Q: Tradition is such a central part of major league baseball, but it seems it has been eroding. The awful designated hitter rule. Now interleague play. If we are to put up with all of this (and I think this is pertinent to all of us living near the Erie, Pa., area), wouldn't it make sense to put the Pirates and Indians in the same league and division? I don't suppose it would spawn a rivalry quite as intense as the old Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Giants, but it really would infuse some color into the franchises in Cleveland and Pittsburgh, I would think. The Pirates and the Phillies have been in the same league for a hundred years and there has never seemed to be much of a baseball rivalry between these two cities, only a rivalry for tax money to apply to projects.
James Gelston of Bradford
MEYER: I totally agree, James. Baseball seems to think the Indians and Cincinnati Reds is a better rivalry, but Cleveland and Pittsburgh are half as far apart as Cincinnati and Cleveland. Just because the Reds and Indians are both in Ohio doesn't mean there's a great baseball rivalry there. Case in point? The Pirates and Phillies.
I think baseball should geographically realign across the board. Put the Pirates and Indians in the same division, along with the Reds and maybe Detroit. The Phillies, New York Mets and Yankees and Boston can be in another division, perhaps along with Baltimore. That's assuming Montreal eventually gives it up and moves -- or contracts.
Interleague play might change next season and begin rotating the opponents so that the Pirates finally will play, say, Seattle. However, trying to create rivalries usually doesn't work. Baseball should take the opportunities that already are there and let those rivalries continue or develop over time by placing teams closer to each other.
Q: Is it fair to say that Chad Hermansen is no longer in the Pirates plans? If not, how could a prospect once touted as a "can't miss" go from starting centerfielder in 2000 to off the radar screen in 2001.And do you think Kris Benson thought something was wrong with his elbow prior to signing his contract?
Dave Skovera of Sinking Spring
MEYER: Hermansen definitely is still in the Pirates' plans. However, the Pirates love left-handed hitters in PNC Park, so Hermansen batting right-handed probably works against him some now. He could still be in their plans as far as being included in a trade, though. Right-handed hitters flourish at Houston's Enron Field, for example.
About Benson? There are some people who think Benson might have hurt his elbow initially pitching in a game in Cleveland last July. Specifically on a pitch Russell Branyan hit for a home run. However, Benson did pitch the rest of last season -- although not too effectively. He was 8-6 with a 3.05 earned run average before the All-Star break. After the break, which includes that start in Cleveland, he was 2-6 with a 5.01 earned run average.
Q: I was very happy when I read the article on Sunday about the Pirates' farm system and established history of prospect busts, especially the attention paid to faulty player development. I have long felt that bad luck and poor scouting cannot have accounted for ALL of the prospects that just didn't pan out. Some of this talent is being wasted by poor development. What are the Pirates currently doing to fix this situation and bring in better developmental people in the minor leagues?
Cheryl Turney of Beaver Falls
MEYER: I think Manager Lloyd McClendon will push to get the Pirates to raise salaries of minor league staff people so former players will want to stay in the organization or be attracted to the organization. McClendon feels, and I agree, that former players who know how to play the game correctly can do wonders with young players who don't have a clue. I think Dale Sveum managing Class AA Altoona and Curtis Wilkerson managing Class A Lynchburg is a good first step. Look for more of this. Somehow the Pirates must teach their players to play -- before they get to the big leagues.
Q: Paul, could you tell me why whenever there is a rain delay at a game, the players instead of watching a movie, playing cards or "drinking 10 cups of coffee" don't come out and sign some autographs for the fans? Weren't the players ever fans themselves? I just don't understand how they can pass up the chance a rain delay presents to promote the team, themselves and most of all the game. I just don't get it!
David Steele of Panama, N.Y.
MEYER: I've seen players sign autographs during rain delays but not often. If it's a heavy rain, I doubt the players would want to leave the clubhouse and stand in the downpour to sign. Nor would a lot of fans stand in the rain along the rail to get autographs. However, here's a suggestion. Have at least a few players agree to stand in a concourse for a specific amount of time during the rain delay. After the first group has signed, another group could leave the clubhouse and take its turn. This probably will never happen, but it's a thought.
Q: When Moises Alou was in the Pirates farm system I had high hopes to one day see him patrolling the outfield with Barry Bonds and Andy Van Slyke. I know that he ended up in Montreal, but I heard rumors at the time that the then general manager of the Pirates, Larry Doughty, had accidentally placed him on waivers and didn't realize it. Montreal in turn "agreed" to send us Zane Smith who was very important to the Bucs playoff run that year. Is there any merit behind these rumors?
Brian Texter of Tampa
MEYER: Larry Doughty did make a mistake with the waiver rules in 1990, but it did not concern the Moises Alou trade Aug. 8. That trade sent Alou, pitcher Scott Ruskin and infielder Willie Greene to the Expos for Smith, whose contributions down the stretch that year helped the Pirates hold off the New York Mets. Alou was supposed to be a "player to be named later" in that trade. However, when the trade was announced after the game of Aug. 7, Doughty slipped up and mentioned Alou's name to the media.
On Aug. 30, the Pirates acquired outfielder/first baseman Carmelo Martinez from Philadelphia. That followed Doughty fouling up waiver rules when he placed outfielders Wes Chamberlain and Julio Peguero on irrevocable waivers and the Phillies claimed both. The Pirates and Phillies worked out a trade to try to cover this, but the bottom line was that the Phillies wound up with Chamberlain, Peguero and outfielder Tony Longmire, who was in the trade, and the Pirates had Martinez.
Q: If the Pirates make a trade, what position do you feel they will go for? They do have some pitching and center field prospects, but I don't see a lot of power hitting players who will be ready soon. What is your opinion? Also, do the Pirates still have an affiliation with the Mexico City Red Devils? After seeing Ricardo Rincon, Elmer Dessens and Francisco Cordova come from Mexico, I have heard of no one else since then. Any news?
John Taylor of Fairmont, W.Va.
MEYER: The Pirates could try to acquire a left-handed power bat in a deal, either a prospect or a major league-ready hitter. And they'll always try to get more pitching, especially left-handers. In addition, they could look for "closer-type" relief pitchers. They'll probably wind up trading Mike Williams rather than signing him to a big contract, and they'll need a closer next season.
The Pirates still do have an agreement with the Mexico City Red Devils, although with Cam Bonifay's departure the future of that agreement is unsettled. Bonifay is very close to Red Devil President Roberto Mansur. The Pirates haven't had a pitcher or player from the Red Devils do much since those three you mentioned were here.
Q: Firing Cam Bonifay was an excellent first step to righting the Pirates' ship. But much more obviously needs to be done, including releasing all the dead weight and trades of any and all veterans for prospects. The Pirates should solicit offers for almost anyone: John Vander Wal, Mike Williams, Jason Schmidt or even Brian Giles for the right package in return. Will they be able to do this now or will they be paralyzed until a new general manager is named?
Eric Reiff of New York City
MEYER: A major trade being made before a new general manager is in place isn't likely. That should be the responsibility of the new general manager. That's why Owner Kevin McClatchy won't wait too long before hiring Bonifay's replacement. That could happen by the All-Star break July 9-11. That would give the new general manager some time to try to make a deal before the trading deadline July 31.
Don't be shocked if before then -- or by Aug. 31 -- the St. Louis Cardinals make a run at Schmidt or Todd Ritchie. They need pitching help.
I'd be shocked if the Pirates traded Giles. He's a left-handed power bat who's perfect for PNC Park.
Q: Paul, thanks for this feature. I look forward to it every Wednesday. What are the chances the Pirates will look outside the organization for a new general manager? I really think this is a must, the key to the whole process. I felt they needed to do that when the managerial and coaching positions opened up. We just need some new blood. A promotion from the system that is supposed to be so bad that it cost Bonifay his job doesn't make much sense. Please tell me the Bucs will look all around baseball for the new general manager.
J.T.J. of Washington, D.C.
MEYER: The Pirates almost certainly will go outside for their new general manager. That doesn't mean there aren't some good people inside the organization's front office. A couple of them, including John Sirignano, Bonifay's longtime confidant, could remain under the new hierarchy. McClatchy said last week he'll begin the interviewing process this week -- probably did June 19, as a matter of fact -- and some people think McClatchy already has a top candidate targeted, perhaps Ned Colletti of the San Francisco Giants.
Q: I really enjoy your Q&A. I'm such a big fan of the Buccos! Now, my question deals with the new Pirates theme song that the organization plays before each game. Do you know where I could find a copy of the words? I tried the Pirates website and it was no help. I'll admit the song was annoying at first, but now I sorta like it. Thanks!
Leah Craft of West Alexander
MEYER: The song is called "A New Pirate Generation." According to the Pirates, a recording is not available commercially yet, but the organization is considering making it available. It was written and developed by the Pirates' in-game entertainment staff and an outside firm.
Q: Just a comment -- or an essay as you may refer to it in your sarcastic manner. I read the Post-Gazette to get news and information, not a wise guy, sarcastic, pathetic comedy routine. I want to inform you that your act has worn thin! We don't need any more of your smart mouth, arrogant answers to fans and readers. I will write today, a letter to the staff at the Post-Gazette detailing some of your rude and obnoxious commentary. If you are tired of people's complaints and criticisms concerning the ineptness of the Pirates, GO GET ANOTHER JOB! We don't need you or your big mouth in Pittsburgh.
Mark Everhart of Pittsburgh
MEYER: I am guilty of trying to have a little fun with this Q&A. If that offends or angers some people, I apologize to them.
Q: I am in need of a phone number or address at PNC Park so I can order a few Pirate polo shirts. Was recently at a game following Memorial Day where it rained through the first three innings and I delayed purchase of the shirts. I live in Iowa, still follow the Pirates after 40-plus years and hope we soon remove ourselves from the mire we are stuck in. Things will only get better.
Henry Gerhardt of West Mifflin
MEYER: The address for PNC Park is: PNC Park at North Shore, 115 Federal Street, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15212. The main telephone number is: 412-323-5000.
Q: Paul, how difficult is it to attempt to answer the questions of frustrated fans? This team is so bad and the people so disheartened (that) you have the worst job of all -- except for the guy who is going to try to sell tickets for next season.
David Sullivan of Baltimore, Md.
MEYER: David, it's really not difficult thinking of answers. I realize fans are frustrated, dishearted, disillusioned and whatever about this Pirate team. I try to think of the questions and answers as if this is a mini-talk show. You do that, this can be done. I'll concede, though, that if the Pirates were better or even in a division race, this part of my job would be easier. And more fun.
And so would that of the guy who's going to try to sell tickets for next season.
Pirates Q&A with Paul Meyer 
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