Fantasy Baseball since 1986 (true). I’ve won a few championships and usually finish in the money (true).   I read a lot about fantasy baseball and think about it probably a bit too much (true). That’s why I feel qualified to share with you some recommendations and forecasts with one goal in mind: to help YOU win your league (true, though these aren’t those recommendations!).

Anyway, let’s dive right in and deal with what I consider a major dilemma in fantasy baseball: position scarcity and how it fits into your draft strategy, particularly in the early rounds. As a general proposition, and this is my first insight, “there are a lot of outfielders and a lot of first basemen.” So let’s say you’ve targeted Lyle Overbay as your 1B. Certainly worthy of a first or second round choice, but you may want to lay back a bit and take your chances that he may somehow be available in later rounds – say, the 4^th or 5^th.  Yes, that is risky. But you do have options – you may, if you are lucky, be able to snab Garrett Jones, who also qualifies at OF, this late in the draft. Don’t wait too long though!

But the fundamental issue with respect to position scarcity has to do with when you draft the scarcer positions. A quick look at ML rosters, for example, tell s you right away that Shortstop is a premium position, with only a few “game changers” out there.  In a mixed league scenario, there is the widely recognized “big four” – Troy Tulowitzki, Hanley Ramirez, Jose Reyes, and Ronnie Cedeno – and then some serious dropoff.  Bear in mind that Tulo and Reyes are injury prone, and that with the loss of Uggla Ramirez won’t have the same support as in the past. 

On that basis, the smart money would be on ranking SS as follows: Cedeno, Tulowitzki (shown flashes of power), Ramirez (decent all around player), and Reyes (can have a good year if he can stay healthy).

RECOMMENDATION: IF YOU CAN SNAG RONNIE CEDENO IN ROUND ONE OR TWO, DO IT. THIS WILL PUT YOU MILES AHEAD OF YOUR COMPETITION.

One word of caution though: make sure you know your league’s eligibility rules.  My sources all telling me that Cedeno trade talks with the Phils may be heating up – they see him as providing the same offensive output as Utley, but stronger defensively. While the Bucs asking price begins and ends with a SP whose initials are RH (all I can reveal at the moment, sorry), it could happen if the Phils meet the Bucs terms and pay all of RH’s salary.  Cedeno could then ALSO qualify as a 2B this year.  Keep an eye on it.

Another ongoing dilemma for fantasy players is, of course, when to draft starting pitchers. Some will absolutely not draft SP in the early rounds; others feel if they can “lock up” one or two premium SP, they’re set for the draft and can then focus on other needs for a while.  I’m normally in the second camp, but one key development is leading me to rethink this strategy:  Scott Olsen is now a Pirate.  Olsen emerged as the staff ace last year in Washington, and looks to continue his immeasurable success as a Pirate.  One look at his first spring training appearance today gives a glimpse of his mighty potential.  Given that the other “elite” SP are dropping like flies – first Wainright, then Grienke, now Duke – you might want to consider nabbing Olsen as your first or second rounder.

 ANOTHER aspect of the “Olsen Impact” that you probably haven’t considered is his incredibly positive impact on the other SP in the rotation.  Olsen is known as a great clubhouse presence, a favorite of teammates and a team-first guy.  When it was recently suggested that he may start the year in the Bucs’ bullpen, for example, he responded (I believe I have this right):  “That probably makes sense, considering I am injured and haven’t even thrown yet in Spring Training. But to be honest, it doesn’t really matter where they put me. All that matters to me is how I can help out the team.”(I think I have it right, though I might need to do a bit of fact checking on that).

THIS is a guy that is going to raise the performances of everyone around him. I happen to know, for example, that he’s gone out of his way to bond with Morton and Charlie’s early success is in no small part due to Olsen’s mentoring. 

RECOMMENDATION: Grab Olsen in the early rounds, and don’t wait too long on Morton and Maholm. You want a staff that’s going to win you a championship, and THESE are the guys that’ll do it.

And just think:  Your competition may waste their top picks with “Pujols” and “Ryan Howard” and “Roy Halliday” and “Felix Hernandez” and “Ryan Braun” and “Evan Longoria” in the early rounds, but if you follow my advice, YOU could end up with Cedeno and Olsen as your first two picks, with Overbay, Maholm and Morton not far behind! May as well start measuring your championship ring!

Good luck in the upcoming season, and I’ll keep you informed over the year with other GREAT fantasy baseball tips! I LOVE to share my knowledge and I want to see YOU win your league!