2008 Pittsburgh Pirates

[WiffleBaller]

Recently Retired Wakefield Hired by Pirates

Days before opening day the Pirates added former pitcher Tim Wakefield as a bench coach.

Wakefield who retired no more than a week ago has already been brought back to the game, signing a 4 year deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

GM Neal Huntington is excited about the hire, bringing in a former Pirates and a class act who can deal with the young players.

[WiffleBaller]

Wakefield Promoted

After meeting with GM Neal Huntington Wakefield apparently made an impression.

GM Neal Huntington: "We [The Pirates Organization] have made the decision to promote Mr. Wakefield to Head Coach. After bringing him in, meeting him myself, and introducing some players to him, We have been incredibly impressed. With the season starting in a few weeks we decided that he would be the best fit for a head coach given the amount of time we have left. We are still searching for a bench coach, and our 1st and 3rd base coaches. We wish Tim all the luck, and he has our full support."


The Pirates are believed to be talking with other previously retired players concerning the remaining positions. The Pirates are apparently bringing a relatively youthful staff in the has a knowledge of the game as well.

[WiffleBaller]

Lofton New First Base Coach

Former speedster Kenny Lofton signs a 1 year deal to coach base runners for the Pittsburgh Pirates

Neal: Lofton is an amazing player. He has great knowledge of the game and has a lot to teach our young team.

[WiffleBaller]

Vizquel to coach third.

Omar Vizquel made 3 all-star games and won 11 gold gloves at SS.

Vizquel will send runners home for the next 2 years. He brings experience, knowledge and class.

[WiffleBaller]

Piazza completes new coaching staff.

Former Catcher Mike Piazza joins Pirates as bench coach

The hiring of Piazza echoes what this administration is aiming for, smart baseball.

[snapper]

Whiffle,

I read through 2008. Why at the end of the season did you release McLouth et. al.? If I can't afford a player, I always sign or arb him, then trade him.

IRL no one ever releases pre-FA players unless they're pretty sucky.

Great Dynasty!

[WiffleBaller]

To be honest I never thought about keeping them and then dealing. I saw what he wanted and i balked at it. I thought that I would have McCutchen up soon enough and that Duffy could bridge the gap. In the end I could have probably kept McLouth another year, I did end up having the money. But I'm trying to give a very real Pirates experience by tossing in a few bad decisions Thanks for reading.

[WiffleBaller]

Opening Line-ups

Jack Wilson will begin the season on the DL, Shelby Ford will replace him in the line-up.

[WiffleBaller]

OK, ok, its a poor substitute.