Some time around mid-August, this page will disappear temporarily. I've finally
gotten fed up with Comcast, following a saga of incompetence, lies, and complete
disregard for the customer that would take more space than this web page to recount
in full. I don't know yet what the new URL will be, although I'm fairly certain
it'll be with Starpower. I'm hoping to get things back online by mid-September.
If I don't make it by then, it'll probably be more like mid- to late-October. I'll
notify the people that I know have links to it. Otherwise, I'm sure you'll be able
to find it easily with a Google search.
If you find yourself, now or in the future, thinking of getting high-speed
internet service from Comcast, do yourself a favor and try somebody else. And if you
already have service with them, at least don't ever let one of their technicians touch
your computer.
INTRODUCTION
Although I'm not a scout, I have no shortage of opinions, as you'll soon see if you
haven't already. I certainly believe a lot can be told from minor league stats.
A lot of observation is needed, too, of course. I try to dig up information where
I can, mostly on the web, and I add my own observations, especially where I've seen
a player a lot and feel reasonably confident about the impressions I've formed. I'm
perfectly happy to add the observations or opinions of others, including dissenting
opinions, as long as the tone is reasonable. A comments section is beyond my technical
know-how, but if you send me an e-mail, I'll add your views to the relevant entry.
Note: The process of trying to keep up to date with player transactions
remains in flux. MLB.com has now taken over minorleaguebaseball.com. There appeared
to be some possibility that, with its greater resources, MLB could provide information
like improved stats and transactions, but so far that hasn't happened. There are
rosters, but there's no sign yet that they'll be kept up to date. MLB's capacity
for spam and popups, however, continues undiminished. Luckily, John Perrotto, who
covers the Pirates for the Beaver County Times
and Baseball America, has generously
been answering my questions about player comings and goings. The better team web
sites, Altoona's in particular, are often
good sources of information as well.
Wilbur Miller
wtm2@comcast.net
THE PLAYERS
Players are listed under the highest level at which they got significant playing
time in 2004. Keep in mind that players often change positions, sometimes even
between pitching and other positions. Some of my choices of where to locate certain
players are necessarily a bit arbitrary. So if you're looking for a specific player
and don't find him where you expect, he may be under another position.
Should the Pirates be looking for hitters or pitchers, college or prep players?
Some possible answers.
A CAUTIONARY TALE
The Pirates have staked everything on their stable of pitching prospects. How likely
is that approach to succeed? Here's a discussion
of their chances.