Power Pros Forum

December 24th, 2012

New Pirates GM Hired
It's an early Christmas for Pirates fan, as their month-long search for Neal Huntington's replacement is over! President Frank Coonelly announced today that Cooper Thompson is the new general manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The decision was made last night after long hours deciding between Thompson and former Astros catcher Brad Ausmus. Thompson was a closer for the Seattle Mariners, who's career was cut short after he never fully recovered from a severe rotator cuff tear when he was just 25. He had be praised by scouts all over the country for his fastball, probably the best in decades.

Over the last seven years, he's worked as a Special Assistant to Baseball Operations for the Boston Red Sox and Milwaukee Brewers. As of now, it remains unknown how he helped those two franchises. But none-the-less, he looks to be a great hire by the Pirates ownership. His press conference will be this Thursday at 1:00 PM, EST.





December 27th, 2012

Thompson Introduced as New GM
Earlier today, The Pittsburgh Pirates formally announced Cooper Thompson, as the new General Manager. Former General Manager Neal Huntington was fired on November 21st after six straight losing season, culminating in the Pirates' 20th losing season in a row. At the press conference, when asked what his first goal as GM will be, he responded modestly.

"I just want to get in there and start righting the ship." he said. "We have a great core with Andrew and Neil, and a superb farm system to work with. We just need to flesh out the supporting cast and make sure all the guys have good chemistry. This is a storied franchise, and it's a damn shame that a top-class organization like this would become the laughing-stock of baseball! These guys have gotten off to hot starts the last two seasons. They just have to avoid flaming out after July."

One of his first tasks will be figuring out when prospects Gerrit Cole and Marco Kennedy will reach the majors. They're both ranked in the top 15 by USA Today, and it just seems like a matter of time before this guys are helping out at the Big Leagues.

The Pirates begin the season at home against the Chicago Cubs on April 1st.

Good pun!

I will be following

Oh, yeah, can't wait!

Looks like fun!

It wasn't until I entered my office for the first time that it actually sunk in. I was finally a GM, and had been the youngest one too. 30 years later, I can still remember that first day perfectly. Sliding into my chair, turning on MLB Tonight, and opening my laptop to research some Sabermetrics, as my finest scout burst into the room. Kevin Moya was his name. He had been born and raised in North Jersey, and worked under me for my entire tenure as my most loyal scout.

He practically busted down my door as paper flew everywhere, and he's sweating like he just ran a 5K. I had given him the task to compile a list of the Pirate's most promising prospects, which came back with mixed results. 

"Kevin?" I ask, still confused about the situation at hand.
"Yes, that's my name, Mr.-"
"Mr. Thompson" I finished. "But just call me Cooper."
"Yes, yes. Well, Mr. Cooper, I have some great news!"
"You got the prospect reports? Excellent!"
"Well, I'm never one to disappoint for a new boss." he returned smugly.

He turned around for a few seconds to open his briefcase and pillage through the papers, looking for the correct ones. He pulled a stack out with grease stains on the corner, and put on his glasses.

"They're all right here Mr. Cooper! I've made sure to look at nearly everybody, but one guy who stood out was a pitcher by the name of Stan Veal?"
I had paused for a moment. I'd looked through all the minor league rosters at least three times, and not once did I catch that name.
"Stan Veal? I've never heard of him before?" 
"He's a 26 year old, hot-shot rookie out of a Canadian Independent league. He relies heavily on his fastball, change, and curve, and also has a sinker and slider to throw in occasionally. His walk rate is fantastic, and his control is top-notch. He stands about 6"2' and has a chance to make the rotation!"
I had to pick my jaw up off the ground, because I had been completely shocked. 
"This kid can start for us!?"
"What do you mean, 'us'? He plays for the Reds."

I took me a second to realize what Kevin was saying. This guys isn't on our team, but is instead with one of our rivals. I could of been angry. I could have been upset. I think I ended up sounding a little bit of both.

"Kevin! I told you to look at prospects on this team! I don't give a damn who the Reds, or the Brewers, or who anyone else has! Hell, I bet you even know Stan's favorite meat, don't ya!?"
"Actually, Mr. Cooper, it's chicken, but only in fried form.  Otherwise, various Italian meats such as pepperoni or salami."
"Oy vey..."
"I didn't know you spoke French Mr. Cooper."
"I don't. Now get out of my office."
"But I still have a report on the A's prospect, Gian-"
"I said, get the *(censored)* out of my office, you idiotic rat!"

To this day, I never knew why I blew up like that. Maybe it was because I was immature. Maybe it was because I expected everything to run smoothly. I'm not sure. I mean, Kevin provided me some useful information. Not quite what I had been looking for, but it was helpful anyways. 

It took all my willpower not to fire him. I imagine he needed the same to avoid quitting. But I know we both made the right choice. Without Kevin, who knows where this franchise would be today.

Stan Veal!

Nice update.

February 26th, 2013

New Pirates GM Makes First Moves
New Pirates General Manager Cooper Thompson has made the first moves of his short career, signing 29 year old Starting Pitcher Dallas Braden and 38 year veteran Left Fielder Johnny Damon. The deals are worth 3.6 million over 2 years, and 0.44 million over one year, respectively. Manager Clint Hurdle commented on these moves earlier today.

"Dallas is a classy guy who can bring some electric stuff to the middle of this rotation. He'll likely slot into the third spot in our rotation, just after A.J. [Burnett]. And Johnny is a real respected veteran in this league. He'll probably platoon with Travis [Snider] and can be a good mentor to guys like Starling [Marte]."

To make room for these two acquisitions, the Pirates released Relief Pitcher Tyler Waldron and Left Fielder Evan Chambers, both of whom were in Class-A.

The Pirates also made a deal with the Mets, acquiring catcher Landon Powell for fellow catcher Ari Solis. Powell and Braden were teammates back in Oakland. Powell even caught Braden's perfect game back in 2010.

Hey, I thought you had forgot about this!

Nope! But, bad news is that the first game won't be for a while... I'm at my dad's house until the 16th, so I don't have my PS3. And when I get back, I'll be busy playing The Last of Us for who knows how long. I'll try and get some other updates up until then though

Chicago Cubs (0-0) @ Pittsburgh Pirates (0-0)
April 1, 2013

Pirates Blown Out on Opening Day

The Pirates had a disappointing start to the year, as they lost to division rival Chicago by a score of 7-2. The Cubs got started early, roughing up Wandy Rodriguez for three runs in both the first and second inning, knocking him out early. In the first, Castro hit a sacrifice fly with runners on first and third to put Chicago on the board. Two batters later, Scott Hairston hit a two run shot to center, and the Cubs never looked back. Their bats didn't cool down in the second inning, as Ian Stewart and Anthony Rizzo both went long.

The scoring cooled down until the seventh when Russell Martin hit a home run, his first ever as a Pirate. However, the Cubbies quickly countered, with Stewart getting his second RBI of the game with a single to right. Pittsburgh tried to mount a rally in the bottom of the ninth, with Clint Barmes leading off with a double, and Chris McKenry knocking him in with a single up the middle. But after two strikeouts and a pop-up to the catcher, Chicago secured the Opening Day victory, sending Pirates fans home with a bitter taste in the mouths.

Final Score
7
2

W: Samardzjia (1-0)
SV: ---
L: Rodriguez (0-1)
HR: Hairston (1)
Stewart (1)
Rizzo (1)
Martin (1)

Box Score
1. J. Tabata: 1-5, 2B
2. N. Walker: 0-5
3. A. McCutchen: 1-4
4. P. Alvarez: 0-3
5. G. Jones: 0-4
6. R. Martin: 2-3, HR, R, RBI
7. J. Damon: 0-4
8. C. Barnes: 2-3, 2B, R
9. W. Rodriguez: ---
9a. J. Sanchez: 0-1
9b. G. Sanchez: 0-1
9c. M. Melancon: ---
9d. T. Snider: 0-1
9e. J. Hughes: ---
9f. C. McKenry: 1-1, RBI

W. Rodriguez: 2 IP, 6 ER, 7 H, 1 K, 2 BB
J. Sanchez: 3 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 4 K, 1 BB
M. Melancon: 3 IP, 1 ER, 2 H, 1 K, 0 BB
J. Hughes: 2 IP, 0 ER, 0 H, 0 K, 1 BB

Hey, you updated this!

I actually really like how much detail you put into the game updates and stuff, good job.

Awesome! I thought you forgot about this.

I never forgot about it. The Last of Us and Borderlands 2 are considerably more fun, however.

Cincinnati Reds (5-6) @ Pittsburgh Pirates (4-7)
April 14, 2013

McCutchen Home Run Lifts Pirates over Reds

The Pirates took the rubber match of the series today, defeating the Reds 5-2. Zack Cozart started the scoring with a solo homer in the third. Todd Frazier tacked on another run in the fourth with an RBI double to center, scoring Chris Heisey from first. That's all the Reds could score though, as Pittsburgh took control from that point forward, not allowing a single hit the rest of the game.

Pedro Alvarez struck in the bottom of the fourth with a deep bomb to left, just his first of the year. In the next inning, Neil Walker doubled, scoring the pitcher A.J. Burnett, who just barely beat the tag at home. The two teams would be tied until the seventh, when franchise player Andrew McCutchen crushed the ball to right, scoring three, and putting the Pirates up for good. Jason Grilli would come into the game in the ninth, and pitch a 1-2-3 inning to close the game. The Bucco's have now won two in a row, and will face the Cardinals next as part of their 10 game home-stand.

Final Score
2
5

W: Hughes (1-0)
SV: Grilli (4)
L: Le Cure (1-1)
HR: Cozart (1)
Alvarez (1)
McCutchen (4)

Box Score
1. J. Tabata: 1-4
2. N. Walker: 3-4, 2B, R, RBI
3. A. McCutchen: 1-4, HR, R, 3 RBI
4. P. Alvarez: 2-4, HR, R, RBI
5. G. Jones: 1-4
6. R. Martin: 0-3
7. J. Damon: 1-4, DP
8. C. Barnes: 1-4, R
9. A. Burnett: 2-2, 2B, R
9a. J. Hughes: 0-1
9b. J. Contreras: ---
9c. J. Grilli: ---

A. Burnett: 6 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 4 K, 2 BB
J. Hughes: 1 IP, 0 ER, 0 H, 1 K, 1 BB
J. Contreras: 1 IP, 0 ER, 0 H, 1 K, 0 BB
J. Grilli: 1 IP, 0 ER, 0 H, 1 K, 0 BB

Pittsburgh Pirates (12-10) @ Philadelphia Phillies (11-11)
April 25, 2013

Walker Helps Secure Sweep of the Phillies

The Pirates swept the state rival Phillies today by a score of 9-4 today. It was a home run derby tonight, as six long balls left the park, accounting for nine runs. Garrett Jones started the party with a solo homer in the top of the second, and Chase Utley followed suit in the bottom half. Russell Martin had a two run jack in the fourth, while Pedro Alvarez had one of his own in the seventh. Utley double dipped and had his second solo shot in the bottom of the seventh, and Neil Walker ended the festivities with a two run homer in the ninth.

In addition to his home run, Walker also had a single and a double, just a triple shy of the cycle. He's been hitting .364 so far this season, and has been the catalyst of this offense in front of McCutchen and Alvarez. Despite the 5.12 ERA, Dallas Braden achieved his third quality start this season. However, he's given up at least three runs in each start this season. Even with a salary of just 1.8 million dollars, Braden is the fourth highest paid player on the Pirates roster, and it remains to be seen if that money is going to be money well spent. The good news is that he's only issues six walks this season, even if he's fanned seventeen.

Final Score
9
4

W: Braden (3-1)
SV: ---
L: Halladay (4-1)
HR: Utley (4)
Jones (4)
Alvarez (3)
Martin (4)
Utley (5)
Walker (2)

Box Score
1. J. Tabata: 0-4, SH
2. N. Walker: 3-5, 2B, HR, 3 R, 2 RBI
3. A. McCutchen: 2-5, 2B, R, 2 RBI
4. P. Alvarez: 2-5, 2B, HR, 2 R, 3 RBI
5. G. Jones: 1-4, HR, R, RBI
6. R. Martin: 1-4, HR, R, RBI
7. J. Damon: 1-3, SB
8. C. Barnes: 1-4, 2B
9. A. Burnett: 0-3
9a. T. Snider: 1-1, 2B, R
9b. J. Hughes: ---

D. Braden: 8 IP, 3 ER, 8 H, 4 K, 1 BB
J. Hughes: 1 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 1 K, 0 BB