Post by joshsbix on Jan 3, 2024 17:26:18 GMT -5
The Pirates consolidated prospects into big time bat, Justin Morneau, and it cost them 3 spots in the farm rankings as Pittsburgh enters the season behind Milwaukee and San Diego. Let's take a look at how the farm system looks headed into the season.
1) The 2005 first round draft pick, Zach Kroenke, will be making his major league debut. While the Pirates didn't declare the official 10 year rebuild project until the 2007 season, many fans have been waiting for Kroenke's debut to signal the end of the beginning phase. Fans won't have to wait past the 4th game of the season to see Kroenke make his debut.
2) Dexter Fowler has not officially been promoted after his monster spring but all eyes are Erstad in CF. Many fans believe that Erstad will not be the starting centerfielder past the ASG.
3) SP Cory Wade will make his debut after sitting in AAA after the deadline trade that brought him to Pittsburgh. Fans will want to get tickets to watch the back end of the rotation as much as they want to see the 1-3.
4) Mark Trumbo developed during the spring but needs another growth spurt before he will be looked at for promotion. The Pirate front office thinks he could be the bat they bring up at the trade deadline, instead of making a deal for extra offense. What 2009 holds for Mark will depend on his BB/K development but it is highly likely we see him in the majors in 2009.
5) IF Elliot Johnson is not ready for The Show yet but likely will be on the 2010 roster. Management is hoping that he can get a brilliant pop for hits so that he can hit leadoff and we can move Dexter back in the future lineup.
6) OF Dirks is still at least a year away, maybe two. Another guy that the Pirates are hoping can get a talent bump.
7 and 8) Broadway and Britton could probably be called up but a little more time to simmer in AAA, hopefully will make them ready if they have to get called up in the middle of a heated race.
9) 3B Josh Harrison is one of the prime suspects to get points invested this year. The window to invest in the 21 yo is now. He is likely to move up this list.
10) MR Andrew Cashner is another near ready reliever that could be called up if the ML bullpen gets off to a rocky start.
Honorable Mention
Lorenzo Cain jumped to the top of the points investment list with the Jason Heyward trade. The 22 year old is waiting on the spreadsheet points and then he is likely to break into the top 10 list
Neil Walker is another candidate for points this season. The 23 year old's window is open.
We are likely to see some defensive upgrades in year 3 of the rebuild plan. The initial ML phase is near completion and after we reach our point goals for the season the focus will turn to prospects for the next 5 years.
Here is hoping to a 2009 filled with talent increases! Let's Go Bucs!
1) The 2005 first round draft pick, Zach Kroenke, will be making his major league debut. While the Pirates didn't declare the official 10 year rebuild project until the 2007 season, many fans have been waiting for Kroenke's debut to signal the end of the beginning phase. Fans won't have to wait past the 4th game of the season to see Kroenke make his debut.
2) Dexter Fowler has not officially been promoted after his monster spring but all eyes are Erstad in CF. Many fans believe that Erstad will not be the starting centerfielder past the ASG.
3) SP Cory Wade will make his debut after sitting in AAA after the deadline trade that brought him to Pittsburgh. Fans will want to get tickets to watch the back end of the rotation as much as they want to see the 1-3.
4) Mark Trumbo developed during the spring but needs another growth spurt before he will be looked at for promotion. The Pirate front office thinks he could be the bat they bring up at the trade deadline, instead of making a deal for extra offense. What 2009 holds for Mark will depend on his BB/K development but it is highly likely we see him in the majors in 2009.
5) IF Elliot Johnson is not ready for The Show yet but likely will be on the 2010 roster. Management is hoping that he can get a brilliant pop for hits so that he can hit leadoff and we can move Dexter back in the future lineup.
6) OF Dirks is still at least a year away, maybe two. Another guy that the Pirates are hoping can get a talent bump.
7 and 8) Broadway and Britton could probably be called up but a little more time to simmer in AAA, hopefully will make them ready if they have to get called up in the middle of a heated race.
9) 3B Josh Harrison is one of the prime suspects to get points invested this year. The window to invest in the 21 yo is now. He is likely to move up this list.
10) MR Andrew Cashner is another near ready reliever that could be called up if the ML bullpen gets off to a rocky start.
Honorable Mention
Lorenzo Cain jumped to the top of the points investment list with the Jason Heyward trade. The 22 year old is waiting on the spreadsheet points and then he is likely to break into the top 10 list
Neil Walker is another candidate for points this season. The 23 year old's window is open.
We are likely to see some defensive upgrades in year 3 of the rebuild plan. The initial ML phase is near completion and after we reach our point goals for the season the focus will turn to prospects for the next 5 years.
Here is hoping to a 2009 filled with talent increases! Let's Go Bucs!
