On Tuesday, Mrs. Black-N-Gold looked at the Pirates free agents. Today she looks at 3 key players that are in their final year of arbitration, RH Mark Melancon, 2B Neil, Walker and 1B Pedro Alvarez. All 3 players were crucial to the Bucs 3 straight playoff appearances. All 3 are also in line for a BIG payday. Should the Pirates offer them arbitration? Can they afford it? If they do go to arbitration, will the Pirates keep them or trade them away?
1)RH Mark Melancon-Many fans thought the Shark was washed up at the start of the season, claiming he had lost velocity as well as save opportunities in the early going. Melancon showed them a thing or two, setting a new Pirates record with 51 saves and leading the NL to boot as the top reliever in the league. The Shark converted 51 of 53 save opportunities while fanning 62 in 76 2/3 innings with a 2.23 ERA. Doesn't sound like a has-been to Mrs. Black-N-Gold. The thing is, Pirates GM Neal Huntington has had a knack for tacking less expensive pitchers and turning them into closers (see Joel Hanrahan and Jason Grilli before Melancon). Melancon is expected to garner about $10 million in arbitration. Mrs. Black-N-Gold can't believe the tight-fisted Bucs would commit that much to a reliever, especially a closer. If they don't bring back Melancon, will they be able to find lightning in a bottle again? Will they be able to do so now that pitching guru Jim Benedict has left the fold?
2)2B Neil Walker-The Real Deal didn't duplicate his numbers of 2014 but still put together a fine season. Walker finished with a .269 batting average, 32 doubles 16 home runs and 71 RBIs. The Pirates won their arbitration hearing with Walker last offseason. They also attempted to open negotiations for a new deal with The Pittsburgh Kid. Those talks appeared to stall before they ever started. Fans would love to see Homeboy finish his career where it all began, in the Black-N-Gold. It may have been easier for the Buccos to part company with Walker had it not been for the injury to Jung Ho Kang who isn't expected to begin baseball activities again until at least May. That may have been the break that Walker needed to spend at least 1 more season in Pittsburgh.
3)1B Pedro Alvarez-Yes, Pedro led the Pirates with 27 homers, in limited playing time, no less. He also led them in errors with 23. It appears El Toro has worn out his welcome in Pittsburgh. It became obvious at the trade deadline when Huntington was openly shopping Alvarez to anyone that would listen. He's expected to do the same this offseason. The problem is, the market is limited to just AL teams since Pedro has become a liability at not only 3B but 1B, too and only has potential as a DH. Maybe they can get a bag of balls for him.
Mrs. Black-N-Gold hates to see any of these players go. They've all been important pieces to the Buccos these past 3 seasons. But some times you have to move on in order to move forward. Mrs. Black-N-Gold will continue to keep her ears and eyes open to any new developments and will pass the news along to you when it's available. Until then, she'll just count down the days until pitchers and catchers report. Let's Go Bucs!!!!!
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