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It's starting to look like the same "Old" bucs. They signed Elmer Dessens again, who was with them 9 years ago, and 40yr old Kuwata. But they keep saying they want to re-build their minor league system. With players like these? Are they getting goverment assistance for hiring senior citizens? I hate to say it, but with the signings that they have had as of late ( the average age of their non-roster invites is 31.5 yr old), I don't look for the bucs to be in pittsburgh much longer. Don't you think it makes more sense to even sign undrafted players that are say 21-23 yrs old? Might even find that diamond in the rough.

This is why they will always be the Suco’s! Here we go again. These people never cease to amaze me. Another losing season on its way.

Dickie if you have nothing nice to say don't bother posting anything at all.

DA, I'm sorry the TRUTH hurts . This will be another losing season for the Suco's.

Spring training is not even here, we aren't even close to knowing who will be on the roster, new management is in place, the team is tied for first place with a 0-0 record and the naysayers are out already! What a tired old story..."For umpteen years we haven't had a winning seasons, etc. etc. etc." Save it!

Why not sit back and anticipate the great joy this season will bring? Some teams will be at the top, some enjoying so-so years, and there will be teams that finish down low. Each will provide the true fans of the game some measure of enjoyment. Why not look forward to being part of that while anticipating the best for your team? If you can't, then you are not a baseball fan at all. You are a frontrunner, a person who gets it all by complaining and whining. We grow weary of these crybabies who wouldn't know horsehide from cow dumpings.

Let's just track Elmer Dessens and Kawata and see if they are as big a cogs in the Pirates plans as these posters fear. And signing a bunch of undrafted players makes more sense? Give us a break!

Let's Go Bucs! You could never find a better baseball town than Pittsburgh! Been that way for 110 years...win or lose.

believe me, I will always root for the team, but managment sure has me questioning things. Time and time again they say that they are trying to build up their minor league system. Now with 15 consecutive loosing seasons, I understand that there is a need to rebuild the system they once had (don't forget their AAA team in Buffalo was sold to the Indians in 92-93?, look what they did in the 90's). So they got Desssens and Kuwata, 38 and 40yr old players who only have a probable 1-2 yrs left in them. They don't fit into their statement that they want to rebuild their minors. Now maybe I'm wrong, but to me minors should be someone in their early to mid 20's. It's just that their actions don't agree with what their statements have been.

And Penguin, just a suggestion, maybe you should add Dessens and Kuwata to your fantasy team. And I'll take DeSalvo and Matt Caps, then lets compare in August

My point, Roy, was that Dessens and Kuwata will not be on the Pirate's roster unless, of course, they show a fantastic turnaround, so why should we be using them now as an example of future Pirate failure, which we don't know will happen? For that reason, they are not possibilities for my fantasy team.

The Matts that you mentioned, however, are possibilities. Even though Matt DeSalvo is a personal favorite of mine, he is not a very good choice in my view. He must first make the 25-man roster. Then he must prove that he can stay with the team and be a positive asset. I was thrilled when he was brought up last year by the Yankees, even though it took nearly the destruction of the entire Bomber pitching staff to get him there. I was happy with his first performances. Then.... I still believe in him and hope for the best, but he has some big-league proving to do. No fanasy pick at this time.

Matt Capps! What a wonderful year he had. First, the surprise of the year. Then the hometown star of the year! Game after game he showed such reliability. That said, I don't think I would choose a closer from a team that has lost so many games. You need to have the lead going into the 9th inning often to stack up those fanasy numbers, and good ol' Matt might not get that chance. I'm surprised by this choice, Roy, since you think so poorly of the Pirates prospects for '08.

Other than that, I understand your frustration with the Pirates lack of success. Hang in there with them. Unless you expect/demand the NL pennant to be entertained, I think you will enjoy the games from the beautiful North Side venue. I can't wait for those warm summer evenings when the Phillies, the Cubs, or even those hated Mets come to town, and it's a baseball night in Pittsburgh! Let's go Bucs!

Could you be the artist previously known as NASCAR?

A change of name,
But the dud's the same.

fencesitter, you have an outstanding eye! I'll bet you are a dandy hitter when it comes to playing the Great Game!

First off, Dessens and Kuwata are signed to minor league contracts, AND are on the non-roster invitees. Now, follow closely, both had major league contracts last year, and Dessens has several years seniority in the league which I am guessing demands a LARGE minor league pay. Both will have possibly 2 yrs left pitching. And you think this is the way to build the lower system? Which is what Huntington said was the clubs objective.

I have never said they sucked. I never said they will never contend. I never said they will have a horrible season. BUT, these two signings just boggled my mind. Would have been something to go see Bobby Revesz throw for them. At least he would have been a possible young star in the future. Dessens and Kuwata's future was 1998, and not a prospect of 2008

Can't speak about being a great hitter, but I will say that I always enjoy your literary thoughts!

Thanks, fencesitter. Your posts are always thoughtful and with lots of others, I look forward to reading them.

It's cold out, and the weather guy says it will get worse before better, but still, baseball's in the air. The Champion Red Sox are holding an orientation for all of their potential rookies at Boston College University. The 12-day program, based on a successful one in Cleveland introduces the players to the big-leagues, Boston-style. The players learn about the pressures, expectations, and temptations of being a Major League player. They are attempting to make sure their best young players are ready for what they may face both on and off the field. What a great idea!

"It's easier for these guys to develop into good young players if they are comfortable in their surroundings," says Manager Terry Francona. "It's not intended to make anyone a .300 hitter."

The many speakers available for the two-week session include the likes of U.Conn basketball coach Jim Calhoun speaking about motivation, and ESPNs Peter Gammons speaking about players dealing with the media. Even topics such as how to treat the clubhouse workers is reviewed. At best, this puts everyone coming into the system onto the same page.

These are difficult times for young people. The two groups that are dramatically effected in my view are those who are down and out, depressed, and jobless...and surprisingly, those who have become instantly successful, who during their youth have risen quickly to the top of their profession and are handling the big paychecks that go with it. Both groups, as well as other youth often need special handling, special counseling, a straight set of values laid out before them. I am happy to see that teams like the Indians, and now the World Champions are doing something like this. Shouldn't all professional teams take notice?

Hey Penguin who was right about the Sucos and who was wrong. What a great year for Pittsburgh baseball. The Pirates are going to shatter the losing streak to where no one else will ever come close to it. How many years has it been????????????????

Let's Go SUCOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!