Interview with Pirates’ GM mlb06showleague

Earlier tonight I sat down and was able to talk to the Pirates’ GM mlb06showleague on various topics relating to their team. Enjoy.

[21:29] Rangr288: Hey mlb, and thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions for the Outahere Sports Review.
[21:29] mlb06showleague (Pirates): Glad to be here
[21:32] Rangr288: First question is regarding your young SPer Josh McRuer. You’ve got to like what you’ve seen so far, what are your future plans for him?
[21:34] mlb06showleague (Pirates): We are are really excited for him to be a part of our changing pitching staff. We gave up a first round pick for him and we believe that he can anchor our starting rotation very soon.
[21:34] Rangr288: You’ve build up a very strong farm system, but which prospects are you specifically looking forward to the most?
[21:36] mlb06showleague (Pirates): Our farm system has improved dramatically recently with a lot of trades. But, we are really looking forward to 2B Tom Berryhill who could make his way to the majors next season as our starting second baseman. 1B Frederic Mertinez is also in the same category.
[21:38] Rangr288: Since Outahere began, the Pirates have had eleven consecutive losing seasons, with their best season coming in 2012 with 74 wins. When are you hoping this will improve? This year? Next year?
[21:40] mlb06showleague (Pirates): It has been a tough time since 2012 when I took over. But, honestly, I see us competing for a winning record next year or maybe even this year. We really upgraded our pitching staff this year which was a problem for us the last couple years. Our offense will be a lot better next year with Mertinez and Berryhill. But, we really want to put together a winning baseball team for our great fans.
[21:41] Rangr288: Well, speaking of the fans, it’s been rough on them. The Pirates’ fan loyalty is down to 59. You’re surely looking to improve this, but how? Possibly with a new stadium?
[21:44] mlb06showleague (Pirates): Yes, well a new stadium will not be built any time soon. PNC Park is already one of the best in the game and I dont see a need for it. We have spent more money this year than any other years since 2012. Next year, probably even more money will be spent. We have plenty of cash available and are waiting for the right time to use it. Relocation is always an option but we do not want to leave Pittsburgh without a winning ballclub. The fans deserve more than that.
[21:45] Rangr288: Gabriel Wallace – he was a first rounder a few years ago, but his progress has been a bit slowed, maybe even disappointing so far. Would you agree?
[21:48] mlb06showleague (Pirates): In my opinion, Wallace has met expectations so far. He did hit .316 in AA last year with 36 homers and 117 RBIs. However, he also struck out 141 times. We need to get that number down but he will likely move up to AAA very soon if he succeeds down in AA. He is blocked by Mertinez in AAA right now and he should be up soon to free that space. Wallace is still young at 21.
[21:49] Rangr288: You acquired Herb Hertel from Baltimore this offseason, and plan to use him as a starter. He had been a reliever his entire career since last year, what are you looking for from his this year? Any predictions?
[21:52] mlb06showleague (Pirates): We are very excited to bring Herb into our organization. He had a great ERA last year with Baltimore and we expect that out of him again this year as a starter or reliever. If he struggles, we may send him to the bullpen if needed but I do not see that as an issue. His endurance continues to grow as he seems to be developing into a starting pitcher. He is the kind of arm we needed as a lefty power pitcher.
[21:53] Rangr288: One last question, regarding your closer Shinjo Imura. He’s been proven as a great short reliever in his recent years in Washington, do you think he’ll maintain the same type of success being a full time closer?
[21:56] mlb06showleague (Pirates): He is another guy we were really happy to acquire. In my tenure with Pittsburgh, we have never had a stud reliever in my opinion. He fits that bill and we expect him to do well as a full time closer. We really wanted to add more lefties this year and we did that this offseason. Imura should be here for years to come.
[21:57] Rangr288: Thanks mlb for answering a few questions regarding the Pirates. We appreciate it, and good luck this year.
[21:57] mlb06showleague (Pirates): Thank you and I appreciate the opportunity. Hope to do it again in the near future.