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Bill Brink's Pirates chat: 7.26.17
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Austin
2:23
Is there any real interest in sonny gray?
Bill Brink
2:24
I'm sure they're doing their due diligence, and I've covered this club long enough that nothing they do surprises me, but acquiring either of them, with a 50-51 record, would go against the way Huntington has operated in 10 years since taking over.
TL
2:25
is the rotation still a priority at this point? huntington mentioned that they're also looking at outfielders to counterbalance the polanco injury as well as the potential for being without marte in the postseason (fingers crossed). is the focus in the outfield now? who's available at a price the pirates would be comfortable with?
Bill Brink
2:26
Hurdle spoke about outfielders this morning too. Some that could fit: Bruce, Granderson, Melky Cabrera, Revere, Rajai Davis,
Tyler
2:26
If they can't land a starter at the deadline could they go the route of landing a reliable 7th inning reliever in an effort to shorten games? The starters rarely get to the 7th as it is.
Bill Brink
2:26
They've added bullpen help in recent years and I'd imagine they do so again, especially if they trade Watson or Nicasio.
Aging Fan
2:27
Hate to be negative, but I find it hard to believe that Martes transgression was a one off.  They guy has been ripped for years.  Tell me I'm wrong?
Bill Brink
2:28
You can be ripped without PEDs. We'll never know (unless he changes his mind and answers the questions we asked when he returned). One thing I will say: If he used Nandrolone before, he likely would have been caught by now.
Alex
2:28
What do you think about attempting to add Howie Kendrick and Jeremy Hellickson?
Bill Brink
2:28
Certainly fills two needs and the Phillies are motivated to move them -- if Kendrick can stay healthy.
Ray
2:28
Are the Pirates going to extend Clint Hurdle?
Bill Brink
2:29
Excellent question, one I've asked him and Huntington in recent weeks. Neither have given much of an indication. But there's two months left and they haven't even guaranteed his option, so it makes you wonder, doesn't it?
Hank
2:29
Other than having Marte for a full season, what gives this barely .500 team the belief they can contend next year?
Bill Brink
2:30
Not missing Taillon for five weeks, a more consistent Cole, maybe one of the young starters takes a step forward and becomes reliable on a consistent basis.
Hank
2:30
Will the Bucs ever again have a true power hitter on their team or do the analytics guys "poo-poo" that idea?
Bill Brink
2:31
They might have the makings of one in Bell, but it's a good question. I don't think analytics necessarily dislike power, but when looking to construct a roster, power can be expensive to acquire. Even that might be changing -- NL home run leader Chris Carter got $3 million from the Yankees (notwithstanding his performance after signing).
2:33
Lightning round. Go.
Dan
2:34
How's the team atmosphere
Bill Brink
2:34
It's fine. These guys have won 13 of 18. No player is ever thrilled to lose 11-3 but they're good.
BobbyToledo
2:35
We'll see Glasnow in ...
Bill Brink
2:36
Barring injury, I think it'll still take him a bit. He needs to consistently prove his stuff will get major leaguers out while facing minor leaguers, no easy feat, and it'd probably take regression from Williams or Kuhl.
Mike
2:36
Do you buy into any of the "we can't make a trade because it will mess up the team chemistry" theory. These guys are all adults, no?
Bill Brink
2:37
I don't buy it -- most of the time. These guys are adults and they want to win, and if the team acquires someone to help them do that they'll be happy. They can't publicly say, oh yea we need help in left field, because then the left fielder won't be thrilled about it. But if they made a particular type of trade -- say, the Dodgers trading Kershaw's personal catcher in the middle of a division race -- that type of stuff can upset the clubhouse.
BobbyToledo
2:38
Williams and Kuhl seem to get the benefit of the doubt because neither is blue chip, where the Pirates want Glasnow to be extremely polished. Is that fair? Kuhl sure walks a lot of batters.
Bill Brink
2:38
Williams and Kuhl have both shown improvement and the ability to adapt at the major league level, while Glasnow did not. I think that gives them more leash from the coaching staff.
Joe in FL
2:39
I know there is a lot of talk about the overvaluing of prospects.  Many prospects never make an impact with the club they were traded to even the ones considered elite.  However, can't the same be said for the veteran players that are exchanged each year?  We like to remember the homeruns but most of the time the trade has very little to no impact.
Bill Brink
2:41
You're right, it works both ways. Happ was huge. Ryan Ludwick didn't help much. Robbie Grossman is starting in Minnesota and Colton Cain has never pitched in the majors. But the acquiring team doesn't know until they get the player, and not getting the player usually doesn't help the club.
Jeremy Fuller
2:42
Nunez looked like the perfect fit for the pirates rental and didnt have to give up much.  Them not making that trade and letting him go to Boston shows me they are leaning towards Selling. Your thoughts
Bill Brink
2:43
The fact that another team acquired a player the Pirates were said to have checked on in a media report has no bearing on whether they're buying or selling.
Robert
2:43
Do I have the right to be upset  if they do nothing
Bill Brink
2:43
Absolutely. Up to you to interpret their actions or inactions and react accordingly.
WVUFAN
2:43
McCutchen has stated he wants to be a pirate.  Has the front office even engaged with him what it would take finically, or have they just written him off as they cant afford him?
Bill Brink
2:44
I would imagine they've had the conversation but I don't think they're serious at this point. McCutchen's representative knows what he can get on the open market and what the Pirates are likely to be comfortable paying.
That's it for today, with the early game time. We'll have a good long chat next week to debrief the deadline. Thanks for stopping by!
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