In our daily Wake-Up Call, we get you ready for the day with a complete look at all things Pittsburgh Pirates.
The Winter Meetings have arrived
Yesterday was the official start of the 2016 MLB Winter Meetings. This is the time of year where each team is trying to improve their club for the upcoming season. GMs from all 30 teams will be in attendance. Each will try to make the signing or trade that puts their team over the top next year.
The Pirates will, of course, try to add to their team but it’s who they’re potentially trading that has everyone talking. These Winter Meetings could bring an end to the Andrew McCutchen era in Pittsburgh. This isn’t simply the end of an eight-year tenure with the Big Club. This relationship goes all the way back to 2005 when the Pirates made McCutchen the 11th selection in that year’s draft.
The Pirates are a small market team. You can try to deny it but it’s their reality. To remain successful, the team must make difficult decisions. It doesn’t get any more difficult than trading the face of the franchise.
Pirates Breakdown will provide plenty of Winter Meetings coverage so, please continue to check back daily.
Other Moves
Believe it or not, the Pirates will make other moves independent of any Andrew McCutchen trade. The Pirates will likely try to add a veteran starting pitcher. They’ve been linked to former Ranger, Derek Holland. A move that likely won’t inspire much excitement in the fan base but fans are never excited about reclamation projects until they have a 3.50ERA in mid-July.
The Pirates could also see a huge shake-up in their bullpen as both Antonio Bastardo and Tony Watson could be shopped this week. Watson is another long-time Pirates as he’s been with the team since 2011 and in the organization since 2007.
Watson had an up and down season in 2016, especially when he took over the closer’s role from Mark Melancon. His 3.06ERA was his highest since 2012 and more than a full run higher than his 2015 ERA. Watson wasn’t terrible but he certainly wasn’t as shutdown as previous years. Watson set the bar so high that a mere solid ERA looks astronomical.
Over the next week, you will hear a lot of crazy rumors. Some involving the Pirates, some not. However, it is important to remember not every rumor is true and just because the Pirates listen to a trade offer about a player, doesn’t mean they’re actively shopping him. Only one thing is certain right now; regardless of what happens, you will see plenty of excellent hot takes on social media.
Baseball Talk on the Web
Former Commissioner Selig elected to HOF
MLB to raise money for field in memory of Shannon Forde
Shohei Otani might come to MLB as early as 2018
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