Starlin Marte: The power hitter!

[PSU-Knocker]

Now on pace to hit 58 homers.

 

[WDLion]

Now on pace to hit 58 homers.

Strikes out percentage is higher than his on base percentage.

 

[TPSU_Lion]

Mark Melancon: The liability

 

[nits74]

Mark Melancon: The liability

Mark Melancon: The liability

Now on pace to hit 58 homers.

Doesn't help when you have no closer.

 

[TPSU_Lion]

Doesn't help when you have no closer.

Nope. Who's up next, Hughes? Definitely not Watson. He's just as bad as MM.

 

[nits74]

Nope. Who's up next, Hughes? Definitely not Watson. He's just as bad as MM.

Bullpens are hard to predict year over year. So far, this one is pretty much of a disaster. As I've said before, Melancon has never given me comfort as a closer.

 

[TheGLOV]

I'm here!

 

[TPSU_Lion]

Bullpens are hard to predict year over year. So far, this one is pretty much of a disaster. As I've said before, Melancon has never given me comfort as a closer.

Over the last 4 seasons the bullpen has been the staple of the team. Nows not the time to score 8 and lose.

The O has a history of going into the tank. Can't bank on the bullpen to wait until that happens before deciding to wake up.

 

[Stargellfan]

Doesn't help when you have no closer.

I am concerned about Melancon because his velocity is down and his location has been terrible this year,but it is early. As I have posted before, perception does not match reality when it comes to Melancon's performance the last two years. He has been a dominant reliever. His fastball sat between 93-95 and his control was impeccable. Closers go through slumps. I just don't know what other options the Pirates have right now.The Pirates gave up on Jason Grilli after a few bad outings and he has been pitching great since he left. As long as there is no injury, I suspect Melancon will be fine.

 

[TheGLOV]

I am concerned about Melancon because his velocity is down and his location has been terrible this year,but it is early. As I have posted before, perception does not match reality when it comes to Melancon's performance the last two years. He has been a dominant reliever. His fastball sat between 93-95 and his control was impeccable. Closers go through slumps. I just don't know what other options the Pirates have right now.The Pirates gave up on Jason Grilli after a few bad outings and he has been pitching great since he left. As long as there is no injury, I suspect Melancon will be fine.

The guy we got for Grilli is long gone, yes??