Sunday, March 13, 2005

Ward or Grieve?

Not much going on yet in Pirate land. Ollie seems to be getting back on track. Wells had a nice outing. Bay isn't seriously hurt. Now you are caught up.

Does anyone realize the ridiculous importance people put on spring training statistics? Ben Grieve went 4 for 9, and suddenly everybody is a-twitter. It's hard to believe that so many futures are determined by such an absurdly small sample size against minor league pitching.

Anyway, the only interesting battle in camp is coming down to the "left-handed role player who can't field a position" role. The candidates are Grieve and Daryle Ward. Both are former uber-prospects who have had their moments in the sun in the show, but have fallen on hard times for whatever reason. Littlefield is said to be intrigued by the flashes Ward showed last season with the Bucs. But I'm rooting for Grieve.

The hidden vigorish of this "battle" is that it shouldn't even be taking place. Both guys should make the team. There's no reason the Pirates have to carry 12 pitchers, especially in April/May. With so many off days, your 5th starter can be skipped, essentially giving you another arm in the pen.

I guess Littlefield feels that 12 pitchers give Lloyd McClendon the opportunity to do what he does best...trot out to the mound 25 times a game.

posted by bkopec @ 10:09 AM   2 comments