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1906: Contention!
Top Hitter: RF Scott Podlasek (.327, 15 HR, 84 RBI)
Top Pitcher: Sam Covallini (18-15, 3.20)
Top Prospect: C Jim Drybread
Team Record: 78-76, 4th place
Awards: Gold Gloves: P Sam Covallini (3rd), 3B Alan Klemm, SS Travis Hunt (2nd, 2nd straight)
Trades: P Chris Chestnut and P Eric Laubert to PHA for 2B Clinton Olbrich. CF Freddie Couldery to BSN for P Derek Callery.
For the first time in franchise history, the Pirates finished with a winning record, and climbed into the first division with a 4th place finish. Scott Podlasek, the rock of the lineup since 1901, finished with another fine season, and Michael Borkholder, Jonathan Clark and Alan Klemm provided capable support. Travis Hunt swiped 24 bags and won his 2nd straight Gold Glove, and the team looked poised for a run in 1907. While the pickup of Clinton Olbrich didn’t amount to much, Chestnut and Laubert didn’t either. But the pickup of Derek Callery was a master stroke. In 14 seasons with the Pirates, Callery won 224 games, lost only 159, struck out 1481 against just 651 walks and had a career 2.97 ERA. Couldery, on the other hand, had a long career, but primarily as a backup, and finished with a .254 career average and just 573 hits. A strong candidate for Best Trade.
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Jeff Watson
Former dynasty writer and online league player, now mostly retired
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