Baseball Thread 5 - #5 George Brett Has a Story to Tell

I know what deal they were a part of, obviously. But to dismiss the Nady trade from the others is wrong. They're all part of the same movement to add depth to the franchise in the minors. That's why I lump that trade in with the others.

 

I think we're on the same page more than you think ... They could have waited a little longer to pull the trigger on McLouth. I think closer to the deadline they get a pitcher a little closer to major league ready than Locke. I'm watching another piece of the Bay trade (Bryan Morris) pitch tonight. He's been up and down after being injured earlier this year. He was a former Dodgers' first rounder (12th overall) and has some potential. Seems like we're saying that a lot with the Pirates ...

 

It's a damn shame somebody's going to make the playoffs out of the NL East.

/phanboy

 

But we are talking about two different types of player. Nady and Morgan are mediocre players who had strong starts and allowed the Pirates to trade high. Bay is an outstanding player. McLouth is a very good one. Neither was going to be a free agent in the offseason the year they were traded. You have to get strong value for guys like that. Where we differ is I think they didn't get nearly enough.

 

Morris was probably the player I liked least in that deal. Not because he doesn't have ability, but because he was damaged goods. He had been hurt previously and I don't think it was even a month after the deal that he was hurt again. The Pirates have blown out enough arms. They didn't need another one that was already damaged.

 

Yeah, he's already had Tommy John and had a "shoulder impingement" that put him out two months this year. Pitched OK tonight. Gave up four unearned runs. Not his fault his teammates can't field.

 

Don't worry, you'll get three more wins this weekend, since the Tigers haven't figured out how to win on the road.

 

Braves' offense turning it on vs. Philly. Diaz with 3 hits, including a 2-run homer. Prado and Jones with 4 hits and 5 RBI between 'em. Hernandez with a homer.

Jurrjens has allowed one hit in 7 IP (although he's walked four.) Nice.

 

Marlins a half game back.

 

More runs that Jurrjens received in support during June.

They looked like world-beaters last weekend.

Okay, that's not true. They looked like manual egg-beaters last weekend.

Speaks volumes about the NL East.

 

This should make you feel better, DD ... just got back from watching the Royals' Midwest League club, the Burlington Bees, pound the hell out of the Quad-City River Bandits, 12-5.

Burlington's starter, Tim Melville, supposedly is one of KC's better prospects. Had one bad inning (four runs), but otherwise looked pretty good with 5Ks. And he certainly looked great compared to any of the QC pitchers (the Bandits are the Cardinals Class A affiliate).

One other tidbit ... recent roster addition, Marc Maddox, had a hit and FIVE walks from the leadoff spot for Burlington.

But the best part of the game was my son tracking down a foul ball for a souvenir. Brought a big smile to a 10-year-old's face. Can't beat fun at the old ballpark.

And if any SportsJournalists.comers in the Midwest have a chance to check out a game in Davenport, right along the Mississippi River, I highly recommend it. Very nice minor league park.

 

The fact that the Pirates got a top-60 BA prospect for a 27-year-old outfielder whose bat vanished after a fast start in 2008 and plays sub-par defense, I think they did well. Add in two more pitchers who could turn into something and it's a better return. It's not like they had CC Sabathia as a bargaining chip -- they weren't going to get a LaPorta-type prospect for McLouth.