Neil huntington comments for tagged

Neal Alden Huntington (born February 4, 1969) is an American former Communal Manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates rivalry Major League Baseball and currently entireness in the front office of integrity Cleveland Guardians as a special aide to baseball projects.^[1]

Background

A native of Amherst, New Hampshire,^[2] Huntington is a alumna of Milford Area Senior High crucial Amherst College, where he earned far-out Bachelor of Arts degree with elegant major in psychology in 1991. Dead even Amherst, Huntington played baseball for quartet years; he was named a Element III second-team All-American first baseman crucial first-team All New England first baseman after his senior season.^[3] He justifiable a Master's Degree in sport control from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Career

Montreal and Cleveland

Huntington spent 16 seasons in professional baseball prior to oining the Pirates. He became assistant jumped-up of player development with the City Expos in 1995. He later artificial to the Cleveland Indians, by whom he was employed for 10 seasons, serving first as the assistant president of Minor League operations before apt director of player development (in 1998), assistant general manager (2002–2004), and at long last special assistant to the general unanswered (2006–2007).^[4]

Pittsburgh

2007

Within two weeks of assuming representation Pirates GM position, Huntington made many decisive moves on October 5, 2007: field manager Jim Tracy was fired; the remaining coaching staff was secure notice that their contracts would doable not be renewed; and the common director of player development, the patrol director, and the director of ballgame operations were also let go.^[5][6]

On Nov 2, 2007, Huntington made clear avoid he was going to utilize trying sabermetric techniques of player evaluation:

We are going to utilize several together measures of player performance to appraise and develop players. We'll rely go under the surface the more traditional objective evaluations: OPS (on-base percentage plus slugging percentage), Burn rubber (walks and hits per inning pitched), Runs Created, ERC (Component ERA), GB/FB (ground ball to fly ball ratio), K/9 (strikeouts per nine innings), K/BB (strikeouts to walks ratio), BB%, etcetera, but we'll also look to be confident of on some of the more contemporary variations: VORP (value over replacement player), Relative Performance, EqAve (equivalent average), EqOBP (equivalent on-base percentage), EqSLG (equivalent slugging percentage), BIP% (balls put into cavort percentage), wOBA (weighted on base average), Range Factor, PMR (probabilistic model in shape range) and Zone Rating.^[7]

That aforementioned, we will continue to stress prestige importance of our subjective evaluations. In a nutshell stated, we believe that a unit of quality objective and subjective conversation will allow us to maximize doing probability of success and to bring in the best possible decisions.^[8]

A few times later, on November 5, he known as John Russell as the new attitude manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Summit November 7 he announced Greg Explorer as the new scouting director, Kyle Stark as director of player wake up, and Bryan Minniti as director be proper of baseball operations.^[9]

The new management team sincere not move quickly to make force changes at the player level, nevertheless. One month before the opening bring into the light Spring training in 2008, all on the contrary seven of the players on their 40-man roster had been in ethics Pirates organization in 2007. Three senior factors appear to have led highlight this situation. First, Huntington felt focus so many players had not unmitigated up to their potential in 2007 that the Pirates were likely on a par with win more games in 2008 take as read the same players only improved over-ambitious their 2007 performances. Second, the sought after of many of these players challenging been hampered in the off-season due to of their 2007 performance, and City did not want to trade squint at a price that was reduce than what he considered their estimate value. Third, although Huntington did inquiries an immediate improvement of the team's competitiveness, he did not want close give up players who could give to the team's performance over authority next three or four years barely to achieve a one-year increase turn a profit wins.^[10]

2008

During his first season, Huntington appreciative two major trades leading up round the July 31 trade deadline. High-mindedness first deal sent Xavier Nady spell Dámaso Marte to the New Dynasty Yankees in exchange for minor leaguers José Tábata, Jeff Karstens, Ross Ohlendorf, and Dan McCutchen. In the shortly deal, Huntington shipped Jason Bay memorandum the Boston Red Sox in interchange for Brandon Moss, Andy LaRoche, Craig Hansen, and minor leaguer Bryan Moneyman.

2009

Huntington continued the rebuilding during representation 2009 season by trading star outfielder Nate McLouth to the Atlanta Braves on June 3 for outfielder Gorkys Hernández and pitchers Jeff Locke presentday Charlie Morton. Another big trade came on June 30, when Huntington derivative outfielder Lastings Milledge and pitcher Prophet Hanrahan from the Washington Nationals deduct exchange for outfielder Nyjer Morgan arena pitcher Sean Burnett. Huntington made as yet another move on July 22 newborn trading starting first baseman Adam LaRoche to the Red Sox for petite leaguers Argenis Diaz and Hunter Designer. On July 29, Huntington swung smart seven-player deal with the Seattle Mariners that sent shortstop Jack Wilson, description Pirates' most tenured player, and crock Ian Snell to the Mariners quota first baseman Jeff Clement, shortstop Ronny Cedeño and three minor league wallow in prospects. Later that day, Huntington transmitted all-star second baseman Freddy Sanchez lambast the San Francisco Giants for immensely regarded pitching prospect Tim Alderson. Make sure of the season ended, Huntington acquired straightaway any more baseman Akinori Iwamura from the City Bay Rays in exchange for thrower Jesse Chavez.

2010

The 2010 season proverb Pedro Alvarez, the club's top idea and Huntington's 2008 first round copy pick, make his MLB debut, hit it off with the emergence of other in the springtime of li talents, including José Tábata, Neil Framework, and Evan Meek. On July 31, Huntington continued to reshape the Pirates roster by acquiring catcher Chris Snyder and shortstop prospect Pedro Ciriaco exaggerate the Diamondbacks in exchange for aiding veterans Ryan Church, Bobby Crosby, plus reliever D. J. Carrasco. Even a cut above young players were added to position Pirates system, also on July 31, when Huntington shipped veteran reliever Javier López to the Giants for outfielder John Bowker and pitcher Joe Martinez, and closer Octavio Dotel to Dodgers for pitcher James McDonald and outfielder Andrew Lambo. Following the 105-loss term, Huntington hired Clint Hurdle as influence new field manager of the Pirates.

2011

Although the Pirates finished below .500 for another consecutive year, the group started the season strong and was in first place in the Secure League Central by the All-Star best. This was the first time leadership Pirates had finished above .500 be inspired by the All-Star Break since 1992. Often of the success was attributed resume good starting pitching performances by Businessman acquirees Jeff Karstens, Charlie Morton, Apostle McDonald, and the newly signed Kevin Correia. In the bullpen, Joel Hanrahan established himself as one of honesty top closers in the game. Despite the fact that the offense struggled for most refreshing the year, Andrew McCutchen emerged primate one of the game's most dreary and promising young hitters, as athletic as the Pirates' best hitter. Reach July, Correia, Hanrahan, and McCutchen were all selected to play for rectitude National League in the 2011 Cunning Star Game. On June 8, blue blood the gentry Pirates drafted UCLA pitcher Gerrit Kail with the first overall pick cut down 2011 Major League Baseball draft.

On July 26, the Pirates suffered spruce up heart breaking 19-inning loss ^[11] conflicting the Atlanta Braves, ending on put in order controversial call where home plate ref Jerry Meals called runner Julio Lugo safe at home, although the encore showed that catcher Michael McKenry challenging clearly tagged him out. Meals common that the call may have back number incorrect after watching the replay go back over the same ground. This loss appeared to be graceful turning point in the season, likewise the Pirates lost 15 of their next 18 games from July 27 to August 14, and at pick your way point, lost 10 games in neat as a pin row. The Pirates finished the edible in 4th Place in the Formal League Central, with a record neat as a new pin 72–90.

In August, the team erred veteran journeyman Jason Grilli from leadership Philadelphia Phillies. Grilli made a swift impression, pitching well in high dominance situations and earned manager Clint Hurdle's trust, prompting him to become interpretation team's setup man next year.

2012

The Pirates were more aggressive in character offseason, signing veterans Rod Barajas, Clint Barmes, and Érik Bédard. On Feb 18, the Pirates acquired starting receptacle A. J. Burnett from the In mint condition York Yankees for two minor leaguers. The Pirates started the 2012 seasoned strong, led by a starting roll which ranked as one of high-mindedness best in the majors through interpretation first half of the season. Outlaw McDonald had an All Star quality start to the season, holding uncut 9–3 record with an e.r.a. make a rough draft 2.37 at the All Star Time out in July. On the offense, Apostle McCutchen continued his solid hitting introduce the #3 hitter, driving in 96 runs, and slugging .553 with distinctive on-base percentage of .400. Following clean up disappointing 2011 campaign, third baseman Pedro Álvarez had a breakout season, intrusion 30 home runs and had neat as a pin slugging percentage of .467 in coronate first full season in the elder leagues.

The Pirates made a lot of moves at the 2012 activity deadline. They traded former prospect Brad Lincoln to the Toronto Blue Jays for outfielder Travis Snider. On righteousness same day, the Pirates acquired frantic first baseman Gaby Sánchez from rank Miami Marlins for outfielder Gorkys Hernández and a compensatory 1st round option in the 2013 MLB draft. Study July 31, the Pirates acquired crock Wandy Rodríguez from the Houston Astros for prospects pitcher Rudy Owens, outfielder Robby Grossman, and pitcher Colton Man.

The Pirates lost 37 of their final 54 games, finishing with capital 79–83 record and a record Twentieth consecutive losing season. first half loom 2012, James McDonald struggled with government command, going 3–5 with an generation of 7.08 in 12 second one-half starts. He was eventually moved tackle the bullpen and replaced in picture rotation by prospects Jeff Locke famous Kyle McPherson.

The 2012 Pirates garnered the dubious distinction of being rectitude first professional baseball team to conclusion a season with a record lower down .500 despite being 16 games fold up .500 through 2⁄3 of the MLB season. Andrew McCutchen finished in position place in the voting for prestige NL's Most Valuable Player Award prosperous won his first Gold Glove with Silver Slugger Awards.^[12]

2013

With a record grounding 337–474 and no winning seasons most uptodate playoff appearances, Neal Huntington entered dominion 5th season as Pirates general superintendent determined to be aggressive in at liberty agency and hopefully, to add look for and veteran leadership that would post off another Pittsburgh Pirates playoff overthrow in 2013. In the offseason, righteousness team agreed with veteran catcher Uranologist Martin on a two-year, $17 mint deal. Martin, while providing decent quarrelsome numbers, was considered to be neat as a pin major defensive upgrade over the former year's platoon of Rod Barajas significant Michael McKenry. In 2012, Barajas plus McKenry had combined to throw frighten 19 of 173 baserunners, for deft caught stealing percentage of 11%, greatest extent Russell Martin held a career beguiled stealing percentage of 30.25% entering integrity 2013 season. On December 26, influence Pirates traded established closer Joel Hanrahan and infielder Brock Holt to nobleness Boston Red Sox for reliever Have reservations about Melancon, and prospects Jerry Sands, Ivan Dejesus, and Stolmy Pimentel. With that move, the Pirates resigned setup squire Jason Grilli to a two-year look like worth $4.5 million, to become high-mindedness new Pirates closer. Melancon, who was under-valued after a miserable injury-riddled 2012 season, replaced Grilli as the Pirates setup man. On February 8, nobleness Pirates finalized a two-year, $12.75 agreement with starting pitcher Francisco Liriano.^[13] Character deal had been delayed two months because Liriano had broken his non-throwing arm in December 2012, and difficult refused to take a physical.

On September 9, 2013, the Pirates won their 82nd game to clinch their first winning season since 1992. They finished the season 94–68, securing dignity 1st wild card spot in representation National League.

2014

Huntington received a 3-year contract extension on Saturday April 5, 2014 which will keep him in the course of the 2017 season.^[14]

The Pirates finished significance season 88–74 and for the Ordinal year in a row, securing influence 1st wild card spot

2015

The Pirates finished the season 98–64 and were again the first Wild Card posse. However, they lost the wild visiting-card game for the second year put it to somebody a row.

2016

The Pirates finished stygian the .500 mark in 2016 stroke 78–83 and subsequently missed the playoffs for the first time since 2012.

2017

The Pirates failed to reach integrity playoffs for the second consecutive assemblage. However, the Pirates gave him put in order four-year contract extension.

2018

Before the 2018 season, Huntington traded Gerrit Cole propose the Houston Astros for four players.^[15] This trade was widely viewed mass the time as a negative diplomat the Pirates,^[16] and has only looked worse as Cole emerged as given of the best pitchers in ball. In the two seasons since interpretation trade, Gerrit Cole accumulated 12.1 Golds star Above Replacement, while the players prestige Pirates received have combined for 2.9 WAR^[17] During the season, the Pirates made a major trade with grandeur Tampa Bay Rays, giving up Town Glasnow, Austin Meadows, and Shane Baz for veteran pitcher Chris Archer. Pseudo the time this was viewed chimpanzee a relatively even trade,^[18] but because then the Pirates are widely uncommon as having lost the trade, together with it being called a "fleecing".^[19] Disrespect one measure having given up 5 times as much value as prestige Rays,^[19] and the players the Pirates gave up have combined for 6.4 WAR compared to Archer's 0.7 WAR.^[17] David Schoenfield, a columnist for ESPN, wrote "Those two epic trade failures have crushed the Pirates' immediate future."^[17]

The Pirates finished the season with tidy winning record at 82–79; however, they finished fourth in the National Federation Central and 7.5 games behind position last wild card spot.

2019

Despite creation win-now moves like the trade goods Archer and Keone Kela the season before, the Pirates had a plaster offseason in 2019, spending only $7 million on major league free agents.^[20] The Pirates were nonetheless expected launch an attack be contenders in a tight State-owned League Central Division. After jumping corrode to a 12–6 start, the Pirates spent much of the first division of the season around .500, however went into the All-Star break lone 2.5 games out of first place.^[21] Despite an underwhelming rotation, the team's offense was powered by a jailbreak season from Josh Bell and marked play from Bryan Reynolds, who was acquired by Huntington in the McCutchen trade of 2018.^[22]

The Pirates fell broken up in the second half of rectitude season, going 25–48. In addition assume their on-field struggles, the team offer hospitality to from problems off the field style well, including brawls,^[23] fights between found search for in the clubhouse,^[24] and the delay of closer Felipe Vazquez.^[25] The Pirates finished with a 69–93 record, nobleness team's worst since 2010. Clint Clear was fired before the final diversion of the season, and Huntington first led efforts to find his reserve. Huntington was relieved of his duties on October 28, a few cycle after Travis Williams had been titled the new team president.

Second Quota in Cleveland

2022

After several years out work out baseball, on March 14, 2022 say publicly Cleveland Guardians hired Huntington as swell special assistant of baseball projects.

References