SBNation.com User Blog: NastyNate82

Closers

NastyNate82 — Sat, 01 Sep 2012 13:54:09 -0000

After watching the end of the Pale Hose/Tigers game last night, I got a glance at Jose Valverde's numbers and I began to think about the Bucs off-season plans for Hanrahan. It appears as if Hanrahan is moving into sports-car territory for a small-market team (a great luxury item, not particularly practical) in terms of salary. So I had a couple of questions for everyone here.

A) If you could put a number on it, what percentage of a chance to you think Hanrahan gets moved?
B) What teams do you think would be most likely to target him?

C) What do you think the possible return from that team would be?

D) If they do move him, who in the organization would you like to see put into the closer's role?

The reason I ask this, was Valverde's numbers looked less than stellar as a closer. Given how the Tigers are in win-now-for-Ilitch mode, and that Valverde's contract is up after the year, I wonder if they'd be a team to try and target as a potential trade partner. Have at it.

A) If you could put a number on it, what percentage of a chance to you think Hanrahan gets moved?
B) What teams do you think would be most likely to target him?

C) What do you think the possible return from that team would be?

D) If they do move him, who in the organization would you like to see put into the closer's role?

Jose Abreu and Cuban Baseball

NastyNate82 — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 00:41:03 -0000

Jose Abreu and Cuban Baseball

Very interesting article from Jonah Keri at Grantland on the next big Cuban star. Some video game numbers. He's only 24, two years younger then Cespedes. Might be one of the last areas for the Bucs to exploit a market inefficiency.

Minor League Ball's Top 5 College Players

NastyNate82 — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 02:26:05 -0000

Minor League Ball's Top 5 College Players

Of course its ridiculously early, but this at least gets some of the names out there for some people. They published a top 5 HS players yesterday I believe (I think it had Giolito, Weichel, Correa, Fried, and Trey Williams...surprisingly no Buxton). Either way, the college piece is interesting because he makes it sound like Marrero could fall a bit to the Bucs range, which I wouldn't mind. Have at it.

Another former first round pick for NH to gamble on

NastyNate82 — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 16:44:48 -0000

Another former first round pick for NH to gamble on

I actually don't think its a bad idea to sign him. If you scroll down to the comments, some people (including myself) posted that this guy could have NH written all over him. Probably wouldn't cost much.

How to biff slotting completely

NastyNate82 — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 15:26:11 -0000

How to biff slotting completely

Its at the bottom of the article. I guess if you work in a big market, you would have little desire to see what small market teams want or need, so you just make something up.

2012 Draft Profiles

NastyNate82 — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 23:32:31 -0000

2012 Draft Profiles

Some interesting tidbits on some of the top guys for 2012 to look at while we wait patiently for the off-season.

The Worst

NastyNate82 — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 23:57:55 -0000

The Worst

Sorry, I didn't see this anywhere here yet, and I thought it was worth reading because its just...laughably inept in the analysis by the writer, our old friend, Bob Smizik.

First Round Washouts

NastyNate82 — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 21:58:40 -0000

Looking at some of the statistics around the league today, I was surprised to see that so little attention had been paid to the year Alex Gordon is having. People are touting Adrian Gonzalez as an MVP candidate (and rightfully so) but Gordon is right behind him in WAR (6.2 to 6.1). I know some of us here were talking about how it would be nice if the Bucs could make a play for Gordon before this year, as it seemed patience was wearing thin with him in KC.

An even better example this year (especially since Florida had given up on him) is Cameron Maybin. He's not having the year that Gordon is, but they both could be players who were late-bloomers. In Gordon's case, it appears that the big concern was his play at third and inability to hit lefties. However, this year he has hit 8 homers against southpaws, so he may have turned a corner in that regard.

Now I know NH's track record with the first-round washouts hasn't been the best (Clement, Milledge), but I still think its an avenue worth pursuing. So I guess my question is, would you like to see the Buccos go after any potential washouts of other organizations? And if so, who? Thanks.

Projectability

NastyNate82 — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 05:38:55 -0000

So, after reading about all different kinds of HS pitchers the Bucs have drafted in the past several years, I had a general question I wanted to ask in regards to the "projectable" pitchers the Bucs have drafted. Mainly these guys are very tall, mostly thin, throw in the high 80's, and are named Zach (well, not all of them have the last characteristic). Is this a process or belief that Smith did when drafting for the Tigers or Huntington with the Indians? Or is this more of a recent trend they've figured out here? Since I don't really follow other teams too closely, are any of them implementing this strategy as well? I know since this trend seems to have started mostly in 09, so its still very early to figure out how these returns have worked, so I didn't mean for this post to be judgmental in any way...I was looking more to see if anyone had any kind of answers or insight. Thanks.

SI Writer Changes Tune on the Buccos

NastyNate82 — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 02:21:50 -0000

SI Writer Changes Tune on the Buccos

I posted a fanshot last week where this guy stated the Bucs should be sellers. While thats a minority opinion, one could argue that should be the case for the Bucs. However, this writer (Sheehan) hindered himself by not really researching the Bucs season very well. This time, he does quite a bit better.

An article stating the Bucs should sell at the deadline.

NastyNate82 — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 05:01:10 -0000

An article stating the Bucs should sell at the deadline.

The Future of the Draft

NastyNate82 — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 02:20:51 -0000

I have some general questions regarding the future of the draft and how this all may come about in the next couple of years since it looks like most of the small-market teams were drafting pretty wildly this year. I think its quite obvious that a hard slotting system would severely hamper small-market teams like the Bucs. Does MLB not see this or just refuse to? Would this even be an issue if big-market teams like the Yankees used their resources on the draft as they would on free agents? How certain is it that there will be a hard-slotting draft in the future?

Lastly...I've read of many people supporting or opposed a world-wide draft. Why would this be a good/bad idea in your opinion? Sorry for the questions...maybe I'm just overly concerned that one of the last remaining roads the Bucs can improve themselves as a franchise may be blocked.

Buccos System

NastyNate82 — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 01:04:26 -0000

Alright, since everyone's draft fevers have gone down a degree or two, I thought I'd post what people think about the 2011 draft class so far. Since I don't dig beyond a couple of rounds for the draft, I will be the first to admit I'm incredibly ignorant in regards to how good (or even who) these guys are (although credit to Vlad for giving us pre-draft info on the the Maine Man, Tayler Lewis). How many of these 2011 guys would crack the Bucs top 10? If they signed, the first three picks?

Also, I was thinking more and more...which of these guys past the first 3 rounds do you want to see signed the most? Who are the biggest sleepers for you? Not sure if this is different from anyone, but from the quick stuff I've read so far, I like the looks of Glasnow, Holmes, and Lewis. I'm somewhat leery of this class if Bell doesn't sign. Thoughts everyone?

The Case For Anthony Rendon

NastyNate82 — Mon, 30 May 2011 23:45:23 -0000

The Case For Anthony Rendon

Very interesting article supporting Rendon. Also an interesting comment by the author stating that the Pirates' front office has a tendency to get in its own way sometimes. Enjoy.

Building the Bucs...50's style

NastyNate82 — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 04:20:06 -0000

Building the Bucs...50's style

I love it when Hardball Times does this stuff. Yes, its all done with years of hindsight and things we know now that we didn't know then, but its still fun to look at.

Pens vs. Rangers

NastyNate82 — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 02:41:16 -0000

Just wanted to let you all know I will be attending the Rangers/Pens game tomorrow evening behind enemy lines; this is my first Rangers game I've gone to in person, I am quite excited. Initially, I was hoping for a Hank-led shutout to end not only the Pens win streak, but Crosby's point streak as well. With the Pens loss tonight, I guess I'll just have to settle for a Sid-less Rangers victory.

Will let you all know if I can see Crosby's lip quiver from my seat.

Mr. Pile-On

NastyNate82 — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 08:36:11 -0000

Mr. Pile-On

God, I'm sick of this man...I read him because I'm from NY and its interesting to read ridiculous hyperbole regarding good and bad days by NY sports teams. Think Steelers type coverage but with every team. Anyway, you can imagine what he says about the Buccos.
As an even better move, he takes a run at the brothers Upton. While BJ may have his issues, is there any history with Justin as far as bad attitude/moody behavior? I love the old-man column syndrome...if a young guy has a bad year, its cause he's a jerk.

Draft Stuff

NastyNate82 — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 04:23:25 -0000

Draft Stuff

Interesting stuff here, and I know its 2 months old. Its not a complete list, as the author notes that he hasn't scouted all of the top big names (you'll notice no Purke or Jungmann) at the top of the list. Still lots of guys to look at and follow.

Well this isn't good

NastyNate82 — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 00:38:12 -0000

Well this isn't good

Two comments in this Keith Law chat about Andrew Lambo; neither of them are good. He makes some reference to Lambo and some on-field issues. As I don't have insider, does anyone have any info on this?

How Long till Next Year?

NastyNate82 — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 04:25:42 -0000

How Long till Next Year?

Interesting piece...I hope he's right, and if we see some improvements from the rest of the everyday lineup, it may be fun to watch a bunch of 11-10 games next year.

Bill Madden at it again

NastyNate82 — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 17:03:49 -0000

Bill Madden at it again

The Bucs stuff is along the right side of the article. He actually sounds like one of those Yinzers who were always angry with Russell saying he needed to be more fiery. Cause we all know that if you yell at umpires it will help you win more games.

2011 High School Prospects

NastyNate82 — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 17:20:20 -0000

2011 High School Prospects

Ridiculously early, but we're already talking about this stuff. If you scroll down, he has lists up for catchers, infielders, outfielders and pitchers. Cool stuff.

2010 Bucs Draft Review

NastyNate82 — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 01:06:44 -0000

2010 Bucs Draft Review

Vlad suggested we put this in a fanshot, so sink your teeth in folks.

Can't Miss Prospects

NastyNate82 — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 06:12:17 -0000

The whole Strasburg situation vexes me. To me, you really can't fault the Nats. They took every precaution, followed very "rule" for young pitchers, and they still got burned. It alternately makes me feel we know both more and less about young pitchers than we ever did. TI still think that having a pitcher like this is driving; you can be the best driver in the world, follow all the rules and laws of the road, and still get into a car accident.

This article; its just an interesting take. Tough love for Strasburg, and I suppose for young phenoms everywhere. An interesting perspective, and I don't know how many people reference this site, but I enjoy it because I think he looks harder for flaws in the ginormous prospects like Harper and Strasburg. Sink your teeth in, folks.

http://baseballbeginnings.com/2010/09/01/strasburg%e2%80%99s-deal#more-8971

Bucco Bashing

NastyNate82 — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:44:21 -0000

More fun stuff from everyone's favorite New York sportswriter, Bill Madden, claiming that his financial numbers he used concerning the Pirates back in August were, in fact, truthful. His chief ally in all of this: Scott Boras, who as we all know is about honesty first and foremost. I realize that regional sportswriters aren't necessarily the most well-informed folks when it comes to teams outside their region, but he seems to have some sort of serious vendetta with the Buccos, specifically the management team.

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/mets/2009/11/21/2009-11-21_new_york_mets_offseason_focus.html?page=1

Conventional Wisdom

NastyNate82 — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:15:56 -0000

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/story/12547223/lincecums-backtoback-cy-youngs-draw-durability-question-not-hof

I know this has little if anything to do with the Bucs. But articles like this bother the bejesus outta me. Just wanted to know everyone's thoughts about Tiny Tim. And contrary to Knobbie's point in the article, it seems to me that even if he "holds up" at least another 5 years, people will keep asking the same questions about whether he can hold up when he's 35. My favorite part...how every scout's favorite "horse," with the great delivery, Chris Carpenter--guy breaks down more than a Yugo.

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/story/12547223/lincecums-backtoback-cy-youngs-draw-durability-question-not-hof

Next Year

NastyNate82 — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:03:40 -0000

As it stands, the Buccos have 5-6 games to "catch" the Nationals for the #1 pick. With roughly two weeks to go, it doesn't seem that this will happen. I would root for the Bucs to catch them , but I worry that there may be a special sports hell reserved for those who root for their team to lose. Anyway, assuming the Nats take Harper, who should the Bucs take. High school arms appear to be quite good, supposedly even better than last year. Should they go this route, or with someone like the kid from LSU? Thoughts?