JotCast | Nubyjas Wilborn's Pirates chat: 1.30.19

Nubyjas Wilborn's Pirates chat: 1.30.19

Jeff K

11:59

Odds that the Pirates sign any FA (reliever/infielder, etc) to a major league contract worth more than 3mil per yr?

Tameson Jaillon

11:59

Do you really feel like the combination of Newman/Gonzalez can be serviceable at short??

Ed in Greenfield

12:00

Hey Nubyjas -- freddy galvis isn't an option anymore. do you think he'd have been an upgrade at shortstop over Newman etc.?

Aaron

12:00

why did we get Kela and Archer and stand pat, when there so many players that could have been helpful on low contracts

nubyjas wilborn

12:01

Congrats on being 1st, @Jeff K! I think the Pirates want to see how Erik Gonzalez and Kevin Newman play in spring. Keep in mind there's about 130 FA's on the market. Which also answers @Tameson's

12:02

@Ed Galvis probably would've been a slight upgrade but maybe not enough to spend money on him when they could still wait

Mike M.

12:02

Haven’t seen an announcement in alternate uniforms for this season. Still wearing the 79 throwbacks on Sunday home games?

nubyjas wilborn

12:03

@Mike this whole season will be a celebration of the 79 team. The team posted some kit combos on social last week.

Justin

12:03

Hey Nubyjas! Welcome to Pittsburgh and the Pirates beat! Do you get the feeling that Erik Gonzalez is gonna get first crack at SS? Has anyone mentioned any offensive adjustments they want him to make, such as a launch angle swing change? He seems to hit the ball hard, but on the ground.

nubyjas wilborn

12:04

Thank you, Justin, It'll be a battle between Gonzalez. Pirates feel he can play defensively, they

are working with him on his bat.

Scott

12:04

Is the plan to see how the start of the season goes with the roster and then upgrade/sell accordingly?

nubyjas wilborn

12:04

12:05

I'd say don't be surprised if there are moves in spring or even in the next couple of weeks before camp starts. As i said earlier there are a lot of guys on the market.

Monessen Greyhound

12:05

Here’s what I say. Three team trade. Pirates, Tribe, and Marlins.

Marlins get: Hayes, Kingham, and a sweetener. Indians get: J.T Realmuto. And Pirates get Kluber and $$

nubyjas wilborn

12:06

Interesting, @Monessen, that may be enough for the Marlins, idk if it's enough for the Indians.

Guest

12:07

With a guy like Carlos Gonzales still available in RF, why not kick the tires on him? Chisenhall can't stay healthy and whoever loses the battle in Spring Training could serve as the 4th outfielder. BTW who is the current 4th outfielder?

nubyjas wilborn

12:08

maybe Pablo Reyes right now as 4th outfielder? CarGo could still be a possibility, but they like Lonnie.

PhillyJake

12:08

So you're the new guy! Welcome. Are you and Brink going to play 1 on 1 or run marathons together?

nubyjas wilborn

12:09

I'll see more than my share of Brink. No need for extra time ;)

Aaron

12:09

do you think Kevin Newman sucks too?

nubyjas wilborn

12:09

be nice, Aaron

PhillyJake

12:09

Over/Under on Moran hitting 25 HRs this year.

nubyjas wilborn

12:09

are you going to Rivers, Jake?

12:09

The front office all say they want to improve and do better yet they have not done anything in the offseason to really improve the team only replace what they have lost with questions mark players. Mercer/Gonzalez, Nova/Lyles, and the injured Planco/with Chisenhall.

nubyjas wilborn

12:10

Ed, you have a fair concern. The beauty of baseball is maybe some of this will work out, Spring and opening month will tell us a lot.

Scott

12:10

What do you think the split of Kang/Moran will be?

nubyjas wilborn

12:11

Scott, ask me that after some spring games.

Paul or Phil

12:11

Do u think once Machado and Harper sign we’ll see a free agent domino effect? Are they holding up the entire league?

nubyjas wilborn

12:12

Yes, Phil or Paul. I think the next week or so will be moving quickly

Itoookashit

12:12

Kevin Newman stole home base in college so sad that he has to be our starting shortstop

nubyjas wilborn

12:13

he's gotta beat out Gonzalez and don't forget Cole Tucker is coming

Monessen Greyhound

12:13

With Vazquez to be reserved for leverage situations, it seems like the bullpen is missing a lefty specialist. What are your thoughts on Xavier Cedeno. To expensive or a good fit?

nubyjas wilborn

12:14

fair concern, Monsessen, I like Cedeno, could be a good fit

Paul or Phil

12:14

The pirates have done a wait and see approach before with Freese and Dickerson. Could a guy like Iglesias fill that mold if Gonzalez/Newman don’t impress right away?

nubyjas wilborn

12:15

possibly, but I get the impression they see Gonzalez/Newman as a stopgap until Tucker is ready.

Roberto Clemente

12:15

Be nice Aaron gosh Aaron Kevin Newman is reallly really good

PhillyJake

12:16

I guess asking about Bell next isn't worth it? :-)

nubyjas wilborn

12:16

ha, maybe!