Joe Kerrigan

Kerrigan new pitching coach

I'm not sure how he is a pitching coach - but at least I've heard of him before...

He was Boston's pitching coach under Jimmy Williams I think. Maybe longer than that too.

None of us knows what lies ahead, but at least the Pirates hired a "name" coach. At least he wasn't a bargain basement pickup and that's enough to get started on the right foot. Kerrigan has a reputation as hard worker. He's been around some great arms, Pedro in his prime being a prime example. He's also been given credit for some development of pitchers, a trait sorely missing in Pittsburgh. His detractors point to him being a clubhouse problem. All in all, to me, this looks like a good hire.

I wonder if you guys would like to comment on Pedro Martinez. Since he's a free agent, someone will give him a shot. Does he have anything left to contribute? Seems his only solid games were against the Bucs and they were putting that AAAA lineup on the field at the time. But with Kerrigan's past relationship with him, could Kerrigan get enough out of him to warrant a spot in the rotation?

That's an interesting thought, Salem. One I also had regarding Pedro as a Bucco. Neil stated his off-season wish-list includes a power bat and an experienced starting pitcher to insert into the rotation. I assume the power bat will be an experienced corner outfielder or 3rd baseman on a one-year deal. Don't want to block McCutcheon for long, but they might decide Andy LaRoche isn't quite ready.

But for a starting pitcher, I really have no guess. Are they looking for a veteran on the downside, like Pedro, or a guy that is just starting to establish himself? I'm not sure Pedro has enough left, but on the '09 Pirates, he might just be a great pick-up.

Pedro would be great for no other reason than to teach the young starters how to pitch inside. Kerrigan could preach to them all day about it, but seeing it done and be effective would be great. Especially for Snell. He has the stuff to be a good #2, but I don't see him progressing if he can't pitch inside more effectively and be able to deal with runners on base.

Thanks to both of you for legit replies.
Pedro might well be finished, but if not he could provide a real boost if he regains any of his prior abilities. I could see him as a sort of mentor to Snell if nothing else. They have the same type size and somewhat the same abilities, plus I always thought Pedro carried a chip on his shoulder like Snell does. Between Kerrigan & Pedro if they could 'harness' Ian that'd be a huge step forward for the staff. I think the Pirates might take a shot on him, especially if the money's not too risky. Otherwise, I expect it to go to someone like Odalis Perez.
About the third base situation....I hadn't been too much in favor of it, but after some serious thought I'd like to see the Pirates nab Crede. A one year contract, maybe with an option for a 2nd yr, would give Crede the chance to prove himself (hopefully over a full injury free season) & allow the Pirates to put a real bat in the lineup and upgrade defensively over AndyLa. If AndyLa has an option left, time spent in Indy could sharpen him as a second baseman. I wish him all the success in the world, but he doesn't impress me with his bat or glove at all. The reasoning that Crede would be taking at bats from a prospect doesn't hold water with me. Andy is 25 & when you look around at others playing third regularly there are several established stars 25 and under. To me, if he can establish himself at 2nd he becomes more valuable.

The taking at bats away argument is almost never a good one. If nothing else a good young hitter can learn alot from watching a professional hitter in front of him. Especially ones with good work ethics. Crede, ouch, not going to agree with bringing him in. His back problem, I think, is chronic. Boras is his agent. And he wants three years if the Sox don't offer arb. They aren't. Josh Fields will be to the Sox next year what LaRoche will be to the Pirates, a top tier prospect expected to make the great leap forward, the BOY candidates of the year in each league if you ask me.

I think the Pirates should offer Pedro an incentive laden 2 year deal, back end it with a tight insurance policy and there is almost no risk.

This whole under 25 thing. I don't know, Longoria is a freak. Zimmerman has regressed and has serious injury problems. Braun had to switch to the outfield due to defensive limitations. Andy had proved plate discipline in the minors and I think when that kicks in his OBP will be plus and power numbers will come after. I compare him favorably to Jeff King.

I am really not a fan of bringing in marginal vets for 1-2 year deals. The only place it seems reasonable is in the pitching staff (starting). Crede would be a operation shutdown-esque signing and I am not interested in that. Let's give little LaRoche a season to prove he has no bat or glove. A guy as highly touted as him deserves the AB's to prove himself.