After the recent events dealing with the Pirates, minor-league free agency, and the 40-man roster, the Pirates made additional moves, adding five players to the 40-man roster.
The first is Neil Walker. Walker was drafted by the Pirates in 2004, and since switched from being a catcher to a third baseman. While his average is not incredible, his power is a plus.
He spent the majority of last season in Double-A Altoona; however, he did spend time in Triple-A Indianapolis. Walker will have a definite shot although it is a long one, to be the starting third baseman, a position currently held by the underwhelming Andy LaRoche. If LaRoche is anything like what he was during his 2008 Pirates tenure, expect management to pull the plug and start Walker.
The second player, is Jose Tabata. Tabata has been followed very closely since he came over as a part of the Xavier Nady/Damaso Marte deal. He was considered the Yankees No. 2 prospect, and provided instant impact in the minor leagues.
He hit .359 in his short minor-league tenure. Tabata also has a realistic chance of being the lineup this season, as Nate McLouth seems to be the only safe lock in the outfield. With Brandon Moss injured and Nyjer Morgan ineffective, players such as Steve Pearce, Andrew McCutchen, and Tabata will definitely have their chances.
He is currently playing in the Venezuelan Winter League.
The third player added was Steve Lerud. Lerud is a catcher, which is something the Pirates need to have at this point. With Ronny Paulino being a fluke, no one knowing what to expect from Robinzon Diaz and Raul Chavez's lack of offense, Lerud is a great addition to the 40-man roster. He was acquired in one of the many trades to the Cleveland Indians. He is a part of the Arizona Fall League.
The fourth player added was Jeff Sues. Sues is the Pirates 2008 minor league Pitcher of the Year. He was a part of the Arizona Fall League and as a pitcher fits right into the Pirates' needs.
With Joe Kerrigan as the new Pirates pitching coach, he will be extremely pleased to have a fresh arm in the bullpen. Pitching was a huge problem for the Pirates last season, and with many bullpen spots very much up for grabs, Sues will have a legitimate chance to become a Major League reliever.
The last player added was Ronald Uviedo. While I don't know much about Uviedo, you have to think that he was brought up specifically to help out the bullpen.
In 2007, Uviedo posted a 2-0 record for the Pirates and their State College affiliate. Overall, he posted a 2-0 record with a 4.41 ERA in 28 games while giving up 28 hits in 34.2 innings pitched.
Seven of the 17 runs he gave up that year were because of home runs. In an average nine inning game, Uviedo would be on pace to strike out just over 10 batters while holding his opponents to a .222 batting average. He was 3-1 with an ERA of 3.01 in 2008 for Hickory. He is currently pitching in the Venezuelan Winter League.
So there you have it—more Pirates action. It will be interesting to see how these moves pan out, and it is almost certain that there is still much more to come.
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