Column: For Pirates, competition catching on

This may be heresy but are the Pirates currently the best professional franchise in Pittsburgh? Discuss

Interesting how things go. I remember when Tony Sanchez was drafted the scouts were saying his defense was already MLB ready but his bat was a question mark. Since drafted the defense went downhill and the offense uphill.

Dumb and Dumber hat-tip... Well played... Somebody give that man an Uncrustable, stat!

Nice column. I love Sanchez and want him to do well. I truly question, if Diaz is so close, why Stewart isn't expendable via small trade at the end of camp.

I saw something so fascinating at the ballpark I couldn't take my eyes off of it. And nary a ball or bat was involved. Standing on the deck in right field while some of the players were working out prior to the game outside the new clubhouse, I saw a prone Neil Walker stretching. And stretching, sometimes resembling a pretzel. Sometimes flat on his stomach, sometimes flat on his back. I watched for about 5 minutes, came back about 20 minutes later and he was still there. Stretching.

I wonder if this is an everyday thing ? Is this what it takes for him to get out on the field everyday or just simply maintenance? It was exhausting just to watch. We look at these guys as machines and too often take for granted the lengths they have to go to perform at such a high level.

Rough day for Locke. Appeared to be getting pinched a little on the plate early. He needs the edges to be successful.
As for roster reconstruction, I am OK with Hughes or Holdzkom going down as long as it is not for the sake of Stolmy Pimental.
Love Tony Sanchez and I do believe he will have a major league career. He may open in AAA but most teams see extended time for a third catcher over 162. Expecting around 100+ at bats for TS.
Bench looks set. Pulling for Jaff Decker over Andrew Lambo. Like his grit.
There definitely is some depth on this team and organization. As always, the opening day 25 will expand to 35+ with injuries and whatnot over the season. I believe that makes the Bucs even more likely to be successful.
It's a marathon, not a sprint.

Really good stuff here, DK. Aside from Sawchick at the Trib, nobody in this city is giving us anything close to the Buccos coverage that you are. Up close and personal, covering all the angles, just outstanding. I haven't looked forward to a baseball season quite as much as this one in a long time, and you, sir, are a huge part of that anticipation for me.

Jaff Decker over Andrew Lambo. Sanchez over Stewart. Two easy choices at this point.

And Worley CLEARLY over Jabronie Locke, he of one good half season. Unless AJ is consulted with on who should get the 5th spot.

Interesting perspective. I loved what I saw out of Diaz and Sanchez when I was down there last week. Maybe the competition brings out the best in them

right on

Glad to read this column. I commented a few weeks ago that I was surprised at how much Tony was being completely buried. I know that for your backup catcher, you're looking for someone dependable, but his ceiling is so much higher than Stewart's it would be foolish to not keep him in consideration.

So, DK, on top of all your other talents. you're a comedian too? Great line..."Don't look in the mirror." I truly did LOL

Any thoughts on Richard thus far? If Searage and co. can work their magic and he can regain even some of his past form, he could be the depth you're referring to with the loss of Cumpton.

tony's the ******** man

Dk: i know you love nhl, but mlb is your best work. What are they saying about Sanchez footwork?

Great column as usual Dejan. Tony can't be any worse than Pedro over there at first he has the same if not alittle more experience than Pedro and if gets hot he could have a jhay like season playing both positions to keep his bat in lineup.

So... Bob Walk probably would've said the same thing last year. Not that anyone expected J Hay to go off, but it's possible, right? I guess I haven't seen an unexpected player like that carry the team since maybe Tim Wakefield?

I loved the way Sanchez handled your comment on the food in the DR. That did show maturity and a conscious effort not to offend either teammates or others. I love everything he is doing this spring and I'm not sure he wouldn't be a better backup than Stewart.

Great problem to have, 25 roster spots and what? 30 players to fill them? Let's Go Bucs!