Capps Crew Represent

Twice in the past year, members of the Original Capps Crew have been published in the Post-Gazette. Perhaps its just coincidence that our seats are located right in the Notch. Anyhow, here are the two photos.

Let's Go Bucs!

---------

photo credits: Jay-Bay (6.11.08) and Luis Gonzalez (1.28.09) - postgazette.com

More on Hinske

Dejan is running a piece today in the Post-Gazette that makes it sound like Eric Hinske will most likely be signing a contract with Pittsburgh later this week. As I mentioned before, Hinske would be the best of the three free agent choices we have out there right now. He's younger than Luis Gonzalez and Doug Mientkiewicz and he has more power than the ever so popular Mientkiewicz.

Hinske isn't the right-handed power bat that the Pirates were looking for, however, his power from the left could prove to be an advantage to him at PNC Park, all thanks to the 321' Clemente Wall in right field.

I've linked the three free agent outfielders career stats that have been the topic of discussion for the Pirates this off season so that you may compare numbers and make a decision for yourself who would be the better player for this team. Hinske Gonzalez Mientkiewicz

A Mientkiewicz mutiny ahoy!

Let's Go Bucs!

PS: I can pretty much spell Mientkiewicz now without looking it up.
PSS: Dejan also has a great write-up as to why it's worth it to go cheap when signing bench players

-------
photo credit: Right field and the Clemente Wall. baseball-reference.com

Hinske in the Free Agent Outfield Mix

Earlier today it was announced that the Pirates were looking at Luis Gonzalez as a potential 4th outfielder and veteran leader. He is a guy with decent numbers, however, his age (41) is an issues with me. He's also seems to be limited to the positions in which he could play. Dejan mentioned that the Pirates were looking at several other free agents. Turns out one of those free agents will be Eric Hinske formally of the Tampa Bay Rays.



Hinske's numbers aren't quite where Gonzalez's numbers are at, however, he is a decade younger. And, unlike Gonzalez, he can play the corner spots of the outfield and first and third base. According to the article on pirateball.com, it sounds like Hinske is a priority for the Pirates and he could be in town as soon as the end of this week. It's looking less and less likely that Meintkiewicz will be back in Pittsburgh.



Because I'm lazy, check out link to the article above for all of the details on Hinske and Gonzalez.

Lets Go Bucs!

--------
photo credit: Eric Hinske strikes out during Game 5 of the 2008 World Series. daylife.com

Huntington Admits He'll Take It From Either Side

As reported on the PG today, the Pirates are in talks with free-agent left-handed outfielder Luis Gonzalez. The primary role of Gonzalez, 41, will be to serve as a leader, a la Doug Mientkiewicz. Which means, if Gonzalez gets signed, it looks like ol' "Dirty Doug" won't be coming back to Pittsburgh.



I would welcome a guy like Gonzalez into the organization. However, he is not the right-handed power-bat that the Pirates were looking for. Neal Huntington recently admitted that they are open to getting power from wither side of the plate. Last year, Gonzalez had

341 at-bats with the Florida Marlins, batting a respectable .261 with 8 homers and 47 RBIs. He has a career .283 batting average and .845 OPS. Decent numbers, however, would his age be an issue?

Let's Go Bucs!

--------
photo credit: Luis Gonzalez with the Diamondbacks. USAToday.com