Objectives
With a .500 season and the playoffs out of their reach, the Pirates need a good game plan so as not to waste the rest of the season. There are 115 games left and with that amount of time, the Pirates could do some good – for next year.
1. Refurbish to reinvest. Sean Casey and Joe Randa are still on the disabled list. Jeromy Burnitz and Jose Hernandez are old and not very good. Yet each could provide some value to a contender come July 31 or sooner. Despite the bad PR it would bring, the Pirates can't be afraid to trade Casey.
2. Sell high. This pertains not only to Casey and maybe Burnitz - there isn't much hope in getting much for Randa or Hernandez - but Craig Wilson as well.
Craig Wilson is not going to be one of those players the Pirates lock up for a long time like Jack Wilson and Jason Bay. The Pirates don't want to do it and I think Wilson has had his feel of Pirates' management to look for a change. The only problem with trading Wilson - a free agent at the end of the season - is that he is one of the streakiest hitters I have ever seen. The Pirates will get the best value for Wilson when he riding a hot streak.
3. Play the youngsters. This should happen at all costs. Nate McLouth, Jose Bautista, Ronny Paulino, Freddy Sanchez, and even Ryan Doumit should be in the lineup as often as possible. It would be an expensive bench, but that's where Burtnitz, Randa (when he returns), and Hernandez belong.
4. Fix rotation - NOW. Get rid of Victor Santos when Kip Wells returns, if not sooner.
The Pirate shad high hopes for 2006, but those are obviously out the window. It's now time to focus on next year now and take advantage of some on-the-job training for the younger players. posted at 6:56 PM by Doug Street
