[luckymann]

Originally Posted by Brad K

Is A Pivot To Youth The Solution?

April 9 1964
The Pittsburgh Press
Bradenton Fla

With the Pirates breaking Spring Training camp after today's game and heading north, we'll soon see results of the off season changes. The Pirates, who have won the most games in the National League over the last six years, are still seeking their first pennant.

Optimists see the off season moves as a slight pivot toward youth with the added advantage of fixing a serious problem at Shortstop. And after last years second place finish despite horrendous play at Shortstop, they see an improvement there as the path to the Pennant. Those less optimistic fear the off season moves were more about cost cutting than competitiveness.

First Baseman Dick Stuart, who will be a free agent after this season was traded for Shortstop Leo Cardenas and two "maybe they'll make the bigs" minor leaguers, Shortstop Tommy Helms and Reliever Mike Cuellar. Donn Clendennon will take Stuart's place at First.

Harder to justify is the decision to let three time All Star Catcher Earl Battey leave via free agency. Although his replacement, Jim Pagliaroni, is three years younger and highly regarded, in the same free agent market as Battey he commanded only about 60% of Battey's salary. Hopefully the Pirates got a rare bargain in the free agent market.

This year the experts are predicting a third place finish for the Pirates, same as last year when the Pirates finished second. Perhaps this year the experts will under rate the Pirates by two positions instead of only one.

Donn Clendennon, Leo Cardenas, Jim Pagliaroni

Go Bucs!