Pirates claim first baseman Travis Ishikawa off waivers
- Thread starter PSU-Knocker
- Start date
I like it. He sent the Cards packing last year so he may come in handy very soon.
Can't remember, can he also play outfield? Not that I'd want him there every day, but I wondered if this had anything to do with Polanco. A contending team can't afford to keep running him out there. To me anyway, he has been a massive disappointment and should be back in AAA.
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Is this the same Travis Ishikawa that started 2014 as the left handed platoon first basement for the Pirates and lasted about a month before the Pirates designated him for assignment. Is that the same Travis Ishikawa who you claim will now become the everyday first baseman? I hope not. He's not the answer for us a first base. He's a utility player.
I share your concern about Ishikawa, Phillip. He was a total bust for the Pirates last year and was dumped early in the year. The Giants picked him up and he was their starting first baseman through the World Series. He played great for the Giants last year. He got hurt early this year and now the Giants are letting him go. I guess the Pirates are hoping he will return to his late 2014 form. If he doesn't work out, I can see the Pirates moving Kang or Walker to first base. This would make Harrison an everyday infielder. I think Harrison would be an improvement over Walker at second.
Whatever happens I will be glad if the Pirates dump Pedro. Every once in a while he hits a mammoth home run and everyone gets excited. He is hitting only .242 and has struck out 62 times. Also, he is a liability in the field. I think they could get a decent player in return for Pedro if they trade him to an AL team as a DH.
Yes, I've also reached a level of dissatisfaction with Pedro. I keep thinking he will get in some type of groove where he hits 10 home runs in 2 weeks and carries the team, but I realize that's likely a pipe dream. Dump the guy and get a good return.
In their defense, they had no choice with Ramirez. This was under the old regime and weren't going to make the next payroll (Yes, it was that bad). Regarding Bautista, they weren't the only team that gave up on him too soon. I'm not for dumping Pedro during this season. There are simply no options available. Certainly not Travis.
Exactly. Ramirez leaving Pittsburgh had nothing to do with giving up, but everything to do with frugality of the previous ownership. Bautista was one of the strangest transformations I've ever seen. As you stated, nobody saw that one coming. I swear it was either it somehow all clicked and this somewhat skinny righthand hitter developed an amazing home run stroke, or there's something to do with PED's that transformed his bat into Mark McGwire overnight. (Analogy intended). Sometimes they don't get caught. Wink wink.
