Friday, November 12, 2004

Pirates re-sign Mesa, Torres

Ed Eagle reports. Mesa got more money than I expected. Littlefield acknowledges that the 58-year-old Mesa's career may be winding down. He and Mac both credit Mesa's ability to mentor the young guys as a reason for wanting him back.

This is something of a high-risk, low-reward situation for Littlefield. If Mesa pitches like he did last year, then he's a genius, again. If Mesa falters and someone else steps in and pitches great, then Littlefield will be mocked. Heck, I'll bet he'll be mocked for this today. If that someone else pitches great in part because he's been emulating Mesa, few fans will see that, and everyone will think the Pirates could have saved the money and just begun the year with the younger guy.

A team that builds around young pitching has to have a strong bullpen. And I'm a believer in the team having some veterans. Looks to me like Littlefield's strategy is this: if it isn't broke, don't fix it; if it works, don't mess with it. The bullpen was good last year and the team will return it intact. Makes sense to me.

The most significant long-term danger to the team is the loss of a prospect who could have filled Mesa's roster spot. It will take a few years to find out.

Speaking of the prospects, that deadline for getting guy on the 40-man roster is coming up next I think.

No comments:

Post a Comment