WTM’S PIRATE PLAYER PROFILES

Burnett has always had excellent stuff, but has had trouble maintaining his mechanics, resulting in erratic command.  He generally has had high, although not awful, walk totals, as well as high numbers of hit batsmen and wild pitches.  For much of his career, his fastball sat in the mid-90s, but in 2011 it dropped to 92.7 on average.  This is still very good velocity; fans tend to overestimate how hard major league starters throw.  Burnett’s fastball velocity in 2011 was identical to that of James McDonald, who ranked in the top ten for average fastball velocity among NL starters.  He also maintained his velocity throughout the year and throughout games, seldom dropping out of the 90s.  In fact, the velocity chart at Fangraphs shows that Burnett’s speed was down only at the upper end of his range; the lower end was the same as in his peak years, basically about 90.  Burnett’s signature pitch is a curve that’s a genuine swing-and-miss offering.  He also throws an occasional change.  In fact, his repertoire is very similar to McDonald’s.  He’s a groundball pitcher and this tendency has not changed over the years.  Over the course of his career he’s had no platoon split at all–just a two-point difference in OPS.

Burnett’s problems in 2010-11 stemmed largely from gopher balls.  He tied his career-high HR rate in 2010 and easily exceeded it in 2011.  With its absurdly short RF porch, Yankee Stadium probably played a role in this, but Burnett actually allowed only two more HRs at home than on the road in those two years and pitched better at home in all three seasons with the Yankees.  The bigger problem was the high-octane AL East, where even last-place Baltimore launched 191 HRs in 2011.  Burnett had dramatically weaker numbers against his own division than against the rest of MLB in these two years, with a 6.00 ERA against the AL East and 4.60 against everybody else.

1995
R:  2-3-0, 4.28 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, 33.2 IP, 6.1 BB/9, 7.0 K/9

Burnett debuted in rookie ball and had control problems.

1996
R+:  4-0-0, 3.88 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, 58.0 IP, 8.4 BB/9, 10.6 K/9

Burnett allowed very few hits, only 31 in 58 innings, but struggled even more with his control.

1997
R:  0-1-0, 3.18 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, 11.1 IP, 6.4 BB/9, 11.9 K/9
A-:  3-1-0, 4.70 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 44.0 IP, 7.2 BB/9, 9.8 K/9

Possibly due to his control struggles, the Mets kept Burnett in short season ball for a third year.  He continued to walk a lot of batters, but had very high K rates and again allowed very few hits.

1998
A:  10-4-0, 1.97 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 119.0 IP, 3.4 BB/9, 14.1 K/9

After being traded to the Marlins in the Al Leiter deal, Burnett had a breakout year in full season ball, including much improved control and an astronomical K rate.  He also allowed only three HRs in 119 innings.

1999
AA:  6-12-0, 5.52 ERA, 1.68 WHIP, 120.2 IP, 5.3 BB/9, 9.0 K/9
MLB:  4-2-0, 3.48 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 41.1 IP, 5.4 BB/9, 7.2 K/9

The Marlins jumped Burnett two levels and he struggled in AA, although he maintained a high K rate.  Florida brought him up in August anyway and he produced a good ERA in seven starts, but struggled with his control.

2000
A+:  0-0-0, 3.68 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 7.1 IP, 7.4 BB/9, 7.4 K/9
AAA:  0-0-0, 0.00 ERA, 0.60 WHIP, 5.0 IP, 5.4 BB/9, 10.8 K/9
MLB:  3-7-0, 4.79 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 82.2 IP, 4.8 BB/9, 6.2 K/9

Burnett missed roughly half the season due to injury and continued to struggle with his control through 13 major league starts.

2001
MLB:  11-12-0, 4.05 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 173.1 IP, 4.3 BB/9, 6.6 K/9

In his first strong major league season, Burnett made 27 starts and allowed only a .231 opponents’ average.  His walk rate was still high but improved.  He had some trouble with gopher balls, allowing 20.  In May he threw a no-hitter in which he walked nine.

2002
MLB:  12-9-0, 3.30 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 204.1 IP, 4.0 BB/9, 8.9 K/9

Burnett had his best Marlins season, greatly improving his K rate, cutting his walk rate a little more, cutting his HR rate in half and allowing only a .209 average.  He led the majors with five shutouts.

2003
MLB:  0-2-0, 4.70 ERA, 1.56 WHIP, 23.0 IP, 7.0 BB/9, 8.2 K/9

Burnett injured his elbow early in the season and had Tommy John surgery.

2004
A+:  0-0-0, 0.00 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 4.0 IP, 4.5 BB/9, 9.0 K/9
AAA:  0-0-0, 10.80 ERA, 2.70 WHIP, 3.1 IP, 5.4 BB/9, 16.2 K/9
MLB:  7-6-0, 3.68 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 120.0 IP, 2.9 BB/9, 8.5 K/9

Working his way back to the majors in time to make 19 starts, Burnett pitched surprisingly well, with by far the lowest walk rate of his career to that point.  He still maintained a high K rate and allowed only nine HRs.

2005
MLB:  12-12-0, 3.44 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 209.0 IP, 3.4 BB/9, 8.5 K/9

Burnett made 32 starts and had a season very similar to 2002.  He missed his last start when the Marlins suspended him for making comments critical of the team.  During the off-season he became a free agent signed a five-year contract with Toronto that allowed him to opt out of the last two years.

2006
A+:  0-0-0, 3.38 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 8.0 IP, 2.2 BB/9, 6.8 K/9
AA:  1-0-0, 1.50 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, 6.0 IP, 4.5 BB/9, 13.5 K/9
AAA:  1-0-0, 0.00 ERA, 0.20 WHIP, 5.0 IP, 1.8 BB/9, 12.6 K/9
MLB:  10-8-0, 3.98 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 135.2 IP, 2.6 BB/9, 7.8 K/9

Burnett missed over two months due to arm soreness, but pitched reasonably well over 21 starts.  He had a career-low walk rate, but for one of only two times in his career allowed (slightly) more hits than he had innings pitched.

2007
AAA:  0-0-0, 1.80 ERA, 0.80 WHIP, 5.0 IP, 1.8 BB/9, 12.6 K/9
MLB:  10-8-0, 3.75 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 165.2 IP, 3.6 BB/9, 9.6 K/9

In a similar season to 2006, Burnett lost time to two DL stints and made 25 starts.  He tied his second-best career WHIP and had a career high K rate, but also allowed a career high 1.2 HRs per nine innings.

2008
MLB:  18-10-0, 4.07 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 221.1 IP, 3.5 BB/9, 9.4 K/9

Staying healthy all year, Burnett set career highs in starts (34) and innings, and led the AL in strikeouts.  He allowed more baserunners than the previous year, but cut his HR rate to 0.8.  After the season, he opted out of the last two years of his contract and signed a five-year deal with the Yankees.

2009
MLB:  13-9-0, 4.04 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, 207.0 IP, 4.2 BB/9, 8.5 K/9

Burnett played a key role in the Yankees’ World Series win, serving as the #2 starter behind C.C. Sabathia and pitching one outstanding game in two Series starts.  His walk rate drifted back up to its highest point since his first full year and his HR rate increased to 1.1.

2010
MLB:  10-15-0, 5.26 ERA, 1.51 WHIP, 186.2 IP, 3.8 BB/9, 7.0 K/9

Burnett pitched well early in the season, with an ERA of 3.28 through the end of May, but he struggled after that, finishing with a career-worst ERA and opponents’ average (.285).  He also had gopher ball problems, allowing 25.

2011
MLB:  11-11-0, 5.15 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 190.1 IP, 3.9 BB/9, 8.2 K/9

Through the first four months, Burnett had a solid season, finishing July with a 4.23 ERA.  He came unglued in August, though, with an 11.91 ERA.  He recovered in September, posting a 4.30 ERA, and he allowed just one run over 5.2 IP in winning his one post-season outing.  Longballs were the major problem, as he allowed 31, easily a career high.  Most of his other numbers improved from 2010, including his K rate, which was good enough for tenth in the AL among starters.  His xFIP (which adjusts to an average HR rate) of 3.86 shows he may have been very unlucky.  In fact, his xFIP in 2010 (4.49) was also much better than his ERA.  His fastball velocity, which had declined in 2009-10 from his previous level around 95 to a little over 94, declined further to 92.7.

Excluding Derrek Lee, who was acquired for just two months, Burnett is the most prominent major league player acquired by the Pirates in a generation who was not obviously washed up.  This last caveat, of course, eliminates Dave Littlefield’s baffling trade for Matt Morris.  Burnett will undoubtedly cause unpleasant flashbacks to Morris for some Pirate fans, but the two are not comparable.  Morris clearly had nothing left by the time the Pirates acquired him; for one thing, his velocity had dropped to the mid-80s.  Burnett’s excellent K rate in 2011, as well as his still-good albeit declining velocity, indicate that he’s far from that point.  It’s possible the Pirates may need to restrict his innings a little, especially considering that his pattern the last couple years has been to pitch better early in the season than late.  He’s a risky acquisition for them, but a very sensible one because he still has some upside and he’ll be moving from MLB’s toughest division by far to arguably its weakest, not to mention the move out of the DH league.  He should be a strong candidate to start on opening day.

WTM’S PIRATE PLAYER PROFILES

2011
IND:  318/407/409, 154 AB, 9 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 19 BB, 12 K, 5-7 SB

As in college, Valesente hit for average and controlled the strike zone very well, but didn’t show much power.  He played third almost exclusively and had serious problems with errors, committing 15 in 47 games, leading to an ugly fielding percentage of .847.

With Eric Avila having struggled through 2011, the Pirates don’t have an obvious candidate to play third at Bradenton.  Valesente may get a chance to win the job.

WTM’S PIRATE PLAYER PROFILES

2000
A-:  0-0-0, 1.15 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, 15.2 IP, 1.7 BB/9, 11.5 K/9

Tallet dominated in a brief debut in short season ball.

2001
A+:  9-7-0, 3.04 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 160.0 IP, 2.1 BB/9, 9.2 K/9

Although he put up impressive numbers, including more than a strikeout per inning, the Indians left Tallet in high A all year.

2002
AA:  10-1-0, 3.08 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 102.1 IP, 2.8 BB/9, 6.4 K/9
AAA:  2-3-0, 3.07 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 44.0 IP, 3.3 BB/9, 5.1 K/9
MLB:  1-0-0, 1.50 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 12.0 IP, 3.0 BB/9, 3.8 K/9

Tallet pitched well in AA and AAA, and in a two-game trial in the majors in September, but his K rate dropped significantly.

2003
AAA:  4-4-0, 5.14 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, 84.0 IP, 3.6 BB/9, 7.2 K/9
MLB:  0-2-0, 4.74 ERA, 1.63 WHIP, 19.0 IP, 3.8 BB/9, 4.3 K/9

Tallet opened the season in AAA and struggled there in 15 starts.  The Indians called him up in June anyway, and he continued to struggle through five games, three of them starts.  His struggles may have been injury-related, as he ended up having Tommy John surgery in August.

2004
A-:  0-0-0, 0.00 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 2.2 IP, 0.0 BB/9, 6.8 K/9
A:  0-0-0, 0.00 ERA, 0.50 WHIP, 2.0 IP, 0.0 BB/9, 4.5 K/9
AA:  1-1-1, 5.32 ERA, 1.65 WHIP, 23.2 IP, 4.9 BB/9, 9.1 K/9
AAA:  0-0-0, 4.15 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 8.2 IP, 3.1 BB/9, 7.3 K/9 

Tallet worked his way up through the minors on rehab, pitching 37 innings total.

2005
AAA:  6-5-0, 4.05 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 97.2 IP, 2.3 BB/9, 5.6 K/9
MLB:  0-0-0, 7.71 ERA, 1.93 WHIP, 4.2 IP, 5.8 BB/9, 3.9 K/9

Spending most of the year in AAA, Tallet didn’t allow a lot of baserunners, but he had trouble with gopher balls (17) and didn’t fan many.  He spent parts of August with the Indians, but made only two relief appearances.  He didn’t pitch in September.

2006
AAA:  1-2-3, 5.68 ERA, 1.66 WHIP, 25.1 IP, 3.6 BB/9, 7.5 K/9
MLB:  3-0-0, 3.81 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, 54.1 IP, 5.1 BB/9, 6.1 K/9

Cleveland basically gave Tallet away to the Jays and he opened the season with them, pitching in relief.  He didn’t pitch well in April and spent most of May struggling in AAA.  The Jays brought him back up at the end of May and he pitched better, although his control wasn’t good.  He pitched in 44 games in the majors, with one start.

2007
AAA:  0-0-0, 1.75 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 6.2 IP, 1.4 BB/9, 4.0 K/9
MLB:  2-4-0, 3.47 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 62.1 IP, 4.0 BB/9, 7.8 K/9

Toronto designated Tallet for assignment after the 2006 season and he opened 2007 in AAA.  The Jays called him up late in April, though, and he spent the rest of the season in their bullpen.  He had probably his best season, walking a few too many but allowing only one HR, and holding hitters to a .215 BA and .298 slugging average.

2008
AAA:  0-0-0, 4.50 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 2.0 IP, 4.5 BB/9, 4.5 K/9
MLB:  1-2-0, 2.88 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 56.1 IP, 3.5 BB/9, 7.5 K/9

Tallet had another good season in relief for the Jays.

2009
MLB:  7-9-0, 5.32 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 160.2 IP, 4.0 BB/9, 6.7 K/9

Tallet opened the season back in the bullpen, but the Jays moved him to the rotation in mid-April due to injury problems.  The move didn’t go well; he had a 5.41 ERA and 1.53 WHIP in 25 starts and didn’t pitch as well when he went back to the bullpen.  He had trouble with longballs, allowing 20.

2010
A+:  0-0-0, 0.00 ERA, 0.75 WHIP, 4.0 IP, 2.2 BB/9, 6.8 K/9
AAA:  0-1-0, 54.00 ERA, 7.50 WHIP, 1.1 IP, 6.8 BB/9, 6.8 K/9
MLB:  2-6-0, 6.40 ERA, 1.58 WHIP, 77.1 IP, 4.4 BB/9, 6.2 K/9

The Jays opened the season with Tallet back in the rotation and he struggled through five starts, two of them coming after he missed six weeks with a forearm injury.  He didn’t pitch any better after moving to the bullpen.  He allowed another 20 HRs, better than one every four innings.

2011
A (StL):  0-0-0, 0.00 ERA, 0.00 WHIP, 2.0 IP, 0.0 BB/9, 22.5 K/9
A+ (Tor):  1-0-0, 2.25 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 4.0 IP, 0.0 BB/9, 11.2 K/9
MLB (StL):  0-1-0, 8.31 ERA, 1.92 WHIP, 13.0 IP, 3.5 BB/9, 6.2 K/9
MLB (Tor):  0-1-0, 54.00 ERA, 12.00 WHIP, 0.1 IP, 54.0 BB/9, 27.0 K/9

The Cardinals signed Tallet as a free agent, but he wasn’t able to pitch much due to a broken hand and an intercostal strain.  He was still out with the strain when St. Louis traded him to Toronto at the trade deadline.  After a brief rehab, Tallet pitched just one game with with the Jays, who released him to clear roster space.

Tallet should rank behind behind Dan Moskos and Doug Slaten for a chance at a major league job, and well behind Tony Watson.  The odds that he’ll be a productive major leaguer look very long at this point, so he’s probably best cast as AAA depth.

WTM’S PIRATE PLAYER PROFILES

1998
R:  2-4-0, 6.10 ERA, 1.82 WHIP, 41.1 IP, 3.0 BB/9, 7.8 K/9

Cruz got hit very hard in his rookie league debut.

1999
A-:  5-6-0, 5.94 ERA, 1.62 WHIP, 80.1 IP, 3.7 BB/9, 7.3 K/9

Cruz made 15 starts in short season ball and continued to struggle.

2000
A:  5-5-0, 3.28 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, 96.0 IP, 5.6 BB/9, 9.9 K/9
A+:  3-0-0, 3.25 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 44.1 IP, 3.7 BB/9, 11.0 K/9

In full season ball, Cruz started pitching according to the patterns he would show as a major leaguer.  He fanned over a batter an inning at both class A levels and allowed only 105 hits in 140.1 IP, but had control problems.

2001
AA:  9-6-0, 4.01 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 121.1 IP, 4.5 BB/9, 10.2 K/9
MLB:  3-1-0, 3.22 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 44.2 IP, 3.4 BB/9, 7.9 K/9

Cruz was a little less effective in AA, but still fanned well over a batter an inning.  The Cubs called him up in August and he pitched well over eight starts, including fairly good control.

2002
MLB:  3-11-1, 3.98 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, 97.1 IP, 5.5 BB/9, 7.5 K/9

Cruz spent the season with the Cubs, opening the season in their rotation but moving to the bullpen after nine starts.  He actually had a better ERA as a starter, 3.74 to 4.18, but his poor WHIP as a starter (1.64) showed the solid ERA wasn’t likely to last.  His K/BB ratio improved from 1.0 to 1.8 with the move.

2003
AAA:  4-0-0, 1.95 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, 50.2 IP, 2.0 BB/9, 8.3 K/9
MLB:  2-7-0, 6.05 ERA, 1.54 WHIP, 61.0 IP, 4.1 BB/9, 9.6 K/9

Opening in the Cubs’ bullpen, Cruz struggled through the end of May, getting hit uncharacteristically hard.  The Cubs sent him down at the start of June and he pitched very well in AAA.  He returned in late July for two good starts, missed much of August with an injury, then rejoined the Cubs’ rotation.  He pitched well in two starts and then got bombed in two.  After the season the Cubs largely gave him away to Atlanta.

2004
MLB:  6-2-0, 2.75 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 72.0 IP, 3.8 BB/9, 8.8 K/9

Cruz had his best season pitching in relief for the Braves, keeping the walks within reason and holding opponents to a career-best .657 OPS.  After the season, Atlanta included him in the Tim Hudson trade.

2005
AAA:  5-1-0, 2.40 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 75.0 IP, 3.4 BB/9, 10.8 K/9
MLB:  0-3-0, 7.44 ERA, 1.84 WHIP, 32.2 IP, 6.1 BB/9, 9.4 K/9

With the A’s, Cruz had a miserable year.  He got hit hard and his walk rated nearly doubled, although he continued to fan over a batter an inning.  Oakland sent him to AAA in mid-June and didn’t bring him back up until September.

2006
AAA:  0-0-0, 2.70 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 3.1 IP, 2.7 BB/9, 10.8 K/9
MLB:  5-6-0, 4.18 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 94.2 IP, 4.5 BB/9, 8.4 K/9

The A’s traded Cruz to the D’backs during spring training.  He opened the season pitching in relief, then moved to the rotation at the end of April.  He missed most of June with shoulder soreness, then returned to the rotation at the beginning of July.  Arizona moved him to relief in early August.  In 15 starts he posted a respectable 4.44 ERA while holding hitters to a .712 OPS.  As a reliever he had a 3.32 ERA and 1.29 WHIP.

2007
AAA:  0-0-0, 0.00 ERA, 0.00 WHIP, 2.0 IP, 0.0 BB/9, 22.5 K/9
MLB:  6-1-0, 3.10 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 61.0 IP, 4.7 BB/9, 12.8 K/9

Pitching strictly in relief, Cruz had a strong season for Arizona.  He walked a lot of batters, but allowed an opponents’ BA of only .205 and posted an extremely high K rate.

2008
MLB:  4-0-0, 2.61 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 51.2 IP, 5.4 BB/9, 12.4 K/9

Cruz had another strong season for the D’backs, despite an increase in his already-high walk rate.  His K rate remained extremely high and opponents hit only .192 against him.  He missed most of July with a strained oblique.  After the season he became a free agent and signed a two-year contract with the Royals.

2009
MLB:  3-4-2, 5.72 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, 50.1 IP, 5.2 BB/9, 6.8 K/9

Cruz pitched poorly for the Royals, as his K rate dropped to only a little over half of what it had been the previous two years.  He missed most of the season’s last two months.

2010
MLB:  0-0-0, 3.38 ERA, 2.44 WHIP, 5.1 IP, 6.8 BB/9, 11.8 K/9

After he struggled through five games (despite the ERA), the Royals released Cruz.  He eventually had shoulder surgery and missed the rest of the year.

2011
AAA:  0-0-0, 0.00 ERA, 2.00 WHIP, 1.0 IP, 0.0 BB/9, 18.0 K/9
MLB:  5-0-0, 3.88 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 48.2 IP, 5.2 BB/9, 8.5 K/9

Cruz signed with the Rays and had a solid season.  As usual, he walked a lot of batters, but opponents hit only .211 against him.  His K rate was solid but not up to past levels.

The Pirates have a lot of right-handed options for their 2012 bullpen, but Cruz probably has a good chance of making the team due to his track record.  He bounced back well from the shoulder surgery in 2011; it’s possible the shoulder problem hampered him in 2009-10.  It may also help that he’s had a full year with the cutter, so the decreased velocity isn’t necessarily a cause for concern, especially with Cruz being only 33.

WTM’S PIRATE PLAYER PROFILES

2001
R:  2-3-0, 5.53 ERA, 1.72 WHIP, 40.2 IP, 8.6 BB/9, 8.0 K/9

With the Orioles’ rookie team, Cabrera allowed only 31 hits in 40.2 IP, but walked nearly a batter an inning.

2002
R+:  5-2-0, 7.14 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 60.1 IP, 3.7 BB/9, 10.3 K/9

Cabrera made dramatic improvements in advanced rookie ball, cutting his walk rate by well over half.  He didn’t allow a HR.

2003
A:  5-9-0, 4.24 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, 125.1 IP, 5.6 BB/9, 8.6 K/9

In his introduction to full season ball, Cabrera took a step back with his control, but remained hard to hit, allowing only 105 hits.

2004
AA:  0-1-0, 2.63 ERA, 0.84 WHIP, 27.1 IP, 4.0 BB/9, 11.5 K/9
MLB:  12-8-1, 5.00 ERA, 1.59 WHIP, 147.2 IP, 5.4 BB/9, 4.6 K/9

The Orioles jumped Cabrera up to AA and, when he got off to a strong start there, brought him to the majors in May.  He stayed in their rotation the rest of the year, with mixed results.  His walk and K rates were poor, but he allowed an opponents’ OPS of .743, which was good considering that he had almost no experience above low A.

2005
AA:  1-0-0, 3.00 ERA, 1.67 WHIP, 6.0 IP, 3.0 BB/9, 10.5 K/9
MLB:  10-13-0, 4.52 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 161.1 IP, 4.9 BB/9, 8.8 K/9

Except for a brief stint on an injury rehab, Cabrera spent the year with the Orioles, again with mixed results.  His K rate was excellent and opponents batted only .235 against him, but he walked too many.  He was also very erratic over the course of the season, with ERAs over 7.60 in April and August, and under 2.60 in July and September.

2006
AA:  0-0-0, 0.00 ERA, 0.25 WHIP, 4.0 IP, 2.2 BB/9, 15.8 K/9
AAA:  3-1-0, 4.07 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 24.1 IP, 3.3 BB/9, 10.0 K/9
MLB:  9-10-0, 4.74 ERA, 1.58 WHIP, 148.0 IP, 6.3 BB/9, 9.5 K/9

Cabrera continued to get mixed results in the majors.  He fanned well over a batter an inning and opponents hit only .241 against him, but he led the AL in walks (104) and wild pitches (17).  He spent some time in the minors on an injury rehab, but still made 26 starts for the Orioles.

2007
MLB:  9-18-0, 5.55 ERA, 1.54 WHIP, 204.1 IP, 4.8 BB/9, 7.3 K/9

Cabrera’s performance slipped, as he allowed more hits than innings pitched for the first time and again led the AL in walks (108).  He also led it in losses and earned runs, and he hit 15 batters, had his K rate drop and had some problems with gopher balls (25) for the first time.

2008
MLB:  8-10-0, 5.25 ERA, 1.61 WHIP, 180.0 IP, 4.5 BB/9, 4.8 K/9

Cabrera had still more problems, as his velocity dropped from the mid-90s to 92-93, and his K rate dropped dramatically.  His HR rate increased again and opponents batted 286/376/450 against him, easily the worst line of his career to that point.

2009
AAA (Ari):  0-1-0, 6.14 ERA, 1.71 WHIP, 14.2 IP, 6.1 BB/9, 6.8 K/9
MLB (Wash):  0-5-0, 5.85 ERA, 2.08 WHIP, 40.0 IP, 7.9 BB/9, 3.6 K/9
MLB (Ari):  0-1-0, 6.55 ERA, 1.64 WHIP, 11.0 IP, 5.7 BB/9, 5.7 K/9

After becoming a free agent, Cabrera signed with the Nationals despite being offered more money by the Pirates, because he wanted to stay close to his Baltimore home.  He spent the first two months of the season in the Washington rotation and struggled, with poor numbers across the board.  The Nats eventually released him, but he eventually signed with Arizona.  After tuning up in the minors, he got into six games, including one start, with the Diamondbacks and continued to pitch poorly.

2010
AA:  0-1-0, 4.32 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 16.2 IP, 4.9 BB/9, 6.5 K/9
AAA:  0-1-0, 11.70 ERA, 2.10 WHIP, 10.0 IP, 6.3 BB/9, 7.2 K/9

Cabrera signed a minor league deal with the Angels, but was able to pitch in only 26.2 innings.  He eventually had Tommy John surgery.

2011
DNP

Following the surgery, Cabrera didn’t pitch all year.

Cabrera is a low-risk flier for the Pirates.  Given his struggles, especially in recent years, it’s very difficult to see him contributing in AAA, much less the majors.  He’ll probably open 2012 in the AAA bullpen.

WTM’S PIRATE PLAYER PROFILES

2000
R:  0-0-0, 0.96 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 9.1 IP, 2.9 BB/9, 6.8 K/9

Debuted briefly in rookie ball.

2001
A+:  9-8-0, 4.79 ERA, 1.60 WHIP, 157.2 IP, 2.6 BB/9, 6.3 K/9

The D’backs jumped Slaten up to high A.  His numbers were poor, but considering that he was skipping two levels and pitching in the hitting-happy California League, his performance wasn’t alarming.  He also may have been hampered some by knee problems.

2002
A:  0-0-0, 4.40 ERA, 1.54 WHIP, 14.1 IP, 2.5 BB/9, 3.1 K/9
A+:  1-6-0, 9.00 ERA, 2.03 WHIP, 35.0 IP, 3.1 BB/9, 5.9 K/9

Slaten struggled with shoulder and knee problems, starting just eight games in high A.

2003
A+:  6-7-0, 6.03 ERA, 1.70 WHIP, 119.1 IP, 3.5 BB/9, 5.9 K/9

Back in high A for a third year, Slaten continued to struggle.  The D’backs eventually moved him to the bullpen permanently.

2004
A:  5-3-5, 2.25 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 44.0 IP, 2.7 BB/9, 8.2 K/9
AA:  0-1-0, 10.00 ERA, 2.89 WHIP, 9.0 IP, 10.0 BB/9, 6.0 K/9

Arizona sent Slaten all the way back to low A, although he at least pitched well there.  He struggled in a brief stay in AA.

2005
AA:  2-2-1, 4.26 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 61.1 IP, 3.8 BB/9, 10.6 K/9

Slaten did much better in a second shot at AA, with a far higher K rate.  He allowed only two HRs.  Arizona added him to their 40-man roster after the season.

2006
AA:  2-3-8, 1.88 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 43.0 IP, 3.1 BB/9, 12.3 K/9
AAA:  2-1-2, 0.45 ERA, 0.85 WHIP, 20.0 IP, 3.2 BB/9, 9.4 K/9
MLB:  0-0-0, 0.00 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, 5.2 IP, 3.2 BB/9, 4.8 K/9

Slaten had an outstanding season split between AA and AAA, earning a September promotion to the majors.  He allowed only one HR in the minors and put up excellent walk and K rates.

2007
MLB:  3-2-0, 2.72 ERA, 1.51 WHIP, 36.1 IP, 3.5 BB/9, 6.9 K/9

Spending the season in the majors, Slaten served mainly as a LOOGY.  He had an excellent ERA, but his other numbers were only fair, as hitters batted .275 against him.

2008
AAA:  0-0-0, 4.05 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 6.2 IP, 5.4 BB/9, 12.2 K/9
MLB:  0-3-0, 4.73 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, 32.1 IP, 3.9 BB/9, 5.6 K/9

Slaten had only a mediocre season and was sent to the minors for a while in mid-July.  He didn’t pitch especially well after returning in late August.

2009
AAA: 3-2-9, 3.09 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 43.2 IP, 3.1 BB/9, 8.2 K/9
MLB: 0-0-0, 7.11 ERA, 1.74 WHIP, 6.1 IP, 1.4 BB/9, 5.7 K/9

Slaten struggled in the early going and Arizona sent him to the minors in May.  He returned for just one outing in July.  At the end of the season he had surgery on a microfracture in his knee.

2010
AAA:  1-0-0, 0.00 ERA, 0.77 WHIP, 17.0 IP, 0.5 BB/9, 9.0 K/9
MLB:  4-1-0, 3.10 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 40.2 IP, 4.2 BB/9, 8.0 K/9

The Nationals claimed Slaten off waivers, then outrighted him to AAA shortly before spring training.  He opened the season in AAA and pitched very well, so the Nats called him up in early May.  He had his best season for them, putting up good, although not great, numbers.

2011
R:  0-0-0, 0.00 ERA, 0.00 WHIP, 2.0 IP, 0.0 BB/9, 4.5 K/9
A:  0-0-0, 4.91 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 3.2 IP, 0.0 BB/9, 7.4 K/9
AA:  0-0-0, 0.00 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 2.0 IP, 0.0 BB/9, 9.0 K/9
AAA:  0-0-0, 0.00 ERA, 0.75 WHIP, 2.2 IP, 0.0 BB/9, 16.9 K/9
MLB:  0-2-0, 4.41 ERA, 2.14 WHIP, 16.1 IP, 5.0 BB/9, 7.2 K/9

Slaten had a mostly lost season in 2011.  He struggled in the early going, allowing a large number of baserunners, and went on the disabled list with elbow irritation in early June.  He ended up having surgery, although he was able to return in September.  The Nats non-tendered him after the season.

Slaten will probably get a chance to compete for a bullpen spot in spring training.  Manager Clint Hurdle has said he prefers having two lefties, but the Pirates have only one, Tony Watson, who looks like a good candidate for a major league job.  They also have six right-handed relievers who should be near-locks for spots, so Slaten could have a tough time earning a job unless Watson implodes.  If Slaten appears in the majors, he shouldn’t be allowed anywhere near right-handed hitters.  Whether Hurdle would handle him that way remains to be seen.  He did not try to restrict Joe Beimel to a LOOGY role in 2011, with disastrous results.

WTM’S PIRATE PLAYER PROFILES

2003
A-:  2-4-0, 5.73 ERA, 1.64 WHIP, 33.0 IP, 1.6 BB/9, 5.5 K/9
A:  0-2-0, 4.50 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 20.0 IP, 2.2 BB/9, 5.0 K/9 

Got hit hard in short season debut, but pitched better in low A, although with a low K rate.

2004
A+:  6-7-0, 2.96 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 127.2 IP, 2.5 BB/9, 7.0 K/9
MLB:  0-3-0, 9.88 ERA, 2.05 WHIP, 13.2 IP, 5.9 BB/9, 4.6 K/9

Kensing had a strong season in high A, although his K rate was a little low.  He allowed only five HRs.  The Marlins called him up in September when they had a string of doubleheaders.  He started three games, then made a couple of relief appearances late in the month.  Not surprisingly, he wasn’t ready for the majors.

2005
AA:  4-1-0, 3.18 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 39.2 IP, 3.2 BB/9, 7.5 K/9
MLB:  0-0-0, 11.12 ERA, 2.47 WHIP, 5.2 IP, 4.8 BB/9, 6.4 K/9

Kensing started seven games in AA and pitched very well, then was called up and had three poor relief outings before going out for the season with an elbow injury.

2006
AAA:  1-1-0, 3.00 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, 18.0 IP, 2.5 BB/9, 9.0 K/9
MLB:  1-3-1, 4.54 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 37.2 IP, 4.5 BB/9, 10.8 K/9

The Marlins moved Kensing permanently to the bullpen.  He started off pitching well in AAA, then was called up after a month.  He pitched respectably for the Marlins, holding hitters to a .221 average and fanning well over a batter an inning, but walking too many.  A wrist injury ended his season ended in early August.

2007
R:  0-0-0, 0.00 ERA, 0.00 WHIP, 3.0 IP, 0.0 BB/9, 15.0 K/9
A+:  0-0-0, 27.00 ERA, 6.00 WHIP, 0.2 IP, 0.0 BB/9, 27.0 K/9
AA:  0-0-0, 3.00 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 3.0 IP, 3.0 BB/9, 18.0 K/9
AAA:  0-1-0, 4.00 ERA, 1.56 WHIP, 9.0 IP, 7.0 BB/9, 8.0 K/9
MLB:  3-0-0, 1.35 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 13.1 IP, 4.7 BB/9, 8.8 K/9

Opened the season on the disabled list due to elbow surgery.  He returned in August and worked his way up through the minors.  He spent September with the Marlins and pitched well except for a high walk rate.

2008
AAA:  1-0-0, 6.39 ERA, 1.58 WHIP, 12.2 IP, 8.5 BB/9, 12.1 K/9
MLB:  3-1-0, 4.23 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 55.1 IP, 5.4 BB/9, 8.9 K/9

Kensing opened the season with the Marlins and didn’t pitch badly, but he continued to have trouble with walks.  The Marlins had obtained a fourth option for him, which they used in July.  He struggled in AAA, but returned after about a month and pitched about the same as before.  He continued to post good strikeout rates.

2009
AAA (Wash):  2-1-17, 2.97 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 33.1 IP, 1.6 BB/9, 9.4 K/9
MLB (Fla):  0-1-0, 9.82 ERA, 2.59 WHIP, 7.1 IP, 6.1 BB/9, 8.6 K/9
MLB (Wash):  1-1-1, 8.68 ERA, 1.86 WHIP, 28.0 IP, 3.9 BB/9, 3.9 K/9 

After opening the season with the Marlins and pitching poorly through late April, Kensing was traded to the Nationals.  He was designated for assignment two weeks later, then brought back up two months later after pitching very well, with excellent walk and strikeout rates, in AAA.  He didn’t continue his success in the majors, as he got hit hard, allowed a HR every four innings, and saw his K rate plummet.  In retrospect, it seems likely his shoulder wasn’t healthy.

2010

Kensing signed a minor league deal with the Rays, but had two shoulder surgeries and missed the entire season.

2011
IND:  0-0-0, 1.59 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, 11.1 IP, 3.2 BB/9, 12.7 K/9
AAA:  1-1-4, 4.28 ERA, 1.65 WHIP, 27.1 IP, 4.3 BB/9, 10.5 K/9

Kensing opened the season in independent ball and pitched well.  He eventually caught on with the Yankees and pitched in AAA the rest of the year.  He wasn’t effective, with continuing control problems, but he at least maintained a high K rate.

It’s hard to judge Kensing’s major league career, because he’s seldom been healthy for very long.  He’s shown the ability to miss bats and has shown some ability to get the ball over the plate.  He’ll probably open 2012 with Indianapolis and provide bullpen depth.

WTM’S PIRATE PLAYER PROFILES

2003
R:  5-3-0, 2.56 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 45.2 IP, 2.8 BB/9, 10.8 K/9

Had strong pro debut, with excellent walk and K rates.

2004
A:  2-4-0, 5.35 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, 74.0 IP, 3.0 BB/9, 8.6 K/9

The Braves jumped Reyes up to low A at age 19.  He got hit much harder and had trouble with gopher balls (10), but still had good walk and K rates.  His season was cut short about halfway through by elbow problems, which led to Tommy John surgery.

2005
R:  0-1-0, 1.69 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 5.1 IP, 1.7 BB/9, 10.1 K/9
R+:  3-0-0, 3.53 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, 43.1 IP, 1.2 BB/9, 5.6 K/9

Reyes began working his way back from the TJ surgery, but had his season cut short again, this time by a torn ACL.

2006
A:  8-1-0, 2.99 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 75.1 IP, 3.0 BB/9, 10.0 K/9
A+:  4-4-0, 4.11 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 65.2 IP, 4.9 BB/9, 7.9 K/9

Reyes stayed healthy and had a strong season, earning a mid-season promotion to high A.

2007
AA:  8-1-0, 3.56 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 73.1 IP, 4.3 BB/9, 8.7 K/9
AAA:  4-0-0, 1.00 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 36.0 IP, 3.0 BB/9, 9.8 K/9
MLB:  2-2-0, 6.22 ERA, 1.68 WHIP, 50.2 IP, 5.3 BB/9, 4.8 K/9

In AA, Reyes pitched very well, although his walk rate was too high.  He pitched even better in six starts in AAA, then got called up in July.  He struggled in the majors, walking more than he fanned and allowing a HR every five and a half innings.

2008
AAA:  1-1-0, 2.31 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 39.0 IP, 3.7 BB/9, 8.8 K/9
MLB:  3-11-0, 5.81 ERA, 1.65 WHIP, 113.0 IP, 4.1 BB/9, 6.2 K/9

Reyes continued to pitch well in AAA early in the season.  The Braves called him up at the beginning of May when John Smoltz got hurt and Chuck James struggled, and he spent most of the rest of the year in their rotation.  He struggled in the majors, continuing to have problems with HRs and walks.

2009
AAA:  4-2-0, 2.86 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, 66.0 IP, 3.3 BB/9, 4.4 K/9
MLB:  0-2-0, 7.00 ERA, 1.48 WHIP, 27.0 IP, 4.3 BB/9, 7.0 K/9

The Braves called Reyes up in mid-April, but he continued to pitch poorly, then went out with a strained hamstring after about a month.  Once he returned, he went back to AAA.  He posted a good ERA there, but his other numbers were weak, including a much lower K rate than previously.

2010
AA (Tor):  1-1-0, 2.57 ERA, 0.79 WHIP, 14.0 IP, 2.6 BB/9, 6.4 K/9
AAA (Atl): 1-5-0, 5.70 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, 47.1 IP, 2.9 BB/9, 9.5 K/9
MLB (Atl):  0-0-0, 24.30 ERA, 3.90 WHIP, 3.1 IP, 8.1 BB/9, 9.4 K/9

The Braves optioned Reyes to AAA to start the season; they’d evidently obtained a fourth option due to all the time he missed with injuries.  They called him up for one forgettable start in April, but otherwise he stayed in AAA until Atlanta traded him to Toronto in July.  He struggled in AAA, getting hit hard and having more problems with HRs, although his walk and K rates were very good.  He pitched only briefly in AA for the Jays, as he missed most of the rest of the year with a knee injury.

2011
MLB (Tor):  5-8-0, 5.40 ERA, 1.59 WHIP, 110.0 IP, 2.9 BB/9, 5.2 K/9
MLB (Balt):  2-3-0, 6.16 ERA, 1.60 WHIP, 30.2 IP, 3.8 BB/9, 6.8 K/9

Reyes spent the first four months in the Toronto rotation and mostly struggled.  The Jays waived him at the end of July and the chronically pitching-deprived Orioles claimed him.  He spent a month in their rotation and continued to pitch poorly, so the O’s moved him to the bullpen in September.  On the season he showed much better control, but still allowed too many longballs (21).  He may not have been quite as bad as the numbers suggest, especially in Baltimore.  His xFIP (Fielding Independent Pitching, with a normalized HR/FB rate) was 4.73 in Toronto and 4.04 in Baltimore.  The Jays had a mediocre defensive team and the Orioles’ defensive was very bad, so he probably didn’t get much help from his fielders.

Reyes will almost certainly open 2012 in AAA and serve as rotation depth.  He’s had a lot of chances in the majors and hasn’t had any success yet, so it’s hard to be very optimistic about him turning things around.  He’s pitched only eight times in relief in the majors and his platoon splits suggest he might be productive as a LOOGY.  It remains to be seen whether the Pirates will try him in relief.

WTM’S PIRATE PLAYER PROFILES

2001
R:  264/303/389, 216 AB, 5 2B, 11 3B, 13 BB, 38 K, 34-42 SB
A+:  190/190/286, 21 AB, 1 3B, 8 K

Anderson debuted as a shortstop in the GCL and hit respectably while showing a great deal of speed.  He had a lot of trouble with errors, committing 21 in the GCL, for a .911 fielding percentage.

2002
A+:  259/310/339, 410 AB, 13 2B, 7 3B, 2 HR, 33 BB, 102 K, 16-30 SB

The Tigers moved Hernandez up to high A, a substantial jump at age 19.  He played short there all year and held his own with the bat, although he had some trouble making contact.

2003
A+:  229/278/295, 380 AB, 11 2B, 4 3B, 2 HR, 27 BB, 69 K, 15-22 SB

Hernandez spent another year playing short in high A and took a significant step backward.

2004
A+:  309/342/396, 139 AB, 6 2B, 3 3B, 8 BB, 31 K, 8-8 SB
AA:  274/326/376, 394 AB, 19 2B, 3 3B, 5 HR, 26 BB, 89 K, 17-23 SB

Hernandez returned to high A for a third season, but hit well and was promoted to AA.  He hit respectably there, but didn’t walk much.  The Tigers traded him to the Mets during the off-season.

2005
AA:  326/360/462, 273 AB, 14 2B, 1 3B, 7 HR, 14 BB, 58 K, 11-20 SB
AAA:  303/354/379, 261 AB, 6 2B, 4 3B, 2 HR, 22 BB, 46 K, 24-33 SB
MLB:  056/105/056, 18 AB, 1 BB, 4 K, 0-1 SB

Now with the Mets, Hernandez split his time between AA and AAA.  He hit over .300 at both levels and showed surprising power in AAA.  He started playing a little at second in AA and spent half his time there in AAA.  The Mets called him up in mid-September due to injuries.

2006
A+:  111/111/111, 9 AB, 1 K
AAA:  249/285/295, 414 AB, 11 2B, 4 3B, 21 BB, 70 K, 15-20 SB
MLB:  152/164/242, 66 AB, 1 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 1 BB, 12 K

Hernandez opened the season with the Mets, but went out in mid-April with a bulging disk.  When he returned the Mets sent him to AAA, where he struggled to hit.  The Mets brought him to the majors for September.  He played second and short at both levels.

2007
AAA:  301/339/397, 554 AB, 28 2B, 5 3B, 5 HR, 31 BB, 82 K, 16-25 SB
MLB:  333/333/333, 3 AB, 1 K

Except for a brief callup, Hernandez spent the season in AAA, mostly playing short.  He rebounded with the bat.

2008
AAA (NYM):  203/262/307, 479 AB, 21 2B, 7 3B, 5 HR, 38 BB, 95 K, 11-19 SB
MLB (Wash):  333/407/383, 81 AB, 4 2B, 10 BB, 8 K

Hernandez again spent most of the year playing short in AAA.  The Mets traded him to the Nationals in mid-August, though, and he spent the rest of the season with the Nats.  He mainly played second, as the Nats had released their regular secondbaseman, Felipe Lopez.  Hernandez didn’t hit at all in AA, but hit well in the majors.

2009
AAA (Wash):  000/000/000, 4 AB
MLB (Wash):  251/310/320, 231 AB, 9 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 20 BB, 41 K, 5-8 SB
MLB (NYM):  252/315/370, 135 AB, 6 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 13 BB, 22 K, 2-4 SB

Hernandez spent the year in the majors.  He was slated to be a utility infielder for Washington, but ended up playing a lot at second due to Ronnie Belliard’s injuries and poor play.  In early August, the Mets traded for Hernandez to play short in place of the injured Jose Reyes and Alex Cora.

2010
AAA (Cleve):  234/280/275, 171 AB, 4 2B, 1 HR, 12 BB, 23 K, 2-6 SB
AAA (Hou):  241/267/276, 29 AB, 1 2B, 1 BB, 6 K, 2-2 SB
MLB (Cleve):  246/270/295, 61 AB, 3 2B, 2 BB, 9 K, 1-1 SB
MLB (Hou):  188/304/229, 48 AB, 2 2B, 8 BB, 10 K, 2-2 SB

Cleveland outrighted Anderson to AAA at the beginning of the season, but called him up in early June when they decided to waive Mark Grudzielanek and Asdrubal Cabrera got hurt.  Hernandez started part-time for them short for about a month, then was put on waivers and claimed by the Astros.  Houston waived him a short time later and sent him to AAA when he cleared, but called him back up two weeks later when Jeff Keppinger got hurt.  He spent the remainder of the season in Houston as a utility infielder.  He didn’t hit much at any stop.

2011
AAA:  300/366/400, 510 AB, 25 2B, 4 3B, 6 HR, 53 BB, 77 K, 21-33 SB

Hernandez signed a minor league deal with the Astros–who had newly signed Pirate Clint Barmes at short–and spent the year in AAA.  Hernandez split his time more or less evenly between second, third and short, and had his best hitting year in the minors, showing good plate discipline for the first time.

It’s not easy to see what need the Pirates have for Hernandez, as they’re loaded with upper level infield prospects.  It’d be unfortunate if he ended up in the majors rather than somebody who could have a future in Pittsburgh.  His chances of making the team, though, increased greatly when the Pirates placed Rule 5 pick Gustavo Nunez on the 60-day disabled list in February.  Hernandez will probably compete primarily with Yamaico Navarro for a backup job.

WTM’S PIRATE PLAYER PROFILES

2006
A-:  0-2-0, 0.88 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 30.2 IP, 2.1 BB/9, 7.9 K/9

Johnson started off well in short season ball.

2007
A+:  9-7-0, 5.56 ERA, 1.51 WHIP, 136.0 IP, 3.8 BB/9, 6.6 K/9

The Red Sox sent Johnson to Lancaster in the California League, a hitter’s park in the minors’ most extreme hitter’s league, and environment that’s notorious for wreaking havoc with pitching prospects.  Johnson got off to a terrible start, but the Sox prevailed on him to start challenging hitters more and he pitched respectably for most of the season.

2008
AA:  8-9-0, 3.63 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, 136.1 IP, 3.7 BB/9, 7.1 K/9

Johnson pitched decently in AA, with a decent K rate and a few too many hits and walks.  He did keep the ball in the park, allowing only five HRs after allowing 20 the previous year.

2009
AA:  0-3-0, 6.35 ERA, 1.59 WHIP, 17.0 IP, 2.6 BB/9, 6.4 K/9
AAA:  3-13-0, 6.35 ERA, 1.79 WHIP, 96.1 IP, 4.1 BB/9, 6.1 K/9

In AAA, Johnson struggled badly, with opponents hitting .320 against him.  He also had weak walk and K rates.

2010
AAA:  6-13-0, 4.88 ERA, 1.54 WHIP, 132.2 IP, 3.5 BB/9, 5.4 K/9

Johnson showed some limited improvement in AAA, although his K rate dropped further.

2011
AAA:  2-2-0, 12.63 ERA, 2.27 WHIP, 20.2 IP, 2.6 BB/9, 5.2 K/9

Johnson struggled through three starts and five relief appearances, allowing a .410 average and a HR every three innings. The Red Sox released him in mid-May.

Johnson is a reasonable flier for the Pirates to take, although his odds of success are probably very low as he’s never had much success as a pro.  He made only a small number of relief appearances with the Sox, so it might be worthwhile for the Pirates to try him in the bullpen.  There isn’t likely to be much room for him in AAA and he doesn’t seem able to pitch at that level anyway, so they could send him to Altoona initially.