Chuck Finder’s Pirates chat trancript: 6.28.2010

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Chuck Finder: Greetings from Chicago, where it’s a blue-sky beautiful day for baseball. We’re open for business for questions now, so feel free to slip a few in there. Then we’ll have first pitch — or something like that — at 1 p.m. thanks.

Bob in FL: I know that MLB once stepped in to prevent Charlie Finley from selling off all his players..is it possible they could take action to make this franchise more responsible to the public as, obviously, they are simply garnering everything they can get, financially, from this corpse of a franchise?

Chuck Finder: “Corpse of a franchise.” Nice prose, Florida Bob. That was long ago in a far, far different baseball galaxy. For one thing, Bowie Kuhn was a commish willing to take action — though what a lot of folks would give for another Bart Giamatti! Charlie O. Finley sparked a heap of trouble when he tried to sell Joe Rudi, et. al. for cash. the Pirates aren’t doing a money grab … or even a hording of cash. They’re at least spending some on the draft and young talent; Florida wasn’t showing any signs of willingness to grow their club or payroll, which is why they got their wrists slapped this past winter. Don’t expect Bud Selig and Friends to step into the Pirates picture, unless the Pirates started trading away their youth movement or stop spending anything but a couple of million on the draft.

BadNewzBucs: Is there any chance that Russell gets fired?

Chuck Finder: If they continue to lose, BNB, there is always that “chance.” When such factors as fundamentals, focus and energy come into question, as they have at least this past week, if not the past month, that often causes fingers to wag accusingly in the direction of the manager or management team. When a team just cannot remove itself from a funk, the only answer is a change of leadership — even if only to appease fans. But this club is in a different place, rebuilding with four starters owning one year or less of major-league experience, so they may not worry about appeasing fans or trying to bring a new energy/dynamic to the clubhouse. Management seems to believe that Russell is the right teacher, the proper educator, the man they need in charge. therefore, a long-term view is required here. the question remains: are these symptoms of a long-term problem, or merely growing pains along the way? (Oh, and there is still that proven theory: A good manager only adds five victories a season, 10 tops. any change here wouldn’t be done to improve the immediate record — only a large influx of more major-league-ready talent would do that — but to improve the long-term.)

Chris: Oy … what a mess this team is right now. What’s the mood like inside the clubhouse?

Chuck Finder: Funereal. Wish i had more time to spend in there Sunday, too. Not an excuse, but I had a 6 p.m. Oakland time flight to catch, so I was out of the clubhouse in minutes and out of the stadium barely 20 minutes after that. (So hasty, in fact, i left my cell phone charger!) I’ll try to make more rounds this afternoon at Wrigley to get the day-after response.

Brian: the talent level on this team is not high, so the losing doesn’t get to me as much as the manner in which the losses occur does. How can the manager and coaches get through to the players to help them stop the mental errors (not covering a base, dropping fly balls and pop-ups, not running bases properly)?

Chuck Finder: That’s one of those either-way propositions. are the players coachable and listening? (Bobby Crosby, a wily veteran, admitted he missed the hit-and-run sign in Texas Thursday night.) are the players motivated to listen? Losing crushes focus, confidence, energy, attention span. . . . those intangible “little things” are done by winners, sure. But sometimes you have to do them continually to become at least a part-time winner, right? There was such attention to detail early in the season, but the same players are losing it now. And you can’t blame the kids on these.

Though when Pedro Alvarez got hit by Jose Tabata’s single yesterday, i did have this wacky but serious thought: Hockey players perform a sort of pepper warm-up with a soccer ball to improve their hand-eye coordination before games. I wondered if the Pirates should try dodgeball … Nah, somebody would get a concussion or something, huh? (That part is a joke.)

Chris: I’m somewhat encouraged about the future of our offensive players with the likes of Walker, Alvarez, Tabata, Cutch, Jones. But with as bad at the starting pitching is, there’s just no hope. any chance the GM can bring in a top of the rotation pitcher?

Chuck Finder: Yeah, Jameson Taillon. Pirates Class of 2013. Oh, but you’re talking about right now.

Here is a thought that a veteran pitcher floated to me earlier this season: A knowledgeable pitching coach is a wonderful addition, though even the great Ray Miller used to say that he helped three, hurt three and the others never listened to him. But this particular veteran pitcher openly wished for a veteran in the rotation to whom a starter could turn with questions or watch for on-the-job education, or merely learn by osmosis. Don’t go pining for Roy Oswalt, cause he ain’t coming. But it is a thought….though i doubt the Pirates would do it, because it gets in the way of younger pitchers trying to learn on the job. (Though imagine, for instance, what a Jamie Moyer might do for a Duke, Maholm or even Morton.)

Kyle: do you know if there have been any negotiations with Stetson Allie?

Chuck Finder: plan to put calls in to the top two picks in the next day or so. Neal Huntington smiled at the question Sunday and said the club would continue to announce signings as they happen, meaning i was going to glean no intel from him.

But I still believe that both players WANT to sign with the Pirates. It’s just a matter of money from there.

Kyle: If the A’s had to pay for the throwback uniforms, what happens to them after the game?

Chuck Finder: they apparently sell them for their charitable arms, as with the local franchise and Pirates Charities. If you were hankering for one of those black-on-black sets, you might want to contact the A’s or look at their shop online. Me, I would’ve preferred at least the striped white tops with the black pants. But i guess any combination involving Pirates gold would’ve looked to close to the A’s selection (and why weren’t they in green tops and gold bottoms instead of looking like French Fries?)

CA Pirate: hi Chuck, any news of other possible draft signings? are some being delayed by MLB reviewers like last year?

Chuck Finder: again, because of today’s concussion story (not a shameless plug, promise) and four days of vacation last week, I haven’t been in regular contact with draft kids. they haven’t gotten to the hard-negotiation phase last I heard, so we still haven’t reached the MLB-Office-Stall yet! Dace seemed as if he could sign soon, though.

jefft: hi Chuck — any truth to the rumor that the Bucs are going to forfeit a game in an attempt to find another way to lose?

Chuck Finder: Pay the man, Shirley.

CA Pirate: what is the likelihood of a hard slotting system in the next collective bargaining agreement? How much, if any, will this possibility affect negotiations with draftees this year?

Chuck Finder: Wow, that’s a good question, CA. Frank Coonelly might be a better one to ask. I’m guessing the Player’s Association won’t go for a hard ANYTHING. If there is ever a salary cap — and, more important, a salary floor — in baseball, then maybe the draft will get such an alteration, too.

jal: Chuck any word on roster moves, such as bringing Pearce up.

Chuck Finder: the heck with Pearce, how about Negrych, Presley, Moss and Clement! Did you see what they did yesterday?! Seriously, Huntington mentioned Pearce yesterday in Oakland, saying they were waiting for him to get “locked in.” But didn’t he homer as well yesterday to bring his average to .330 or so? My guess is, they still have until July 4 or so to decide, and somebody may well get hurt in that time.

BTW, the Pirates have a winning record with Pearce at first base, at something like 5-4. Jus’ sayin’….

jefft: On a more serious note, is there any severe fretting about Pedro’s lack of success in the clubhouse and/or FO? 0-for-10 with 8 K’s doesn’t exactly lend itself to a great morale boost for the kid.

Chuck Finder: Pedro’s psyche is a good question — that’s precisely why Huntington and the Pirates take such caution in bringing up a prospect. But Pedro seems pretty strong mentally. And, look, he has 5 RBI in 10 starts, which is pretty darn impressive …especially for a .114 hitter… and he walked with two out in a pressure-cooked situation yesterday. So those are positive signs. Also had a quick discussion with Joe Rudi the A’s broadcaster and longtime player, and he echoed what other baseball types have told me: the kid will be fine, and he will be a good one. Go look up stats from sluggers like Ryan Howard when they first came up …

Mr_Xiaoqi: can you tell us more about G. Ogden Nutting being at some recent road games. Is he ever at a game in Pittsburgh? are we allowed to see a picture of him?

Chuck Finder: When I wrote a story about him, his family and their controlling ownership five years ago, we were given a black-and-white photo to publish with the story — and I jokingly referred to that as his Bar Mitzvah picture. I actually rode in a PNC Park elevator with Ogden once last year … and we never spoke. Guess I shouldn’t have waited for him to start the conversation.

And, from what I know, he often comes to PNC Park games, enters through the left-field gate and sits in his box — though he does often wander around the park. (Google Image him…i just found that famed pic.)

Mancuso: can you shed some light on what’s got Pearce trapped in AAA – for instance, who would be candidates to be sent down if he’s called up, position flexibility considerations?

Chuck Finder: you nailed it, Officer. DY has one option left … do you short-change the bullpen? … you already have a nicked Ryan Church and Neil Walker, do you need to DL somebody? … as Huntington put it, he gives them “options.” So they’re holding onto their cards, and, frankly, i was never any good at poker, so don’t ask me.

Mr_Xiaoqi: I believe that what we are seeing is what we will get for the future. Some players will improve. however, there is little that Nutting is going to sign off on when adding to this team next year. I think we’re looking at a monumental mess here for years to come. Could you dispute any of that?

Chuck Finder: Gee, mr. X, that answer is above my paygrade.

All i know is this: If they truly want to follow the winning models for building a franchise, every Cleveland Indians youth movement had an Eddie Murray, every Atlanta Braves youth movement (if you can call Prado/Heyward that) had a Troy Glaus (and look how well that’s turning out) and Tim Hudson and Derek Lowe (though two pitchers is far too many to expect the Pirates to spend to sign).

Mr_Xiaoqi: what happened to Dejan in recent days?

Chuck Finder: you ask too many questions, mr. X. I’ll let DK out of the trunk of my car Wednesday night when I get back. He’s got plenty of food and water until then.

Kyle: Who has the best sense of humor on the team?

JR is second.

Oh, that was a serious question? Charlie Morton, from his spring-training blogs, impressed me as a writer. He’s got a good wit. Ryan Church and DY make me laugh. And Donnelly is funny in a curmudgeonly way.

Oh, and Andy LaRoche had a good one Sunday. I asked him to vote for which Pirate should represent the club in the All-Star Game.

“McCutchen,” he replied, walking up the ramp to the clubhouse.

He turned back: “Daniel McCutchen.”

Bill: Isn’t Bob Nutting embarrassed by this? I know we as fans are. Doesn’t it matter to him? Has he no shame? Open up the checkbook Bob and get some veteran talent in here. obviously there’s no leadership on this team. Russell speaks and you can hardly hear him. this team needs something to spark the talent and it isn’t coming from the coaching staff (with exception to Gary Varsho).

Chuck Finder: Don’t tell me. There are other avenues to vent, ya know.

I do seem to recall fans renting an airplane banner and flying it over Pitt Stadium many moons ago …

badnewzbucs: With all these losses, do you think it might take years for these players to learn how to win? by that time the McCutchens,Jones, Tabata, Walker, and Alvarez will be shipped away for more prospects!

Chuck Finder: see “adding veteran” responses above.

But there certainly is a clock ticking already, huh?

Mr_Xiaoqi: I’m one that disagrees that pitching is the worst part of this team (though it’s terrible). the team can’t hit period. A few runs, and the game is over. they strike out at a tremendous rate. How must a pitcher feel when he knows that 2-4 runs will do him in?

Chuck Finder: That’s why the pitchers seem to stumble when they give up two runs or more.

Last I counted, it was 53 strikeouts and eight walks this road trip heading into Sunday’s game. Not a good ratio. But part of the problem with youth is, they’re like sheep….they go in a herd. they go bad together, they go good together. If Alvarez can start hitting, that may change the entire dynamic.

badnewzbucs: do you think the Pirates are going to sign their top 2 picks soon or wait until Aug 16 and lose a year of development?

Chuck Finder: I know Huntington prefers the sooner-better theory. But the dance of negotiation takes time. I’m betting it will go into August, much like Strasburg last year and Pedro the year before.

CA Pirate: When you call drafted kids, how open are they about discussing contract negotiations?

Chuck Finder: they tell me everything, then give me 10-percent.

Mostly, they talk about how much they want to start their pro career, which is a good sign for the Pirates, no?

Brian: If the Pirates were good what would Bob Smizik blog about?

Chuck Finder: you made me laugh.

Guest: have there been any rumblings or indications from any sources regarding possible trade candidates on the Bucs roster? Carrasco, Dotel?

Chuck Finder: Who is this, Omar Minaya? I cannot believe somebody from that bullpen won’t be asked for or offered by the deadline — those are worthwhile arms for contenders. the Pirates will not get any major-league-ready talent in return, though. Although, I guess you should never say never…. all it takes is one really desperate party.

kibab1979: I think the main problem with the draft isn’t the slotting system, but more the lack of it being a worldwide draft. think we will ever see that come to pass?

Chuck Finder: the Reds ruined that for everybody by signing Aroldis Chapman. If that Cuban defector had gone to the Yankees or Red Sox like everyone else, then there would have been a hue and cry for an international draft. So long as other teams poach the occasional international signee, the system likely will remain much the same.

Chuck Finder: I’m gonna fly through the rest and try to end around 1:45, if that’s OK wich younz.

Chris: why is Pearce playing 3B at indy? Couldn’t he be in RF or 1B (and let Clement DH in games he can) – why does there seem be no priority in getting a guy who was productive on the Major League roster back up here?

Chuck Finder: Certainly, the Pirates don’t need him at first. Apparently, Frank Kremblas asked to play him there because the Pirates, if you recall, took his last power-hitting third baseman. besides, Clement needs to play on the bag, not merely DH. And Jonathan Van every can’t pitch all the time, he has to play somewhere in the outfield!

kb123: Pierce and Walker were both promoted from Indy during good hitting streaks and experienced immediate success in Pittsburgh. Alvarez on the other hand had been 0-12 with a slew of strikeouts immediately preceding his promotion. this streak has continued in Pittsburgh. why not wait until he was on a good streak to promote him?

Chuck Finder: Alvarez is a completely different animal. So are the major leagues. He would’ve gone through this in the bigs even after a 12-for-12 AAA stretch. Just watch how the pitchers are pitching him, and with stuff significantly better than what he’s seen.

jefft: you brought up Alex Presley earlier…do the Pirates view him as solely a CF, or do they plan to move him around? Where in the world would they put him in their outfield?

Chuck Finder: funny, but my take is Presley has kind of surprised them. He seems to me one of those guys who keeps doing his job well and — Presto — they have an injury and he’s suddenly in the bigs. He could turn into a John Cangelosi (around the same height) or he may never be heard from again, who knows? But you are right, if Pearce or Clement return to play first and Jones moves back to right field, there is no place to put Presley but next to the Gatorade jug.

Chris: why is Brandon Moss gobbling up at ABs at triple A – he can’t possibly have any future wit this team can he? Is this being done just to pump his trade value, such as with Iwamura? Can’t Huntingdon ever just admit a mistake and cut someone loose?

Chuck Finder: Scouts believed Moss was a prospect. Some still do. He is on a tear right now. And if he has rediscovered his stroke, perhaps he’ll earn a big-league spot somewhere. He certainly plays a strong defensive outfield. If he flashes power again, that makes him intriguing …

Guest: last year, all we heard from the FO was that there was going to be accountability. Who is being held accountable for all the little league mistakes this team continues to make?

Chuck Finder: Right now, it’s the players.

wvu: any chance the Pirates could be a buyer at the trade deadline? clearly they have no chance of turning this season into a success but why not build for next year and get someone in here that they otherwise could not get in free agency?

Chuck Finder: Well, that has been their tactic the past few seasons — sell what assets they have, but for young talent. But a high-price free-agent-to-be is not going to come in exchange for a D.J. Carrasco or an Octavio Dotel….unless that high-price free-agent-to-be is having an awful season, like, say, Aki Iwamura.

mattygabe: do you feel that fans who openly ask for the team to spend on “veteran talent” that that’s precisely the call McClatchy answered years ago, and failed horribly at it?

Chuck Finder: A team cannot live on Matt Stairs and Reggie Sanders alone every year. Operation Shutdown, anyone?

neil: How bout Meek for BJ Upton lol?

Chuck Finder: Meek is throwing 97 and looking like a future star, if not closer. That may be harder to find than any Upton.

Eric: are the pirates ever going to realize Ryan Chuch as NO business on the team? Lastings is playing good ball, and will continue to get better with the AB’s.

Chuck Finder: Church has a far better history than he’s showing here … of course, so did Iwamura, whose game somehow went completely awry. But you have a really good point about Milledge: His sudden vanishing act of power aside, the guy has been hitting better the past few weeks, and with runners on base he’s one of the best in the NL. If he continues to hit, you’ll have to live with his fielding, huh?

chh: When can we expect Walker back in the lineup?

Chuck Finder: He’s probably asking doctors right now to let him fly back to Chicago. But i’m guessing they might sit him the rest of this series. I know concussions, and unconsciousness is nothing to mess with.

Saurkraut Sal: anyway we can resign Barry Bonds, Bobby Bonilla, Andy Van, Drabek, and Smiley?

Chuck Finder: Yeah, just before the 20-year reunion in 2012. though I’m betting Barry will ask for a lot.

Perhaps it’s fitting we had a question from a Pierogi — stay classy and employed! maybe we should end there.

Sorry my fingers and addled mind weren’t fast enough to keep up with all your queries. Guess I ramble too much. Take care.

First published on June 29, 2010 at 7:28 pm

Chuck Finder’s Pirates chat trancript: 6.28.2010