#FreeStarlingMarte?

Is it time for the Pittsburgh Pirates to bring up the superstar-in-waiting Center Fielder, Starling Marte?  I would say, YES!  Starling Marte is in his first stint in AAA and has struggled at times this season, but seems to be coming on strong of late.  Marte is batting .287 with a .344 OBP. He has 9 Home Runs, 49 Runs Batted in, 10 triples, and 15 doubles. The guy also has 16 stolen bases.  Marte has a world of potential and is incredibly athletic. He is doing everything asked of him in the minor leagues and is just a call away from playing Right Field in PNC Park. The general consensus is that this move will happen sooner rather than later.  He is close, there is no denying it.

            The move is corresponding with the absolutely atrocious season being put on by Jose Tabata. Tabata received a contract from the Pirates last season in hopes that he would be putting up, well better numbers that this. Tabata has 11 runs batted in as an everyday starter. His .230 average and .290 OBP is disturbingly low. Tabata's 9 times caught stealing is another alarming stat. His lack of hustle and shaky defense is not endearing himself to the Pittsburgh faithful either. Tabata is a very talented baseball player, and he is still really young (only 2 months older than Marte). Alex Presley is another leadoff type hitter that has had a shaky season, but a few weeks in AAA has done him well. Presley has been doing a fine job in June and now July. He also hustles and is scrappy, and that sort of thing appeals to fans. Tabata may not be 100% healthy, but he is healthy enough to play everyday. He may be best served to spend a few weeks in AAA and regain some confidence, because he is an important part moving forward.
        Back to Marte.  Andrew McCutchen was called up when he was 22 roughly in the same spot of the season, and responded with a .286 average and 22 Stolen Bases.  Jose Tabata was just 21 when he got the call and it too was around this point in the season. Tabata batted .299 with 19 stolen bases in his rookie season. The time is now for Starling Marte. He is doing comparable to Tabata and McCutchen in AAA just before their call ups. Marte's addition is slightly different though. Cutch and Tabata joined last place teams with no hope, and little pressure. This allowed them to ease in and play comfotably.  Starling Marte will essentially be joining a pennant race(too early?). The pressure will be on for Marte to produce more than it was for McCutchen. Marte has the ability and skill set to do a fine job, and could cement a role in the Pittsburgh outfield for years to come. The question is no longer, "Will he get called up this year?" It is now only a matter of when.

D6 Sports Network Twenty Greatest Teams of the 2000's. #2

2. 2004 Tyrone






The Scoop-The 2004 Tyrone Golden Eagles had a dominating presence about them, that made them one of the best teams from the District Six area. They were led by a lights-out defense led by the 2004 Defensive Player of the Year, Terry Tate. Tate anchored a defensive line that was massive for High School standards, and that line was a force all season long. Tyrone allowed 20 points in a game only one time all year during a 12-2 campaign. The offense was good, too. Leonard Wilson led the offense from his Quarterback position and played steady all year long.  The go to threat was Brice Mertiff.  The Senior Back rushed for 33 touchdowns in 2004 leading the way for a very good offense. The Golden Eagles posted a 9-1 regular season with a long hiccup to Philipsburg-Osceola by a score of 7-6. Tyrone later avenged that loss 34-0 in the second round in the playoffs.  Tyrone held off a good Bishop McCort team in the finals by a score of 15-6. They were rewarded with a Bill Stull led Seton LaSalle team at North Allegheny High School.  No problem for the Golden Eagles as they dispatched the former Pitt QB by a score of 28-7. The Western Final was where the run ended as Grove City took the game 21-17.


The Stars-Terry Tate was obviously the star of the show, as he was named to the all state team and player of the year. Brice Mertiff was another all state pick and was the driving force on the offensive side of the ball. Tyler Hoover was another key member of the defensive and offensive lines. Not sure if any of them moved on to play college ball, but this team was loaded. They had a balanced offense and size.


The Argument-2004 Tyrone may go down as the best Tyrone team of the decade narrowly beating out 2011 and 2000. This team had the most dominant defensive player from the area, as Tate finished 2004 with 21 tackles for loss. The Golden Eagles defense literally could suffocate teams for wins as they had a college sized defensive line. The offense was led by Brice Mertiff, who will go down as the second best Tyrone Running Back of recent memory.  This Tyrone team was certainly good enough to make it to the state final. In fact, they still claim they got cheated out of one. Ask anyone at their semi-final loss and they will tell you the same. Who knows what could have happened if Tyrone made it to the State Championship, maybe they would be ranked the number 1 team of the 2000's.  We are finally down to the last pick! Stay tuned.

LHAC Football Preview 2012.

Football season is fast approaching, and it will be August before you know it. This is an exciting time for the entire country, especially Western Pennsylvania. This is the second annual Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference preview done by myself, and it is something I hope will build into a tradition.  The coverage and passion that drives our area's athletics will only stand to get better. The arrival of the D6 Sports Network by some bright young minds in the area, and the constant talk of High School athletics on Bleachercoaches, along with the improving content by local newspapers and news stations will make the 2012 season one to remember, and one to build on.
        The 2011 season was a memorable one and featured some very talented teams and individuals. The Johnstown Trojans marched on to another impressive run led by Division One recruits, Alkwan Williams(Temple), Gervon Simon(Army), and Brock Eisenhuth(Youngstown State). The 2012 Trojans have big shoes to fill, to say the least. The Richland Rams reached untouched heights of success in 2011, and look to add to that string of success this year. They will be without all everything Johnny Rizzo, but bring back plenty to the table. Bishop McCort losses a massive presence in Zach Rugg(UConn), but looks to some bright young talent to overcome the loss. Somerset and Cambria Heights showed off vast improvements, and may become serious contenders this time around. Forest Hills seemingly always reloads and will be ready to compete. Central Cambria looks to build off a monumental win over Johnstown, and bring more success into the 2012 campaign.
     The names of 2011 are gone, Shippey, Gdula, Fuller, and Leech. Although, the talent this year may not rival that of 2011. The league is more wide open than ever, and as many Five teams can seriously compete for Laurel Highlands supremacy. There may not be as many talented college level players, but there may be more quality teams. I hope you enjoy this year's preview, and look to the D6 Sports Network for updated content all season long and as always keep the banter going on Bleachercoaches!

Section II

1. Richland Rams (10-3) 

KEY Players-Matt Shaffer (QB). Kyle Flick (WR). Josh Dininny(DT)

   Richland is coming off a very successful season by their standards. It was the first time they played for a District Title since 1986. The team was centered around star player Johny Rizzo. They relied upon the workhorse heavily, but were not totally dependent upon him. Junior Quarterback,  Matt Shaffer showed great poise for a sophomore and is one of the key returning factors for this year. He is a dual threat that can run it some, but will be used for passing more this season. Richland typically runs a pass happy offense and Shaffer should be able to control things. He is joined by some other talented juniors. Kyle Flick is coming off another successful season and will be entering his third season as Richland's featured Wide Receiver. He has great hands, and good speed and is athletic enough to create separation. His experience will make as dangerous as anyone in the league. Tanner Solarczyk will assume Running Back responsibilities. He is not a legitimate replacement for Rizzo, and how could he be? Rizzo was so valuable, but Solarczyk may be a good fit if Richland plans to throw it more because he is a fast open field threat.  Richland returns four starters on the offensive line that paved the way for a very lethal offense in 2011. The leader of the pack is Josh Dininny. He will also anchor the defense. Luke Shertzer and Kyle Flick will also play big roles for the defense.  This team is set with their Quarterback and top receiver, and an experienced line. They are coming off a successful season and will look to build upon it. I think Richland is the LHAC front runner, and one of the top competitors in the District for "AA".  

2.  Bishop McCort (7-4)

KEY Players-Gap Barbin (NT) Jordan Spangler (WR) Dustin Belskey (RB)
  Bishop McCort got off to a hot start in 2011, and finished rather cold. The Crimson Crushers faced injury and number problems all year long, and this year they will have more depth.  The Crushers must replace their Quarterback,Running Back, top Receivers, and a Division One Linemen. That is a tall order for anyone to overcome. The Crushers success will start up front with Gap Barbin. He anchors both sides of the ball and is one of the better interior linemen in the conference. He will be joined with some younger guys, but they are not short on size.  The Quarterback battle will be interesting between Nathan Neiderhiser (Jr) and Zaine Tomkowski (Sr). The backfield should be in good shape with Dustin Belskey's return, he played Fullback last season but should see more carries in 2012, expect Wyatt Jackson to see some time as well. Christian Leech and Jerqual Wilson formed a solid receiving corps, but Jordan Spangler should be ready to take the lead role. The Defense for the Crushers should be an improvement with health. Tyler Rugg, Nathan James, and Gap Barbin are names to watch on that side of the ball.  McCort has hit a tough two year run after winning the conference for four straight seasons. They have the talent to contend this year, and will play a big factor in the "A" race in District 6. 

3. Johnstown (9-2)

KEY Players-Dalvin Williams (LB) Nick Subich (OL) Tyler Taylor (RB)
    There is no team other team in the league that has to replace the talent that the Trojans had. Johnstown's impressive regular season run will be coming to an end, but they still will put together a very competitive team, that could surprise some people. The first step is replacing all everything Quarterback, Gervon Simon.  Easier said than done. Brody Loboi seems to be the next in line, and perhaps Phillip Madison will get a chance.  The spread offense for the Trojans is all about the pass, and they must replace their top four receivers, although the running game should improve.  Tyler Taylor and Dalvin Williams are good athletes that will be key play makers for Johnstown.  The Trojans offense should have at least one strength, the line. Nick Subich will anchor the line at center, and Michael Brooks will return at tackle. The defense loses stalwart, Alkwan Williams. Dalvin Williams will likely be that go to guy for Johnstown on defense. He made some big plays last year, and should be asked to do plenty more this season.  Johnstown has some pieces albeit some unproven ones. The athletes and size never seems to be a problem at Johnstown, they just need to get everything in order. The success may take a few weeks, but if they get rolling they can beat anyone.  

4. Somerset (3-7)

KEY Players-Tanner Stull (QB) Matt Boyer (RB) Jordan Willkow (WR)

The Somerset Golden Eagles rebounded well in 2011 from a win-less 2010 campaign. The season also brings a sense of belief for this year. Somerset only finished 3-7 but hung in tightly with teams like Richland and Penn Cambria proving they could play with the conference's elite. The 2012 hopes rest a lot on the shoulders of Junior signal caller, Tanner Stull. Stull was thrust into the starting lineup early and opened some eyes. He is a quick kid that can make plays with his feet. He will be among the better quarterbacks in the league and will win some games for Somerset. Another Junior, Matt Boyer will be a factor in the offense. He rushed for eight touchdowns last year and his bruising style of running should result in more scores this season. These two players bring much of the promise for the 2012 season, but there are obviously concerns.  The team lost 21 seniors and much of them occupied the defense and the trenches.  The Line and Defense will have plenty of new faces and how they respond will say a lot about Somerset's season. 

5. Westmont (2-8)

KEY Players-Liam Moran (QB) Luke Blackburn (WB) Donny Shovestull (OL)
The 2011 Westmont Hilltoppers had a bid of a dissapointing campaign. They were led by a good group of seniors, yet couldn't secure many wins. The 2012 Hilltoppers will look to turn things around, and it all starts with the new Coach. Coach Glennon will move on, and leaves Westmont with a void. Despite not having a coach, there is talent for the new head man to build on.  Liam Moran will assume the role of Quarterback this season, and his athletic style will bring a new element to Westmont's offense. Sam Curry and Luke Blackburn will be manning the backfield positions and should be seeing the bulk of the carries.  Don Shovestall and Lucas Dragovich should provide size and stability up front.  Westmont's biggest issues over the years have been the numbers game.  They never seem to get a big football turnout, thus leaving little depth.  Westmont needs someone to stir up excitement and passion for the program, it could be a sleeping giant for the right coach.

6. Bedford (6-5)

KEY Players-Aaron Henry (RB) Luke Campbell (WR)  Tyler Black (TE)
2012 Bedford will see plenty of new faces and it is hard to predict how things will develop. Bedford loses all everything Marcus Shippey, all five offensive linemen, and playmaker Dakota Hess. Kody Blevins will get a look at QB, but Aaron Henry may have to take the role.  Henry was a good all purpose threat last season and has the athleticism to make the move.  Luke Campbell came on strong at Wide Receiver last season and is definitely one of the top offensive threats in the league. He needs to see the ball, so it is imperative for Bedford to find a Quarterback.  It really comes down to, Will Bedford's line be able to compete.  Bedford will have some athletes on offense and in the back lines of defense, but the lines are really shaky. There does not appear to be a lot of size coming up through the system, and as we all know games are won up front. Bedford could surprise some, but there is a lot of unknown.

Section I

1. Forest Hills (8-3)

KEY Players- Jared Shope (WR) Shawn Dell (RB) Tyler Shima (S)
Forest Hills has a disappointing end to their 2011 campaign. They will look to rebound after losing some key pieces from last season. Jared Shope will be the star of the show and could compete for Quarterback duties, but may be better serves at Wide Receiver. He will be a factor on defense and special teams also. Tyler Shima will be a factor at Quarterback.  Shawn Dell will return to be the primary Running Back. Shareef Blough, a sophomore, could also be a factor on offense at running back.  The offensive and defensive lines are depleted after last year, but they also seem to retool.  Hayden Fyock returns with starting experience there.  The Rangers have a special player in Shope, and some unproven kids as well. Coach Bailey rarely has down seasons, and it is because of the hard working kids and the good coaching staff. Forest Hills will play a factor for the District Championship race, as always.

2. Penn Cambria (9-3)

KEY Players-Mac Behe (LB) Devin Lawhead (RB) James Mardula (WR)
There is plenty of optimism and confidence in Cresson this season. Penn Cambria has a really strong senior class on their hands, and Coach Ernie Fetzer and the Panthers can make a run to Mansion Park. The Running Game loses Jordan Fuller, but Mac Behe and Devin Lawhead should be able to hold things down just fine. Nathan Keagy and James Mardula are two good athletes at receiver and will play big factors. Quarterback is not a sure thing right now, but Branden Eckenrode will get a look.  The defense of Penn Cambria will definitely be one of the league's best. All State Linebacker Mac Behe will be the anchor. Lawhead and Mardula are also big tackles for PC. They made the semi-finals last year before falling to eventual state runner-up Tyrone, but Penn Cambria's season featured a playoff win over Forest Hills. That game with Forest Hills this season could be one of the best of the year, if not the best.  Penn Cambria is a legitimate conference and district threat.  

3. Cambria Heights (5-5)

KEY Players-Tyler Crawford (FB) Ben Myers (WR) Andrew Brawley (WR)
This is certainly uncharted waters for Cambria Heights. They regularly do not have high expectations, but after a .500 campaign in 2011 and many key players back, this could be Cambria Heights season for perhaps a playoff berth.  The offense returns nine starters from last season, including all the skilled position players. The offense will feature a heavy dosage of Tyler Crawford's running.  Donnie Contorchick will also see carries. Ben Myers is a versatile player that will see the ball in a variety of ways.  Andrew Brawley is a quick receiver that will be reliable for Quarterback, Nathan Bearer.  The offense will be able to score enough points to keep them in games, but the defense must improve. Contorchick and Crawford are the anchors on that side of the ball. Coach Jarrod Lewis may have been just what the Doctor ordered for this program, they are definitely on the rise. Cambria Heights could challenge for a playoff berth, it is not that far fetched.  

4. Bishop Guilfoyle (1-8)

KEY Players-Pat Irwin (QB) Cody Rossman (RB) Nate Nardelli (WR)

Bishop Guilfoyle suffered some growing pains in 2011, but the rebuilding year may be worth it.  The Marauders only lost six seniors from last season, and the team featured many freshmen. They will still be young, but much more experienced. Pat Irwin was often running around for his life last year, but the Senior will be the team leader and the primary source of offense.  Cody Rossman and Brendan Chadbourn should be able to make plays out of the backfield. Chadbourn will also be a factor as a receiver, along with Nate Nardelli.   They have play makers, but the defense and line will prevent them from being in the upper echelon of the league.  The team and program will get better and they may surprise this season. If they can sneak into the "A" playoffs, they will be a factor. 

5. Central Cambria (2-8)

KEY Players-Stephen Papuga (RB) Steven Rickard (OL) Brandon Long (WR)
Tough times have fallen on the Central Cambria Football program. Sam Shutty has the tough task of restoring pride and a winning way to the program. Central Cambria was very senior heavy last year, and they lost nearly everyone. Stephen Papuga will have to be the primary offensive threat as a Running Back. Tyler Gironda is the only Quarterback listed for this year, so that duty will be up to him. Central Cambria will have a retooled line and defense. They will struggle with size this year, that is the sure thing. They do not appear to have the strong depth they usually possess. This could be a long year in Ebensburg.   

6. Bishop Carroll (1-9)

KEY Players-Michael Leslie (OL) Dan Lesney (RB) Josh Mock (OL)

The state of Bishop Carroll Football does not look good. Craig Sponsky is out at Coach, enrollment is way down, and there is a principal that would like to de-emphasize athletics. Greg Snyder has no easy task at hand in his first head coaching stint.  The Huskies do possess some great size with Michael Leslie and Josh Mock among a few others. They do not have a definitive plan at Quarterback or Running Back, but have a number of options. Eric Smith,David Maruca, and Brody Shuty are all listed at Quarterback.  Dan Lesney is the leading returning rusher, so he will get the first crack. Familiar last names, Woo and Repko will also get some looks. The size of BC is their best asset. They really lack depth and experience. The unknown of Greg Snyder is another cause for concern.  The Huskies will have their work cut out for them, and it could be a long season on Husky Hill.  

Chapman, Newest Panther.

Tra'von Chapman is Pitt's 11th commitment for Paul Chryst's 2013 recruiting class. Chapman is a four star Quarterback from Kent, Ohio. He has offers from the likes of Wisconsin,Cincinnati, and Minnesota among others. He is dual threat quarterback that throws extremely well, yet has 4.5 speed to keep defenses honest.  He joins Corey Clement and Scott Orndoff as Pitt's prized recruits for the 2013 class. Chapman also joins a Quarterback race for the future.  Chad Voytik was a four star prospect for 2012, Tom Savage has one year of eligibility in 2013 after transferring from Rutgers and Arizona, and he too was a four star. Also, 2014 Blackhawk High School Quarterback, Chandler Kincade has verbally committed to Pitt as well.  The Quarterback situation at Pitt has been bleak from the onset of the Wannstedt era, and now it is the strongest it has been in years.  Chapman and Voytik are similar players and both seem poised to lead Pitt on offense.  The race the next few seasons will definitely be worth watching.
     Chapman's commitment also looms large in the pursuit of two highly regarded prospects.  Tyler Boyd of Clairton and Robert Foster of Central Valley are two marquee Pittsburgh based recruits Pitt is pursuing. They both play wide receiver, and the best way to attract a receiver is to have a quarterback to throw them the ball. Chapman has a high skill set and may be able to persuade at least one of the stud wide receivers. The commitment of Chapman could not have come at a better time.  The Paul Chryst critics were in full force after Pitt lost out on Dorian Johnson, a highly touted offensive line from Pittsburgh. Chapman should ease the worries for now, and could be a very good player for Pitt down the line.  Welcome Tra'von!

D6 Sports Network Twenty Greatest Teams of the 2000's. #3

3. 2000 Tyrone

The Scoop-The 2000 Tyrone Golden Eagles are the last link to a State Champion from District Six.  The 1999 Tyrone team is the only team to bring it home, and the 2000 team had plenty of holdovers from that memorable run to the Gold. Jesse Jones was the star of the 1999 team and he was back in 2000. He rushed for 2,232 yard in 2000. He actually rushed for 100 more yards in 1999, but appeared in two more games that season making his number even more impressive. The 1999 Quarterback, Brandon Hoover was also back and had another productive season.  The Tyrone defense this season was lights out.  They surrendered just 4 points a game in the regular season. The season started out in shocking fashion. A very good Bellwood-Antis team knocked off the defending champs 19-0 to start the season. Tyrone did not panic as they ran off 8 games to end the regular season.  They dispatched Bishop McCort in the opening round behind a 300 yard game by Jesse Jones and beat a very good Westmont team on the road in the second round.  The rematch was set as they got Bellwood-Antis on the carpet of Mansion Park.  Tyrone would not be denied as they got their revenge 28-3.  Tyrone lost to Sharon in the State tournament 21-14 in overtime to a Sharon team that had seven Division One Players.  The Back to Back was not meant to be, but 2000 Tyrone kept things rolling for the powerhouse into the new millennium.


The Stars-Jesse Jones is obviously a big part of Tyrone's football history. He earned all state honors two seasons, and is currently 12th all time in the state in rushing with 6,911 yards. Scott Gummo was an all state pick for two seasons and was a huge anchor on the line for the Golden Eagles. Doug Roseberry was a big time Linebacker and eventually played for the Pitt Panthers. The 2000 Tyrone Golden Eagles had five all state players, but I am having trouble finding everyone's name. (Please share any information you have)



The Argument-The 2000 Tyrone Golden Eagles were just another powerhouse team under Coach John Franco.  The Junior class that was instrumental in winning the championship in 1999, also put on a memorable senior season. Despite the early season hiccup to Bellwood, the Golden Eagles put on a dominating season.  They did beat the 2000 Bishop McCort team that turned into the 7th ranked 2001 Bishop McCort team. They also beat the best Westmont team of the modern era.  The rematch win over Bellwood in the District Six Championship was a memorable one. Although this team did not duplicate the state playoff success, they had what it took to win a state championship, as they proved the year before.  This Tyrone team has to be in almost everyone's top 5 when it comes to the 2000's, they were that good.

15 Prospects I have an Eye on....Maybe You Should too.

The Pirates are enjoying a nice stretch at the Major League level, but it is never too early to look at the future. Pittsburgh has stockpiled the minor league system the past few years, and that leaves you with some interesting and talented players to look forward to. I am not claiming to be some major Minor League Baseball talent buff, but some guys numbers stick out more than most.  Obviously there are some prospects I missed. They are still very good and worthy of checking out. They have drafted plenty of High School Pitchers they drafted the past few seasons, and it is hard to evaluate until they really make the climb. I did not forget about Colton Cain, Colton Brewer, and so on and so forth.

1. Gerrit Cole SP 21 AA-Altoona- Gerrit Cole has recently climbed the latter to AA after a sound performance in High-A Bradenton. The former number 1 overall pick's first start was not anything outstanding, but solid.  He is 6-1 with a 2.63 ERA and 75 strikeouts in his 14 starts this season. Gerrit Cole is definitely the prize of the Pirates minor league system. He is on the fast track to the Majors. Gerrit should see AAA next season, and could be in Pittsburgh by mid-season if all things continue to work out. Setbacks do happen, but Cole can be a front end starter for years to come if he stays healthy. He has that kind of talent.


2. Mark Appel SP 20 Unsigned- Mark Appel is not technically a Pirate farm hand, yet.  I think Appel will ultimately sign with Pittsburgh before the deadline.  He has very little to gain by coming back, and the risk is way more than the reward.  Appel has front end talent and could make a similar jump through the minors as Cole has had. I would not rank Appel with Cole and Taillon in talent, but he is not far off. Appel could possibly be in Pittsburgh in 2014 if all works out. Appel is a major part of Pittsburgh's future, it would be pretty bad if he fails to sign.


3. Jameson Taillon SP 20 High A-Bradenton- Jameson Taillon was believed to be Pittsburgh's top prospect going into the season, but has since been jumped by Gerrit Cole.   Taillon has dropped the whole way to number two, so yeah he is still really important.  Taillon has not hit a roadblock in High A, but he isn't breezing through it. Taillon is 4-6  with a 4.10 ERA and 67 strikeouts in 74 innings.  He has had outstanding games, and some real shaky ones this season. Taillon will be in Altoona next year, maybe even the tail end of this year. He did not attend college and would only be wrapping up his Sophomore year if he had. There is no need for concern, he can possibly be in Pittsburgh by 2014, 2015 at the latest. 

4. Luis Heredia SP 17 Shortseason A-State College- Luis Heredia may be the most intriguing prospect Pittsburgh has.  Heredia is a 6-6 right handed pitcher that throws mid 90's. He is 17 years old and is the age of a High School senior.  The kid pitched for the first time this season and only gave up 1 hit through 4 innings.  The scary thing with Heredia he may spend another five season in Minor League Baseball and would only be 22. There is no telling if a kid like this will pan out, but its nice to think he would. The Pirates threw the kid a nice bonus, and he may be as good as advertised.  International pitchers are hit or miss, but imagine if he was a hit like Felix Hernandez....




5. Starling Marte CF 23 AAA Indianpolis- Starling Marte is the one position player that could be knocking on the door very soon. Actually, it seemed as though he may be here by now during Spring Training. Marte has not dominated AAA, and has struggled mightily at times this season. He still very well could be in Pittsburgh this season. Jose Tabata is just awful this season, and other options at Right Field have been inconsistent. The trade deadline will determine Marte's fate.  He will be here next year no matter what, and has a world of potential. He has 16 stolen bases, 36 RBI's and 27 extra base hits in 70 games for the Indianapolis Indians. 


6. Josh Bell RF 19 Low A West Virginia- Josh Bell has been hurt since April 24 and has not played since. He should be playing again soon and hopefully progress is made by the end of the season. Bell was a first round talent that the Pirates over-slotted for last year, and it appears now that it was worth it.  Bell is definitely the most talented and interesting corner outfielder in the organization and could be a Jason Heyward type player down the line. It is hard to say when the kid will make his way to Pittsburgh, but it would be a great sign if he started in High-A next season and not have a repeat start in West Virginia.  

7. Rudy Owens SP 24 AAA Indianapolis- Rudy Owens will be the first in line to receive a promotion to Pittsburgh for whatever the reason. I would say there is not much more Owens has to prove in the minors. He has proven himself at every level, and is having a fantastic AAA season. Owens is 6-2 with a 2.38 ERA in 14 starts. Owens is a left hander and would be a nice addition to the Pittsburgh rotation.  Kevin Correia,Brad Lincoln, and Jeff Karstens are occupying the final two spots in the rotation currently, but moves should be made very soon. Owens will get to pitch in Pittsburgh this year, it is only a matter of when.


8. Tony Sanchez C 24 AAA Indianapolis-Sanchez remains Pittsburgh's only real "prospect" when it comes to Catcher.  Sanchez is close to being labeled as a bust (if you haven't already called him one) as he has not lived up to being the 4th overall pick in the 2009 draft. Sanchez has recently been promoted to AAA, and he has not exactly hit too well.  He was not hitting well in Altoona either.  Sanchez was either flat out overrated or has not lived up to his potential. Still, with the current catching situation in the organization the front office has to be praying Sanchez works out.  Barajas is old and does not have much left, and McKenry is not a starter. The Pirates may have to go out and get somebody, or Sanchez steps up and does what he is supposed to.  He will stay in AAA this year, and will get a chance to make the majors next year.


9. Brock Holt 2B/SS 24 AA Altoona-Brock Holt is emerging as a potential prospect in a very thin middle infield in the Pirates organization.  Jordy Mercer and Chase d'Arnaud do not appear to be major league players and they both sit in AAA, but Holt could be different.  Holt is batting .315 to date and could see a promotion to AAA soon.  Shortstop is Pittsburgh's worst organizational position, and they are begging for one guy in the minors to step up.  Holt could be that guy, I'd like to see how he handles AAA.

10. Wyatt Mathisen C 18 Rookie GCL-Mathisen was Pittsburgh's 3rd pick in the draft and he comes in highly touted. The Pirates were able to sway him from going to the University of Texas and sign. He becomes Pittsburgh's next hope to be the Catcher. He is far from the majors, but should be a guy to keep an eye on. He is absolutely tearing the cover off the ball in the Rookie league for what it is worth.  Maybe he can be in West Virginia next year as a 19 year old, that would be really worth keeping an eye on. 


11. Mel Rojas OF 22 High A Bradenton-Rojas certainly looks the part of a Major League Outfielder. His 6-3 frame projects him nicely and he could be a serious pro prospect as his minor league career progresses. He is hitting just .271 in Bradenton, but that is improvement from his previous minor league seasons. If Rojas can put together a full season, he will be a highly intriguing player in AA next season.


12. Alen Hanson 2B 19 Low A West Virginia-Hanson is having the best season of any Pirate minor league farmhand. Out of nowhere the little second basemen is hitting .323 with 10 Home Runs, 37 RBI's, and 18 stolen bases. He is a young guy so there is no real rush to get him to Bradenton.  His season is a real bright spot because of the aforementioned middle infield struggles this organization possesses.  Hansen's season may be a fluke, but he is firmly on the radar now, and has earned prospect status. 


13. Alex Dickerson 1B/OF 22 High A Bradenton-Dickerson may be the Pirates' best future power hitter in the system.  Dickerson is a polished former college hitter that has driven in 43 runs on the season from the left side of the plate.  His 6-3 235 frame makes him look like a very solid First Base prospect.  Pittsburgh is heavy on pitching, but the real significant batting prospects are few and far between. Dickerson is a guy I have been following closely and hopefully turns out to be better than a Matt Hague or a Steve Pearce.


14.  Barrett Barnes CF 20 Shortseason State College-Barnes was the Pirates supplemental pick and is signed and ready to go in State College. He seems to have a bit of a project label to his name as he needs some work with his swing. That is an odd commodity to have from a college player.  He is still nonetheless loaded with talent.  Barnes joins a crowded system of outfielders, but he may be able to stick out. He is young in his career, but worth tracking for the next few years. 


15. Matt Curry 1B 23 AA Altoona-I know, nothing exciting. Curry comes from a college program and is an undersized First Basemen. He may be Steve Pearce all over again, but I still find myself checking his stats when I do my minor league run through. He should be in AAA next year, if not this year. He is batting .291, and could get hot from time to time. I think this is total wishful thinking, but the Pirates need to take any First Base prospect they have somewhat seriously.

Titus Howard, Welcome Aboard!

Pitt secured its 8th commitment for the 2013 Football recruiting class as Clairton Defensive Back, Titus Howard pledged to the Panthers Sunday afternoon.  He is the second defensive commitment for Coach Paul Chryst, and the forth WPIAL player in the class. Howard holds offers from Connecticut,Arkansas State, and Toledo.  His offers should not be too concerning as his 6-2 frame and athletic ability warrant his Pitt offer.  He is rated as a 3 star prospect by Scout and 2 star by Rivals.
      Howard comes from the Class A powerhouse Clairton High School.  Trenton Coles and Kevin Weatherspoon are former Clairton Bears themselves, as Pitt is starting a nice pipeline.  Clairton looks poised to make another State Championship run, and Howard will likely be a driving force. Howard could also be the key for Pitt landing Clairton star player, Tyler Boyd. Boyd is one of Pitt's primary targets for the class of 2013 and could be the key to Paul Chryst opening up a big WPIAL pipeline.  Pitt's recruiting is picking up nicely as of late. They may not be landing four and five star prospects, but they are adding quality players that can make an impact. Pitt still is very much in the race for guys like Robert Foster,Dorian Johnson, and Tyler Boyd.  The 2013 recruiting class can be a very good one.

**Update** Dorian Johnson has just picked Penn State, obviously not ideal for Paul Chryst, but not the end of the world.