Notes: 2020 Outlook & Top Prospects, Coaching Polka, El Coffee, Cora Find Landing Spots

Baseball…anyone on call at MLB/PA?

Notes:

• The 2022 Pirates outlook as they tread water during the lockout, as sussed out by Anthony Franco of MLB Trade Rumors.
• Chad Noble, ex – Cubs’ bullpen catcher, will join the Pirates as a catching coordinator, per sources.
• The gang at MLB Pipeline think that 2B Nick Gonzales is likely slated to start the year in Altoona but could make his showtime debut in 2022.
• Jamey Carroll, a special assistant for baseball operations & defensive coordinator, left the Pirates after seven years.
• Prospects 1500 has a list of the Pirates Top 50 Prospects, categorized by projected performance tiers.

• The Pirates promoted Altoona skipper Miguel Perez to AAA Indy; Kieran Mattison is moving from High-A Greensboro to take Perez’s spot. Callix Crabbe, formerly an assistant hitting coach with the Texas Rangers, was hired to manage  High-A Greensboro while Jonathan Johnston remains at Low-A Bradenton. In other coaching news, they’re beefing up the MiLB staffs to five members rather than the traditional four.
• The Yomiuri Giants of the Nippon League have agreed to terms with former Pirates and Blue Jays OF Gregory Polanco. The contract length/amount wasn’t undisclosed.
• Joey Cora is reportedly near landing a job with the Mets as the third base coach for Buck Showalter; they were finalizing his contract at last check.
• Baseball hoarders/parents/team managers: The Pirates will hold a baseball/softball equipment drive on Friday, January 14th, from noon-6 p.m. at PNC Park on Mazeroski Way. Anyone who donates equipment will get a voucher that’s good for two tickets to a ’22 Pirates game.