Lukakke Appling

I wouldn’t want Bleday in center

Get CWS on it!

Pirates could really use a RH bat. Plop Robert between Cruz, Horowitz, O’Hearn, and Lowe and he’ll face his share of LHP’s.

On the latest Pipeline podcast, Jim Callis had some kind words about Hagen. He basically said he looked back to his old self in the AFL, and rejuvenated his confidence he can start.

He’s had consistently above league average offense for 3 seasons. It’s certainly not sexy, but credit where it’s due.

He gives up a good amount of hard hit ground balls, so the high BABIP makes sense. He also has 2nd percentile extension, which is kind of funny.

The legend of Ben Cowles continues.

I like that he can throw multiple innings. He wasn’t too far off from the Vasil-line. And now i think I’m gonna start calling Vasil “Vaseline”. He’s white, seems like he’s down for a good time.

Nice addition to the pen.

Generally speaking, guys who can spin a curve can spin a slider. You’re right about the consistency of the curve being difficult, which is why guys like Gio and Cease adopted the slider as a primary secondary. I think if he busts as a starter you focus on the fastball/slider combo and forget the other stuff.

To my eye, for whatever that’s worth, his stuff is pretty good overall. I just get the impression from watching hitters that it’s easy to pick up and plays down. I do think, however, he could be a weapon out of the bullpen if starting doesn’t work out.

If 2026 kind of mirrors 2019, I think that would be a realistic positive step.

When you know, you know.

Yes, high profile Japanese talent Jorge Polanco. Totally the same thing.

Totally