New Year's Links

There's a frustrating interview with Jim Tracy that made up most of yesterday's Hot Stove Report at the Post Gazette. Other fun facts from that article are that the Pirates appear to be unwilling to part with Chris Duffy to complete the LaRoche trade (if the Braves even want him), there won't be a mini-camp this year (to cut down on disastrous pitcher injuries, I can only assume) and we may consider giving Trot Nixon a phone call now that Huff is off the market.

Meanwhile Charlie gets out the crystal ball and looks ahead into 2007. "

And John Sickels has his Top 20 Pirates Prospects for 2007 posted. I count seven relievers out of our top 20. Phrases like "starting to look overrated" and "who knows?" and "depends on health" pepper the list, especially beyond the top three. The top three no longer include Neil Walker, by the way. To summarize the system in one sentence, Sickels says, "A thin system that lacks impact talent as well as depth." Happy New Year everyone! The more things change the more they stay the same.

I'll be back with more substantial stuff tomorrow.