Afternoon links

I’ve got a bunch of stuff I’m working on this afternoon, both for this site and for The Outside Corner‘s playoff coverage (I’m going to be writing quite a bit there during the playoffs), so I don’t have time for a full-length post today. Instead, I’ve got a couple of links to share. 

First up, John Sickels looks at Starling Marte’s season. I’d forgotten that Marte didn’t homer at all with Bradenton last year. Keeping that in mind along with his hamate injury last year, his power surge (12 homers, 8 triples, 38 doubles, .500 SLG) is even more impressive. Now, if he could get a better handle on that strike zone … 

Tim at Pirates Prospects has a good look at what the increased attendance might mean for payroll in the coming years. Judging by his Twitter account, he’s in Bradenton watching the instructional league right now, so keep an eye on his site in the coming days for updates. 

Also headed to the instructional league: Alex Presley, to improve his bunting; Josh Harrison, to play shortstop; and Mike McKenry, to improve his hitting. At least one of those three things makes sense to my puny human brain. 

MLB Trade Rumors looks at the Pirates’ arbitration-eligible players with salary guesses and concludes that they should have ~$20 million to spend if they decline all of their team options. I doubt Ronny Cedeno’s option will be declined (bonus link: Ronny wants to come back!) and I’m unsure about Maholm’s, but there’s obviously still a lot of flexibility with the payroll this winter.