Joel Reuter from Bleacher Report believes the Pirates would be making a serious misstep in trading reliever Mark Melancon over salary concerns. The right-handed pitcher claimed a franchise record 51 saves in 53 chances last season to go along with a 2.23 earned-run-average and 0.926 WHIP. Reuter forecasts an overall weakening of the bullpen if the 30-year-old from Wheat Ridge, Colorado leaves. The next question on the table is, “Is Tony Watson ready to take over the closer role?”
Rum Bunter‘s Steve Kubitz asks a very simple question of Pirates fans. Is Clint Hurdle a Good Manager?