Well, the World Series has ended and it's time to look at possible additions and changes to the Pirates. I write this being not so confident in the team after failure to do anything with management after a second collapse and the whole Hoka Hey incident but it might ignite a fire under Huntington to be more aggressive. So here are players I believe the Pirates should try and get this offseason.
In House Moves:
Keep management
If they haven't done anything by now, nothing is gonna happen.
Exercise option on Pedro Alvarez
No brainier here.
Go to Arbitration with Walker, Sanchez, Jones, Resop, JMac
Also no brainers.
Non-Tender Charlie Morton and Jeff Karstens
Morton is too injury prone and who knows after Tommy John surgery to eat up $2 million in salary. Karstens may surprise some people but with the young guys on the rise and a relatively strong market, I think he goes.
Trade Joel Hanrahan
This will shock a lot of people but it really shouldn't. It's an obvious move that the Pirates must make. Hanrahan pitches 1 inning in 3/4, at the most, during the season and he will attract at least $7 million in arbitration. Is that worth it when almost anyone can close a game? Absolutely not. Closers are overrated and a trade of the Hammer could fill a lot of offensive holes on this team.
Free Agency (these are options, not predictions):
Mike Napoli:
The Rangers catcher is most likely heading back to Texas but if they get caught up in Hamilton and pitching, a team could swoop in and steal him. He's hit at least 20 HRs 8 straight years and if the Pirates pony up he'd be a huge force in the middle of the lineup.
David Ross:
Ross is a Pirate killer but he's available this year. He'd like to go back to Atlanta but you never know. He'd provide a lot of defense and leadership behind the plate and is a perfect platoon mate for The Fort.
Russell Martin:
The Yankees have a lot to worry about this offseason and they will ultimately let Martin go. He'd be perfect to platoon with The Fort too, but is injury prone.
Bunch of Old Catchers:
If we don't get any of those 3, there's a lot of garbage after that that includes Rod Barajas.
Stephen Drew:
Drew's option was recently declined and we need a SS. He'll cost money in a weak SS crop but could add some offense that's been missing for years in that spot but only if the price is right.
Marco Scutaro:
He's perfect for the Pirates but in all likelihood the Giants are keeping him. If not, he and Barmes would be a great one two punch and would make Clint very expendable.
Jeff Keppinger:
Very serviceable player that hits lefties really well. Could be a great utility man and could play some SS.
Melky Cabrera:
Melky was fantastic last year, roids or not. The Giants proved that they certainly don't need him and he's a big risk. With both corner OF jobs up for grabs, I think it could be wise for the Pirates to take a chance on him.
Don Kelly:
Pittsburgh native that can give the Pirates leadership after being to 2 World Series. The ultimate utility man could be a good bench upgrade.
Edwin Jackson:
Pirates went after him last year but he decided to sign in Washington. He's available again and I'm sure many will be interested but it's worth a shot as Jackson is in his prime and pitching well. Would give the Pirates a nice big 3 in their rotation.
Francisco Liriano:
Liriano is the ultimate risk. Will you get the one who has taken multiple no hitters deep into games, or do you get the one who had an ERA over 6 two years ago? He's a lefty that the Pirates could really use but it's such a big risk I'm not sure it's worth taking. Then again, if he struggles, he could go to the pen and a young guy could step up. Who knows here
Brandon McCarthy:
This is a move the Pirates will most likely make. A good pitcher with big potential but is often injured. This is Erik Bedard 2.0. McCarthy would certainly be welcomed after finishing with an ERA below 3 this year but on a deal very similar to Bedard.
Jeremy Guthrie:
Guthrie did terrible last year in the first half but was lights out after he was traded to Kansas City. He reminds me of an experienced Jeff Karstens and if we could get him cheap, it'd be worth it.
Joe Saunders:
Another lefty we were in on at the deadline. Saunders could be a serviceable starter for a year until the younger guys develop.
Roberto Hernandez:
You may know him as Fausto Carmona. After all the trouble he got in he tried to pitch for the Indians but got injured. I doubt the Indians pick up his option and he's still young and only a few years removed from Cy Young consideration so it'd be a fantastic move to sign him.
Jason Grilli:
We know what Grilli is, and we need him back in a Pirates uniform but it's gonna take a lot. If the price gets outrageous though, we should let him walk.
Jose Valverde:
He really hurt his value this playoffs. He's available but other teams will be interested. The Pirates should come in with a short term deal with a lower base salary but a lot of incentives. This could be your Hammer replacement.
Kyle Farnsworth:
The hard throwing righty has always been solid as a reliever. I could see the 37 year old signing with a team like the Pirates to try and continue as a top reliever on his team and be on a competitive team.
LaTroy Hawkins:
See above. Same deal here with Hawkins and both he and Farnsworth have closer experience.
Mike Gonzalez:
The Pirates really missed another lefty to go along with Watson in the pen and I think we could have a Pirate reunion with Gonzalez. Also has closing experience.
Ryan Madson:
The Reds would've been closer last year. Madson is a shut down reliever but after Tommy John surgery that cost him the year, he's back. A lot of teams will be concerned but the Pirates should do an incentives based deal and see if they can snag him.
Juan Carlos Oviedo:
You may know HIM as Leo Nunez. Same situation as Hernandez. The former Marlins closer would be another great chance to take and see if he can be a late inning reliever that we still need to find.
Crapshoot of other Relievers:
This is the route I expect. We always seem to sign bums that end up dominating out of the pen so we'll see if we go that route again.
Trades (again options, not predictions):
Ervin Santana or Dan Haren:
The Angels rotation is too crowded, both guys have hefty options this year, and the financial woes are starting to kick in. If we could add one of these 2 to the rotation and get the Angels to eat some money, we could be looking at another AJ Burnett situation. These two are also better than most of the market.
An Arizona Outfielder:
Arizona really has a surplus of outfielders even after the Chris Young trade. They're already wheeling and dealing and we were the biggest pursuers of Justin Upton in July. They have Jason Kubel too and I'd be extremely happy with either one. If the Pirates could shell out prospects for one of them and maybe pull in a third team, possibly for Hanrahan, I could definitely see the Pirates making a move like this during the winter meetings.
Shin-Soo Choo:
We were in on him until the very end last year. The price was Starling Marte and that was way too high but now, knowing they won't be bringing him back, the Pirates may be able to get Choo for a lower price knowing he'll only be here 1 year until he hits the open market in 2014,
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Thursday, October 4, 2012
What the Pirates should do
I'm not gonna sugar coat it and I'm going to get straight to the point. After 2 straight collapses something has to change. The Pirates should fire Clint Hurdle, Neal Huntington, his crony Kyle Stark, and yes even Frank Coonley. I will elaborate on why I think all should be fired and even give possible replacements for Hurdle.
Frank Coonley
Let's start off with the big gun. Frank Coonley has done a fine job with taking over this team and building it up. The problem is that the building process is over. It's time to start the maintenance of the the newly built team and he does not seem to understand that. Add into that the fact that he's letting Neal Huntington and Kyle Stark put prospects through Navy Seal training (not knowingly, but should know) and his off the field drinking problems and I see him as a liability. Don't forget either that he just announced that jobs were safe when Nutting hasn't decided. That's a trust issue. Unfortunately, don't expect this to happen. Coonley is still Nuttings's right hand man and I can't see him firing Coonley because it's too smart of a move for Nutting.
Neal Huntington
I'm sorry but Neal is unfit for this job. He is very good at building up an organization. He's just way too conservative to GM a winning team. He's too attached to the prospects (much like Tim Williams is at Pirates Prospects) he has and he won't do what is right because he's too afraid of screwing up. As a GM you need to know when to part with your treasures when it helps your team and not your reputation. He doesn't have the balls to do something that makes him unpopular even if it is better for the team. Huntington needs to be on a team where expectations are low and no matter what he does he can't be criticized. That's why he was successful in Cleveland and now here. If I were the Pirates I would relieve him of his duties and hire an assistant GM from a team where winning is always a priority or a big market so they can handle the pressure (like LA, St. Louis, etc). This would also mean the end to crony Kyle Stark who is even more conservative than Huntington. The Navy Seal training doesn't help either. I put the this at a 50-50 shot.
Clint Hurdle
This is the most obvious. Clint Hurdle lost this team down the stretch. It's obvious. And the dopey lineups he sent out while we were still in the race just shows he basically gave up too. Not to mention the unbelievably stupid calls he made in games this year that also cost us several games. When is enough enough? When does clubhouse leadership stop outweighing on the field stupidity. I say "the buck stops here!" and Clint Hurdle will be gone. Bob Nutting vowed that changes would be made and if you're looking for a main cause, it has to be Clint Hurdle. Odds on this I have to say are 70-30. Nutting needs to do something and this is most obvious solution that will appease fans unless there is another collapse.
Bonus! Options for new manager if Hurdle is laid off
Terry Francona- He's the perfect fit. Good clubhouse guy, great in game manager too. The move to a smaller market would avoid the Red Sox disaster too. Will take a lot of money though.
Sandy Alomar Jr.- If the Indians hire Francona, Alomar is the next best pick. He's young, experienced bench coach, and he knows the ins and outs. Could be the next Ventura.
Jim Riggleman- did a good job with the Nats and I thought was unfairly let go. I'd be wary though as he could be the next Hurdle...
Luis Silverio- Pirates man through and through. Has respect with the team and I just have a feeling he could be make the right decisions on the field as he does well at first already.
Brian Giles- WOAH! The former Pirate would have instant respect as a former player through these tough times. Teams seen to be doing this more and more now and it seems to be working so, why not try? Also considered putting Jason Kendall and Jack Wilson on this list...
Frank Coonley
Let's start off with the big gun. Frank Coonley has done a fine job with taking over this team and building it up. The problem is that the building process is over. It's time to start the maintenance of the the newly built team and he does not seem to understand that. Add into that the fact that he's letting Neal Huntington and Kyle Stark put prospects through Navy Seal training (not knowingly, but should know) and his off the field drinking problems and I see him as a liability. Don't forget either that he just announced that jobs were safe when Nutting hasn't decided. That's a trust issue. Unfortunately, don't expect this to happen. Coonley is still Nuttings's right hand man and I can't see him firing Coonley because it's too smart of a move for Nutting.
Neal Huntington
I'm sorry but Neal is unfit for this job. He is very good at building up an organization. He's just way too conservative to GM a winning team. He's too attached to the prospects (much like Tim Williams is at Pirates Prospects) he has and he won't do what is right because he's too afraid of screwing up. As a GM you need to know when to part with your treasures when it helps your team and not your reputation. He doesn't have the balls to do something that makes him unpopular even if it is better for the team. Huntington needs to be on a team where expectations are low and no matter what he does he can't be criticized. That's why he was successful in Cleveland and now here. If I were the Pirates I would relieve him of his duties and hire an assistant GM from a team where winning is always a priority or a big market so they can handle the pressure (like LA, St. Louis, etc). This would also mean the end to crony Kyle Stark who is even more conservative than Huntington. The Navy Seal training doesn't help either. I put the this at a 50-50 shot.
Clint Hurdle
This is the most obvious. Clint Hurdle lost this team down the stretch. It's obvious. And the dopey lineups he sent out while we were still in the race just shows he basically gave up too. Not to mention the unbelievably stupid calls he made in games this year that also cost us several games. When is enough enough? When does clubhouse leadership stop outweighing on the field stupidity. I say "the buck stops here!" and Clint Hurdle will be gone. Bob Nutting vowed that changes would be made and if you're looking for a main cause, it has to be Clint Hurdle. Odds on this I have to say are 70-30. Nutting needs to do something and this is most obvious solution that will appease fans unless there is another collapse.
Bonus! Options for new manager if Hurdle is laid off
Terry Francona- He's the perfect fit. Good clubhouse guy, great in game manager too. The move to a smaller market would avoid the Red Sox disaster too. Will take a lot of money though.
Sandy Alomar Jr.- If the Indians hire Francona, Alomar is the next best pick. He's young, experienced bench coach, and he knows the ins and outs. Could be the next Ventura.
Jim Riggleman- did a good job with the Nats and I thought was unfairly let go. I'd be wary though as he could be the next Hurdle...
Luis Silverio- Pirates man through and through. Has respect with the team and I just have a feeling he could be make the right decisions on the field as he does well at first already.
Brian Giles- WOAH! The former Pirate would have instant respect as a former player through these tough times. Teams seen to be doing this more and more now and it seems to be working so, why not try? Also considered putting Jason Kendall and Jack Wilson on this list...
Friday, August 31, 2012
Final Projection 53 man
(S) = starter
(I) = injury
(SUS) = suspended
QB:
Ben Roethlisberger (S)
Byron Leftwich
RB:
Rashard Mendenhall (I)
Jonathan Dwyer (S)
Isaac Redman (I)
Baron Batch
Chris Rainey
FB:
Will Johnson (S)
WR:
Antonio Brown (S)
Mike Wallace (S)
Emmanuel Sanders (S)
Jerricho Cotchery
Derrick Williams
TE:
Heath Miller (S)
Leonard Pope
David Paulsen
Wes Saunders (SUS)
OL:
Max Starks (S)
Willie Colon (S)
Maurkice Pouncey (S)
Ramon Foster (S)
Marcus Gilbert (S)
Mike Adams
Doug Legursky
Trai Essex
DL:
Brett Keisel (S)
Casey Hampton (S)
Ziggy Hood (S)
Cam Heyward (S)
Steve McLendon
Alameda T'aamu
Corbin Bryant
LB:
LaMarr Woodley (S)
Lawrence Timmons (S)
Larry Foote (S)
James Harrison (S)
Chris Carter
Jason Worilds (I)
Sly Sylvester (I)
Adrian Robinson
?????????????
CB:
Ike Taylor (S)
Keenan Lewis (S)
Cortez Allen (S)
Curtis Brown
Terrance Frederick
S:
Ryan Clark (S)
Troy Polumalu (S)
Ryan Mundy (S)
Will Allen
Robert Golden
Specialists:
Shaun Suisham (S)
Drew Butler (S)
Greg Warren (S)
IR:
David Johnson
John Clay
Sean Spence
NEW IR SPOT: David DeCastro
Practice Squad:
Kelvin Beachum
Jerrod Johnson
Ryan Lee
David Gilreath
Al Woods
Josh Victorian
Brandon Johnson
????????????
Notes:
Batch won't be going anywhere. He'll be available if worst comes to worst.
Williams was better than Gilreath down the stretch
Paulsen in while Wes is suspended.
Trai Essex is a lock since DeCastro went down
Corbin Bryant seemed a lot more impressive than Woods lately so he gets the spot
Adrian Robinson won a job via twitter. And I'm happy for him. Next Harrison in my opinion. We need another inside guy but I don't know who that'd be. No one was really impressive so expect a player from another team (that's what ????? means)
Golden serves as the 5th safety for week 1
Lewis beat out Cortez
Butler won P by default
Practice squad is interesting. I liked a lot of what Victorian did. He should make it. Johnson and Woods are ? because they're older. We'll grab one guy from another team too for the PS
(I) = injury
(SUS) = suspended
QB:
Ben Roethlisberger (S)
Byron Leftwich
RB:
Rashard Mendenhall (I)
Jonathan Dwyer (S)
Isaac Redman (I)
Baron Batch
Chris Rainey
FB:
Will Johnson (S)
WR:
Antonio Brown (S)
Mike Wallace (S)
Emmanuel Sanders (S)
Jerricho Cotchery
Derrick Williams
TE:
Heath Miller (S)
Leonard Pope
David Paulsen
Wes Saunders (SUS)
OL:
Max Starks (S)
Willie Colon (S)
Maurkice Pouncey (S)
Ramon Foster (S)
Marcus Gilbert (S)
Mike Adams
Doug Legursky
Trai Essex
DL:
Brett Keisel (S)
Casey Hampton (S)
Ziggy Hood (S)
Cam Heyward (S)
Steve McLendon
Alameda T'aamu
Corbin Bryant
LB:
LaMarr Woodley (S)
Lawrence Timmons (S)
Larry Foote (S)
James Harrison (S)
Chris Carter
Jason Worilds (I)
Sly Sylvester (I)
Adrian Robinson
?????????????
CB:
Ike Taylor (S)
Keenan Lewis (S)
Cortez Allen (S)
Curtis Brown
Terrance Frederick
S:
Ryan Clark (S)
Troy Polumalu (S)
Ryan Mundy (S)
Will Allen
Robert Golden
Specialists:
Shaun Suisham (S)
Drew Butler (S)
Greg Warren (S)
IR:
David Johnson
John Clay
Sean Spence
NEW IR SPOT: David DeCastro
Practice Squad:
Kelvin Beachum
Jerrod Johnson
Ryan Lee
David Gilreath
Al Woods
Josh Victorian
Brandon Johnson
????????????
Notes:
Batch won't be going anywhere. He'll be available if worst comes to worst.
Williams was better than Gilreath down the stretch
Paulsen in while Wes is suspended.
Trai Essex is a lock since DeCastro went down
Corbin Bryant seemed a lot more impressive than Woods lately so he gets the spot
Adrian Robinson won a job via twitter. And I'm happy for him. Next Harrison in my opinion. We need another inside guy but I don't know who that'd be. No one was really impressive so expect a player from another team (that's what ????? means)
Golden serves as the 5th safety for week 1
Lewis beat out Cortez
Butler won P by default
Practice squad is interesting. I liked a lot of what Victorian did. He should make it. Johnson and Woods are ? because they're older. We'll grab one guy from another team too for the PS
Sunday, August 26, 2012
53 Man Roster Projection 2
(S) Denotes Starter
(I) Denotes Injury
(SUS) Denotes Suspended
Quarterbacks:
Ben Roethlisberger (S)
Byron Leftwich
Running backs:
Rashard Mendenhall (I)
Isaac Redman (I)
Jonathan Dwyer (S)
Chris Rainey (S)
Baron Batch
Fullbacks:
Will Johnson (S)
Wide receivers:
Antonio Brown (S)
Mike Wallace (S)
Emmanuel Sanders (S)
Jerricho Cotchery
David Gilreath
Tight ends:
Heath Miller (S)
Leonard Pope
Weslye Saunders (SUS)
Offensive Line:
Max Starks (S)
Willie Colon (S)
Maurkice Pouncey (S)
Ramon Foster (S)
Marcus Gilbert (S)
Mike Adams
David DeCastro (I)
Doug Legursky
Trai Essex
Defensive Line:
Ziggy Hood (S)
Casey Hampton (S)
Brett Keisel (S)
Cam Heyward (S)
Steve McLendon
Alameda T'aamu
Al Woods
Linebackers:
LaMarr Woodley (S)
Lawrence Timmons (S)
Larry Foote (S)
James Harrison (I)
Chris Carter (S)
Jason Worilds (I)
Sean Spence
Stevenson Sylvester (I)
Adrian Robinson
Cornerbacks:
Ike Taylor (S)
Cortez Allen (S)
Keenan Lewis (S)
Curtis Brown
Terrance Frederick
Safeties:
Ryan Clark (I)
Troy Polamalu (S)
Ryan Mundy (S)
Will Allen
Robert Golden
Kicker:
Danny Hrapmann (S)
Punter:
Drew Butler (S)
Long Snapper
Greg Warren (S)
Injured Reserve:
David Johnson
John Clay
Practice Squad:
Damon Cromartie-Smith
Kelvin Beachum
David Paulsen
Corbin Bryant
Ryan Lee
Mortty Ivy
Toney Clemons
Jerrod Johnson
Notes:
-I still think Johnson beats out Batch and Batch could be called in an emergency situation. Johnson starts on the practice squad until they drop Golden down after week 1.
-Derrick Williams is so very close to knocking off Gilreath but I gotta go with the younger guy. It seems to be these 2 battling and Thursday should decide it.
-Due to the need for other positions we'll carry 2 TEs until Saunders serves his 4 games.
-Essex takes a spot for DeCastro as he recovers from a MCL tear and Foster starts.
-Al Woods is still beating Corbin Bryant but it's close.
-Adrian Robinson is going to make the team to provide depth. Once Harrison, Worilds, or Sylvester are healthy, he'll head to the practice squad and take out Ivy.
-Steelers carry the one extra safety in Golden for week 1 in Denver.
-Danny Hrapmann has made everything so far, with plenty of leg to spare especially in the clutch. His kickoffs have been good. I think we keep him to kick for years to come and Suisham gets cut to save us some money and salary cap hit.
-Drew Butler has been phenomenal and Kapinos isn't even competition. If Butler goes down Kapinos will be there.
-Only changes on the practice squad is Ivy making it and Johnson down. Ivy will be gone when Robinson goes on and I explained Johnson already
(I) Denotes Injury
(SUS) Denotes Suspended
Quarterbacks:
Ben Roethlisberger (S)
Byron Leftwich
Running backs:
Rashard Mendenhall (I)
Isaac Redman (I)
Jonathan Dwyer (S)
Chris Rainey (S)
Baron Batch
Fullbacks:
Will Johnson (S)
Wide receivers:
Antonio Brown (S)
Mike Wallace (S)
Emmanuel Sanders (S)
Jerricho Cotchery
David Gilreath
Tight ends:
Heath Miller (S)
Leonard Pope
Weslye Saunders (SUS)
Offensive Line:
Max Starks (S)
Willie Colon (S)
Maurkice Pouncey (S)
Ramon Foster (S)
Marcus Gilbert (S)
Mike Adams
David DeCastro (I)
Doug Legursky
Trai Essex
Defensive Line:
Ziggy Hood (S)
Casey Hampton (S)
Brett Keisel (S)
Cam Heyward (S)
Steve McLendon
Alameda T'aamu
Al Woods
Linebackers:
LaMarr Woodley (S)
Lawrence Timmons (S)
Larry Foote (S)
James Harrison (I)
Chris Carter (S)
Jason Worilds (I)
Sean Spence
Stevenson Sylvester (I)
Adrian Robinson
Cornerbacks:
Ike Taylor (S)
Cortez Allen (S)
Keenan Lewis (S)
Curtis Brown
Terrance Frederick
Safeties:
Ryan Clark (I)
Troy Polamalu (S)
Ryan Mundy (S)
Will Allen
Robert Golden
Kicker:
Danny Hrapmann (S)
Punter:
Drew Butler (S)
Long Snapper
Greg Warren (S)
Injured Reserve:
David Johnson
John Clay
Practice Squad:
Damon Cromartie-Smith
Kelvin Beachum
David Paulsen
Corbin Bryant
Ryan Lee
Mortty Ivy
Toney Clemons
Jerrod Johnson
Notes:
-I still think Johnson beats out Batch and Batch could be called in an emergency situation. Johnson starts on the practice squad until they drop Golden down after week 1.
-Derrick Williams is so very close to knocking off Gilreath but I gotta go with the younger guy. It seems to be these 2 battling and Thursday should decide it.
-Due to the need for other positions we'll carry 2 TEs until Saunders serves his 4 games.
-Essex takes a spot for DeCastro as he recovers from a MCL tear and Foster starts.
-Al Woods is still beating Corbin Bryant but it's close.
-Adrian Robinson is going to make the team to provide depth. Once Harrison, Worilds, or Sylvester are healthy, he'll head to the practice squad and take out Ivy.
-Steelers carry the one extra safety in Golden for week 1 in Denver.
-Danny Hrapmann has made everything so far, with plenty of leg to spare especially in the clutch. His kickoffs have been good. I think we keep him to kick for years to come and Suisham gets cut to save us some money and salary cap hit.
-Drew Butler has been phenomenal and Kapinos isn't even competition. If Butler goes down Kapinos will be there.
-Only changes on the practice squad is Ivy making it and Johnson down. Ivy will be gone when Robinson goes on and I explained Johnson already
Monday, August 20, 2012
Steelers 53 Man Roster Prediction
(S) denotes a starter
(I) denotes injury
(H) denotes holdout
(SUS) denotes suspension
Quarterbacks:
Ben Roethlisberger (S)
Byron Leftwich
Jerrod Johnson
Running backs:
Rashard Mendenhall (I)
Isaac Redman (S)
Jonathan Dwyer
Baron Batch
Fullback:
Will Johnson (S)
Wide Receivers
Mike Wallace (H)
Antonio Brown (S)
Emmanuel Sanders (S)
Jerricho Cotchery
David Gilreath
WR/RB hybrid:
Chris Rainey
Tight ends:
Heath Miller (S)
Weslye Saunders (SUS)
Leonard Pope
David Paulsen
Offensive line:
Max Starks (S)
Willie Colon (S)
Maurkice Pouncey (S)
David DeCastro (S)
Marcus Gilbert (S)
Mike Adams
Doug Legursky
Ramon Foster
Trai Essex
Defensive Line:
Brett Keisel (S)
Casey Hampton (S)
Ziggy Hood (S)
Cam Heyward (S)
Steve McLendon
Alameda T'aamu
Al Woods
Linebackers:
James Harrison (S)
Larry Foote (S)
Lawrence Timmons (S)
LaMarr Woodley (S)
Sean Spence
Stevenson Sylvester (I)
Jason Worilds (I)
Chris Carter
Cornerbacks:
Ike Taylor (S)
Cortez Allen (S)
Keenan Lewis (S)
Curtis Brown
Terrance Frederick
Safeties:
Ryan Clark (S)
Troy Polamalu (S)
Ryan Mundy
Will Allen
Specialists:
Shaun Suisham (S)
Drew Butler (S)
Greg Warren (S)
Practice Squad:
Damon Cromartie-Smith
Adrian Robinson
Corbin Bryant
Walter McFadden
Brandon Johnson
Toney Clemons
Kelvin Beachum
Injured Reserve:
David Johnson
John Clay
Notes:
I have Charlie Batch out because no one else will pick him up and if worst comes to worst we could bring him back. Plus Johnson is getting a lot of praise from the coaches, especially Tomlin, and could be the QB of the future.
Paulsen moves to the practice squad after Saunders suspension is over knocking off either Walter McFadden or Brandon Johnson.
Guys who I was really close to adding were Adrian Robinson, still could if Worilds stays on the PUP, and Corbin Bryant, still could beat out Woods.
There are 4 starters on the d-line because Keisel and Heyward will alternate.
We keep 5 WRs and roll with 4 safeties hoping no one gets hurt with Clark out Week 1.
Butler beats Kapinos because you can't win a job sitting in the tub.
Hrapmann is making it a competition with Suisham but it still looks like it's Suisham's job to lose.
Next update will be after game 3.
(I) denotes injury
(H) denotes holdout
(SUS) denotes suspension
Quarterbacks:
Ben Roethlisberger (S)
Byron Leftwich
Jerrod Johnson
Running backs:
Rashard Mendenhall (I)
Isaac Redman (S)
Jonathan Dwyer
Baron Batch
Fullback:
Will Johnson (S)
Wide Receivers
Mike Wallace (H)
Antonio Brown (S)
Emmanuel Sanders (S)
Jerricho Cotchery
David Gilreath
WR/RB hybrid:
Chris Rainey
Tight ends:
Heath Miller (S)
Weslye Saunders (SUS)
Leonard Pope
David Paulsen
Offensive line:
Max Starks (S)
Willie Colon (S)
Maurkice Pouncey (S)
David DeCastro (S)
Marcus Gilbert (S)
Mike Adams
Doug Legursky
Ramon Foster
Trai Essex
Defensive Line:
Brett Keisel (S)
Casey Hampton (S)
Ziggy Hood (S)
Cam Heyward (S)
Steve McLendon
Alameda T'aamu
Al Woods
Linebackers:
James Harrison (S)
Larry Foote (S)
Lawrence Timmons (S)
LaMarr Woodley (S)
Sean Spence
Stevenson Sylvester (I)
Jason Worilds (I)
Chris Carter
Cornerbacks:
Ike Taylor (S)
Cortez Allen (S)
Keenan Lewis (S)
Curtis Brown
Terrance Frederick
Safeties:
Ryan Clark (S)
Troy Polamalu (S)
Ryan Mundy
Will Allen
Specialists:
Shaun Suisham (S)
Drew Butler (S)
Greg Warren (S)
Practice Squad:
Damon Cromartie-Smith
Adrian Robinson
Corbin Bryant
Walter McFadden
Brandon Johnson
Toney Clemons
Kelvin Beachum
Injured Reserve:
David Johnson
John Clay
Notes:
I have Charlie Batch out because no one else will pick him up and if worst comes to worst we could bring him back. Plus Johnson is getting a lot of praise from the coaches, especially Tomlin, and could be the QB of the future.
Paulsen moves to the practice squad after Saunders suspension is over knocking off either Walter McFadden or Brandon Johnson.
Guys who I was really close to adding were Adrian Robinson, still could if Worilds stays on the PUP, and Corbin Bryant, still could beat out Woods.
There are 4 starters on the d-line because Keisel and Heyward will alternate.
We keep 5 WRs and roll with 4 safeties hoping no one gets hurt with Clark out Week 1.
Butler beats Kapinos because you can't win a job sitting in the tub.
Hrapmann is making it a competition with Suisham but it still looks like it's Suisham's job to lose.
Next update will be after game 3.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Steelers Players to Watch Tonight
Jerrod Johnson QB
Johnson has looked very good in camp from what I've heard. He's going to get a long look in the second half tonight and if he looks good he could have an outside track to the roster. I doubt we cut Batch or Leftwich for him but he seems like a lock for the practice squad.
Chris Rainey RB/WR/KR/PR
Rainey is so easy to put on this list. I just wanna see his playmaking ability and speed. He's a lock for the roster but I want to see if the Darren Sproles and Dexter McCluster comparisons are valid.
Baron Batch RB
Batch killed it in camp last year but suffered that devastating knee injury. He's been quiet this year but the he's still a prototypical 3rd down back and he could really shine this year.
Jonathan Dwyer RB
I hear Dwyer is in the best shape he's ever been in for camp. If that's true I'm excited to see what he can do and if he's ready to be a full time backup to Redman.
Marquis Maze WR/KR/PR
Maze is one of many vying for that last WR spot, and from what I've heard I'd say he's in the lead over Toney Clemons. Maze has great speed but is a bit undersized. I want to see how well he performs running routes and receiving and decide if he's the real deal.
The Rookie O-Linemen
DeCastro has been bad from what I've read, Adams looks good, and Beachum is like a roller coaster, up and down. Adams and DeCastro are starting tonight and pushing to start in Denver while Beachum is working is trying to bump Essex off the roster. Beachum will get more time and it'll be interesting to see which rookie shines.
Steve McLendon NT
McLendon may be having the best camp so far. I was shocked to see he put on so much weight going from 290 to 325 in one year. I want to see if he's truly able to take over for Big Snack and be a NT of the future and repeat his stellar performance from last year.
Sean Spence LB
Spence was a pick that really surprised me in April. I've read that he's been great in pass coverage but he's been relatively quiet. First I'm interested to see where he plays, inside, outside, and I've heard rumors that he's Polamalu's heir at safety. If he has a good showing, I think he could dethrone Larry Foote as the starter inside later in the year.
Cortez Allen CB
Allen was one of my favorite picks last year. Huge potential and raw talent who's compared to Ike Taylor. From what I hear he's already harnessing that talent and is really pushing Keenan Lewis for the starting spot open after Willy Gay's departure. With Lewis hurt, this could be Allen's time to shine.
Drew Butler P
The rookie punter has really made this a battle with Jeremy Kapinos. Kapinos is down (shades of Sepulveda) with a back injury and Butler has been booming punts. With Jeremy out, Butler has the greatest chance to make impressions tonight on the coaching staff.
Daniel Hrapmann K
This is my surprise, shocking, sneaky pick to make the roster. Hrapmann is a rookie and has a monster leg. He can easily make 53 yard FGs. It's just a matter of being accurate. Since Shaun Suisham can't make above a 40 yard FG this helps Hrapmann. One other thing is that he has to impress on kickoffs. If he consistently gets touchbacks or deplep into the end zone he's got a real shot to be kicking in September.
Johnson has looked very good in camp from what I've heard. He's going to get a long look in the second half tonight and if he looks good he could have an outside track to the roster. I doubt we cut Batch or Leftwich for him but he seems like a lock for the practice squad.
Chris Rainey RB/WR/KR/PR
Rainey is so easy to put on this list. I just wanna see his playmaking ability and speed. He's a lock for the roster but I want to see if the Darren Sproles and Dexter McCluster comparisons are valid.
Baron Batch RB
Batch killed it in camp last year but suffered that devastating knee injury. He's been quiet this year but the he's still a prototypical 3rd down back and he could really shine this year.
Jonathan Dwyer RB
I hear Dwyer is in the best shape he's ever been in for camp. If that's true I'm excited to see what he can do and if he's ready to be a full time backup to Redman.
Marquis Maze WR/KR/PR
Maze is one of many vying for that last WR spot, and from what I've heard I'd say he's in the lead over Toney Clemons. Maze has great speed but is a bit undersized. I want to see how well he performs running routes and receiving and decide if he's the real deal.
The Rookie O-Linemen
DeCastro has been bad from what I've read, Adams looks good, and Beachum is like a roller coaster, up and down. Adams and DeCastro are starting tonight and pushing to start in Denver while Beachum is working is trying to bump Essex off the roster. Beachum will get more time and it'll be interesting to see which rookie shines.
Steve McLendon NT
McLendon may be having the best camp so far. I was shocked to see he put on so much weight going from 290 to 325 in one year. I want to see if he's truly able to take over for Big Snack and be a NT of the future and repeat his stellar performance from last year.
Sean Spence LB
Spence was a pick that really surprised me in April. I've read that he's been great in pass coverage but he's been relatively quiet. First I'm interested to see where he plays, inside, outside, and I've heard rumors that he's Polamalu's heir at safety. If he has a good showing, I think he could dethrone Larry Foote as the starter inside later in the year.
Cortez Allen CB
Allen was one of my favorite picks last year. Huge potential and raw talent who's compared to Ike Taylor. From what I hear he's already harnessing that talent and is really pushing Keenan Lewis for the starting spot open after Willy Gay's departure. With Lewis hurt, this could be Allen's time to shine.
Drew Butler P
The rookie punter has really made this a battle with Jeremy Kapinos. Kapinos is down (shades of Sepulveda) with a back injury and Butler has been booming punts. With Jeremy out, Butler has the greatest chance to make impressions tonight on the coaching staff.
Daniel Hrapmann K
This is my surprise, shocking, sneaky pick to make the roster. Hrapmann is a rookie and has a monster leg. He can easily make 53 yard FGs. It's just a matter of being accurate. Since Shaun Suisham can't make above a 40 yard FG this helps Hrapmann. One other thing is that he has to impress on kickoffs. If he consistently gets touchbacks or deplep into the end zone he's got a real shot to be kicking in September.
Monday, July 30, 2012
FINAL TRADE PREDICTIONS
Well after this Travis Snider trade I thought I'd update this...
Pittsburgh Pirates trade middle/low tier prospect to Kansas City Royals for Jose Mijares
By losing Lincoln, a hole is opened in the bullpen. Bryan Morris can handle the job but I'd be more comfortable with a lefty. Mijares is just that and has a sub 2.20 ERA. We've been linked to him by John Perrotto as well. I don't know any other lefty relievers on the market so I'll throw this out there but we could also easily do nothing more today.
Other players to watch:
All lefty relievers on the market- don't know any others but I'm sure we're calling. Maybe on some righties too
Juan Pierre- Speedster with almost identical stats to Victorino. Just much cheaper. Perfect lead off guy to platoon with Snider/Presley/Marte
Any other possible bench player- Mercer/Sutton have overstayed their welcome and Mercer can be optioned. Probably would be an infield bench player.
Kevin Correia- I think we keep him now with the pitching woes we've been having and only way we trade him is in a deal for a bat or bench player
Pittsburgh Pirates trade middle/low tier prospect to Kansas City Royals for Jose Mijares
By losing Lincoln, a hole is opened in the bullpen. Bryan Morris can handle the job but I'd be more comfortable with a lefty. Mijares is just that and has a sub 2.20 ERA. We've been linked to him by John Perrotto as well. I don't know any other lefty relievers on the market so I'll throw this out there but we could also easily do nothing more today.
Other players to watch:
All lefty relievers on the market- don't know any others but I'm sure we're calling. Maybe on some righties too
Juan Pierre- Speedster with almost identical stats to Victorino. Just much cheaper. Perfect lead off guy to platoon with Snider/Presley/Marte
Any other possible bench player- Mercer/Sutton have overstayed their welcome and Mercer can be optioned. Probably would be an infield bench player.
Kevin Correia- I think we keep him now with the pitching woes we've been having and only way we trade him is in a deal for a bat or bench player
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