[Lefty Noob]

Surprising moves from Pirates manager Jim Tracy. He released former All-Star closer Dan Kolb, IF Jose Hernandez (who was hitting .300 with four doubles) and OF Luis Matos (.271 with 2 HR in 23 games).

Kolb's release means the pen to start the season will be Chacon, Matt Capps, Jonah Bayliss, Salomon Torres, John Wasdin, Juan Perez and Damaso Marte, with Torres in the closers role. The release of Matos and Hernandez means that Don Kelly and Nate McLouth will make the team, and most likely Eldred will too. All three cut players were invited to Triple-A Indianapolis, but Kolb at least wants to land somewhere else in the majors.

I'll be honest, I don't like these cuts, especially Kolb. We needed a veteran like him in the pen, and he's proven in the past with Milwaukee that he can be quite good. I'm really starting to question Tracy's vision for the Bucs.

[EmpireWF]

Kolb was an all-star about three years ago. His time with Atlanta was pitiful. I haven't seen him recently but he may have just lost it.

[azrael492]

Originally Posted by EmpireWF

Kolb was an all-star about three years ago. His time with Atlanta was pitiful. I haven't seen him recently but he may have just lost it.

I was just going to post that. How far has he fallen that he couldn't make it on one of the worst teams in baseball. I guess if you are that bad you can make a bad team worse. maybe he should try the Royals.