[BigBadBuc]

I believe that it is possible for a smaller market team to move into upper tier free-agent market once it first learns how to develop from within and then improve the team with the addition of mid-level free agents.

The wins need to be more than the losses after this process is in full strength. That will give the Pirates leverage that they haven't previously been able to use. When major league players see that we are now one or two players away from making a strong run then the perception will change.

That's when we go after a bigger name.


BBB

[Gotham Dark Knight]

What's the word on Oliver Perez BBB...his he a building block?

[BigBadBuc]

Oliver Perez had a decent winter and is pitching in the WBC for Mexico. The Pirates have a new pitching coach (Jim Colburn) and he seems to be helping Perez. Oliver Perez has the tools to be absolutley great. Last year he did nothing in the off-season and his arm was not ready. The Pirates wanted him to eliminate winter ball so that he wouldn't tire out during the regular season. Perez took it to an extreme and didn't even throw. He had a good off-season conditioning program this time around. We really need him to return to form. Perez and Duke could be a very strong one two lefty punch for the Pirates.

Thanks for asking Goth

BBB

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by BigBadBuc

Oliver Perez had a decent winter and is pitching in the WBC for Mexico. The Pirates have a new pitching coach (Jim Colburn) and he seems to be helping Perez. Oliver Perez has the tools to be absolutley great. Last year he did nothing in the off-season and his arm was not ready. The Pirates wanted him to eliminate winter ball so that he wouldn't tire out during the regular season. Perez took it to an extreme and didn't even throw. He had a good off-season conditioning program this time around. We really need him to return to form. Perez and Duke could be a very strong one two lefty punch for the Pirates.

Thanks for asking Goth

BBB

I like the kid BBB...stuck with him on my fantasy team out of pure stubborness...the kid owes me this year...

[BigBadBuc]

Goth,

He is a kid. Last year he got ticked off and kicked a crate in the clubhouse and broke his toe. He was embarrased by that charade but that's what happens when a young gringo leaves Me-Hi-Co.

BBB

[Calder]

Originally Posted by Gotham Dark Knight

I like the kid BBB...stuck with him on my fantasy team out of pure stubborness...the kid owes me this year...

You're not the only one who gave Perez the benefit of the doubt last year aginst your better judgement. Oliver Perez was my FIRST-ROUND DRAFT PICK and turned out to be a bust for 2005. I held onto the lefthander into early August. He was throwing flames in late 2004, and I just assumed he'd display the same kind of effectiveness last season. Injuries really took their toll on this kid, and I too am hoping for a rebound type campaign. If he and Duke do anything this year, the Pirates, who have improved, could shoot for .500 and beyond in 2006.

[wvuauthor]

Perez definitely deserves another chance this season to prove himself. I think that he has done a lot of growing up over the past year. Like BBB mentioned, last year he went into spring training out of shape. It appears that he has his head on straight and is going to be a force this year.