Jerry Micco's sports chat transcript: 6.13.12

Poll Question: Do you think the Pirates will be within 3 games of first place on July 4?

Answer #1: Yes (82%)

Answer #2: No (18%)

James_Pittsburgh: Jerry, hello from Taiwan. I will be driving up the hits from Taiwan for the next month. Anyways, I think it is amusing that people want to send Alvarez to the minors. Maybe he deserves it, but currently the Pirates don't have 8 hitters better than him! Currently his .650 OPS is 7th best on the Pirates.

Jerry Micco: I really don't know what purpose it would serve to ship him to Indy. All I can see that doing is putting him into a major mental funk. He needs to fight through this and see if he can produce. I think we still have to remember, if you take number of games played, he's in his second full season. But you are seeing him slip back into some old, bad habits and not getting quality ABs. That is my biggest concern, that he's unable to make changes and reach the level where he should be.

The Chief: Jerry, I am sure everyone has a case of Pirate fever by now, how do you see the season playing out from this point forward?

Jerry Micco: Depends on the pitching. If they can get good pitching and the hitting comes around a bit, they can stay close for some time in the NL Central. But these 6 road games, and then a -7-game trip to Philly and St. Louis at the end of the month are crucial. If they can go 6-7 through that stretch, or even 5-8, they will be OK. But if they swoon to say, 3-10, that's not going to go well for them, unless they can run the table at home next week with the Twins and Tigers.

bubs: OKC in 4? 5?

Jerry Micco: I think it goes 7. Miami is going to be tough to beat, but you can tell Bosh isn't 100 percent and if that's the case, OKC is going to be very tough to control. I think we see OKC in 7.

James_Pittsburgh: Here is a list of the top OPSs according to baseballreference.com for the Pirates McCutchen .941, Garrett Jones .735, Walker .713, Rod Barajas .682, Michael McKenry .680, Josh Harrison .667, Pedro Alvarez .650

Jerry Micco: Wow, below McKenry and Harrison, but those numbers may be inflated by part-time service. Pedro needs to step it up. And I do applaud the drop down to 5 or 6 in the lineup. Never liked moving him to the 4-hole all the way from 7.

kibab1979: With Lincoln's struggles as a starter, I think it's time to send him back to the pen where he's been pretty much lights out. Do you think Rudy Owens gets his chance to see what he can do at the MLB level?

Jerry Micco: If the Pirates want to start Owens' major league clock, that likely will happen. I think I've seen enough to tell me that Lincoln is a 1-inning pitcher, which in that case makes him a pretty major draft bust. He may be a closer one day, which would cause me to amend my statement, but if he's a 7th or 8th inning guy, then he's just another part. And he was expected to be much more. He'll get another chance to start at Cleveland on Sunday, though.

James_Pittsburgh: I see that my prediction finally came true. The Steelers added a veteran LB in Brandon Johnson. Hopefully he can get the job done if someone gets hurt.

Jerry Micco: That was a necessary pickup because they do lack depth at ILB and Johnson is a good special teams player.

The Chief: Jerry are you surprised that The Penguins have been installed as 7-1 favourites to win The Cup next year?

Jerry Micco: Not if you assume that everyone is healthy and will play to their fullest. That includes Martin and Michalek, who need to get back to the form of two seasons ago. If you think that can happen, there is not reason to think the Pens can't be formidable. They did have 106 points last season, or was it 107? There will be some tweaks to the team, too, and possibly a trade of someone like Jordan Staal. Still a lot of work left for Ray Shero.

James_Pittsburgh: Recently McGhee is hitting better. If the Pirates stay in the race could we see McGhee at 3rd half of the time and basically creating a platoon of Garett Jones/Pedro Alvarez (Jones would play first against rightys with McGhee moving from first to third). I know that is a lefty/left platoon. However the Pirates don't have a better option and Garrett Jones can't hit lefties.

Jerry Micco: It would greatly enhance the Pirates if McGehee started to hit the ball with some power on a regular basis. If that happens, he get playing time at either first or third. I think you have to put Pedro out there as much as possible to see if he can work his way out of these bad habits. But if McGehee proves he can hit like he has in the last week or so, then he'll get his ABs.

The Chief: Lincoln kind of reminds me of Sean Burnett, he kept failing as a starter but is outstanding out of the pen. In this day and age of getting six innings out of a starter maybe the Pirates should let well enough alone and keep Lincoln in the pen!

Jerry Micco: I think if Karstens doesn't have the setback in rehab, then Lincoln is either back in AAA or in the pen. And I think the Pirates know that the pen is his likely area once everything settles in. I'd like to see one thing: Can he close a game? Give Hanrahan a rest and see if Lincoln could do it. We know Grilli can, but Lincoln may give you a long-term solution if that's where he lands.

mark from ny: give me two names: one surprise veteran who may et cut and one free agent who could make the steelers

Jerry Micco: Cut: either Doug Legursky or Trai Essex. FA to make it: Probably the guy they got today, Brandon Johnson. As far as undrafted FAs, too early to tell. But you may see a guy like safety Robert Golden stick.

James_Pittsburgh: I know that the Pirates history would indicate otherwise, but I think that the Pirates need to really consider bringing back Erik Bedard or finding another veteran for 2013. Minus Bedard from the equation and you have a rotation of A.J. Burnett, James McDonald, Charlie Morton, Jeff Karstens, and Rudy Owens/Brad Lincoln. There goes our strong pitching staff. I would like to see Bedard/another veteran/ Burnett, James McDonald, Karstens, and Owens(other Triple A pitcher) until Garrett Cole is ready.

Jerry Micco: Don't give up on Morton too quickly, but to your original comment, I think they should look at bringing Bedard back because thus far, he's earned that much. He's similar to Paul Maholm, but comes with a bit less of a price tag. If he can go, say 10-12 or 11-11, he's probably worth 7 or 8 million to them. You need a bridge to Cole and eventually Owens and Taillon. Guys like Bedard are exactly that.

James_Pittsburgh: If Jordan Staal doesn't not agree to a contract extension before August 31, do you think Ray Shero will pull the trigger and trade him?

Jerry Micco: I think he's the most likely guy to go, and in your scenario, probably sure to go at that point. But Shero has to be careful not to get fleeced by those who perceive that the Pens must move one of the Big 3. If Crosby indeed gives a hometown discount, then you might be able to keep Staal and Malkin under the cap.

Jerry Micco: I think he's the most likely guy to go, and in your scenario, probably sure to go at that point. But Shero has to be careful not to get fleeced by those who perceive that the Pens must move one of the Big 3. If Crosby indeed gives a hometown discount, then you might be able to keep Staal and Malkin under the cap.

The Chief: Well is The US Open this week, in your days out on the West Coast were you ever at/played The Olympic Club and who you got this week beside your boy Lefty?

Jerry Micco: I covered my first Open at The Olympic Club in 1998. Loved every second of it. Lee Janzen won it in classic Open fashion, with an even-par 280, which is how the Open should be won. Never forget the late Payne Stewart cursing out a USGA official about the pin placement on 18 in round 2. Tough, sloped hole and the USGA put the hole on a ridge. He three-putted that hole and ripped a USGA official all the way to the score tent. Not in language fit for a daily newspaper. And he lost by 1 stroke. I remember later, our golf writer and I were taken to 18 by the club pro, and he showed if the hole were move a couple feet toward the front of the green, the issue would have been solved. But the USGA does its own thing at the Open.

Jerry Micco: I never did answer your question, sorry about that. I don't look for a good Open from Phil, unfortunately. Narrow, tough course and that doesn't play to his game. Watch Tiger, though. And how about Dustin Johnson? Playing well now and does great in his home state. And is this the one where we see a Luke Donald or Lee Westwood get a major? Defending champ Rory McIlroy will be a factor, too. And a guy to watch: Jim Furyk. Just a feeling.

mark from ny: what do you know about this goalie the pens picked up? will he play in the play-offs at the slightest sign of fleury faltering?

Jerry Micco: Tomas Vokoun isn't what he was a few years ago, but he is a starting-caliber goalie and should be able to play 20-25 games for the Pens. And he is very capable of pushing Fleury for starts if Fleury falters at any point. Couldn't do that with Johnson last season. Be interesting to see how Fleury responds to the competition.

yinzer in va: Jerry, I've gotten used to the new online format, but I was wondering if they can bring back two things. Previously, when an article was clicked, the headline changed color. Is it possible to return that feature? Also, every article was dated. Can that be returned too?

Jerry Micco: I'll pass your concerns along.

James_Pittsburgh: Jerry, do you throw away a chance of making the playoffs just to give Alvarez at bats. I was suggesting giving him half the starts if McGhee continues to hit. Basically Alvarez and Jones would platoon with McGhee moving from first to third depending who is playing.

Jerry Micco: I think what you have are 3 guys who are a bit streaky and you have to play the hot hand. But Alvarez is the future, so to me, he's the default. And his fielding has been very good at third this season. Obviously, if they are vying for a playoff spot, and he's slumping, you go with the best bat. Can't play for the future when the present is at hand.

Keep the Faith: JM,do you see the Bucs doing a trade before the trade deadline in july in order to beat the other NL central teams competing for first to the punch for more offense,thanks.

Jerry Micco: Depends on who's out there and what the trading partner wants. But yes, I'd think as we do our chat, Neal Huntington is talking to teams about a bat. But he's not going to trade a top minor league for that unless it's a bat he can get and sign for the future. You don't give up anything at the trade deadline for a rental player.

James_Pittsburgh: Jerry, we don't know if Jordan Staal even wants to stay. He might want to be traded to the Hurricane if a deal can be worked out or sign with them as a free agent.

Jerry Micco: Maybe, but other teams would be interested in Staal, too, and it wouldn't be his choice where he goes. He may want to go somewhere and be a No. 1 center and make more money, but that place may be Minnesota or Columbus. If he signs as a FA, then he can pick and choose, but I don't think the Pens would let him walk without getting something.

James_Pittsburgh: Jerry, I guess a rotation of Bedard, Burnett, McDonald, Karstens, and Charlie Morton would do until Garrett Cole is ready. However I would definitely give Rudy Owens a chance to beat out Morton. Morton is better than a lot of 5th starters in the majors, but the Pirates need to have an outstanding staff since Andrew McCutchen is the entire offense with no help on the way.

Jerry Micco: I think what they have is a good group of starting pitchers with a deeper group in the minors, which is exactly what you need. And you can always go out and get another Bedard-like player just about every year if you need a stopgap. But I want to see a healthy Morton one more time. I can't forget his start last season and his wicked sinker when it's working.

Luke Walker: Hi Jerry. Do you believe Bubba Watson remains in contention through the weekend? Doesn't seem that Olympic suits his game?

Jerry Micco: Like Mickelson, Watson can get crazy with his driver, so I think Olympic Club will give him some issues. All that said, for both guys, if they play that course smart and putt well, they can stay in the hunt. Part of my Father's Day is always watching the Open. And I'd like to see my favorite golfer in the hunt. See if Phil can finally get over the Open hump. It's the tournament he most wants to win, I believe.

Luke Walker: Would you prefer to see a score like 3 over win at the Open this week? Or, doesn't the score matter as long as there are good players in contention? I definitely prefer both...good players and high scores---with little wind thrown in for fun.

Jerry Micco: I absolutely hated the Open last year. Nothing against Rory McIlroy, but they made Congressional way too easy. That's ridiculous. The Open is the toughest test, and to me, even-par is the best score to win an open. If 1 or 2 strokes either way wins it, I'm OK with that, too. But you want it tight and grinding. And you want the stars battling it out. Too much to ask? Probably, but to me, it's the best of all the tournaments so that's what I want to see.

Nick: Jerry im sick and tired of the all the negative press for Alvarez. He is hopefully the future of this organaztion and just because Mcghee has hit a homerun does not make him a better option at 3rd base. No offense to 14 but he is not a long term piece in the Black and Gold, thoughts?

Jerry Micco: I'm not sure the media has been negative toward Alvarez. I think they are reporting that this guy hasn't lived up to his potential all of last year and so far this year. There are signs, but as the No. 2 overall pick, he's been a bit of a disappointment. But you read my comments. He should get the majority of the playing time. Unless he just falters so badly that he's hurting the club.

Luke Walker: Two weeks ago, fans were clamoring to move Correia to the pen and start Lincoln. Well, they got the Lincoln wish and now the clamor is for the "next one"...Rudy Owens et al. I'm not sure where that "patience line" is for guys like Lincoln and Alvarez, but it's definitely not yet...give these guys a decent chance to figure things out.

Jerry Micco: I think Lincoln has had a few chances to "figure things out," but hasn't shown much in that department. Last night's outing was terrible. He was great out of the pen earlier this year, and if Morton and Karstens weren't injured, he'd likely have stayed there or started at Indy.

sweegb: Jerry, Why did the odds-makes in Vegas pick the Pens as the favorite to win the Cup? Three years of semi early exits in the quest for Lord Stanley cup and they still pick the Pens?

Jerry Micco: Because on paper, and that's paper, not a sheet of ice, the Pens look like the best team in the NHL. And even without Crosby most of last season, and a defense that deteriorated as the season went on, they still finished just out of first in the conference by a point. Everyone's healthy and their game improves? Sky's the limit, I think.

Luke Walker: Completely agree on your Morton take; his stuff is just too good to give up on him too quickly. Same with Lincoln

Jerry Micco: I'm not as high on Lincoln as I am on Morton. I still think Lincoln's best place is the pen.

James_Pittsburgh: On the Bedard note, maybe the Pirates finish over .500 this year and can finally convince a guy like Edwin Jackson to sign a three year contract. Then you have Garrett Cole hopefully ready to slide into the rotation for Burnett in 2014. My real point is that the Pirates need someone consistent to go with McDonald, Cole, and Apel in the future. Basically what A.J. Burnett is doing this year.

Jerry Micco: I agree, but those guys are available every season. Now if the Pirates are winning and they loosen the purse strings, then they can go after some quality pitchers. And I still say if you don't have pitching, all the hitting in the world can't help you.

Adam in Boulder: Jerry, if you were Neal Huntington would you go after Vladimir Guerrero, knowing that even in his old(er) age he's most likely still better than anyone in the Bucs' lineup but Cutch?

Jerry Micco: I just don't think Mad Vlad can hold up and play a position every day. Back in the day, he was just terrific to watch, but much of that is gone now. I'd not take a chance on him.

Luke Walker: Jerry, do you have an insight at to how Heredia is doing so far? I hate to even monitor a player that young but he is intriguing.

Jerry Micco: Haven't followed him much, so I can't say. But the Pirates love him. He's just so young, I think he just turned 18, but he has size and raw power. I think he's in West Virginia this season, though I could be wrong about that.

James_Pittsburgh: Jerry in regards to Nick's comment. Hopefully Alvarez will be part of the long term solution, however he has not earned it yet. If he Pirates are not in contention, then of course you run out Alvarez basically every game.

Jerry Micco: I agree and I think they'll do just that. But if he's in a slump, as I stated earlier, and they are contending, then you have to put your best guys in.

doyle 37: Last week I hoped the Bucs to go 12-6 in the next 18 games beginning with the Reds series. We are 5-2 ...can we do the 12-6 ??

Jerry Micco: If you are going through the Tigers series only then they have a shot to go 12-6. I'm thinking more 10-8, though. and I'd like to see them at 3-4 through the 7-games at the end of the month. If they can do that, they will be through a very tough part of the schedule and still in contention.

The Chief: Two teams with the longest consecutive years losing streaks met in Baltimore last night. Both teams are playing winning baseball, are you surprised around only 16, 000 folks showed up?

Jerry Micco: No. The economy is still pretty tough for everyone and baseball tickets in Baltimore are more expensive than in Pittsburgh. And for some folks, if their kids are still in school, weeknights don't work out for them. Especially if the kids play a sport, which means a Little League game or soccer match may trump going to the game.

James_Pittsburgh: Jerry, unless the Penguins add a guy like Rod Scuderi and better checkers, I don't agree that the sky is the limit. Playoff hockey requires a different approach than Crosby and Malkin offer.

Jerry Micco: Didn't affect the Cup team and yes, I realize that Scuderi was part of that club. I think the Pens are stuck with Martin and Michalek, and unless you get them up to speed, you are always going to be handicapped in the playoffs. Doesn't mean you can't sign a Scuderi-type guy if he's there. And they should look at that if that opportunity is available.

JoelSteedisaHouse: Jerry, I'm not sure if you follow advanced stats (I normally don't) but if stats like WAR and OPS+ tell you how a player rates vs average or random minor league replacement, how are the Pirates not giving ANYBODY they can find a shot in the line up? The argument that a minor leaguer (Clement, Mercer) may not produce as well in the majors is irrelevent if the guys on the roster are not performing better than replacement level.

Jerry Micco: Would you give up Gerrit Cole for, say, Morales of the Angels? Or for Kevin Youkilis? That's what GMs will ask Neal Huntington. Or, if he balks, Jameson Taillon. They aren't asking for Correia, or Bedard, or Hanrahan.

Adam in Boulder: If you're the Pirates' management, how long would you let Alvarez fail at the major-league level before declaring him a bust and moving on? In reality, the kid had one good week this year and is batting about .130 otherwise. He's got one homer in his last 100 at-bats and struck out looking twice last night. I dunno if that's me being "negative" so much as realistic.

Jerry Micco: I think you give him some time, certainly this season and next. But you can't go on forever trying to make him a hitter if he's not. But then you think of Jose Bautista and you go, OK, wait a minute here...

Luke Walker: If you were to bet $1, would you take the first day group of Woods, Mickelson, Watson or the the rest of the field?

Jerry Micco: Field.

Luke Walker: Jerry, who decides---and how---the groupings for the first day at The Open?

Jerry Micco: The USGA puts those together. I can't imagine Phil or Tiger are happy with the grouping as they generally don't like playing together. Maybe Watson can keep them loose.

Nick: I completely agree he is not up to his potential, but he is still 2nd on the team with Dingers

Jerry Micco: And that's what keeps him in the lineup. He's a legit threat when he's hot. Problem is, he just can't get hot.

Luke Walker: Just looked up Heredia...he pitched 30+ innings last yr in the GCL, 4.75 ERA and 6.8 K per 9 innings. He is w/ State College his year who open next week. Not bad for a 17 yr old....

Jerry Micco: He's got a tremendous upside. Thanks for the report, too.

Bigperm: Hi Jerry! Any chance Dwyer ends up carrying the load for the Steelers this year?

Jerry Micco: I think that will fall to Redman, but don't be surprised to see Dwyer getting some playing time if he can hold on to the ball.

Jerry Micco: OK folks, I need to get to some other stuff. Thanks for the tremendous chat. More questions than I could get to in an hour, which is great. Program note: My next chat will be on July 11, so I'm gone for 3 weeks. Business trip, vacation, holiday. Happens sometimes. But I'm hoping all of you will come back when I'm back chatting in July. Until then, have a great week, a great Father's Day, and enjoy your sports weekend! Follow me on Twitter: @PG_JerryMicco