JotCast | Nubyjas Wilborn's Pirates chat: 02.20.19

Nubyjas Wilborn's Pirates chat: 02.20.19

Rick in Orlando

12:02

The Pirates have a 71 million dollar payroll this year. This must be the lowest or nearly the lowest payroll in baseball. For the good of keeping teams competitive and for parody sake, shouldn't there be a floor on total payroll as well to keep the owners honest about fielding a minimally competitive team? With the revenue sharing a TV contracts, the attendance declines do not matter at all as the Nuttings will profit no matter how bad the team is and how low the attendance is.

nubyjas wilborn

12:03

As of now, it's in the bottom five. I could see a scenario where there are a cap and floor for salaries in the next CBA, but that isn't until 2020.

ke'bryan mays hayes

12:03

I'm fairly optimistic about this season and if I squint, there's a path to the playoffs. That said: the infield defense was atrocious last year and the Bucs are relying on a starting rotation that still leans on inducing ground balls. What's the party line on how the team's defense will be improved this year?

nubyjas wilborn

12:04

There is a lot of optimism in Pirate City. The team believes it can win. They like Gonzalez or Newman at SS depending on who wins that battle. They believe Frazier is getting better as well.

Bryce Harper

12:04

Why hasn't anyone signed me yet?

nubyjas wilborn

12:05

I have $20, a grouper sandwich, and a pale ale for ya. :)

James Coolbox

12:05

We routinely hear the owner and GM say they need to operate within the confines of the industry. That said, why haven’t they taken a stand to change the system?

nubyjas wilborn

12:05

Who's the say they aren't? They've made their concerns known to the Commish.

DJ Spin

12:06

Do you think we're pretty much set with the roster, outside of some minor league depth moves (like the Davis signing, which seems wise)? I ask especially because of Jose Iglesias, who would seem like an ideal stopgap/safety option. At this point it seems like he wouldn't be commanding a starting spot or a ton of $$/length, so we could bring him into the fold and force Newman and Gonzalez into a competition for the other infield spot, letting the chips fall where they may with the starter.

It just seems kind of brazen and arrogant to ignore that kind of stability for two total unknowns who aren't highly touted prospects breaking in. We can "afford" him and still keep the payroll to the arbitrary pittance that Nutting is dictating, according to whatever this owner/GM-speak about "controllability" even means.

nubyjas wilborn

12:06

They like what they have. We'll see if they're right. At some point, nearly every player was an unknown looking for a shot.

James Coolbox

12:06

Nutting just alluded to less tickets sold means lower attendance. Does he think fans are morons and don’t understand basic logic?

nubyjas wilborn

12:07

He doesn't think fans are stupid.

Chris

12:07

Is Moran developing more power this spring? Could be a big reason for making playoff push if he is.

nubyjas wilborn

12:08

He's working on all aspects. In fact, I have a story coming on him today. Knows he's in a battle with Kang. Could bring out the best in him.

Truman

12:08

Can Erik Gonzalez be a surprise at short?

nubyjas wilborn

12:08

yes.

James Coolbox

12:08

As a journalist you must remain unbiased, how hard can it be listening to the same cliched answers from athletes and mgmt?

nubyjas wilborn

12:08

the game is the game. They also get tired of me asking questions.

James Coolbox

12:08

Follow up from the concerns question, they have voted for the current system multiple times, why don’t they break ranks?

nubyjas wilborn

12:08

I don't know that answer.

gary a

12:08

what improvements can we look forward to at 7 Springs with the money Bob is saving on the Pirate payroll?

nubyjas wilborn

12:09

be kind, Gary! lol

Dave

12:11

Any early predictions on which spots will be up for grabs in spring training? At first glance, seems like the bench will be Kang, Newman/Gonzalez, Stallings, Diaz, with Cabrera a strong likelihood for the other spot. Maybe Reyes and Osuna are in the mix?

Bullpen seems more interesting: Vazquez, Kela, Crick, Rodriguez all locks. Any guess about the final 3-4? Liriano, Burdi, Kingham, with Brault stretched out in AAA in case of injury to a starter?

nubyjas wilborn

12:12

Third base, shortstop, and fifth starter. Are up for grabs. Middle of the bullpen as well.

12:12

Did someone ask Bob about the Manny Machado signing by the Padres? Another "small market" team.

nubyjas wilborn

12:12

we did. He said he wasn't really an option for the Pirates.

Tom in Latrobe

12:13

Depth seems to be a major concern with this team all around. If everyone stays healthy, which won’t happen, this team could surprise. So my question is this, will ownership regret not signing an extra SP or quality utility guy?

nubyjas wilborn

12:13

Depth is an issue. As far as regret, we'll see.

Justin

12:13

The only player I've seen get a "Best Shape of his Life" report is Kang, in that quote from Hurdle. Might be tough for you to answer since you didn't cover them last year, but has anyone else been complimented for improving their body this winter?

nubyjas wilborn

12:14

Newman comes to mind especially. Struggled to keep on weight last year.

Captain Flint

12:14

How much lower can the payroll go before the League steps in?

nubyjas wilborn

12:15

Manfred said he doesn't see payroll as an indicator of how hard a team is trying.

Truman

12:15

Is it possible to separate the front office from the product on the field? Anytime I mention anything about being optimistic about the team I’m accused of “drinking the koolaid”. The politics of baseball is really getting in the way of enjoying the game in this city

nubyjas wilborn

12:16

They have some talent. Ultimately, we should judge the team based on its performance not payroll.

James

12:16

Who do you think will end the season as the 5th starter from the minor league group? I know Lyles will likely start there but I doubt he'll last all year

nubyjas wilborn

12:16

I like Lyles.

Jimmy in the Burgh

12:17

Do you think young prospect Sammy Roundbaugh could be a fast riser through the minor league system?

nubyjas wilborn

12:17

about as much as Chris Gaines ;)

Truman

12:17

Do you think the players are aware of all the negativity this organization is receiving?