Pirates

Pirates confident going into Playoffs

The Pirates have had some mixed results as of late as the ASBL regular season winds down. With only two sims left, the Pirates have played well enough to gain a seven game lead over division rival Milwaukee for the NL Wildcard. It would take a total collapse for the Pirates to lose their playoff spot. In fact, the Pirates do host a two game series with division leader St. Louis, who is only 3 games ahead of the Pirates for the NL Central title. It is conceivable that the Pirates could pull out the division title and league's best record with some good play in these last two sims.

Felix Clancy and Wendel Smith have carried the offense over the course of this season, and have carried big bats of late as well, each reaching the 28 homer mark with over 110 RBIs. The hottest hitter for the second half of the season has easilty been Andre Richardson, who had benefitted greatly by the callup of Larry Sowders, who makes the right handed hitting side of a potent 1B platoon for the Bucos. After hitting .264 at the all-star break, Richardson has raised his average to .306 with 22 HR and 83 RBIs. Hank Gardner has a great last sim, raising his average 10 points to .307, no small feat for this late in the season. CF John Washington has been a bit of a disappointment after the Bobby Abreu trade, and may be moved down in the order to accomodate a higher on base %. A small shot in the arm has been received from AAA in the form of pitching as well, as Louis Sweeney, Bill Huff and Gene McGwire have been outstanding. In fact, the emergence of some of the pitching at the AAA level may make expendable some of the veterans on the pitching staff.

Rumor and Innuendo

As mentioned in the previous story, the Pirates will be making several high quality pitchers available due to overwhelming amounts of good pitching available. Javier Vazquez, who has averaged 15 wins over the last 5 years, is rumored to be available. Also rumored to eb on the block is right hander Don James, who has won 11 and 13 games over the last two years respectively. Rookies that might be had include John Byrd, Bill Huff, Dode Kane, Gene McGwire, and Louis Sweeney. All of the bullpen members except closer Phil Wilson are also available. Offensively, the Pirates look to be in pretty fair shape, but have too many outfielders and catchers. With Mike McCuistion tearing up AA and Ernie Harper hitting .330 at the major league level, catchers Jock Taylor and Ryan Doumit could be on the move, along with switch hitting C Johnny Morrision at AAA. In the outfield, Larry Sowders (big power) or Jess Lara might be moved. All-Star SS Frank Butler has been made expendable by the presence of Rico Washington in AAA, who has rapidly advanced through the Pirates' system.

Minor League Update

It's nearly time to call an end to the regular season for most players in the ASBL, and now we're going to take a look back at the best players in the Pirates' system.

The following player received promotions at the all-star break, and here's a look at how they did after their promotions: Josh Bonifay is leading AA in batting average with a .360 mark, showing that his promotion was needed. He has hit 9 HR in 60 games. Watty Mota, (6-5 2.65 in the first half) was promoted to AA after two and a half seasons in Rookie ball, where he made steady improvements. He has gone 1-2 with a 4.84 ERA from the bullpen so far, but look for him to pitch from the rotation beginning next season. LHP Sean Burnett, (9-2 with a 2.48 first half) went 4-3, 5.54 in 19 games in relief at AAA. Jeff Humphery was promoted to the Majors where he pitched in mediocrity before being returned to AAA. Along with Humphery, Gene McGwire, John Byrd, Louis Sweeney and Bill Huff all got tastes of the majors before being sent back to AAA. Each has a strong shot at breaking the spring camp with the major league team next season. Here's a look around the minors at other top Pittsburgh prospects.

AAA-Hipoilto Miller continues to rake at every level he's been at, hitting .321 presently. Rico Washington is developing nicely at SS and 3B as he prepares to join the ML club probably sometime next year. His .317 avg and 21 HR should have Frank Butler looking over his shoulder at the ever-gaining Washington. RHP Bill Huff has a 11-5 record with a sparkling 2.63 ERAat AAA, and has pitched very well in the ML so far. Norm Olson is 12-5 with a 3.84 ERA, and ready to go for the big club any time. Louis Sweeney seems to have finally had everything pull together as he is a perfect 7-0 with a 2.96 ERA at AAA, and an even better 2.70 ERA in the Majors. John Byrd pitched well in his return to the majors, and after his 11-5, 3.50 start at AAA this season, look for him in the ML again next year. Surprising Gene McGwire is 12- with a 3.38 ERA, and has a sparkling 1.08 ERA in the majors in 6 games, with no decisions.

AA-John Van Benschoten (14-4, 2.70), and Jersey Gannon ( 15-3, 2.60) continue to dominate whatever level they are pitching in, having been promoted to AAA September 1. Speedy CF Scott Snyder is hitting .337 and reaching base at an impressive .438 clip. While his power numbers are slightly down, he has already stolen 63 bases this season. OF Rob Ball has fallen off in teh second half, but still has a chance to drive in 100 runs. C Mike McCuistion seems to finally have gotten used to wood bats, recently raising his average to .313 with 35 HR, easily taking the organizational lead.

A-Bill Akin is hitting .325 and has started to show the power expected of him, having 20 to this point. He is still young, and people in the know will not bet against this switch hitter. RHP Eddie Clayton has gone 7-1, 3.30 ERA since coming over from the White Sox in the Abreu deal earlier this year between A and AA.

Hosted by www.Geocities.ws