METS EDGE OUT THE PIRATES, 8- 7
NEW YORK — With the Pirates ( 46- 59) amid a eight- game losing streak and holding a 2- 15 record since the All- Star break, it was clear that they aren’t in a great spot to close the 10- game deficit in the National League Central Division. On Sunday, Pirates general manager Neal Huntington verbally waved the white flag on his radio show before the Pirates lost to the New York Mets, 8- 7, at Citi Field.
“Unfortunately, the way the club has played, the way the club I put together has played coming out of the All- Star break. And this is the fourth or fifth year we’ve struggled coming out of the break,” Huntington said on 93.7 The Fan. “This is the third time we’ve been in an extended losing streak, and we haven’t found ways to shorten those. We also haven’t gotten on an extended winning streak.”
The trade deadline is 4 p. m. Wednesday. Huntington said the words he and the team were hoping he didn’t have to state.
“We’re in the process of looking at adding to future clubs,” Huntington said.
In summary, the Pirates are looking to sell at the deadline.
“We haven’t overcome the challenges presented to us, and somebody has to be accountable for that — and it falls on me,” Huntington said. “I am accountable for everything that goes on in baseball operations. When it doesn’t work, we
have to address why it doesn’t work. At the end of the day, this is a club I felt good about when we put it together.”
Huntington addressed some of the strategies the Pirates will use in possible moves.
“A lot of it will depend on the market. Just because a player is on an expiring contract that doesn’t mean there isn’t an opportunity to retain that player,” Huntington said. “That doesn’t mean it’s the right thing just to grab a nickel if that’s all you can get. The player may have more value to us if he continues to perform. There is still a value you need to get on a deal; otherwise, it may be best to hold on
otherwise, it may be best to hold on to that player.”
Players such as Corey Dickerson, Francisco Liriano, Jordan Lyles and Melky Cabrera could get traded since there is interest and they’re on expiring deals. Based on Huntington’s comments, the team could decide to hold onto Dickerson, who was 12 for 29 with seven walks in his past 11 games before leaving a loss Friday against the Mets with left groin discomfort. Dickerson and the team are hoping he can return to the field soon.
Lyles will start Monday against the Cincinnati Reds in what could be an audition for teams in need of starting pitching. But Lyles has given up 16 runs in his past three starts and only pitched a combined eight innings. If the Pirates are to get any value for Lyles, he needs to show some positive signs Monday.
Liriano has been strong bullpen arm, and Cabrera has been a good hitter this season. The Pirates might trade both if the price is right.
Felipe Vazquez has been the subject of several trade rumors. Huntington continuously has said that they’re not looking to trade Vazquez, since the team has him under control for the next four seasons. Huntington also is aware that he will get offers and that it would be wise to listen.
“We feel he’s one of the premier relievers in the game, and we have the opportunity have him this year and four years into the future. It is correct that having a wipe- out closer on a team that isn’t expecting to be very good decreases the value of that reliever,” Huntington said. “He has been really good. He has multiple pitches that can get nearly any hitter out. If we were not intending to be a competitive club, then the right move would be to explore trades for Felipe. But we like our young core.
“We like what we have coming up in the minor leagues. We feel that can add to this club appropriately in the offseason, and Felipe will play a key role in that. At the same time, every general manager’s job is to look for opportunities to improve the team in the immediate term, middle term and long term. The rumors exist because the player is really good and a lot of teams feel that the player can help them win. We intend to be a competitive club going forward, and we want Felipe to be part of that. But we will always be open to ways to make the team better.”
The Pittsburgh Post- Gazette has spoken to several team executives over the past two weeks, and the prevailing thought is that the Pirates will only trade Vazquez if the offer is incredible. We’ll see how it goes leading into Wednesday.