Monday, September 6, 2010

Pirates call up 8 players, one of which deserves it

Pirates have announced that they will be bringing up OF Alex Presley, OF Brandon Moss, SS Pedro Ciriaco, C Jason Jaramillo, RHP Brad Lincoln, LHP Justin Thomas, RHP Brian Bass, and RHP Steven Jackson.

To make move on the 40 man roster for Ted Nugent the Pirates have DFA'd Akinori Iwamura and fan favorite Erik Kratz. They also placed Ross Ohlendorf and Jeff Clement on the 60 day DL.

It's typical to bring up guys in September, but I would hate if anyone but Alex Presley gets any regular at bats.

Brandon Moss was named team MVP and led the league in RBI (AAAA hero!). Many fans have been calling for him to be called up because he apparently has found his stroke, really that isn't the case though. He's a nearly 27 year old feasting on AAA pitching. His OPS of .804 is good, but nothing special. In fact Alex Presley has a better OPS in his short time at AAA this year. Taking any at bats away from guys with upside, even if it is limited for Moss is a joke. He should earn his spot in Spring Training next season.

No problem seeing what Pedro Ciriaco has because they will have to make a decision on Argenis Diaz next season, that is what these callups are for.

Jaramillo has really shown nothing at either level, he shouldn't see much time with three catchers on the roster.

Thomas, Bass, and Jackson have all been up this season and really are just marginal bullpen arms. Not a whole lot of upside with these guys either.

The one I question most, with the obvious exception of bringing up the Hunter Gatherer, is bringing up Lincoln. He is coming off an injury, and a horrid performance today. He really hasn't improved too much since he was sent back down to the minors the first time, and if he's struggling and coming off an injury they might be better off just shutting him down instead of possibly re-aggravating the injury, or killing his confidence any more.

Really the only guy who I'm even remotely interested in seeing is Presley, who I've seen look good in Altoona.

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