Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Pirates Promote Tony Watson, DFA Jose Ascanio

What Clint Hurdle wants Clint Hurdle gets. In his never ending quest to cram players into cute, distinct roles Clint Hurdle asked for another lefty for his bullpen. Well ask and you shall receive.

The Pirates have called up Tony Watson from the Indianapolis Indians. Now make no mistake I like Tony Watson and I really like his promotion to the big club. He has had a fantastic season thus far for the Indians, even better than Moskos who was called up before him. Watson is striking out nearly a batter an inning (8.9 per 9) and is giving up just 5.8 hits per nine. That problem is I don't want Hurdle to micromanage him. I have disagreed quite a bit with Hurdle's use of the bullpen, and the length of time pitchers are left. I don't see Watson, or Moskos, as LOOGYs and if Hurdle is going to pigeonhole them just for short term benefit it's a horrible move.

Guys you realistically see in the future need to develop. If that means bringing up some scrub, or making a waiver claim you might as well do it.

To make room on the 25 man roster the Pirates Designated RHP Jose Ascanio For Assignment. Ascanio has been putrid since coming off the Disabled List, and many figured he may struggle after his poor minor league rehab starts. Still his stuff is undeniable and he hasn't pitched much in years so it was worth demoting Mike Crotta for. Hopefully his terrible performance was enough to scare any teams away from him because he could still turn it around with more innings in the minors.

Tony Watson was already on the 40 man roster so this opens up another space.

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