Per a press release, the Pirates have claimed Justin Thomas off waivers from the Seattle Mariners.

http://thebaseballcube.com/players/T/Justin-Thomas -2.shtml

Thomas is a lefty (that's right, a lefty) who was converted from a starter to a reliever two years ago.

WHIP's been a little bit higher than I'd like it to be (1.77 last year), but I think he's a young guy who, with a little bit of work, could turn out to be valuable for us.

That's one. Keep collecting bullpen arms and see what shakes out in spring training. Of course a "lefty" has a big advantage.  

Well, as haven says, this means we now have the first in what ought to be a long line of offseason junkheap bullpen signings.  Thomas had a nice collegiate career, including leading Youngstown State to the College World Series---for the first time ever, if I'm not mistaken.  So he has some ties to the region, believe it or not.  For now he's in the "big strong guy who's worth a look in Spring Training" category, but who knows, maybe he'll be better than that.  His control definitely leaves a lot to be desired, and it looks like he throws fairly hard but not blindingly fast.  In short, another project who is more likely deep reserve material at Triple-A than a Pittsburgh mainstay. 

Well...this is generally where good lefty relievers come from, the scrap heap. Not a bad way to spend a little pocket change.

Oh, I agree totally, Shmax.  I'm just saying that Thomas is okay for starters, but we ought bring in about ten more like him in time for Spring Training. 

williamjpellas wrote:

Oh, I agree totally, Shmax.  I'm just saying that Thomas is okay for starters, but we ought bring in about ten more like him in time for Spring Training. 

  For sure.  We're bound to get something to stick