Pittsburgh Post Gazette - 2026
Jul 21, 2016 7:06:42 GMT -5
Ross White Sox and Jeremiah:OriolesGM like this
Post by marcus.dodgers on Jul 21, 2016 7:06:42 GMT -5
February 16, 2026
Pre-season presser with Pirates front office.
GM/Manager Osborn: We will take a few questions and then make some statements. I need to get out onto the field. We start instructs today.
You made some bold moves this offseason, what would you say was your primary goal?
MO: Well, it took us a couple more days to get into our offseason routine than usual because we were so far into the race. To come down to that final game of the season being the difference between going into the playoffs and not is heartbreaking; but it was also exhilarating on the same hand. That is the most success we have had in my five years here. In answer to your question, my primary focus was Re-Signing Darvish. We really wanted him back. The community loves him. His teammates loved him. He worked so hard last off-season and lost all that weight and came out and was a beast. Unfortunately we just couldn’t make the money work. Before the season was even over I had a deal with Kirby (the GM of the Padres) for Watson. I felt like he would bridge that gap for a year while we let a couple of our young guys continue to get reps in the minors. Once I knew I had a shot at Armando I had to do it. It shook my team up considerably. Some of these guys have played together since low minors. But I felt like it made us better.
You mention Torres. What does getting a guy like that do for an organization?
MO: You’re talking a multiple Cy Young winner. Possibly the best player in the league. A first ballot hall of famer, if I may be so bold. And with that much control, I felt like I could make this team better in the long run with him so I did it. We have already seen a boost in season ticket sales to the tune of 54%. That’s going to allow us to be competitive in the future as well, that cash flow. But all of those things aside. The guy goes out and competes. He’s a warrior. And I’m excited to pencil him into that top spot on the rotation.
There are rumblings that you gave up too much. Do you have a response to those whisperings?
It was definitely a bold move. And it really stung to move Tomas. He’s such a great guy. Smartest man in the room. Very well rounded player. I think he led our team in multiple categories last year. We are definitely going to be hurting on the offensive side of the ball without him here. But I feel like I have guys in the pipeline who may not ever be as good as Tomas, they will be able to play adequately in the outfield. As far as the minor leaguers? I got a call on Dodd nearly every week. And I was intent on not moving him. But when you have a player like Armando you have to roll the dice. Harry Hall is a very nice prospect, but I felt like I had a window of 2 more years because of expiring deals and arbitration. I didn’t know if he would be an impact player with this core. [Osborn checks his notes and clears his throat]...Honestly, Armando stretches that window out. It’s now a five year window. That’s exciting.
You made some other moves this off season. Tell me what stands out about any of those.
Paul Bryant was so great for us last year. I was looking forward to seeing him hoist that gold glove trophy this year. I felt like I had some guys who were near ready and we really needed the budget room. Sadly, he is just a victim of the business of baseball.
What are you most excited about?
I want to see what this rotation does. I want to see if it’s as strong as it can be, even with Elliot sidelined for the entire year. I want to see some of the young guys get a chance and see where they take us. It’s going to be a fun year. Thanks for coming out.
Analysis:
Moving Gonzales opened up a big question mark in left field. The other move was Bryant. That’s your starting left fielder and center fielder. Last season going into the season the outfield was one of this teams strengths. Now it’s a huge question. Will Dave Burns be an everyday player? Can the patchwork of left fielders work? What about Jesse Mason, will he continue to perform like he did in the latter part of last season? We shall see.