You are viewing the chat in desktop mode. Click here to switch to mobile view.
X
Nubyjas Wilborn's Pirates chat: 01.29.20
powered byJotCast
Rick Sunner in Orlando
11:59
If the Pirates are transparent with their future plans with the fans, can they salvage the fan base?
What are the chances of Bell being traded before the season? If his first half of the season is anything like his second half last year his trade value goes into the dumpster. But if he has a great first half, his value at the deadline will skyrocket. What do the Bucs wager on?
nubyjas wilborn
12:00
Good Afternoon, Pirates fans. Hello and welcome to the chat. Let's start with Rick Sunner in Orlando
Only thing that will salvage fans is winning. They have to build a winner.
12:01
I don't think the Pirates will trade Bell to before the start of the season. Nothing is impossible but I believe he'll be at first base when the season opens in Tampa.
jds317
12:02
Why don't the Pirates just trade Bell for prospects now and open the season with Craig at 1B, then Newman, Tucker and Hayes for INF.  Might as well see if these guys can play.  They'll never pay Bell.
nubyjas wilborn
12:03
Because who's to say they'll never pay Bell? They paid Cutch & Marte. The Pirates also have 3 arb seasons of Bell there is no reason to rush.
Chief Powhatan
12:03
What's your perceived pitching rotation for this season, and, can the Pirates find another catcher before April?
nubyjas wilborn
12:05
Archer, Trevor Williams, Musgrove, Keller, Brault. And sure they can. Will they? Stay tuned.
Guillermo
12:05
is there a market for Adam Frazier? and if he’s not moved, where does Cole Tucker start The season?
nubyjas wilborn
12:07
Yes there is a market for him. A good hitter and improving defender. They could get a nice deal for him. If he's not moved then Tucker could make the team as back up shortstop. The 26th man could benefit Tucker staying in Pittsburgh.
Chief Powhatan
12:07
You have the toughest job in P-G sports coverage Nubyjas.  How can you survive six months of reporting on a surefire 110-loss season?
nubyjas wilborn
12:08
It isn't that hard. I get to write about baseball and I love writing baseball. It's a blessing. Watching a losing team isn't always fun but there's always stories to tell.
Rick Sunner in Orlando
12:08
Why did Shelton and Herrington take on their jobs if there are no payroll increases promised in the near future? The fans will not put up with 3 100 loss seasons in a row. It seems like a bad movie rerun on stripping this team down unless there were some assurances down the road that there will be an opportunity to sign some bigger names in 2-3 years down the road like the Brewers have recently done.I, like many loyal Bucco fans, have no faith or trust that Nutting will do the right thing.
nubyjas wilborn
12:10
Who's to say they did? Both men had other options. I'd like to believe they wouldn't have come to Pittsburgh unless they thought they could win. But what you said about faith of the fandom is understandable. All the org can do is make legit steps to change the narrative. It won't be easy.
Georgia Bucs Fan
12:10
Nubyjas.  From Beaver Valley but in Georgia since 89 for work. Haven't made it to see a game in PNC Park but catch the Bucs when they are in Atlanta. Do you think the Nut will open the vault over the next couple of years and make us a contender again ? Thank you.
nubyjas wilborn
12:11
I hope to see you at Truist this season, Ga Bucs. And I'd like to think so, but I get why fans don't have faith in it.
Guillermo
12:11
I wanted to buy my nephew a jersey for our spring training visit. Which Pirate is the safest jersey to get right now?
nubyjas wilborn
12:12
Mitch Keller. Seriously, he's early in his deal and has potential to be good for a while.
Jeff
12:12
From what I've heard and read, the Marte trade was a good trade where we received 2 of Arizona's top 10 prospects. It appears we're in rebuild mode.  Would it be wise to get some top prospects for Bell?  We should be able to get a good return.  Or is it best to keep him?
nubyjas wilborn
12:13
I think it is best to keep him.
Mark
12:13
Hi Nubyjas.  Do you think that the sickening salary dump that occurred this week will catch the attention of the player's union?  They can't be pleased.  On a side note, I guarantee not one Diamondback's fan bemoaned the loss of two prized prospects.  Thanks.
nubyjas wilborn
12:14
I don't think it was a salary dump. I understand why fans do, but I think it was a good baseball move. They got two legit prospects.
Blackhawk Bob
12:14
What do you feel are realistic expectations this season for Polanco and Bell ? They look to be the only bats in the Pirates lineup with a chance of putting up 25 homeruns
nubyjas wilborn
12:15
Bell should be around 30 home runs. Polanco is tougher to answer. Right now you gotta hope he's able to play at least 140 games.
GSMP
12:15
I would move O'Neill Cruz to LF and have him play there exclusively. He would seem to me to be the long term option to replace Marte once he's ready for the majors.
nubyjas wilborn
12:16
Let's see Cruz continue to work at the plate before we start moving him around the diamond. But I see your point on trying him at other spots. The time will eventually come.
Jacque Strap
12:16
Hi Nubyjas...The brass said one of the reasons for not adding was that they didn't know how good their current players were, and they needed time to evaluate. Guess that doesn't apply to shipping guys out, huh?
nubyjas wilborn
12:17
That's fair. But in Marte's case he's 31 and likely as good as he'll ever be.
Guillermo
12:17
If Cherrington admits the Pirates ae rebuilding, does that hurt trade leverage?
nubyjas wilborn
12:17
I think stuff like that is overplayed. These GM's are too smart these days. They know what every team needs or doesn't.
Done
12:18
I’ve been a stainch Pira supporter for years. I give up. This team is horr and payr is absurd. Why shou any want to watch this travesty?
nubyjas wilborn
12:19
I heard that they're bringing back the spelling bee challenge. You'd be great. J/K. But seriously, it's still baseball and baseball is fun.
Guillermo
12:19
What does Hayes have to do to win the 3rd base job out of spring? Is it Moran’s job despite spring outcomes?
nubyjas wilborn
12:21
Good question. I wonder if Kris Bryant winning his arb suit against the Cubs will have an impact on teams playing the arb game with players going forward. All things even, Hayes is a better fielder than Moran. It's not close. If Hayes shows that he can hit there's no reason to hold him back when the team comes north at the end of camp.
Colts Corral
12:21
Who wins more games this year ? The Pirates or Penguins ? I believe this team has a legit chance to break the 1962 Mets or the 1899 Cleveland Spiders season loss record. This franchise is utterly devoid of talent anywhere. Agree ?
nubyjas wilborn
12:23
I don't agree. Bryan Reynolds and Kevin Newman are solid young players. I think Musgrove, Williams, and Archer will be better than last season. There's decent talent in the bullpen and of course Josh Bell. They need more, but it isn't devoid of talent.
Guillermo
12:23
Did you have many interactions with Starling? Was he enjoyable to cover?
nubyjas wilborn
12:24
yeah, pretty much spoke to him daily during the season. He was cool.
Spin Williams
12:24
An overlooked part of this roster is the bullpen, after Vazquez's arrest, who do you see as the closer? and who will be the set up man/men? Lot of holes there just like with the majority of this bubble gum roster they have assembled.
Load More Messages
Connecting…