What do you *expect* this offseason?

[webbrick2010]

Here's what I *expect*:

Jim Johnson traded (have no idea where and for what)

Re-sign Hammel to close

JJ Hardy traded for Starling MarteSign Jhonny Peralta to play 3B, but play him at SS until Machado is well enough to take over there

Play Valencia at 3B until Peralta moves there

Urrutia will share DH role w/Peake or Valencia, so no need to make a move there

Re-sign Feldman or trade for Porcello

So, after Machado comes back, the lineup would offer:

C - Wieters

1B - Davis

2B - Flaherty (until Schoop is ready)

3B - Peralta

SS - Machado

LF - Marte

CF - Jones

RF - Markakis

DH - Urrutia/Valencia

JJ Hardy for Starling Marte... that's a good one, you must think the Pirates GM is brain dead.

[mdbdotcom]

JJ Hardy for Starling Marte... that's a good one, you must think the Pirates GM is brain dead.

Would that make him a Ghost Pirate?

No, I think he needs a solution for SS, where Clint Barnes is a good defender, but he's also old and can't hit. There may be other pieces involved, but Hardy and Marte would be the big ones.

[Tryptamine]

Would that make him a Ghost Pirate?

No, I think he needs a solution for SS, where Clint Barnes is a good defender, but he's also old and can't hit. There may be other pieces involved, but Hardy and Marte would be the big ones.

Marte just put up a 4.6fWAR season at age 23 and is under team control for 4 more years. There is going to have to be a lot more than JJ Hardy.

[mdbdotcom]

Marte just put up a 4.6fWAR season at age 23 and is under team control for 4 more years. There is going to have to be a lot more than JJ Hardy.

And Hardy's was 3.4. Hardy's fWAR was 4.3 in 2011. Will Marte be able to keep it up his sophomore year? His slugging dropped off considerably in the second half (.462/.387), while his OBP remained consistent (.342/.346). Pirates need a SS. O's need a LF.

[Can_of_corn]

And Hardy's was 3.4. Hardy's fWAR was 4.3 in 2011. Will Marte be able to keep it up his sophomore year? His slugging dropped off considerably in the second half (.462/.387), while his OBP remained consistent (.342/.346). Pirates need a SS. O's need a LF.

Age and years under team control (at reduced prices) are huge considerations. Hardy is at the point in his career where middle infielders have a tendency to sharply regress, Marte is at the age where players tend to improve.

[mdbdotcom]

Age and years under team control (at reduced prices) are huge considerations. Hardy is at the point in his career where middle infielders have a tendency to sharply regress, Marte is at the age where players tend to improve.

True, but Hardy is also grossly underpaid for his production in today's market and will be for two more seasons. Plus, he plays a high skill position.

[Can_of_corn]

True, but Hardy is also grossly underpaid for his production in today's market and will be for two more seasons. Plus, he plays a high skill position.

Hardy is under contract for 2014, then he is a free agent.

[Il BuonO]

Hardy is under contract for 2014, then he is a free agent.

It's not as far fetched as some would make it out to be, we might have to add a B level prospect.

[mdbdotcom]

Hardy is under contract for 2014, then he is a free agent.

Correct. My mistake.

[Can_of_corn]

It's not as far fetched as some would make it out to be, we might have to add a B level prospect.

It could happen if the Pirates decide to go for it next season. I think they are going to operate more like the O's did last offseason.